Atlantic Ave

"Spring break" may conjure up visions of college students descending upon our South Florida shores and invading our treasured beaches and restaurants, but for local residents it is simply that time of year where the weather invites us to take in all that the Sunshine State has to offer. This includes the opportunity to enjoy the pleasures of outdoor dining at our local area restaurants, especially the irresistible panache and variety of Atlantic Avenue.

 From board shorts to boardroom attire, diners "come as they are" to take a break from the beach, host a business lunch or enjoy a night out with friends. It's no wonder that restaurant deals are always creating news here as owners want to get in on some of the most profitable real estate sites in Palm Beach County.

Outdoor dining is truly an option you might want to consider before the famous Florida humidity sends you back into the air-conditioning. Restaurateurs that offer outdoor dining know that their customers take pleasure in being smack dab in the middle of the heartbeat of Delray, people watching and socializing. Outdoor tables are available at many restaurants in Delray including City Oyster where patrons are attracted to the hustle and bustle.  According to owner Bob Beal, "Our outdoor dining is a premium area and a big part of our business. It is certainly a popular attraction, especially during the spring months. People like to watch what is going on and want to be in the thick of things. After dinner, folks like to take a walk and visit the retail shops, so in general it is good for business on the avenue."

 This April look for Vic & Angelo's to open with its own outdoor seating, brought to you by restaurateur David Manero, who ushered in Gotham City, Sopra, and Shore to Delray Beach and DeVito's in South Beach.  His latest restaurant promises not to disappoint.  With one Vic & Angelo's already open in Palm Beach Gardens, Manero brings his formula for success to Delray once again with his new location at 290 East Atlantic Avenue. In other real estate news, get ready for some more delicious carbs! Mellow Mushroom is set to open in the former Vittorio's site at 25 SE 6th Avenue.

 With such a wide array of choices in Delray restaurants, it is a good bet that you haven't tried them all yet.  So while leaving Florida might not be on your spring break agenda, why not soak up the local flavors we have in our own backyard.

Athan "Tom" Prakas is president/broker of The Prakas Group, a restaurant/hospitality brokerage firm in Boca Raton and Orlando, Fl. He can be reached at 561.368.0003.

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