Trying to figure out what and where to eat tonight in West Palm Beach? No worries, we’ve got you covered.
1. Palm Sugar
With a full name like “Palm Sugar Asian Grills & Dessert Bar”, you wouldn’t think there’s a lot to surprise in Downtown West Palm’s premiere pan-Asian cuisine establishment. Good thing Palm Sugar has managed to exceed expectations since opening in 2012.
The name is a combination shout-out to the city at large and a reference to their extensive dessert menu. You might want to back up a little bit before dessert though, work up an appetite then come sit for a spell and take in the full experience. Because–aside from the delicious desserts–Palm also offers an ample lunch/dinner menu, along with a wide variety of drink specialties and–a welcome addition–their tapas-style “Street Food” selections. From the spicy Panang Curry to various styles of fried rice (including their new Tropical Pineapple) to a list of entrees that includes dishes like the 8 ounce Samurai Steak and the Yin-Yang Lobster, Palm has a dish for everybody.
Not that hungry? No worries. Try one of their smoky skewers, with various choices of chicken, steak, or pork. Finally, finish it off with one of their amazing desserts (the Palm Sugar Lava Cake is a particular favorite) and thank us later.
2. Rhythm Café
One of West Palm’s seasoned dining establishments, Rhythm Café’s been around since 1988, sitting pretty on Antique Row in a converted 1950’s drug store. Whether this fact appeals to you or not though, Rhythm Café boasts a wide selection of amazing food at an affordable price, which is probably why it’s considered by many to be one of West Palm’s best. Whether you’re there for a glass of fine wine and one of their “Tapas–tizers” (try the Saganaki, aka Cheese-on-Fire, you won’t regret it), or you’re sporting a big appetite and want to dive right in to their entrees (selections ranging from Tenderloin Tips to Key Lime Chicken to Jambalaya Fettuccini), Rhythm Café has a dish and atmosphere for everybody.
3. Hullabaloo
With a slogan like “Come for the food, stay for the drinks!”, you might think you know what to expect at Hullabaloo. But sitting down in front of the menu and–later on–the food, you might find yourself rethinking everything you thought you knew about Hullabaloo. Another one of the many business ventures credited to Rodney Mayo–one of South Florida’s premier restaurateurs–Hullabaloo has an atmosphere for everybody. Located in the Clematis Street’s Historic Commercial District, Hullabaloo manages to skirt that fine line between a great dining experience and a fun drinking atmosphere. Enjoy their daily happy hours from 3-7pm, and make sure to try a wood-oven fired pizza or one of their handmade pastas. Either way, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed.
4. Havana Restaurant
Living in South Florida, it’s easy to become jaded by the term “authentic” when it comes to Cuban food. However, Havana manages to stay ahead of the pack by proudly touting the circumstances of its creation. Established in 1993 by Roberto Reyes, his daughter Martha, and her husband Rafael Perez, Havana has managed to stay authentic by keeping the business in the family. After coming to the U.S. from Cuba in the 60’s, Reyes worked his way up through the American business infrastructure before finally deciding to open Havana with his family to showcase the traditional Cuban recipes he’d cultivated throughout his life. It’s for that reason we highly recommend Havana if you’re in the mood for some genuine Cuban cuisine. Carrying an extensive menu that includes many traditional dishes such as Ropa Vieja and Arroz con Pollo, Havana also manages to be multi-layered, expanding to fit any guest’s tastes (they even carry a vegetarian menu). Located on South Dixie Highway, Havana is a slice of Cuban exoticism with an American slant, which combines to create one of the more wholesome dining experiences in West Palm.
5. Souvlaki Grill
Ask anybody around West Palm about Souvlaki, and you’ll probably hear some variation of the following statement: “Best. Gyro. Ever.” It’s for this reason that we declare Souvlaki one of West Palm’s best Greek restaurants. But the menu doesn’t stop at gyros. There’s also the choice of various tender meats from the grill, including pork, chicken, beef, lamb, dolphin, or shrimp. With various other menu items, from salads to sandwiches, Souvlaki is a great choice for families looking to get great Greek cuisine without breaking their bank accounts.
