A historic landmark and restaurant in the heart of Fort Lauderdale has reopened, and its unique atmosphere and location makes it a "must" for area food lovers.
Society 8 Hospitaly, which operates Park & Ocean, Sistrunk Marketplace & Food Hall, Shady Distillery, and Wild Thyme Oceanside Eatery located inside The Atlantic Hotel & Spa, is the group behind newly reimagined The House On The River located at 301 SW 3rd Ave. in Fort Lauderdale.
The property, which was rescued from financial hardship through bankruptcy in June 2022, offers a picturesque locale situated on the bank of the city's New River, embracing an Old Florida oasis amidst the growing downtown skyline.
“During the past year we have carefully restored the property, while preserving the historic integrity of the two houses, we’ve infused a whimsical take on dining and created a one-of-a kind oasis in Fort Lauderdale for friends and family to gather over food and fellowship,” Steven D’Apuzzo of Society 8 Hospitality tells News Break. “We look forward to offering our unique event and banquet areas that will become a part of guests’ memories for years to come.”
The House On The River consists of two homes built for brothers Tom and Reed Bryan in 1903. The city's Stranahan House, built in 1901, is the only other remaining building from that era.
The homes, which were built from hollow concrete block and Dade County Pine, have not only withstood the test of time, but also major storms and hurricanes. According to historian Stuart McIver, when the New River settlement was being incorporated as a city, it was Reed Bryan who proposed the name Fort Lauderdale to the City Council.
When Fort Lauderdale broke away from Dade and Palm Beach counties, it was Tom Bryan — a council member at the time — who traveled to Tallahassee to help determine the boundaries of the new “Broward County.”
In 1983, the houses were leased to Andy Gillette, who restored the structures and transformed them into a waterfront restaurant. The buildings have since operated under a variety of names and concepts, including the Historic Bryan Homes Restaurant, the Chart House, Reed’s River House Restaurant, the River House Restaurant, and now, The House On The River.
Now, under the direction of executive chef Aedian Reid, The House on The River menu offers diners a modern twist on classic dishes, who draws inspiration from his mother's nearby 2-acre farm that offers a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and more than 18 varieties of mangoes. Along with sourcing fresh-caught fish, many of Reid's dishes feature the farm's vast array of produce.
The menu highlights a range of fresh salads with add-on options, wood-fired land and sea dishes, and a list of signature house signature cocktails you won’t find anywhere else.
Small plates include "Herb Crusted Lamb Chops" (Mint Chimichurri, Smashed Potato), "Salmon Tartare" (Avocado, Red Onion, Lemon Oil, Mango, Wasabi Créme Fraiche, Yucca Chips) and "Burrata Caprese Toast" (Prosciutto, Cherry Tomatoes, Pesto, Balsamic Glaze, Grilled Bread).
Menu highlights include main plates such as "Pita Crusted Salmon" (Parmigiana, Arugula, Couscous, Dill, Yogurt, Cucumber), "Short Rib" (Braised Short Rib, Chianti Gravy, Orange Zest, Garlic Whipped Potato), and "Shrimp & Crab Squid Ink Tagliatelle" (Roasted Tomato, Garlic Cream Sauce).
The House On The River is currently open for brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., which include individual seatings, as well as seats at the oversized 'big table' where guests can join together for a communal experience.
The House on The River is open for dinner service from Tuesday through Sunday starting at 4 p.m. In addition, The House is home to café La Ville Rose, a French pastry shop and café, which is open for grab and go or seated service on Tuesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information visit thehouseontheriver.com.
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