Normally, I can answer that question in seconds.
I love eating out, especially when Im traveling.
But there I was, on vacation inWest Palm Beach, Florida, completely dumbfounded.
Credit:Gabriela Herman
This smorgasbord of options wasnt the cause of my confusion.
The Ark had a Biblical-themed buffet shaped likeyou guessed itNoahs ark, with an endless salad deck.
Some of those are still local favorites, but much has changed.
Credit:Gabriela Herman
By 2022, Palm Beach County was Floridas third most populous.
As more people headed south, so did restaurants.
Theres tremendous collaboration with joint popups, street parties, and other events.
Credit:Gabriela Herman
The rest of the country is starting to take notice too.
Clearly, I had a lot of eating to do.
So I set out to get reacquainted with my hometown.
Credit:Gabriela Herman
Here are my favorite new finds mixed in with some old favorites.
Dont miss the gooey Cowboy Cookies, which arrive warm and are big enough to share.
After successful pop-ups, they opened restaurants in New York and a West Palm Beach location in 2022.
Credit:Gabriela Herman
Baby back ribs are the thing to orderthey have been declared the best in town.
Tables fill up quickly for Conleys wood-wired pizzas and handmade pastas.
Just be sure to make a reservation.
Credit:Gabriela Herman
From aperitivo hour to bottomless Bellinis at brunch, drink specials are always on tap here, too.
A limited number of pizzas are made each night, and the restaurant is takeout only.
Phone orders are accepted Thursday through Saturday.
Chicken is the star here, although the restaurant offers several types of fried seafood,including scallopsand clams.
Open for lunch and dinner, it also offers drink specials for happy hour.
Don’t leave without a slice of tres leches cake.
Enjoy your meal outside in the small back patio.
The original concept for the place was globally inspired small plates, but the pandemic changed that plan.
Survival meant takeout, so we adapted our menu to include curries.
Thankfully, their chicken and waffles still remain.
Don’t miss the refreshing ginger lemonade.
(Dont miss the nearby Ann Norton Sculpture Garden, which is also a beautiful experience.)
Plates are artfully composed here too.
Grille makes smashburgers and sandwiches, and The District Bar mixes spirited cocktails.
Its a busy scene, but you could find peaceful moments too.
clematisstreet.org/west-palm-beach-green-market,101 S. Clematis St., West Palm Beach, FL
