I might be in the minority here, but I actually dislike weekday dining during the busy school year. Sure, we have some amazing restaurants in the Boca area (not to mention Flavor South Florida every September), but by the time I sit through car line, deposit (and pick up) my daughter from dance, and finish up my own work for the day, I simply don’t have the energy to go out again. A meal kit or food delivery service sounds way more appealing.
I prefer to dine out during the summer. Business tends to be slower. You’re not having to fight anyone for a reservation and restaurants usually have great A/C! And, my daughter is away at camp. After more than a decade of parenting, I have discovered that summer camp, whether it’s day or sleepaway, serves as the perfect excuse for us parents to enjoy a leisurely lunch, dinner date, or catch-up with friends without the underage distraction.
While our daughter has been making summer memories up north, my husband and I have made a few of our own, one dining reservation (and takeout order) at a time. After exploring numerous local eateries this July, we’ve narrowed down our favorites to six amazing spots that are definitely worth a kid-free visit. Bon appetit!
Oceans 234 | Deerfield Beach
I’ve dined at Oceans 234 a dozen or more times over the years, but what drew me to visit them this month (aside from the stunning views!) was their Summer Chef Series. Now through Sept. 30, Oceans is featuring a rotating lineup of seven of South Florida’s most acclaimed chefs. Each is collaborating with Oceans 234 Executive Chef Duvan Marin to create a limited-time special menu that showcases seasonal ingredients, elevated coastal cuisine, and the distinct culinary style of each guest chef.
We enjoyed the seasonal seafood menu from Chef Dave MacLennan of Even Keel (available through Aug. 5). All we have to say about the experience is wow. We decided to forgo any dining decisions that evening and ordered every course (yellowfin tuna crudo & white water clams) and cocktail on the special menu. Everything we tasted was light enough to complement the hot summer evening, but still completely satisfying. The Amalfi Coastline cocktail was a highlight for us.
There’s still plenty of time to take advantage of Oceans 234’s Summer Chef Series. You can look forward to Hell’s Kitchen finalist Paula DaSilva (Aug. 6 to 19), Chopped champion Adrienne Grenier (Aug. 20 to Sept. 2), Michelin Bib Gourmand chef Michael Hackman (Sept. 3 to 16) and James Beard Award nominees Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth (Sept. 17 to 30).
234 N. Ocean Dr, Deerfield Beach; oceans234.com
Death by Pizza | Delray Beach
While I was actively avoiding weekday dining (apparently back during the 2022-23 school year), Death by Pizza was opening up their first standalone Delray location. I remember when limited time “drops” were the only way to snag one of their coveted Detroit-style pies. That is clearly no longer the case!
Their pizza is bigger, better, and way easier to get, but just as delicious. We ordered takeout from Death by Pizza’s east Delray location (they now have a west Delray spot as well) and were not disappointed. In fact, we could barely make a dent in our multiple pizza, wings, and garlic R.I.P. sticks order. I didn’t mind the leftovers, though!
My favorite pie of the ones we tried was the meatball burrata featuring all beef house meatballs, sweet sauce, torn burrata, mozzarella, basil, and hot honey. The wings were also excellent. I have no notes…other than to go back and order that pizza again!
Downtown Delray: 528 NE 2nd St., Delray Beach; deathbypizzadelray.com
West Delray: 15065 FL-7 BAY 400, Delray Beach
Amar Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar and Amar Sandwich Shop | Delray Beach
If you’re craving Mediterranean food, make Amar in Downtown Delray Beach your next dinner reservation and save Amar Sandwich Shop for lunch the next day. Owned by the same family, these sister restaurants each offer something completely different, but both always leave us planning our return visit before we even get in the car to go home.
For a summer date night, Amar is an elevated dining experience that makes you want to linger over one more glass of wine. Their hummus and pita is absolutely legendary. And, if you can, plan your visit for a Friday or Saturday evening. The live belly dancers add such a fun and festive touch to your dine!
When you’re looking for something more fast-casual, Amar Sandwich Shop is equally impressive on the culinary front. Their authentic Lebanese street food, including sandwiches, fresh salads, and flavorful sides, make it one of my go-to choices for lunch or takeout any time of year!
