Burlock Coast

Top choice in Fort Lauderdale


Situated in the lovely Ritz Carlton Hotel, this chic, casual spot somehow manages to be all things to all people: a cafe, bar, market and upmarket restaurant. The menu has been crafted to the mantra: local farmers and vendors. The menu changes seasonally but errs towards modern international, like pulled pork or simple fish-and-chips. The deck outside is prime for people watching.

Brunch is served on weekends from noon to 5pm, and it opens early the rest of the week, so you can easily slide from breakfast to Prohibition-style cocktails before you know it. Oh, and for history buffs, it's named because of the infamous local Bill McCoy, a rum runner during Prohibition times, who hid his rum bottles in a package of sewn burlap. These easily-stacked 'parcels' became known as burlocks. Also, because he didn't dilute his alcoholic spirits (as did some of his competitors) his bounty was referred to as 'the real McCoy' and the phrase still exists today.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Fort Lauderdale attractions

1. Fort Lauderdale Beach & Promenade

0.15 MILES

Fort Lauderdale's promenade – a wide, brick, palm-tree-dotted pathway swooping along the beach and the A1A – is a magnet for runners, in-line skaters,…

2. Bonnet House

1.02 MILES

This pretty plantation-style property was once the home of artists and collectors Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett. It is now open to guided tours that swing…

3. Canine Beach

1.08 MILES

This dog-friendly beach is the 100-yard swath running from E Sunrise Blvd to lifeguard station 5.

5. Stranahan House

2.1 MILES

Constructed from Dade County pine, grand Stranahan House is a fine example of Florida vernacular design, and one of the state's oldest homes. It served as…

6. Riverwalk

2.41 MILES

Curving along the New River, the meandering Riverwalk runs from Stranahan House to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Host to culinary tastings…

7. NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale

2.43 MILES

A curvaceous Florida standout with an interesting spilled rainbow design outside, the museum is known for its William Glackens collection (among Glackens…

8. Las Olas Riverfront

2.51 MILES

A giant alfresco boardwalk area with stores, restaurants and live entertainment nightly; it's also the place to catch many river cruises.