Boca Raton has seen no shortage of New York- or northeastern-based restaurants expanding their brands to the snowbird sanctuary of South Florida. This is all well and good, and while foodies haven’t found themselves starving for new concepts, there’s been nothing new in Boca city limits for those seeking authentic Southern-style cuisine. For that, you’ve gotta go a little further south to Pompano Beach’s South Bar & Kitchen, and the trip is well worth it.
Featuring dishes inspired by the Cajun and Creole tastes of Louisiana, South Bar & Kitchen’s menu boasts a wide selection of Southern comfort food with scratch-made flavors, spices and marinades. I won’t spoil too much here as our Food Editor will be unrolling a comprehensive review (stay tuned), but I will say that the menu has offerings that will appeal to newcomers and seasoned Southern gourmands alike.
The concept was inspired by Owner Mike Linder and Executive Chef O’Hara’s travels to Charleston, Nashville, and New Orleans, and the influence of Southern-style diners can be seen in the interior’s decor. The warm golds of the light fixtures and deep greens of booths bask in the soft lighting in the dining area, which gives off a community dining vibe thanks to the arrangement and openness of seating. Outdoors, booths wrap around a banyan tree at the center of the terrace, with more seating available in a covered patio. South’s intimate outdoor area also serves as a venue for performers on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
The laid back communal atmosphere of South Bar & Kitchen is a refreshing change of pace for those looking for an escape from the depersonalizing effect that dining in a loud crowded space instills. The music is low and the seating arrangements encourage striking up a conversation with someone new or getting a sneak peek of the dishes from the next table over. The restaurant will also soon be launching its brunch menu, offering diners even more reasons to stop by.
South Bar & Kitchen; 165 N.E. 1st Ave., Pompano Beach; 954/890-2000; southpmp.com
