Following in the footsteps of the recently renovated site that is now home to B Ocean Fort Lauderdale hotel and spa, the area known as North Beach Village is undergoing a much needed face-lift.
Located on the southwest corner of Sunrise Boulevard and State Road A1A, the area is also home to bars, restaurants, T-shirt and convenience stores, an ice cream shop, a coin laundry and a few empty storefronts. Since 2010, North Beach Village seemed to have begun its slow revitalization. As new and old storefront owners fix up their places, the area may once again be a Fort Lauderdale hot spot for locals and tourists.
Here are some of the new or notable places that are improving North Beach Village:
Barber’s Bar opened July 2012 and is billed as a casual bar and barber shop. Owner Lee Garipoli chose the location in hopes of attracting locals and tourists.
B Ocean Fort Lauderdale fills the space that was once a Holiday Inn. After a drastic renovation that was completed in 2011, the new hotel and spa is the flagship location of the B Ocean brand. There are two restaurants in the hotel. SAIA features Southeast Asian cuisine by Master Chef Chenkosorn, formerly of the Delano in South Beach. B’stro On The Beach offers all-day dining and a unique self-service wine bar.
McSorley’s Beach Pub, located on AIA, has been a popular watering hole since 2004. In 2010, they added a sundeck with wonderful views of Fort Lauderdale Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. Since then, they have become a popular spot for nightlife and pub dining.
Red Dog Cantina Tacos and Tequila is schedule to fill the empty space that was home to the 22-year old Café Bluefish, which closed May 2012. The partners behind the new restaurant are also responsible for the very successful Reef Road Restaurant and Rum Bar on Clematis Street in West Palm Beach.
SandBar Fort Lauderdale opened around October 2011 and offers a ground level beach bar and restaurant – featuring a mix of Italian-style food. On the second floor is a sports bar by day and a dance club at night. There is no dress code, no cover and no pretension.
The Village Store offers sweet treats like Pops Corn and Yo Mama’s ice cream in a relaxed atmosphere. The purple painted shop has seating inside and outside.
In addition to street parking along A1A, there is valet parking available in the North Village Beach area on Fridays and Saturdays from 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM.
