Hardy Park Bistro
Reviews
Name: Alexa Kaplan
Restaurant Pick: Crazy About You
I would absolutely go back. This is a great date spot. Very small and quiet. It was a busy Saturday evening and you could tell the staff was working as hard as they could. Our server was beyond accommodating and checked in frequently to see if we needed anything. The prosciutto flatbread was outstanding. I look forward to returning.
Name: Steve Sherman
Restaurant Pick: Hardy Park Bistro
Hardy Park Bistro is our “GO TO” restaurant in Broward County. Since moving to Fort Lauderdale in 2015, we have frequented it well over 100 times. Started in 2013 by Chef Phil Darmon, it quickly became one of Fort Lauderdale’s highest rated dining gems differentiated by its quaint chic urban vibe and a crafty menu of American Classic dishes tweaked by chef Phil with his creative flavor palette and use of the freshest ingredients .
The restaurant was sold in 2020 just before Covid emerged to Aaron and Susan Moham (son and mother) - Aaron as chef and Susan up front. First we were concerned if the new owners would maintain the high quality and favorite dishes we had become accustomed to. And, then quickly we worried if the restaurant would survive Covid.
I am pleased to say that our fears were allayed as Aaron not only maintained our favorites but enhanced them and the menu itself with his own crafty additions. And, continued with the highest quality and freshest ingredients so hard to find in Broward. Through a loyal following and an increased emphasis on take out, Hardy Park Bistro has survived Covid.
When you pull up to HPB, you immediately know it is different from all the Corporate restaurants prevalent in Broward County. Housed in a small self standing cottage style building, the restaurant is urban chic and inviting.
Across the street is Hardy Park, a Fort Lauderdale city park. There are three 4 spot tables and a large community table outside on the front porch overlooking the park. And seating for perhaps 24 or so inside. Metered street parking is available directly in front of the restaurant and across the street is a metered private lot (suggest you use city street parking as it is lower cost). Music is eclectic and played at a pleasing level that allows for normal conversations amongst guests.
Service is personable and professional. You can sense the staff cares and feels part of the HPB family. Having visited over 100 times through both owners - I can say that the high food quality and preparation is consistent always meeting my highest standards. I am difficult to please!
As a creature of habit 99% of the time I get the same menu items - either a burrata and grilled vegetable app or a classic ‘Wedge Salad and the Crispy Skin Salmon entree. However, for this visit and Check Please review I switched it up a little…I went for the BBQ ribs.
But, first a few words about my fav since I’ve eaten it over 100 times! A 6 to 8 ounce fresh salmon slice typically a second cut or top loin filet 1 inch thick. It is consistently grilled to my desired medium rare temp with the skin left on and sizzled to crispy perfection. It is set over a delightful parsnip puree topped with char grilled asparagus and charred and wilted greens. I highly recommend it for you salmon lovers out there.
For this visit, I started off with a Shishido Pepper app and a Wedge Salad. The peppers were simply prepared, lightly flash fried with a touch of what seemed to be olive oil and Kosher or sea salt. They were plump and fresh.
And not one hot one out of 12 served were hot (must have been lucky as usually one or so in ten are usually very hot). A nice start to the meal.
The Wedge Salad is a favorite… Half of a crisp cold iceberg lettuce quartered and lightly covered with fresh bacon crumbles, light blue cheese dressing, tomato, eggs, corn and chives. A delightful and creative take on the classic steakhouse wedge. Flavorful and blended perfectly. Nothing overpowering.
The BBQ ribs were added to the menu by Chef Aaron and this was my first time ordering. I am originally from Texas so I know BBQ and my expectations were tempered. The ribs were cooked perfectly with the meat falling off the bones - no need for a knife. The house made BBQ sauce was ketchup based (sorry North Carolinians) and was sweet and savory. Maybe a touch too sweet for my palette. But, still delightful. Ribs were placed on top of a sweet potato puree that was room temp. Simple but tasty. And, accompanied by wilted and charred greens gave a nice contrasting flavor to the sweetness of the rib sauce. Dish size was plentiful for one person - it was a half rack of ribs. But very meaty and fulfilling.
Overall, a nice dish - one that I would order again occasionally. But, I am still staying with my Crispy Skin Salmon as my fav dish.
For dessert, we went with our regular favorite - Sticky Date Pudding with house made Vanilla ice cream. Note - the evening we went for this review it was not on the printed menu - apparently they run out a day or so before and omitted it from the daily printed menus and forgot to add it back on. So, remember to ask if you don’t see it on the menu. The pudding itself is rich, smooth and mildly sweet. But, when accompanied by the sauce and house made vanilla ice cream it morphs into a delightful sweet ending to a great meal.
We don’t drink alcohol. So cannot review the actual wines or beers. But, the wine and beer menu looks nice. Limited but, good selections.
I highly recommend Hardy Park Bistro. Broward County has a lot of restaurants. But, a dearth of eclectic chef owned spots with crafty takes on classic menu items. HPB is gem for those who seek the same. No offense to the Corporate restaurants in Broward.
Name: Marleah Singleton
Restaurant Pick: Love Life Cafe
When we arrived, we discovered lots of street parking and walked up to the restaurant. The greeter confirmed that parking is free on Sunday! We were greeted by several staff and seated right away at an outside table. We were served drinks first then ordered our entrees. My mimosa was brought out with the orange juice on the side so that I could choose how much I wanted. I went with my family and we were served quickly. I ordered a veggie burger and the rest of the table got salmon and a bed of greens and potatoes and a fried snapper sandwich. The veggie burger was made mostly of peas and the waiter was very knowledgeable about the menu. Very accommodating and would visit again!
Restaurant Information
Restaurant Name: Hardy Park Bistro
Location: 21 SW 7th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Parking: Street
Phone: (954) 652-1475
Website: https://www.hardyparkbistro.com/
Restaurant Owners: Aaron Mohan, Susan Moonsie-Mohan
Executive Chef: Travis Bacon
Pastry Chef:
Type of Cuisine: American classics
Signature Dishes: Salmon
Vegetarian Options: Yes
Alcohol Served: Beer and wine
Corkage Fee: $20
Bottle Limit: none
Restaurant Hours:
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – 11am – 9pm
Wednesday- 11am – 9pm
Thursday – 11am – 9pm
Friday – 11am – 10pm
Saturday –11am – 10pm
Sunday – 10am – 9pm
Meals Served: brunch, lunch, dinner
Prix Fix Menu: no
Take-Out: yes
Delivery: yes
Payment Options: do you accept credit cards and if so, which ones? all
Accept Reservations: Yes
Need Reservations: No
How far in advance do you require reservations be made:
Accommodations for Children: yes
Dining Style: casual
Disabled Access: yes
Restaurant Size: small
Accommodate Groups: yes
Private Dining Room: no
Tables with Scenic Views: no
Outdoor Dining: yes
Entertainment: no