FORT LAUDERDALE. Rustic charm and waterfront views make this Lauderdale Marina seafood house a popular destination.

EAST FORT LAUDERDALE. A departure from the stereotypical seafood room, this restaurant's interior is cloaked in rich colors and classy dark woods. The menu changes frequently and emphasizes organic ingredients. Starters such as watermelon and French feta salad complement the raw bar, and main course offerings might include grilled pompano on wild arugula salad with passion fruit vinaigrette or tempura tuna with sweet rice, pickled cucumber and sesame chili sauce. The Goombay Smash (rum, banana liqueur, orange and pineapple juices), Frozen Oreo Mudslide (Kahlua, vanilla vodka, Bailey's, Oreos and cream), and Blackberry Mojito highlight the cocktail menu.

LAUDERDALE-BY-THE-SEA. This waterside restaurant offers Caribbean-inspired seafood dishes in a festive environment, with panoramic views of the Intercoastal Waterway from the elegant Art Deco dining room or from the breezy outdoor dock. Upscale dishes include baked prosciutto wrapped brie, shiitake mushroom crusted halibut with wilted Swiss chard, grilled salmon and crab stuffed portobello, or lump crab and corn roasted grouper. Desserts are extravagant. Try the Icky Sticky Caramel Tart with Chunky Monkey ice cream. Reservations requested.

PLANTATION. A Florida favorite, Bonefish combats the backwoods stigma of seafood restaurants with its hip environs. Its strong popularity also gives credence to a tasty menu. Fish (you choose from several varieties) is cooked over a wood-fired grill; the smoky flavor is accented with mango-, garlic-, teriyaki and butter-tinged sauces. Mussels, rock shrimp, calamari and lobster also make appearances, and pastas, chicken, steaks and pork round out the options. Waits can be common, so plan accordingly.

EAST FORT LAUDERDALE. Located in the Galleria, this revered place is a perpetual favorite with the expense-account crew. Although it's best known for its upscale dining, Capital Grille also sports a busy after-work scene, when city movers and shakers mill about the bar, finishing up business and entertaining clients. Martinis are a signature, and they're perfectly mixed and served. Great wines are also available, along with food service. Since the socializing doesn't go on incredibly late, it's possible to meet-and-greet and have time for a late dinner afterwards in the dining room.