By The Editors By The Editors | March 20, 2024 | Lifestyle, Feature, Features,
From world-class drinks and dining, unparalleled outdoor adventures and luxury lodging and hotels, here is the best of Boca Raton.
Kapow Noodle Bar
402 Plaza Real, Boca Raton / website
Kapow Noodle Bar brings the rich flavor profile of Southeast Asia to South Florida with an inventive menu, signature curated cocktails, private karaoke and a lively bar. On top of the decadent bites, Kapow is also a hot spot for art and design—showcasing pieces by Rosanna Kalis, Jasper Mosher and Craig McInnis (as well as curated tiki glasses by Joshua Noom). Inside, the space boasts an interactive LED abacus and a 7-foot life-size maneki-neko (Japanese lucky cat) with a movable arm, all courtesy of Pam Manhas Design.
Shaker & Pie
435 Plaza Real, Boca Raton / website
This modern Italian trattoria in the heart of Boca Raton brings beloved Italian dishes to the table. Shaker & Pie’s specialty neo-Neapolitan pizza from the wood-burning oven is a delectable pie of slow-ferment sourdough, cooked to perfection with a light crust and chef-selected toppings. This local hot spot also highlights a curated collection of handmade pastas, family-style shareable plates and Italian wines that effortlessly intertwine a homestyle feel with downtown Boca. This classic joint alleviates the stress of an extravagant meal out and gives locals a quintessential Italian dine-in experience.
Blue Dog Cookhouse & Bar
6000 Glades Road, Boca Raton / website
No matter what flavor you’re searching for, you can’t go wrong with any of Blue Dog Cookhouse & Bar in Boca Raton’s delectable dishes. Beginning with its iconic flagship location in New York City, Blue Dog became a staple for its high-end comfort food and elaborate cocktail list. Owner Elizabeth Slavutsky shares, “Much has happened since the original Blue Dog Cafe opened in 2006, and even more so in the past two years since we became a full-service, high-end restaurant beyond the seven-day brunch we were historically known for.” The never-ending menu, curated by chef Yanna Slavutsky, spotlights a diverse array of mouthwatering options such as oysters, bar bites to share, delicious pasta dishes and hearty dinner options like steak and lobster. This warm, welcoming locale is a comfortable spot for any occasion.
The Boca Raton
501 E Camino Real, Boca Raton / website
Glistening in the sunshine like Coco Chanel in the Jazz Age, The Boca Raton’s iconic Cloister hotel is dressed to the nines in that original 1926 hue of coastal white. Yes, the pink paint is gone. And it’s not just a fashion statement. It’s about a reverence for history and famed architect Addison Mizner’s original pristine vision for his grand jewel resort of South Florida. Stretching from harborside to beachfront, the resort features five distinct hotels all under the leadership of Hostettler, with individual general managers at the helm of each, a methodology designed to ensure that every guest is treated like a genuine VIP.
Waterstone Resort & Marina Boca Raton
999 E Camino Real, Boca Raton / website
Just steps away from Boca Raton’s beachfront—and the shopping-meets-entertainment of Mizner Park and Royal Palm Place–the Waterstone Resort & Marina Boca Raton is the ultimate Palm Beach sanctuary. Choose from guest rooms or suits, and make sure to check out the BL Lounge for pre-dinner drinks and the SeaSpray Inlet Grill for the main course.
Corvina Boca Raton
110 Plaza Real South, Boca Raton, website
Prepared to be amazed by a sea full of flavor and fish at Corvina. As the latest addition to Boca's continually expanding culinary scene, the 235-seat space holds guests wined and dined by executive chef Jeff Tunks. Beyond savoring the chef's creations, Corvina's aquatic-inspired ambiance sets the scene for a delectable meal.
Spa Palmera at the Boca Raton
501 East Camino Real, 561.288.9944 / website
Inspired by the grandeur of Spain’s Alhambra Palace, the Spa Palmera at The Boca Raton features 44 treatment rooms, elaborate mosaics, grand arches, waterfall whirlpools, a private spa pool and a lush courtyard with tranquil gardens. The wellness sanctuary spotlights mindful experiences like Reiki and its restorative Ayurvedic collection, as well as signature services like the Diamond facial and Swe-Thai massage.
