Audience pleasers: Where to go for a drink or bite before or after shows
If you’re looking to start or end your next concert or theater night on a high note, try one of these restaurants near entertainment venues for a great bite or libation.
West Palm Beach
Elisabetta’s
185 Banyan Blvd., West Palm Beach
561-342-6699, elisabettas.com
Just over a mile from the Kravis Center, Elisabetta’s was built to depict an Italian coastal Mediterranean restaurant – complete with a 25-foot fireplace, pewter fixtures, exposed brick walls and indoor and outdoor seating.
Wine and beer
Over 50 wines by the glass and more than 150 by the bottle, with a major focus on Italy and some California and New Zealand offerings. Available beers are local, domestic and international.
Recommended cocktails
The Casoni Spritz, with Casoni 1814 Aperitivo Liqueur topped with prosecco; and the Hibiscus Spiced Margarita, made with 4 Copas silver tequila, hibiscus syrup, Fresno infused agave nectar and lime juice.
Food
Served 4-11 p.m. Sunday, 4-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 4 p.m.-12 a.m. Friday-Saturday, with late-night pizza until 1 a.m.
Le Colonial
601 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach
561-566-1800, delraybeach.lecolonial.com
Five minutes from the Arts Garage, and under 10 from The Delray Beach Playhouse, Le Colonial is decorated and designed to give you the impression you’re in Vietnam in the 1920s. With well-appointed wood accents, old-fashioned ceiling fans and subtle colors throughout, this converted seaside home offers both inside and outside seating.
Wine and beer
Predominantly French with some California vintners. Twenty-two offerings by the glass, over 100 by the bottle. Beer is also available.
Recommended cocktails
Classics are served with a “twist” here, with a signature Smoked Old Fashioned made with Le Colonial select Maker’s Mark Barrel, house-made enriched syrup and Angostura Bitters. Another to try is the LC Gin & Tonic, with lemongrass infused Roku Gin, spiced tonic and Thai simple syrup. Some mocktails also are available.
Food
Served 3-10 p.m. Sunday-Tuesday, 3-11 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 3 p.m.-12 a.m. Friday-Saturday.
Sushi by Bou
409 S.E. Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton
954-440-5270, Sushibybou.com
Less than a mile from Mizner Amphitheater, the new Sushi by Bou offers a 1920s art deco-nightlife ambiance. The architecture and design is a mix of textures and bold accents paying homage to Addison Mizner, with artistic tiles and monkey adornments throughout.
Wine and beer
The modest wine list has by–the-glass and bottle choices from California and old-world regions. Sake also is available by the glass or bottle.
Recommended cocktails
The cocktail list is diverse with unique ingredients. Try a Yuzu Honey Bee, with Maker’s Mark bourbon, honey syrup, yuzu and pink peppercorn; or the Boca Bang, with El Tesoro Blanco, pineapple and dragon fruit.
Food
Served 5-11 p.m.
The House on The River
301 SW Third Ave., Fort Lauderdale
954-825-2929, thehouseontheriver.com.
An easy walk from the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, The House on The River overlooks the namesake New River waterfront. Decorated in an eclectic motif, the restaurant includes vintage furniture, an array of different china and notable fixtures that showcase the historic home and setting. Outside patio seating is also available.
Wine and beer
Choices by the glass and bottle from new world regions, including California and Washington State; and from Australia and New Zealand.
Recommended cocktails
The Tequila on the River, made with 21 Seeds Grapefruit Hibiscus Tequila, lavender, lemon, lime juice, Triple Sec and pineapple juice; and The Shady House, with Shady Vodka, St. Germain liqueur, house-made lemongrass syrup and lime juice.
Food
Served 4-10 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 4 p.m.–12 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
YOLO Restaurant
333 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
954-523-1000, Yolorestaurant.com.
A five-minute drive from the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the recently renovated YOLO Restaurant and O lounge offers a sophisticated urban feel with a side of Las Olas Boulevard people watching from the outdoor patio.
Wine and beer
Beer, ciders and a French-centric wine menu, with some new world selections.
Recommended cocktails
Rita’s Garden, with Patrón Reposado, pressed cucumber, lemon, lime and agave; and the Irrational Confidence, made with Gray Whale Gin, St. Germain liqueur, raspberries, basil and lemon.
Food
Served 4-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 4 p.m.-12 a.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday.
Peg San Felippo is a certified sommelier who served as a judge at the recent Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirit Challenge, the annual American Fine Wine Competition, South Florida’s home-grown national wine event; and THE Rosé Competition.