The Wharf Music & Open Air Food Hall

Written By: Gail Clifford | Published By: Weekend Notes | September 24, 2022

https://www.weekendnotes.com/the-wharf-fort-lauderdale/

About to begin its fourth year in operation, The Wharf is an open-air food hall on the New River along Riverwalk in Fort Lauderdale. Opened by the Breakwater Hospitality group after the success of the concept in Miami, they’re open Thursday through Sunday to capture the weekend crowd and offer an additional venue to experience the vibrant downtown nightlife. Perhaps the most fun aspect is that you can arrive by car or boat. It is Fort Lauderdale, after all.

With bar areas scattered throughout the 1.25-acre space, The Wharf reminds me of The Living Room in Dublin 1, one of the best places in the city to watch big sporting events.

Their food and beverage concept combines local food scene operators with “exciting cocktails and ongoing event programs” states the website.

Broward County-based chefs and restauranteurs have permanent food “truck” space within the food court much like the pop-up restaurants in other cities but providing a more consistent experience.

The night I was there, I entered through security after stopping at the sculpture of the woman with an opening chest a half block away, scoped out the individual vendors, enjoyed watching fun-loving adults play the largest “beer pong” I’ve ever seen with life-size Red cups and basketballs, and heard some great music from the DJ of the night.

Here’s what’s available from lunch to late night:

Pizza by Chef Jose Mendin’s The Piefather

With Caesar salad, meatballs, and six kinds of pizza, you’d be hard pressed to leave hungry after visiting the Pie Father. Nonna’s beef short rib meatballs are an easy gluten-free alternative with their old-world recipe, Pomodoro and ricotta cheese, and light enough to leave room to try other items. Of course, if you’re dancing through the night, you’ll need to keep coming back to restore your energy.

Taquerias Los Altos
If you’re in the mood for Mexican food made from scratch, go to the Taquerias for three types of guacamole, chips and salsa, or antojitos including chicken flautas which were lovely. At $6.50 per chicken flauta, it’s a bargain. Choose gorditas or quesadilla or a Quesadilla Gringa, Burritos and bowls of pork beef, roast pork, chicken, shrimp, or vegetables. You can order two tacos with those proteins as well as fish, and you won’t go wrong. Two tacos for $12, plus additional fees for certain proteins (like the fish, an additional $2.00). With the ability to add guacamole or Crema Mexicana allows for many variations. For dessert, they offer a churro, flan or Michoacana paletas. It’s fun, festive food. Just right for a night at the Wharf.