The establishment in question on Las Olas Boulevard is Del Frisco’s Grille in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It is a modern, inviting, stylish, and fun American bar and grill concept, which is a “lower end concept” than the flagship Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse.
What Makes it Unique
Del Frisco’s Grille aims to take the classic bar and grill to new heights, drawing inspiration from bold flavors and market-fresh ingredients. Key features that make it unique include:
- Vibrant Ambiance: Described as a stylish, modern restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere where “life is celebrated around the table.” The energetic bar creates a buzz throughout the restaurant.
- Menu Mix: It offers a blend of American classics, Prime steaks, and freshly caught seafood, alongside “social menus” and appetizers like Cheesesteak Eggrolls and Ahi Tacos, which are often highlighted as favorites.
- Beverage Program: It features an award-winning and accessible wine list with over 100 selections from the “90+ Point Wine List,” and hand-crafted cocktails like “The Vip” (with New Amsterdam Tangerine Orange Vodka and Golden Pineapple).
- Private Dining: The location includes a dedicated private event space, which can be configured as the Port Room (16 seats), Starboard Room (16 seats), or a combined Port and Starboard Room (32 guests/50 cocktail reception), in addition to a Patio area (60 seats/85 cocktail reception).
History
- Del Frisco’s Grille is part of the larger Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group, Inc., which includes Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse.
- The Fort Lauderdale outpost is an 8,083-square-foot space and was slated to open on November 14th, marking the 23rd location for the Grille concept.
- The restaurant officially opened in Downtown Fort Lauderdale at 501 E. Las Olas Blvd. in the Las Olas Square complex. One report places the opening around December 3, 2018. It was the brand’s first South Florida location for the Grille concept, which had previously closed in West Palm Beach.
Customer Feedback
Initial customer feedback, as of a few months after opening, was mixed.
Positive Feedback Highlights:
- Appetizers like the Cheesesteak Eggrolls and Ahi Tacos were called “exceptional.”
- The simply prepared salmon was outstanding.
- The truffle mac and cheese was described as “very rich and creamy.”
- The cinnamon rolls (from the brunch menu) were “fresh and delicious.”
- Service for a private event was described as “excellent.”
Critical Feedback Highlights:
- One critic noted that the food was “mediocre in general” and that the prices were “wildly overpriced,” especially after a noticeable price increase shortly after opening.
- Specific dishes received criticism, such as the wedge salad for being light on dressing and garnish, the fish and chips for bland seasoning and non-crisp fries, and the house-made tartar sauce for tasting “more like thousand Island dressing” (pink color).
- Other criticisms included the room being loud and red wines by the glass being kept at room temperature instead of a proper cooler temperature.
Highlight Menu Items
The menu is extensive, covering All-Day, Brunch, Happy Hour, and Cocktail offerings. Notable and highlighted items include:
Significant Events
The Del Frisco’s Grille location is set up to host private events such as engagement parties, anniversaries, birthdays, and corporate events. Events specifically mentioned or promoted include:
- Grand Opening: The restaurant’s debut was announced for November 14th and the opening was celebrated.
- “Bourbon & Bubbles” Event: An event titled “Bourbon & Bubbles” was scheduled for Thursday, November 6th, at 6:30 PM, priced at $125 per guest.
- Charity Events: The location has hosted charity and networking events in its private rooms.
- Promotions/Features: The restaurant regularly features specials and events such as:
- Happy Hour (“Del’s At Dusk”)
- Brunch service
- Pours with a Purpose: Supporting causes like Breast Cancer Awareness
- Participation in “Dine Out Lauderdale”
Location and Contact Information
The information available provides the following details:
- Address: 501 E. Las Olas Blvd., Suite 150, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Website: The restaurant has a dedicated website for the Grille concept, which hosts its location page and menus: https://www.delfriscosgrille.com/location/del-friscos-grille-fort-lauderdale-fl/
No direct phone number, social media links (e.g., Facebook, Instagram), or a dedicated website link were explicitly provided in the snippets.
