While tourists flock to Fort Lauderdale’s beachfront restaurants, locals know the real heart of the city’s food scene lives in its classic diners.
These establishments blend traditional American diner fare with Florida’s coastal influences, creating unique breakfast and lunch experiences.
Jack’s Diner
Operating since 1953, Jack’s maintains its original terrazzo floors and stainless steel counter.
Their signature dish combines Cuban hash with traditional eggs Benedict.
The kitchen prepares corned beef hash daily, and their fresh-squeezed orange juice comes from local Florida groves.
The breakfast menu includes stone-ground grits with Key West pink shrimp.
Their coffee blend includes beans from Miami’s oldest roaster.
Lester’s Diner
A landmark since 1967, Lester’s serves breakfast 24 hours.
Their portions remain legendary, with pancakes that extend beyond plate edges.
The kitchen makes authentic New York-style cheesecake daily, and their meatloaf recipe dates to the diner’s opening.
The menu features Florida lobster omelets during season, and their coleslaw recipe remains unchanged for 50 years.
Dandee Donut Factory
Beyond their namesake donuts, Dandee operates as a full-service diner.
Their breakfast menu includes house-made biscuits with sausage gravy prepared each morning.
The kitchen smokes their own pastrami and serves traditional thick-cut bacon.
Their Greek omelets use authentic feta imported from Miami’s Greek suppliers.
The counter service includes vintage coffee urns from the 1960s.
The Floridian
This diner combines beach town casual with traditional dining.
Their menu features mahi-mahi and eggs alongside classic breakfast combinations.
The kitchen prepares three varieties of home fries, including their signature spicy version.
Their Cuban bread comes fresh daily from local bakeries, and their milkshakes use local dairy.
Weekend specials include Key lime French toast.
Peter Pan Diner
Operating since 1979, Peter Pan maintains its original dining counter and booth layout.
Their breakfast potatoes include green peppers from Florida farms.
The kitchen makes rice pudding daily using a Greek family recipe.
Their menu combines traditional diner fare with Mediterranean specialties, and their coffee comes with unlimited refills in heavy ceramic mugs.
Morning regulars gather at the counter for their signature Spanish omelets.
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