J. Mark's serves a wide variety of fresh, high quality food including dry-aged steaks, burgers, pasta and fish. J. Mark's Restaurant offers a full bar, lounge, sunroom for conferences and meeting along with an outdoor covered patio.

Looking For a New Adventure? J. Mark's Hits the Spot by Tim Slivinski

We have all been in those situations when we want to go out, meet a few friends, catch up on what’s going on and grab a cocktail and a bite to eat. Then the dilemma hits. Someone is famished, another one just ate and isn’t hungry, the next one could go for a small nibble, and the last one is in the mood for a burger. Solution: Head to J. Mark’s. It will satisfy everyone in the party. Whether you are searching for a full meal, just a few appetizers, or a glass of wine or a cocktail, J. Mark’s hits a home run on all three. Since opening in Fort Lauderdale, it seems impossible to find a time when the bar isn’t bustling, the patio isn’t partying, and the main dining room isn’t munching. This is a great testament to what owners Steve and Ariel have created and nurtured in their quest to provide Fort Lauderdale with a hip, fun, and fairly priced and delicious destination for dining on consistently good food. Having dined there several times, I love having dinner on the spacious patio and reveling in why we are fortunate to reside in South Florida in the winter. Though I know I shouldn’t say yes, I just can’t say no to an appetizer to get my meal started. The Spinach Parmesan Dip is a favorite, served with crispy tortilla chips and a side of salsa. Smooth and creamy in texture, this warm dip is certainly ample enough to share. Another favorite is the Fish Dip. Hearty and filling and never overly fishy, the dip is accompanied by snappy crackers, yellow peppers and crispy veggies with their own sauce for dipping. Again, it is a portion designed for sharing.  I can’t fail, however, to mention the Prime Rib Sliders, also featured on the appetizer menu. However, I frequently order them as an entrée, as the portion is four fresh buns piled high with tender prime rib, complemented by a horseradish sauce with just a slight touch of heat. A cup of au jus for dipping and a small side of sweet potato fries complete the plate. Great for sharing as an appetizer or perfect for one as an entrée, I have yet to finish all four sliders by myself. Entrees at J. Mark’s range from several cuts and preparations of steak to chicken, seafood, and pasta dishes. When a red meat craving hits, I go for the Rib- Eye. It always arrives perfectly grilled with a slightly charred exterior leading to a juicy, tender, flavorful interior. Steaks are accompanied by a side of Yukon garlic mashed and a few crispy onion rings, a touch I appreciate. If, however, you prefer a different side item, the kitchen at J. Mark’s is more than willing to accommodate, a great customer oriented touch. Pasta dishes offer a wide array of options. The shrimp scampi linguine is a favorite with tender shrimp in a light garlic lemon sauce offering savory deliciousness. The penne ala vodka is another winner with its creamy vodka-tomato sauce that’s never too thin or too thick. It clings to the pasta with perfection, making each bite rich with intense flavor. Be sure to ask for freshly grated parmesan to cover the top like snow. Be prepared to take some of your pasta home with you, as the portions are more than generous. Chicken Fiero is my favorite of the poultry selections. A sautéed chicken breast is topped with sliced prosciutto, smoked mozzarella, and a Dijon cream sauce. Each bite offers a delectable burst of savory goodness. It, too, is served with a side Yukon garlic mashed. Fresh grilled salmon is an option if, after the holidays, you are in the mood to eat a bit more on the healthy side. The salmon arrives lightly seasoned and tender and moist, never dried out, a pet peeve of many salmon lovers when they order it out. An array of burgers and sandwiches round out the menu. Try the avocado topped Deep Sea Tuna Burger or the Portabella Mushroom sandwich complemented by smoky mozzarella cheese. All sandwiches come with a side of Idaho or sweet potato fries, though, again, a different side may be substituted. Judging by the consistent crowds that fill J. Mark’s, this is a place that has found a winning formula of fairly priced and delicious food, top-notch service, and comfortable ambience. It’s a destination that can satisfy the whims of everyone in your party.

Mack Mixer at J Mark's The January Mack Mixer in Fort Lauderdale Florida took place at J Mark's Restaurant. View Mack Planet Photos