Elisabetta’s, West Palm Beach. (360 View Photography/Courtesy)

Audience pleasers: Where to go for a drink or bite before or after South Florida 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.

Elisabetta’s

185 Banyan Blvd., West Palm Beach

561-342-6699; elisabettas.com

Just over a mile from the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 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.

Le Colonial, Delray Beach. (Eric Laignel/Courtesy)
Le Colonial, Delray Beach. (Eric Laignel/Courtesy)

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, including 22 offerings by the glass and 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.

Sushi by Boū, Boca Raton. (Gabriel Cuesta/Courtesy)
Sushi by Boū, Boca Raton. (Gabriel Cuesta/Courtesy)

Sushi by Boū

409 SE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton

954-440-5270; Sushibybou.com

Less than a mile from Mizner Amphitheater, the new Sushi by Boū offers a 1920s art deco-nightlife ambiance. The architecture and design have 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.

Red room at The House on the River, Fort Lauderdale. (Trey Four Media/Courtesy)
Red room at The House on the River, Fort Lauderdale. (Trey Four Media/Courtesy)

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.

YOLO, Fort Lauderdale. (Craig Dennis Photography/Courtesy)
YOLO, Fort Lauderdale. (Craig Dennis Photography/Courtesy)

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 offer 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.

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 homegrown national wine event; and THE Rosé Competition.

Originally Posted On: https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2023/10/06/audience-pleasers-where-to-go-for-a-drink-or-bite-before-or-after-the-shows/