Amar Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar: 25 SE 6th Ave., Delray Beach; amardelray.com
Amar Sandwich Shop: 522 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; amarsandwichshop.com
Burtons Grill & Bar | Boca Raton
Let’s just say that once you’ve dropped your daughter off in Maine, dined on some of the best lobster of your life and headed back home a few days later…you might start to have withdrawals. That’s why I was thrilled to discover Burtons’ $29 summer lobster roll special through Aug. 31. And with a gluten-free roll option to boot!
I consider myself to be somewhat of a lobster roll expert. I’ve been traveling to Maine for twenty summers now and my in-laws have their recreational lobster licenses. That means some of the freshest Maine lobster has gone from Casco Bay to my belly in just a few hours.
The good news is that in terms of flavor and freshness, Burtons Grill & Bar comes pretty close to that with their Connecticut Lobster Roll. There’s just one caveat: you must order it with the toasted brioche bun and butter ONLY. I’m a purest, what can I say?
They also offer a Maine Lobster Roll with five ounces of tail, claw and knuckle meat, seasoning, and mayo served cold. If that is your preference, don’t hesitate to order it! The roll is tasty, just not my personal choice.
To indulge in a “full New England lunch experience,” I also recommend ordering a cup of their clam chowder and the Blueberry Hibiscus Martini. You’ll feel like you’re in Bar Harbor instead of Boca…for at least your lunch hour.
5580 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton; burtonsgrill.com
Driftwood | Boynton Beach
I love it when you walk into a local restaurant and it just radiates Old Florida vibes. You know that the food is going to be fresh and the atmosphere feels fun yet totally relaxed.
I had no idea what to expect when we arrived for our date night at Driftwood in Boynton Beach. As first timers, my husband and I were so pleased to discover that the husband and wife team behind the restaurant spent most of their careers in New York City’s finest dining establishments.
Driftwood also has an extensive craft cocktail list, thanks to their partner Freddy Shwenk, that delighted us throughout the evening (I’ll just go ahead and tell you that the Praline Old Fashioned, Mother of Dragons, and Hibiscus Sorrel Spritzer with one of my favorite liqueurs, Munyons Pawpaw, are all essential cocktail orders).
The Driftwood menu is divided up into smaller and bigger plates. I am a proud shared appetizer girl, so I leaned in and ordered the birria empanadas, housemade milk bread (with homemade butter!), smoked local fish dip, and the Caribbean fish and chips for us to share. The fish and chips was an especially unique dish with the beer-battered local fish and tostones arriving on my plate on a skewer! The avocado tartar sauce for dipping was the icing on the cake.
This may have been our favorite summer dine. Highly recommend.
2005 Federal Highway, Boynton Beach; driftwoodboynton.com
El Jefe Luchador | Deerfield Beach
I couldn’t close out this summer dining roundup without featuring an amazing Mexican food option. El Jefe Luchador in Deerfield Beach, a fast casual dine-in or takeout restaurant, really brings the street food “drama”. Have you seen the luchador masks hanging proudly on the wall?
To really get a sense of their menu offerings, we ordered one of every specialty taco El Jefe Luchador offered, plus queso, guacamole, rice and refried beans. The standouts? First, the queso and chips. What I treat! I could have made that my entire meal.
Out of the specialty tacos, our favorites were the pork belly, wagyu steak taco and lamb barabacoa. Quality meats, flavorful fillings. They will be a repeat takeout order for us. I already know it.
Thank you to all of the restaurants who hosted my husband and I this summer so I could create this guide. We really enjoyed each experience and look forward to dining out during next year’s summer camp season!
27 S. Federal Highway, Deerfield Beach; jefetaco.com
Visit modernbocamom.com for even more summer things to do with (and without) kids! And be sure to subscribe to Modern Boca Mom’s weekly e-newsletter for local freebies and more.
Disclosure: Modern Boca Mom was hosted by several of the restaurants included to help facilitate this summer dining roundup.
Michelle Olson-Rogers is a mom of one and the founder of Modern Boca Mom, an award-winning lifestyle website for the stylish & modern South Florida parent. She can also be found on Instagram at @modernbocamom.
