Mickey's Downtown Bistro — Restaurant in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

The new venture out last night was at Mickey’s Downtown Bistro at 4331 N Ocean Dr. (A1A), Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, just a tad South of Commercial BL) offering a delicious fusion of Italian, Middle-eastern, and some American favorites.

A somber atmosphere but is perfect for a bistro with live entertainment (black painted ceilings and flooring), but each table is covered with fresh white tablecloth (the entertainment starts at 8pm - I don’t know what type of music they perform because we had a reservation at 6pm). Regardless, our food and service were excellent. This time of the year, Mother Nature is kind to SOFLO. Last night was a perfect comfortable weather less the humidity. No outside seating but the front of the restaurant has retractable/collapsing window panels, and last night, naturally, they were open. Upon sitting down, we could feel the gentle ocean breeze caressing the atmosphere, subtle and pleasant. Our cheerful server, Chad, brought some crispy-crusted bread with some knock-out home-made relish. Wine was ordered, but I’m a beer guy – Chad suggested a season-crafted pumpkin beer among others, and I went for it (let’s say that it was “interesting”).

A very challenging menu made it hard to select because every item seems so inviting, but Chad simplified our selection. He suggested we start with the firecracker calamari for appetizer and he recited a lengthy chef’s specials, among them was the 24oz bone-in pork chop covered with bacon morsels mixed in with sautéed mushrooms over a reduced down white cherry sauce. Needless to say that my eyes opened wide while my jaw dropped on the table. Of course, Chad saw my excitement; he winked at me and said “Trust me on that one. It’s a winner. Go for it. You’ll love it!” 2 of us ordered it and one got the chicken parm over a pile of linguini mixed in marinara.

Chad’s recommendations were spot-on. The calamari was thick and tender served with the chef’s special blend of fiery spices which continues to tickle your tongue for a few minutes while waiting for our entrés. That pork chop was humongalucious (huge and most delicious). Now, for a thick bone-in center cut, often times the center around the bone is pink to raw and the edges are dry. This pork chop was surrounded with a thick border of fat preventing the edges from drying while releasing its succulent flavor in with the cherry sauce. The 24 oz cut was cooked through, tender and moist evenly. My friend said that the parm was delicious as well. We left at 7:30 and the place was full… maybe people waited to eat just before the dual-piano live entertainment.

The menu prices is slightly elevated compared to competitors of the same caliber, but the 24 oz chop was only $35. Will I go back? Certainly! They have parking in the front but is shared with another Italian restaurant....

Such potential but…

I was super excited when I heard we were getting a dueling piano bar right here in Lauderdale by the sea. My husband and I are HUGE fans! We have a home in Austin TX as well as Lauderdale and frequently bring guests to Pete’s dueling piano bar in austin….it is lively and fun for adults of all ages, very interactive and performers are fantastic. A destination!

Walking in the door the hostess was friendly and offered us a table by the bar…VERY far from the stage. We love to sit at bar and I opted to wait for seating there. Immediately, I was disappointed that there was no seating near the stage as we like to request and tip. This behavior is contagious at dueling piano bars in a GOOD way! The “fun” people generally sit by stage and interact, sing and create an overall positive vibe. After finally waiting for my husband to park (recommend NOT doing that as parking sucks in the area in general) we were acknowledged by the bartenders about 10 minutes later. 30 seconds more…I would have left. It wasn’t busy. Scanning the room…my business savvy husband rattles off his list of immediate improvements needed for this place to survive. Honestly…it could be packed every night during “the season”…the piano players were great! The room unfortunately is set up more like a funeral parlor and the spectators act like they are at a funeral. We felt bad for the “band”. The crowd is so far away from the stage and spread out. Mostly motionless and boring. The only group having fun and cheering etc was the furthest table from the stage. I loved that they handed out light up tambourines to encourage some fun but it wasn’t working. Dueling piano bars are supposed to be interactive and fun.

Simple fix…move the high top bar tables that are on the far wall of bardown the isle between bar and stage instead. Move a row of tables DIRECTLY up to stage for drinkers…not for dinner people. Encourage FUN in the front! People will walk by and be drawn in! Appeal to all (adult) ages…not just geriatrics.

Not so simple fix…move the stage to the center of room…the room is too big truthfully … seating needs to be CLOSE to stage. All around.

Keep the fun people close to stage and the comatose dinners in the back….particularly after 7:30 pm. Amp up the bartenders and cocktail servers after 8…you are loosing revenue and tips …reminder: people are more fun with a few drinks in them!

I want this place to excel and I want to come back soon…I hope you take this as the constructive feedback it is...

Mickey's Downtown Bistro! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 What a (swanky) treat!

Looking for a new place with great food and live music every night of the week?

My hubs & I enjoyed dinner & a show Thursday evening when a friend in the Derailed band invited us out to see the show.

We entered the former Buca di Beppo spot (we'd never been) to a large nightclub-style room with many tables covered with white linen tablecloths, black napkins, sparkling cutlery and gleaming glassware. Whoa!

Immediately, we were seated in the back corner (Table 16 for those in the know) by their gracious hostess who advised us it was her favorite table.

A runner came by right away with ice water as we perused the menu. It's got something for everyone from Italian / Continental cuisine to Middle Eastern delights to burgers.

Our waiter, Pinto, was on-point all night. He came to our table right away too and took our drink order. Iced tea for he, a sumptuous pour of Pinot Grigio for me. We ordered:

Clams Casino for me: when they arrived, fresh and piping hot, I was in orbit! I hadn't had clams casino like this in YEARS. A small bit of bacon on top of a tiny clam graced with pepper and onion medley, a pinch of breading and The Broth! (Of course, there was warm crusty Italian bread to go with). Heavenly!

He: Eggplant Rollatini. Delicious eggplant rolls in a heavenly broth as well but I was so busy with my clams I unfortunately didn't snag a bite to try but, judging by my hubs' "yummy" sounds, he was having a ball!

Next up: Chicken Parmigiana! We were both really hungry so we each ordered our own (we mostly share an entree). WoW!! Delicioso! Tender chicken breast, beautifully breaded, topped with parmigiana cheese and of course, de rigeur red sauce on a bed of linguine. 5 Yums 😋😋😋😋😋 for this one!!! The Original Comfort Food for me. My Pinot Grigio lasted the whole meal.

Then: Dessert! Tiramisu that was simply divine. This is the real deal! Smooth as an Italian singer topped with refreshing strawberry slices and a ladyfinger tucked in on the side.

Coffee for he (he really liked it) and an Espresso Martini for me (Mmmmm!)

The music, provided by Derailed (Clay & Jake are friends), accompanying the meal was fun and entertaining, and not-too-loud so we could converse during dinner.

Micjey's serves up everything musically as well: Disco Nights, Karaoke, Singers galore & are known for Dueling Pianos! Fun!

For a great time all around, hit up Mickey's Downtown Bistro!

4331 N Ocean Dr, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea...