Shorty's picnic table and burgers...favorites!

Shorty's picnic table and burgers...favorites!

With five location throughout South Florida in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, Shorty's is a family favorite for burgers, ribs, buttery/juicy corn on the cob, and french fries.  We usually go to the location on Bird Road (11575 SW 40th St.) as they have burgers on the menu!
The floors are concrete and the TV's blaring, but the wait staff is always friendly.  This is a perfect place to go with a large group of friends and family.  For all of the greasy hands, there are large paper towel rolls on the table.  They have an extensive BBQ menu with loads of options.  Check out the menu.

If you can't go to them, they have a great catering menu and their web site always has loads of coupons.  Enjoy great BBQ with the family without the backyard mess.

Outback...the family's favorite family favorite!

It doesn't matter that it looks like any other American chain restaurant.  It doesn't matter that we've eaten here a million times.  What matters is we know exactly what we will get and how satisfied with the results.
From the warm brown bread baby loaf with scoop of creamy butter to the Bloomin' Onion® to the salad to the Sirloin steack topped off with grilled shrimp, my family craves these things and more.   Check out the menu.



About once a month, we just have to stop a Outback and just writing this makes me want to go right now.  Even when we travel (San Francisco and Key West for example) we find ourselves drawn to the Aussie-themed restaurant.  With a creative mix of Aussie souvenirs and pictures and thick wood tables (like a friend used to say), it feels good to eat here.  You are always satisfied with the product and the experience with the family.

Do you have a favorite family favorite?  If so, which one and why?

Let It Rain in the Rainforest Cafe

Located in THE Outlet Mall of South Florida called Sawgrass Mills (12801 Sunrise Blvd) in Sunrise Boulevard, the Rainforest Cafe does not disappoint.  One of many themed restaurants in the area, this one centers around animals and nature.  You sit amongst the forest, large fish tanks, and mechanical animals enjoying a typical American meal.  From sandwiches to burgers to pasta dishes, you have options for adults and especially the kids. 

On this day, we took the grandparents and great grandmother after some shopping at the mall.  The kids always like to take them to different places as they don't like to venture to far off the normal path.  This has enough for everyone to keep things entertaining and the kids have fun trying to find all of the animals. 

For the latest locations and promotions, check out their web site.

Houston's from Atlanta to Miami

Houston's from Atlanta to Miami

The first time we ate at a Houston's Restaurant was in Buckhead (the affluent suburb of Atlanta) and the second time was in Coral Gables (the affluent suburb of Miami).  It may be a little pricey for a chained American restaurant, but the atmosphere, service, and food is always top-notch. 

On this day we had the spinach appetizer along with their juicy burgers.  Simple meal, great conversation and family time, and we washed it down with tea.  Now, let me tell you that we overheard someone at the table next to us order tea, BUT with orange slices and fresh brown sugar.  We got encouraged to do the same and it was probably the best tea we have ever had.  Swapping out the traditional lemon and white sugar makes a huge difference. We have tried doing this in other restaurants, but no luck.  They never have orange slices and only brown sugar packets!

Villa Pizza in Miami!

Villa Pizza in Miami!

With various locations all over South Florida, Villa Pizza is a favorite for the kids.  Their pizzas are just right: not too thick and not too thin.  Having a pizza with a salad and soft drink is the best way to do it.    Not just pizza, but an array of favorite Italian dishes, you can choose from the traditional lasagna to Stromboli and meatballs.



Look at the link above to search for locations nearest you.  Franchise opportunities are also available!