If You’re Hungry for Ribs, Go Whole Hog at Troy’s Bar-Be-Que

Housed in a humble red roadside shack along Federal Highway in Boynton Beach, it’s easy to miss Troy’s Bar-Be-Que, especially since it’s only open Thursdays through Saturdays. Moreover, the seating accommodations are a simple red picnic table and a handful of folding chairs lined up under the front patio.

It probably won’t impress you on first sight, but regulars attest that if you take one whiff of the ribs, sliced brisket, or chicken coming off the wood-fired smokers that Troy himself is watching, and you’ll know you’ve come to the right place! Yelp reviewers praise the pulled pork sandwich, tender slow-cooked ribs, sweet baked beans, and simmered collard greens.

Since seating is limited, most customers order takeout, but if you can, try to sit down under a nice shade tree and strike up a conversation with friendly strangers.

Troy’s Bar-Be-Que
1017 N. Federal Highway
Boynton Beach, FL 33435
(561) 740-1125
www.yelp.com/biz/troys-bar-be-que-boynton-beach

Get Wise to One of Boynton Beach’s Best Breakfasts at the Green Owl

The line that stretches outside of Boynton Beach's Green Owl on weekend mornings tells you all you need to know: this is one of the neighborhood’s favorite spots for breakfast and brunch! There’s nothing fancy about the space — it’s located in an unassuming strip mall, the dining room is a few simple tables and booths surrounding a counter, and the menu features straightforward diner fare, like eggs, bacon, hash browns, and pancakes.

So why is the Green Owl so popular? Many say it's due to the service. Regulars praise the staff at the Green Owl for their efficiency and enthusiasm. That commitment to service comes from the top, as you will notice when you spot owner Matthew McKnight working the kitchen and chatting with customers.

Insider tip: this place can get pretty busy for lunch, so to beat the crowds, stop by a bit later for lunch.

Green Owl
1889 W. Woolbright Road
Boynton Beach, FL 33426
(561) 733-0869
greenowlboynton.com

Bite Into Brick-Oven Pizza at Mamma Mia Italian Restaurant

It has been nearly 35 years since Mamma Mia Italian Restaurant first opened its doors, and during that time it has become synonymous with consistency, quality, and convenience. Tucked into a shopping plaza in between a deli and a cobbler, this family-owned Italian eatery in Boynton Beach is building its second generation of loyal customers. Mamma Mia has also made it a point to keep its kitchen staff largely unchanged over the years, and that continuity makes for a better and more reliable dining experience for everyone.

Pizza lovers embrace Mamma Mia for its array of New York-style, brick-oven-fired pizzas, in thin crust and Sicilian varieties. Specialty pizzas include the Four Seasons (ham, artichokes, mushroom, and pesto) and the Brooklyn Special (pepperoni, sausage, meatballs, bacon, peppers, and red onions). Aside from pizza, the menu features Italian-American fare classics like garlic rolls, chicken San Remo, and a decadent tiramisu.

Regulars say that the portions are generous, so be prepared to take home leftovers!

Mamma Mia Boynton
3841 West Woolbright Road
Boynton Beach, FL 33436
(561) 369-9670
mammamiaboyntonbeach.com/restaurant

Sweetwater: An All-Occasions Dining Destination in Boynton Beach

Whether you're looking for a gastropub-type atmosphere for after-work drinks and nibbles, or you're seeking a romantic date night destination, locals will likely point you in the direction of Sweetwater. In other words, this Boynton Beach restaurant is versatile and popular for many occasions. Regular diners say the hand-pulled mozzarella with heirloom tomatoes and olive tapenade is a must-try dish, and popular entrees include the skillet seared lamp chops and the kobe beef hot dogs topped with pineapple chutney.

The food at Sweetwater is good, but you should know that Sweetwater is best known for its extensive list of hand-crafted cocktails, which are expertly prepared by the bartenders. The drink list includes plenty of classics, but the real buzz centers on the bar's house originals, so look for something that sounds intriguing and take the plunge!

Sweetwater
1507 South Federal Highway
Boynton Beach, FL 33435
(561) 509-9277
www.facebook.com/sw1933
www.yelp.com/biz/sweetwater-boynton-beach

Get Your Brunch On at Dune Deck’s Mimosa Cafe

Enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired al fresco brunch any day of the week at Dune Deck’s Mimosa Cafe. Traditional American fare and classic Greek cuisine meld together harmoniously in this restaurant’s fresh take on breakfast and lunch dishes.

Heaping portions of eggs, potatoes, and fresh fruit promise to keep you satiated through lunch. For a hearty brunch meal, dig into the lobster eggs Benedict, a favorite of Yelp reviewers. In the mood for something a bit sweeter? Try out another regular favorite, the creme brulee French toast, made with fresh challah bread. No brunch would be complete without a cocktail menu including bloody Marys, bellinis, and, of course, mimosas. Dune Deck’s also serves lunch, with a full lunch menu of hot and cold sandwiches, salads, and entree dishes.

