Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream
2422 N Federal Hwy., chillnicecream.com
OK, so there’s a whole science of why you use nitrogen with ice cream and honestly, you’re just going to have to trust us on this. Something about faster freezing, which means fewer ice crystals, which means – and this is the part we can confirm without a PhD – some of the smoothest, thickest ice cream you’ll ever eat.
Myapapaya Juicery + Kitchen
1040 Bayview Dr., myapapaya.com
Myapapaya doesn’t just do cold-pressed juices – their breakfast, lunch and dinner menus are lined with the sorts of dishes that remind you “healthy” doesn’t have to mean sacrificing taste. But the juices are a healthy, cleansing treat. They’ve got all sorts of flavors, but as the hometown-loving so-and-sos we are, we’ve got to recommend the SoFlo Sunrise – orange (of course), papaya, lime, carrot and turmeric.
Richie’s Gourmet Italian Ices
898 E Commercial Blvd., richiesgourmetitalianices.com
A local institution for a quarter century, this old-fashioned Italian ice stand is drive-through or walk-up only – but what it lacks in square feet, it makes up for in Italian icy goodness. People sometimes get the wrong idea about Italian ice, thinking it’s basically shaved ice with flavoring. The proper stuff is more like ice cream and similar in texture to sorbet – and if you’re still unconvinced, Richie’s will convert you. The place also does excellent coffees and snacks.
El Camino Mezcal and Tequila Bar
817 E Las Olas Blvd., elcaminoftlauderdale.com
Fort Lauderdale does not want for places that do a proper margarita. But this new contender on Las Olas has quickly made a name for itself as a top slinger of the signature beverage. In addition to their classic margarita, they’ve got a small menu that caters to all tastes. The smoked pineapple margarita also features mezcal, vanilla and cracked pepper while for the bold, the watermelon-jalapeno offers, well, you guessed it.