Sanctuary Medical Aesthetics Center
4800 N. Federal Highway, Ste. C100, Boca Raton / website
Experienced in the latest and most effective, cutting-edge cosmetic procedures, Dr. Jason Pozner of Sanctuary Medical Aesthetics Center knows wellness when he sees it, though he may struggle to implement it himself at times. “Many physicians don’t lead balanced lives,” he says. “Many of us take things to heart and have a habit of putting the needs of others before ourselves.” Pozner does, however, place a premium on physical activity: “I’m able to offset the hours at the office with exercise. This is what keeps me sane. In particular, I have been a Peloton fanatic for over three years and I love Jess Sims’ bootcamps.”
Osprey Point Golf Course
12551 Glades Road, Boca Raton / website
If you prefer to sweat it out, we have just the course for you. Since opening in 2010, Osprey Golf Course has become a beloved spot for Florida’s golfing community. With 27 holes spread out in three separate nine-hole courses, the public course offers plenty of chances for a spectacular hole-in-one. Plus, the fairway features Platinum Paspalum turf, providing golfers with a crisp, strong surface that will impress as they approach tee time.
Altier Jewelers
701 S. Federal Highway, Boca Raton / website
Since 1960, Altier Jewelers has matched Floridians with pieces that embody elegance, beauty and grace. “Altier Jewelers offers a wide selection of jewelry and timepieces, as well as an on-site jeweler for custom jewelry and repair,” says President and CEO Cutler Altier. One of his current favorites? A timeless Patek Philippe wristwatch that will have wearers feeling like a million bucks. 701 S. Federal Highway, Boca Raton
The Boca Center
Mizner Park
327 Plaza Real Suite 315, Boca Raton / website
From back to school shopping to updating the house, Mizner Park has everything you could need to revamp your Palm Beach style. Sporting an impressive lineup of brands, shop from crowd favorites like Anna Zuckerman Luxury, Les Bijoux, Tommy Bahama, Bluemercury and more. And don’t forget to bring the kiddos to the Mizner Park Music Series every Friday night from now until October 21.
GourmetPhile
323 E. Palmetto Rd., Boca Raton / Website
GourmetPhile prides itself on offering highly curated, rare wine offerings. For every 50 bottles of wine tasted by the owners, only one is actually brought into the store. GourmetPhile brings the spirit of Europe into Boca and offers visitors the opportunity to attend weekly, intimate wine tastings with GourmetPhile’s expert sommelier.
Tap 41
5050 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton / website
Tap 42 is the ultimate happy hour spot. With indoor and outdoor seating available, its perfect for parties, large groups or fun for the whole family. On the menu? Think $6 beer, $7 spirits and cocktails, $8 wine and so much more. These killer sips and prices are available on Monday through Friday from 4pm-7pm and late night 10pm to close. We’ll cheers to that!
Crazy Uncle Mike’s
6450 N Federal Highway, Boca Raton / Website
This brewery, restaurant and music venue has a mission to leave guests smiling by the time they leave! Crazy Uncle Mike’s motto — brews, bites and beats — perfectly sums up a visit here! The brewery offers countless beers infused with local Florida flavors and fresh/seasonal ingredients go into the signature food offerings. Guests can enjoy entertainment almost every single day, including karaoke night, 90’s brunch & bingo and live performances!
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
1801 N. Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton / website
Marvel at the tropical fish aquariums and butterfly garden—best enjoyed during May and June—at this beacon of environmental conservation. Named for a local tree, Gumbo Limbo is an important research center. It hosts a sea turtle rehabilitation facility where guests can go the extra mile to protect Florida’s endangered species through the Adopt-a-Sea-Turtle Program. Elevated boardwalks and a viewing tower provide gorgeous vistas of the coastal terrain, and the kiddos can enjoy story time and crafts with the Little Wonders and Nature Detective program. 1801 N. Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton
3001 N. State Rd A-1-A, Boca Raton / website
Set up grills and checkered picnic blankets at one of the areas' largest parks. Between ocean swims and beach sunbathing, hikers and bikers can enjoy numerous nature trails and biking paths, or even a pick-up game of volleyball. An observation tower provides ample opportunity for birdwatching and a beautiful view of this coastal waterway. 3001 N. State Rd A-1-A, Boca Raton
Sugar Sand Park
300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton, website
This family-friendly haven—home to the Children’s Science Explorium Willow Theater, a field house, basketball courts and carousel—has something to keep the attention and capture the imagination of the whole family. Two nature trails lead visitors through both pine flatwoods and endangered subtropical scrub. A tri-level, hands-on science playground provides colorful interactive components to pique the interest of burgeoning scientists of any age. 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton
Photography by: By Rafael Figueroa