The restaurant is open 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Dune Deck’s Mimosa Cafe
10833 S. Jog Road
Boynton Beach, FL 33437
561-742-8005
www.ddmimosacafe.com
www.yelp.com/biz/dune-decks-mimosa-cafe-boynton-beach

Fresh Seafood Is Served With a View at Two Georges Waterfront Grille

Locals have been eating at Two Georges Waterfront Grille for more than 50 years, thanks in part to the eatery's reputation for serving fresh seafood. Two Georges's location doesn't hurt, either, as it's perched right on the intracoastal waterway, and regulars recommend requesting a table on the waterfront deck where you can enjoy the breeze as you watch the boats go by.

House specials include seared Ahi tuna rolled in toasted sesame seeds and served rare with wasabi and pickled ginger, as well as broiled sea scallops with a baked potato. Of course, as with any seafood restaurant located right on the water, it's always a good idea to pay close attention to the daily chef specials, which likely include the very freshest items. Landlubbers are advised to enjoy the barbecued baby back ribs, which arrive with coleslaw and pasta salad.

Two Georges Waterfront Grille
728 Casa Loma Boulevard
Boynton Beach, FL 33435
(561) 736-2717
twogeorgesrestaurant.com/boynton
www.yelp.com/biz/two-georges-waterfront-grille-boynton-beach-2

Start Your Day Right With a Visit to The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co.

Bagels are a traditional food, and you can't mess with tradition, right? Right. But you can improve on tradition, say the owners of Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. This bagel bakery combines an old-world artisanal bagel recipe with advanced water purification technology, which, in turn, gives this shop's boiled bagels their signature flavor. What does that mean for customers? Reliable, tasty bagels that are crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside!

Stop by on your way to work and pick up a dozen bagels and housemade cream cheese for the office. Try a whole wheat bagel with strawberry cream cheese, or sink your teeth into an onion bagel with jalapeno cream cheese. If you're looking for something a bit heartier, try one of the restaurant's signature sandwiches. Maybe tuna salad and American cheese on a toasted plain bagel will hit the spot!

The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co.
1790 North Congress Avenue
Boynton Beach, FL 33426
(561) 424-2272
brooklynwaterbagels.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-original-brooklyn-water-bagel-co-boynton-beach

Pho VN: Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine That Lives Up to the Hype

"Believe the hype," Yelp reviewers say of Pho VN in Boynton Beach. This cozy restaurant on North Congress Avenue provides an authentic Vietnamese food experience, serving dishes with quality fresh ingredients.

The family-owned eatery is known for its pho, a spicy Vietnamese soup chock-full of meat, veggies and noodles. Choose from a wide variety of proteins: seafood, pork, beef, chicken, and each with their own unique combination of flavors and spices. The flavors of veggies and spices stand out against the subtle but flavorful stock. Each soup comes with fresh basil, cilantro, jalapeno, bean sprouts, lime, hoisin sauce, and Sriracha for you to add to your liking. Not in the mood for pho? Try out a vermicelli dish, or grab some spring rolls with peanut sauce to go.

Pho VN is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays througjh Mondays. The portions for lunch and dinner are huge, regular patrons say, so come hungry.

Pho VN
334 N. Congress Avenue
Boynton Beach, FL 33426
561-509-0831
www.facebook.com/pages/Pho-VN/214772275344607
www.yelp.com/biz/pho-vn-boynton-beach

Peruvian Food Packs a Punch at La Granja

Your meeting ran late. You’re stuck in traffic. There’s no food at home. Whatever the reason, there’s no time to cook tonight. Let La Granja take care of dinner for you. This no-frills, fast-casual restaurant franchise has been serving homestyle Peruvian food to South Florida for 15 years, and regular diners say the eatery has it down to an art.

For a quick dinner of Peruvian food that packs a punch at an affordable price (dinner for one will cost you about $8), there’s no better place to go, Yelp reviewers say. Known for their Pervian-style rotisserie chicken, the restaurant uses a family recipe to season and marinade their meat dishes. Chicken isn’t the only meat on the menu: patrons can choose from seafood, pork, and beef, as well. Each dish comes with a side of rice, black beans, plantain chips, and several house sauces from the sauce bar.

La Granja
3240 Boynton Road West
Boynton Beach, FL 33426
561-734-9397
www.lagranjarestaurants.com
www.yelp.com/biz/la-granja-boynton-beach

The Backyard: Food, Beer, Games and Live Music in Boynton Beach

Sometimes you just don't feel like cooking dinner. On those nights, relax and head to The Backyard, where you'll find classic backyard ring toss and beanbag games, as well as live music, craft beers, and, of course, great food. You'll quickly see that this Boynton Beach restaurant is aptly named, because it feels like you're enjoying all the best parts of a backyard cookout!

Start by ordering a craft beer from The Backyard's well-curated list, and then begin your meal with an order of house-made spicy guacamole serve with both tortilla and plantain chips. Then move on to one of The Backyard's famous burgers, which are char-grilled and served on a toasted roll. Topped with cheese, lettuce, and tomato, this burger is simple yet utterly delicious in that special backyard cookout kind of way. If you're in the mood for snacks rather than a full meal, regulars say you can't go wrong with an order of wings. Choose from half a dozen different sauces ranging from fiery to sweet honey garlic, and be sure to order enough for everyone to get their fill.

Don't forget the live music! The Backyard is a great place to hear up and coming local bands play, so be sure to check the website for a current calendar of performances.

The Backyard
511 NE Fourth Street
Boynton Beach, FL 33435
(561) 740-0399
www.thebackyardboyntonbeach.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-backyard-boynton-beach-2

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