The Aruba Beach Cafe is just what it says it is, a simple beach cafe. There are no great pretensions here, just a large open room overlooking the sea.

Location

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is just north of Fort Lauderdale proper, so close that you might not know the difference. There are almost as many towering condos up here as on the rest of the beach. The main difference is that this area is largely residential, so the restaurants in this area cater more to the local people than to tourists. Yeah, right. This is still part of the tourist area, so get used to it. This unpretentious cafe does have its share of local fans, however. You might be surprised at just how good a few of their dishes are...

The Menu

First Course

In my quest to sample conch fritters all over Florida, I couldn't pass on these golden wonders. The conch fritters here are light and flavorful, not the horrid balls of grease some places give you. A basket of about six or seven fritters will only set you back $5.95. Not a bad deal around here.

Other options include Jamaican Jerk Wings ($6.95), fairly standard chicken wings enlivened only by a mild jerk sauce. Ask for something hotter on the side if these don't excite your palate. The Fried Fish Fingers ($7.95) don't merit much discussion beyond mere size...you do get a full half pound of them. The Skillet Roasted Prince Edward Island Mussels ($9.95) might be worth trying, but I'm worried that they would be tired after their long flight from Canada.

Main Course

I had the Mahi Mahi Sandwich ($9.95). So what if it was just mahi mahi. I elected to have it "jerked", instead of blackened. The seasoning was still mild, so I asked them to provide even more fire. They obliged with a bottle of fiery pepper sauce from some island or other. The fish was certainly generous, if not exactly tender in all places. This was likely due to the unevenness of the filet itself. The center was perfect, but the thinner areas on the sides were crisped beyond recognition.

This time, the Doc got lucky with her order. Her salmon special ($12.95, I think) was the star of the day. Blackened on the outside and as pink and moist as salmon can possibly be on the inside, this was a great surprise. The rice and vegetables on the side weren't too exciting, but who cares when the fish is this good? I happily finished the salmon that the Doc couldn't consume.

As for my father, he's more likely to eat lightly. A bowl of Caribbean Conch Chowder ($4.95) was the order of the day for him. I can't say he was ecstatic about the fairly watery broth with vegetables and corn. It usually takes a lot to please my father when it comes to, well, most things. His endorsement of the chowder was only tepid.

For a place which is almost more about drinking than food, the menu is fairly extensive. A large selection of salads like the Greek Salad ($8.95) or the Tarragon Chicken Salad Plate ($9.95) are available.

Lots of sandwiches are on the menu as well. If we go back, I might have to try the Lobster Salad Sandwich (at just $9.95, it's a great deal) and pretend I'm back in New England.

Beyond a few items which give a general nod in the direction of the Islands, there's not too much on the menu which sets this place apart from its neighbors. The cooking is about as Caribbean as a diner in Terre Haute. What does set the place apart from the pack is its waterfront setting and laid back atmosphere. This is the sort of place to visit with friends for a lazy afternoon brunch or lunch. Children aren't scoffed at here either, in spite of what you might think in such a boozy setting. A children's menu is offered, and we did see a number of little ones scampering about the place.

Cost

Most things on the menu are not above $15.00, with the only exceptions being the Lobster Tails ($25.95), the Sesame Crusted Salmon ($17.95), the Blackened Seafood Trio ($19.95), scallops, shrimp and mahi mahi on skewers, and so on. This is a place which won't break the bank unless you decide to go nuts on the Planter's Punch. There is a very full bar here. We had only iced tea, but the bar is always popular. As for what to wear, you could likely get away with just about anything. This place has few pretensions.

Reservations

Unless you have a large party, I doubt you'd need a reservation here. You might have to wait for a table, but the atmosphere is such that you probably won't mind. They will take most major credit cards. Parking is available in a lot adjacent to the restaurant, but you must pay for the privilege. Metered parking is plentiful within a block of the restaurant.

Open daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Sunday- breakfast buffet 9:00 AM until 12:00 PM


Aruba Beach Cafe

1 East Commercial Boulevard
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL


Tel. 954-776-0001

FAX 954-776-0002






Recommended: Yes

Kid Friendliness: Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations Reservations not needed at lunch, possibly at dinner, 15% gratuity added for parties of 10 or more
Best Suited For: Friends