You Can Play Pickleball and Eat Fried Chicken in the Same Place Now
Florida Room, the latest from Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth, proves Fort Lauderdale knows how to multitask
In the most Florida move ever, there’s now a restaurant inside a pickleball complex. Florida Room, the latest from chefs Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth, sits inside The Fort at Snyder Park. It’s part of a massive complex with water views, courts, and people still wearing their paddles like accessories. You could play a round, grab a drink, and end up on a perfectly nice date night without changing shoes.
The Space: The name fits. Inside, there’s green marble, wicker chairs, and soft lighting that makes it feel both casual and nice at the same time. It leans more Fort Lauderdale than Miami Beach, in a good way. It’s open-air and lively, with a mix of families, couples, and people fresh off the courts. I went for dinner, but it’s probably even better during the day. The restaurant sits right on the water in Snyder Park, and with the sun out, I bet the whole space would feel different. Plus, it’s dog friendly for those who like to bring their four-legged friends along to the meal.
What to Eat & Drink: The menu’s big, but a few things stand out right away. The calamari Caesar is a hit, loaded with crisp calamari fried in beef tallow and an interesting combination of two staple dishes. The wood-grilled artichokes with lemon aioli are solid, and the peaches with stracciatella and prosciutto are perfect for those looking for that salty-sweet balance. The curried lamb sausage rolls - a nod to Booth’s Australian background - were a table favorite and something you don’t see much of in South Florida.
Then there’s the fried chicken. It’s what McInnis and Booth are known for, and it doesn’t disappoint. Double-brined, extra crisp, fried in beef tallow instead of oil - it’s rich, crunchy, and full of flavor. The short rib “meatloaf” is smoky and decadent, and the spatchcock chicken brings the wow-factor to a classic dish.
There were a handful of misses. The tater tots topped with caviar were more croquette than tot, and the spicy rigatoni leaned more mild red sauce than “spicy.” But overall, the food felt thoughtful, with solid technique and a mix of crowd-pleasers and playful updates.
Don't Miss: The fried chicken, calamari Caesar, and peaches with prosciutto.
Perfect For: Post-pickleball dinners, casual dates, and anyone looking for solid food in a relaxed setting.
Expect to Pay: Around $50 to $70 per person with drinks.
How's the parking? Ample and free, but be prepared to walk through the complex to reach the restaurant. It’s located on the back end of The Fort, right on the water in Snyder Park.
@floridaroomftl // The Fort, 891 SW 34th St., Fort Lauderdale