Deb H.
Yelp
NOTE: This review was also posted to Let's Eat South FL Facebook page.
Anthony's Runway 84, 330 W State Rd 84, Fort Lauderdale. I am aware that we probably don't need yet another 100% positive group post about Runway 84. If you are not interested in reading it, here's my 3-word review:
Fabulous, as always.
Full disclosure-I posted a glowing review in August 2023 and since that date, I have eaten there 3 more times, and each time my experience was consistently great. Since it's been more than a year, I thought I'd offer my opinion again.
As most people know, it's a very popular spot and in addition to excellent food, the supper club vibe is unique. We have never eaten there on a weekend, but since my birthday fell on a Friday, I wanted to dine there on that day. But I knew it would be packed and honestly, we only come a few times a year, so I was prepared to wait for my reservation and let the regulars sweep past me. But...that's not what happened.
I had requested a table in the bar (as I always do) and when we arrived, the adorable little hostess (they are all so cute and friendly EVERY SINGLE TIME we are there) smiled when she saw my reservation and said, I do have the table you like, but it's not quite ready. I smiled back and said no problem we can wait.
The bar was teeming with the beautiful people (lots of 20-something fresh faced young things dressed in teensy dresses on the arms of -AHEM- older gentlemen. Oh, I am not passing judgement, they reminded me of myself in the 70's. Use it while you got it, I say. We decided to hang out in the hallway rather than risk looking like a couple of doddering old farts spilling their drinks on somebody's goomar.
After roughly 15 minutes wait time, we were whisked to our favorite table in the corner of the bar and lucked out because Jake was our waiter. His service was impeccable, and we started with a classic daiquiri and a bourbon sour. Outside it's 2024, but inside Runway 84 it's easy to be transported to the very best of dining in 1959.
The only downside to eating at Runway 84 is the massive serving size of the food. I never even come close to finishing my entrée but I over order anyway. I do not typically eat bread in any restaurant, simply because I am so picky. But I love their version of a type of garlic bread in their bread service, so I made an exception.
We split a small (6 clams vs 12) portion of baked clams oreganata for our appetizer and it was tender and basted in garlic butter. Because we live 25 miles away, we only get glasses of wine vs a bottle. Also, I like to linger over my wine, and I don't want to prevent a table being turned because I am savoring my wine. We ordered glasses of the "baby" Amarone to go with our main courses.
My husband always, and I mean always, gets the braciole served with the spicy vodka rigatoni and it was perfectly made. The beef in the braciole was melt-in-your mouth tender and the spicy vodka had quite a kick to it. I had the lasagna, which is roughly the size of my head and is classically made with lots of meat and cheese. Both entrees were everything we expected.
I always wonder about the people who complain about the noise in the restaurant. It's rocking in there, to be sure. Packed with happy people and numerous table hoppers working the room. It's part of the scene. For my part, I easily held a conversation with my somewhat hard of hearing husband (shhh...don't tell him I said that). Isn't the joy and the loud conversations and the overall clamor a part of why you choose to go to Runway? I love it and I felt at home and appreciated by every staffer who visited our table.
Next time, we will arrive earlier and try to grab a seat at the bar and share a few apps and maybe even order a bottle of wine instead of limiting ourselves to glasses. In the immortal words of Mae West (note to the youngsters-google her), you only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough. Anthony's Runway 84 is the place to "do it right".