The Drive is aptly named. This recently renovated eyesore of a forgotten building has become one of Wilton Drive’s most happening bar and restaurants. The new hot spot is located at the corner of Wilton Drive and NE 9th Avenue, in Fort Lauderdale’s famous gayborhood Wilton Manors. Surrounded by art galleries, an antique shop, boutiques and strolling passersby, this once-overlooked corner has been transformed into a hip hangout over the course of just a few months.
Claiming to offer "Bar, Tapas, Patio, Music," this place is in just the right spot to appeal to those who love a good nightspot and a good eatery with a certain vibe. With comfortable and inviting indoor and outdoor seating and plenty of room in both, The Drive has that perfect vibe.
The Drive on Wilton Drive — Photo courtesy of Dale Mack
The Drive offers specials every night of the week. Monday night is $5 Absolut, Tuesday night is $5 Stoli and Wednesday night is $4 Smirnoff. Thursday night is the true beginning of the weekend here in Wilton Manors, so come to the Beer Bust with $2 on domestic beers. The weekends offer just the right mood with DJ Billy Hallquist on Fridays and Ritchie Rich on Saturdays. Sundays are fun days here, with the Sunday Tea Dance and BBQ from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Enjoy $2 Miller Lite drafts, $3 Bloody Marys and mimosas and $5 Ketel One vodka.
The kitchen opens at 11:30 a.m. each day, so take advantage of the great ambiance in their outside seating. Offered are appealing tapas such as Kobe beef sliders, guacamole, salsa and chips, smoked fish spread and hummus. Delicious flatbreads include the classic margherita, three cheese, BBQ chicken and veggie.
And it doesn’t stop here. So dig in. The Drive is perfect for an afternoon lunch, casual business meeting or get-together with friends any day of the week.
The exciting city of Wilton Manors has recently been going through its own sort of renaissance, with new clubs, unique restaurants, shops and boutiques springing up in handsomely renovated shopping strips along this glittering Wilton Drive, as well as sophisticated and elegant condos along the drive and in its well-manicured neighborhoods.
While this city is world-famous for being South Florida’s predominant gay district, it is much more. This island city is a family-friendly neighborhood with great schools, beautiful parks, active community involvement and a fascinating history. In fact, it was here where the very first South Florida Dairy Queen opened, and it’s still there!
