There’s a new energy along Antique Row situated just south of downtown along Dixie Highway. This world-renowned district has a curious mix of high/low antique shops, vintage boutiques and home design stores, more than 40 at last count with more moving in. Shops are within walking distance, and all that shopping-spree can build up an appetite. Luckily, Antique Row Restaurants are among the best in West Palm Beach!
The unique high end/lower end mix continues with the areas’ eateries, with French bistros, funky converted diners, and coffee shops dotting the strip. If you arrive early, there are great breakfast options; late day shoppers can linger on for dinner. Here are a few of the most enticing eateries.
Some of the Best Antique Row Restaurants, Cafes, Diners and Bistros
Maison Carlos Restaurant – 3010 S. Dixie Hwy – 561-659-6524
Opened in 2002 by Carlos and Lanie Farias, Maison Carlos is a Continental restaurant with an emphasis on French and Italian cuisine. The food is rated as solidly good, the ambiance is comfortable, bright and airy. No newcomers, the Farias opened Maison Carlos in December 2002. After seven years on Clematis Street in downtown West Palm, the couple moved a couple miles south to the Antique Row El Cid neighborhood. They wanted a smaller restaurant with a neighborhood vibe. Maison Carlos proves the quality of the Antique Row Restaurants. The space isn’t large. Only eleven tables and it is open for dinner only.
The menu is heavy on French favorites with items such as “Three little pigs” – wild boar sausage wrapped in puff pastry, with cornichon, sauerkraut and grain mustard; “Snails in a pail” Roasted snails, garlic, shallots, white wine, Irish butter; and Soufflé de fromage, a classic Cheese soufflé.
Belle & Maxwells Café – 3700 S. Dixie #1 – 561-832-4449
Celebrating two decades in West Palm Beach, this award winning European-style café opened in 1995. It is not only one of the best among the Antique Row Restaurants, but in the entire Greater West Palm Beach.
Renowned for sourcing local produce and supporting area farms, this little powerhouse eatery looks like an elegant garden and features homemade desserts and unique gifts with a real zest for gourmet food. The Café serves teas from all around the world, wine and Belgium beer, cheese platters, a selection of flatbread with unusual toppings like roasted garlic and prosciutto. Pastas, chicken prepared four ways and fab deserts including chocolate croissant bread pudding make for a memorable meal. They provide catering and the quaint space is available for private parties.
Rhythm Café – 3800-A S. Dixie 561-833-3406
Among all Antique Row Restaurants, this is a humorous, serious fine dining in a converted 1950’s drugstore. The throwback café favorites includes duck breasts with blackberry cabernet sauce, and crabcakes with Cajun sauce. There are great appetizers and salads. A new Tapas-tizer Menu lets you taste lots of great eats in small plates, a newly conceived Fish Menu unhooks the catch of the day. The varied menu has a dineresque Greek touch as well as exotic Indian type spicy stews and Italian dishes too.
A wide selection of wines is available as well as ports and brews that are not just beer they are “Sassy Suds”. They have actual prom pictures on the website with hilarious gowns, up dos and retro tuxedos. If you don’t believe the food is good they tell you on the menu – the crepes are “delicate”, the stuffed Poblano pepper is “tasty”, the Venison chop is “lovely”. The lamb loin is “massaged with garlic” and then “laid near a date, fig and feta coucous salad”.
City Diner – 3400 South Dixie Highway – 561-659-6776
Classic vintage American diner filled with 30’s, 40’s and 50’s authentic antique memorabilia, with original soda jerk fountain and working Wurlitzer juke box, this place is a long time favorite. The food is a cut above average diner fare, with not just a burger but an Angus burger with gorgonzola, caramelized onions, and bacon.
The lineup of vintage license plates behind the counter add to the fun, funky vintage vibe.
Black and white checkerboard floors, red vinyl counter stools and lots of aluminum deck out the classic interior. A phone booth – remember those? – stands outside with Clark Kent/Superman inside.
West Palm Beach Antique Row is a charming district starting on 3711 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33405 with over 40 antique shops featuring 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th century antiques, fine and decorative arts.
A Tour Around the Best Restaurants, Cafes, Diners and Bistros on Antique Row in West Palm Beach, Florida. Where to Eat When Shopping at the Popular district
