101 Ocean

Mere steps from the pounding surf, 101 Ocean is reinventing what  the typical beach restaurant is with its stylized craftsman interior, trendy bar and water features. Just think of it as a lesson in classic cool - 101 style.

101 Ocean, named in combination for its address and proximity to the sea, is not what you would expect from an area known for its bar scene and tourist shopping. And yet somehow the restaurant has managed to keep it casual, family friendly and hipster welcoming.

Chic begins outside with a stacked stone exterior and streaming waterfall menu that beckons diners to come inside, where the cool just keeps on coming.

Billowy white linens drape across the ceiling, rich woods and dark leathers are offset by light walls splashed with black and white beach scenes and judges paneling that calls to mind the shutters of some beach cottage somewhere. Surfboard inspired light fixtures and a wraparound border listing names like Hallandale, Long, Delray are a wink at famous beaches throughout the country. Aquariums, waterfall-covered televisions and a bar that's open to the interior and exterior lends to an atmosphere that mimics a very fashionable cabana. 
So it comes as no surprise that the food is just as delectable as the gorgeous ambience.

Kick off your meal with some Sesame Tuna ($13.95), Jumping Shrimp (Tiger Shrimp, sweet chili sauce on a sizzling platter, $12.95), or the Asian Spice Ribs ($12.95).

For dinner try some local seafood (shrimp, oysters, clams, mkt price), the Pork Osso Bucco (with mashed potatoes, veggies and fried leeks, $22.95), or the Roasted Salmon (with green onion mashed potatoes, oven roasted tomato, green beans, topped with shrimp and lemon aioli, $22.95).

Sandwiches and pasta specialities like the Cuban ($11.95), the 101 Lasagna ($16.95) and the Lobster Ravioli ($25.95) are local favorites. Feeling in the mood for something lighter? Try one of Ocean's famous flatbreads (Lemon Pepper Chicken or Smoked Salmon, anyone?) a pizza or salad.

Sides like Fried Green Tomatoes ($4.95), Truffled Macaroni and Cheese ($7.95) and the Sauteed Spinach are sure to please any palate. And a plethora of signature drinks from the bar are hard to resist. Ladies get half off every Tuesday night from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

HelloMetro Tip: Don't feel like dining in? Get your flatbreads and pizza to-go at the open-air ordering window just next door.

- by Christine Foster, Fort Lauderdale Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Christine Foster

Christine is a freelance writer currently living in North Atlanta. She has worked as a reporter for numerous newspaper, magazine and online media companies, including the Florida Keys Keynoter and The Sunday Paper in Atlanta. When she's not working Christine enjoys baking and antiquing.