LauderBlog
May 10: A Cool Cabana
Posted On: May 10, 2007 4:26 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
I remember when I first moved to the Fort Lauderdale area. Everyone I knew suddenly was just dying to visit me. It’s amazing how popular you become once you live in South Florida. So I naturally had to figure out the best places to bring all these tourist-friends. That was nearly 18 years ago. But some things don’t change. Because one of my first “favorite places” to take guests is still one of the best spots around to experience the local lifestyle.
Bahia Cabana really is a Fort Lauderdale institution. It’s been here for I don’t know how long – and it seems as if some of the regulars have been bellying up to it’s square bar for most of that time. This outdoor restaurant has a great view of the grand yachts tied up at Bahia Mar. The Jungle Queen comes and goes from that same area and so do water taxis. There’s also a beautiful perspective on the downtown skyline from the many canalside tables. The food is terrific – that funky, beachy cuisine of conch chowder and burgers and fish kind of thing. Many places offer the same items on their menu. Few do it as well for such a reasonable price. I’ve always thought Bahia Cabana serves among the best conch chowder I’ve had anywhere.
But aside from the view and food, the best part of the place is its atmosphere. Laidback doesn’t quite describe it. At Bahia Cabana, laidback would seem stressed out. It’s totally casual, totally relaxed. People tend to be chatty and friendly at the bar, whether tourists or locals. The evening bartender, Lisa, is always welcoming – fun and attentive and sexy. And Bahia Cabana has some wonderful music at night too. Check out Nancy Hartline on Wednesdays. She’s a very talented, lovely musician who sings and writes her own tunes. Nancy’s pretty friend, Jennifer Batchelor, sometimes sits in for a few numbers, belting out songs in a strong, clear voice. If you’re visiting town, it’s one stop you really should put on your list. If you’re a resident entertaining house guests, Bahia Cabana always seems to make an impression. And hey, if you’re just hanging out, looking for that beyond-laidback vibe – well, it’s hard to think of anywhere much better.
Bahia Cabana really is a Fort Lauderdale institution. It’s been here for I don’t know how long – and it seems as if some of the regulars have been bellying up to it’s square bar for most of that time. This outdoor restaurant has a great view of the grand yachts tied up at Bahia Mar. The Jungle Queen comes and goes from that same area and so do water taxis. There’s also a beautiful perspective on the downtown skyline from the many canalside tables. The food is terrific – that funky, beachy cuisine of conch chowder and burgers and fish kind of thing. Many places offer the same items on their menu. Few do it as well for such a reasonable price. I’ve always thought Bahia Cabana serves among the best conch chowder I’ve had anywhere.
But aside from the view and food, the best part of the place is its atmosphere. Laidback doesn’t quite describe it. At Bahia Cabana, laidback would seem stressed out. It’s totally casual, totally relaxed. People tend to be chatty and friendly at the bar, whether tourists or locals. The evening bartender, Lisa, is always welcoming – fun and attentive and sexy. And Bahia Cabana has some wonderful music at night too. Check out Nancy Hartline on Wednesdays. She’s a very talented, lovely musician who sings and writes her own tunes. Nancy’s pretty friend, Jennifer Batchelor, sometimes sits in for a few numbers, belting out songs in a strong, clear voice. If you’re visiting town, it’s one stop you really should put on your list. If you’re a resident entertaining house guests, Bahia Cabana always seems to make an impression. And hey, if you’re just hanging out, looking for that beyond-laidback vibe – well, it’s hard to think of anywhere much better.
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