Right along historic Riverfront is a place Mark’s List discovered that rather amazed us.  Next to the recently renovated and reopened Sea Monster Nightclub home of Noche Latin Fridays and Vixen as well as being located directly across the New River from Living Room Nightclub is The Downtowner Saloon that has both indoor and outdoor seating all in a fun Warf side atmosphere.  As far as the food, this is definitely one of those Guilty Pleasure Places that puts a smile on your face when someone even mentions it.   

The Philly Cheese Steak is one such item that, if done wrong—can cause you think twice about the entire restaurant, yet at The Downtowner, will make you come back again and again.  With shaved steak, sautéed onions, mushrooms and melted American cheese, the secret to their successful sandwich is in the French roll that is buttered and then grilled.  Another sandwich that is great would be their signature DT Burger which is a classic ½ pound bacon and American cheeseburger.  This two-handed burger was exactly what you want when all you want is a really good burger.  Just to let you know, they have this burger available in both Double and Triple sizes as well, but you had better have a big mouth to get it all in!  Other sandwiches to consider when going would be the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with crumbled Blue Cheese, Blackened Prime Rib with a creamy horseradish sauce, or a Pulled Pork Sandwich that is slow roasted in a tangy BBQ sauce.  For those feeling health conscious or looking for something on the lighter side, they have a Southwestern Chicken Wrap (with blackened chicken, black beans, and a corn salsa), Sesame Ahi Tuna Wrap (with mixed greens, tomato, and cusabi) or the classic Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap.   

There are few places around Fort Lauderdale that offer inexpensive appetizer seafood you can eat with your hands while you watch the boats go by.  At The Downtowner Saloon they have a Raw Bar that has Steamed Old Bay Shrimp, fresh Oysters and Clams, Chilled Spiced Shrimp, and Key West Shrimp that you peel and eat.  Other notable appetizers include:  Spicy Ahi Tuna Wontons, Fresh Smoked Fish Dip, and a Southwestern Quesadilla. In the mood for a salad?  They why not try an Asian Chicken or a Pistachio Crusted Goat Cheese Salad?   

Another aspect to consider when thinking about eating in Riverside would be The Downtowner Saloon’s other restaurant right next door, The Maxwell Room.  With catering facilities and capabilities from 30 to 250 people The Maxwell Room has everything you could possibly need from fine linens to an open bar all with packages for Luncheon and Dinners to Weddings and banquets.   

With a convenient location and plenty of parking The Downtowner Saloon and The Maxwell Room is the perfect place to go to relax, unwind, and have fun whether you are in the mood for burgers and fresh made sandwiches or for a business luncheon to impress your boss.