Aruba Beach Cafe
One Commercial Blvd.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida 33308
954-776-0001
Food: Service:

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There I was ordering a Mai Tai with a dark rum floater…something I probably wouldn't ordinarily drink…but I was in Aruba! It seems to me that when you are in the islands, you should do as the islanders do. What's that? You can't make it to Aruba right now? No problem…just head east on Commercial Blvd, all the way to the beach in beautiful Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. Get yourself a parking meter, and please do not fail to keep it full! Now, just walk on over to One Commercial Blvd., enter Aruba Beach Cafe, and get ready for fun times, incredible food and lively music.

This open-air restaurant offers a panoramic view of the sand, surf, and fishing pier from every table...don't worry, it is air-conditioned too. Paddle fans hanging from the ceiling help to circulate balmy ocean breezes throughout the dining room, and. candlelit wooden tables afford the casual diner a warm and intimate glow. Well-trained and casually dressed servers cater to guests' every need, while live entertainment provides the perfect setting for American and Floribbean Seafood specialties. On this particular Friday, there was excellent reggae music by a one-man-band called Sun Pan. When I looked and only saw one guy playing, I was surprised…it sounded like an entire group!

Nikki was our server, and she was excellent! At that moment, I made a mental note to highlight all of the service personnel at Aruba Beach Cafe...they are so good. Say hello to servers Nikki, Sandi, Chris, Tony and Ashley, and then give a nod to hostesses Ingrid and Celia. Bartenders include Danielle, Devin, Chris, Cindy and a friend of mine, Mr. Ralph Franco. Managers include David Williams, and assistants Adam Shope and Sam. All of these pros truly make a visit to this locally famous beachside café a refreshing experience. Senior Manager of Aruba Beach Cafe, and long-time friend Guy Contrada explains, "I have been working with owner Peter Beck for 15 years now, and have been at Aruba for 14." He goes on to say, "I really enjoy working for this company, and seeing the locals and people from all over the world who visit here on a daily basis." Open 7 days and nights a week, you can be in the "Islands" at a moment's notice…just keep your hands and feet inside the ride until it stops moving! The funny thing is…it NEVER stops moving at Aruba Beach Cafe. It is usually crowded here, but this is the friendliest crowd to be around for sure. A visit to this cool restaurant always makes you feel like celebrating!

A Beautiful Sight Indeed...Specialty Appetizer Platter By Chef Nealon

Executive Chef Christopher Nealon sent us a giant appetizer platter, including Coconut Shrimp, Conch Fritters, Seared and Sesame-Coated Ahi Tuna, Chilled Shrimp Cocktail, Giant King Crab claws and skewered, Asian-style Bamboo Chicken strips. A second large plate came with a wide variety of dipping sauces, making this amazing platter complete. My Celebrity Guests, entrepreneur Wendy Putnam (www.juicywisdom.com), and professional photographer Reese Allen (www.reeseallen.com) both exclaimed that everything was so good! I of course had to agree. I went on to enjoy the Sesame Crusted Salmon with white rice and stir-fried veggies, served with wakame, wasabi and pickled ginger, and finished with a light coating of teriyaki sauce. This is now my favorite dish at Aruba…just phenomenal. Wendy had Blackened Mahi Mahi, with red pepper butter; fresh vegetables, rice and black beans, and Mr. Reese Allen had a giant, all meat Crab Cake appetizer for his main course. A lovely and tangy slice of Key Lime Pie and a chunk of Coconut Rum Cheesecake made a delightful ending to our dining experience. Finally an Irish Coffee and an ABC Coffee (made with coffee, chocolate syrup, Amaretto Di Saronno, Crème de Cocoa and Bailey's) took us to the brink of explosion!

L - R: Aruba Beach Cafe's Sesame Crusted Teriyaki Salmon

Start off with Caribbean conch chowder, raw oysters, tuna Sashimi, award winning Bahamian conch fritters, Jamaican jerk wings, or any other item from the award-winning menu. Aruba Beach Cafe features the biggest, juiciest burgers in town, as well as sandwiches, salads, and fish that is delivered fresh daily. Daily specials with island ingredients give guests an Epicurean tour of the Caribbean. From the Lobster Salad Sandwich on fresh baked Bimini Bread, Yucatan Seafood Quesadilla, New Orleans Trio of Blackened Fish, Scallops and Shrimp, or American grain-fed Beef Filet Mignon, you will be pleasantly surprised by the quality and quantity of your selection.

Crab Cake Appetizer

Come to Aruba everyone…it is fun here! The minute you walk in, a smiling bartender will greet you with imaginative tropical cocktails at the three spacious bars. The elevated bar to the left is where familiar faces greet one another on a first name basis, and is a favorite with locals and tourists. With wines, beers, and frozen concoctions served to the beat of a variety of island music, the partying goes till closing. Recently I visited on a number of occasions, and it was awesome every time. I have also been a long time customer of this restaurant, and the first thing that comes to my mind is consistency over the last 14 years.

For some reason, people are so surprised by just how great the food is at Aruba Beach Cafe…don't be! Executive Chef Chris Nealon is a multi-award winning chef, who seems to really care about everything he does. He will even come out to the dining room to meet you if you ask. Chef Chris has long been one of my favorite people in South Florida's hospitality industry…a talented, self-effacing guy, who is at the top of his game all of the time.

Don't Worry...it is Real! The Very Popular Star of Friday's Happy Hour!

Definitely check out Aruba Beach Cafe on any Friday night during Happy Hour. You will see Chef Francois, or even Executive Chef Chris Nealon himself out there actually carving milk white meat from the side of a whole roasted pig…unreal! The Pig Roast goes from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM, and I am sure you will want to partake in the 2 for 1-drink specials too from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

Executive Chef Christopher Nealon

Chef Christopher Nealon has spent the last 20 years creating delicious tropical dishes in South Florida restaurants, and even on private yachts in the Bahamas, West Indies, and the Virgin Islands. Today he is highly regarded executive chef in South Florida, and his well-honed culinary skills quickly achieve respect from all who work with him. Chef Christopher has been with Aruba Beach Cafe for 15 years, and continues to tantalize the taste buds of the masses. He has received both the Golden Spoon Award and the Florida Magazine Readers choice for 4 consecutive years, and is also a 4-time 1st place winner at the Fort Lauderdale Seafood Festival. I could go on and on about this culinary wunderkind, but why don't you go visit Aruba yourself, and try Chris' Sesame Crusted Salmon, Seafood Stir Fry or Lobster Salad Sandwich (1st Prize in Ft. Lauderdale Seafood Festival) just to name a few. The Conch Fritters with tequila and lime remoulade were voted best in Ft Lauderdale too.

There's no guilt in this tropical paradise…just pleasure! Whether you're dining at the Sunday Brunch Buffet, checking out Friday's Happy Hour, or just having a light bite and a cold draft, anytime is party time. Just grab a seat and take in the colorful sights, sounds and scents, while you immerse yourself in this tropical paradise. Just think how far visitors from across the United States and abroad have to travel to come here!

Key Lime Pie Anyone?

At Aruba Beach Cafe, good food, drinks, friends, and laughter are always the catch of the day. Nestled in the swaying palms of the popular beach at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Aruba Cafe is a true reminder of the Caribbean. When you go, tell them Tom House and Dinnerreviews.com sent you…you'll be glad you did!

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