A hangout to me would be a place just like this: friendly and efficient service, fair prices, festive and casual atmosphere and very good food. The sign says “Serving South Florida since 1966″, and I expect they will be here for many more years to come.

There are five Quarterdeck locations around Ft. Lauderdale. The one I tried is just a block from the Ft. Lauderdale Convention Center. The menu includes an array of appetizers, salads, burgers, pastas, steaks, sandwiches and seafood. I started with conch chowder, which was prepared in a peppery red broth and full of conch meat, potato and peppers (I added a bit of Tabasco to mine – www.tabasco.com/ ). I followed with the combo of a half-rack baby back ribs, and grilled grouper fish sticks (served satay style, and not to be confused with Mrs. Paul’s). This excellent entree came with a choice of potato. I choose sweet potato, which came with brown sugar and honey butter – a thoughtful addition as was the pint of Yuengling beer (http://www.yuengling.com/).

I hear the dolphin fish and burgers are also worthy.

Best Dish: Conch Chowder (add a touch of Tabasco)
What To Order: BBQ Ribs, Conch Chowder
Notable Staff: Miss Margo and Paul