Tucked along SW Bayshore Blvd, South Florida Restaurant and Bar is the kind of spot you stumble into once and crave forever. The scent of slow braises and citrusy marinades greets you before the door even closes behind you.
With a 4.7 star reputation and plates piled high, this Haitian kitchen turns comfort classics into road trip rewards. Come hungry, because the griot and oxtails here are absolutely worth the miles.
Signature Griot Platter
You hear the crackle before the first bite, that perfect crisp on marinated pork shoulder fried to a deep, golden brown. Lively pikliz cuts through with scotch bonnet heat and vinegar tang, waking everything up.
A heap of fried plantains sits beside smoky diri kole, the kind of sides that make you forget about small talk.
This is the griot platter that people whisper about on the drive down Bayshore. Citrus, garlic, and thyme whisper back from every bite, bright yet soulful.
You will find yourself reaching for another piece before the last crunch fades.
Braised Oxtails Over Rice
Slow-braised oxtails arrive glistening, the gravy deep and glossy with allspice and thyme. The meat slides from the bone with a nudge, releasing broth that feels like home.
Spoon it over rice and watch the grains drink every drop.
There is balance here: savory richness, a little pepper warmth, and that herbal backbone that keeps you chasing the next bite. Carrots and onions melt into the sauce, adding sweetness without stealing the show.
You might plan to save some, but the plate says otherwise.
Staff will check in just as you are debating a second helping of gravy. Trust the nudge to add more.
If comfort had an address in Port St. Lucie, these oxtails would pin the map.
Pikliz House Style
The house pikliz snaps like a drumline, lighting up everything it touches. Shredded cabbage, carrots, and chiles soak in vinegar that sings with citrus.
One forkful wakes up griot, plantains, and even plain rice.
Heat is playful rather than punishing, building slowly until you notice the grin on your face. There is crunch, there is zing, and there is a clean finish that resets your palate.
You will start planning which bites deserve a little more.
They bottle it for the table so you can keep the rhythm steady. Ask for extra if you love a bright kick.
By the end, you will be wondering how to smuggle a jar home for tomorrow’s leftovers.
Fried Plantains Two Ways
This plate gives you both moods: savory tostones and caramel-sweet maduros. The tostones come hot and salted, perfect with a dab of pikliz or garlic mojo.
Maduros lean soft and jammy, edges browned just right.
You will keep alternating bites, chasing crunch with velvet. They are the kind of sides that disappear while you are telling a story.
Suddenly the basket is empty and you are plotting round two.
Pair them with griot for texture fireworks or let them tame the oxtail richness. Either way, they make the table feel complete.
When a server suggests plantains, say yes without hesitation.
Joumou Soup Comfort Bowl
Joumou lands at the table fragrant and golden, a squash broth layered with beef, pasta, and tender vegetables. It is hearty without feeling heavy, the kind of warmth that loosens your shoulders.
Each spoonful brings pepper, thyme, and little bursts of sweetness from carrot and cabbage.
If you need comfort, this is your north star. The broth clings just enough to the spoon, promising another sip.
Break a piece of bread, lean over the bowl, and let the steam do the talking.
Served hot and generous, it works as a meal or a prelude to the griot finale. You will leave feeling restored and ready.
In a city full of options, this bowl makes a loyal regular out of you.
Tassot Turkey Crispy Cut
Tassot turkey brings a different kind of crunch, lean and lively after a citrusy marinade. The fry is crisp but light, leaving room for lime to sparkle.
Each strip snaps clean, then gives way to juicy meat inside.
It pairs beautifully with rice and a spoon of beans, or stack it with plantains for a quick bite. Pikliz on top turns the dial to bright.
You will find it hard to save a piece for later.
Service recommends a squeeze of lime before the first bite, and they are right. The acidity wakes up the seasoning and keeps things moving.
For those who like bold flavor without the weight, this is your move.
House Rum Punch
The house rum punch tastes like vacation without leaving Port St. Lucie. Tropical juices mingle with rum in a balanced pour, never syrupy, always bright.
A dusting of nutmeg on top makes the aroma pop.
This is the sip that pairs with crispy griot and sunshine. Take it slow, let the ice melt a little, and feel the spices settle.
You will notice how the sweetness softens any lingering heat from pikliz.
Bar staff keep it friendly and fast, checking in with easy smiles. If you want it a notch tarter, they will tweak the citrus.
One glass turns into conversation, then laughter, then another round before you know it.
Weekend Breakfast Specials
Saturday mornings open early, and the kitchen leans into comfort. Think boiled plantains, eggs, sliced avocado, and bread ready for dipping.
Coffee arrives bold and smooth, the kind that wakes you without a jolt.
You will linger longer than planned as sunlight slides across the table. It feels like a neighborhood ritual where everyone is welcomed by name.
Portions are generous, prices friendly, and the room buzzes softly.
Bring friends, split a plate, then add another when you catch a whiff of something sizzling. There is no rush here, just steady warmth.
Start the weekend right and the rest of the day seems to fall in line.
Service, Hours, and Vibe
This spot runs like a friendly rhythm section, open daily with Saturday starting at 8 AM and closing at 10 PM. Call +1 772-446-0698 for quick questions or orders.
The vibe is casual and lively, perfect for families, date nights, or solo bites at the bar.
Music hums softly while plates land hot and timely. Staff watch the room, ready with refills and smart suggestions.
You will feel looked after without being rushed.
Parking is easy, the website lists specials, and the 4.7 star buzz makes perfect sense. Whether you are local or driving in, the welcome feels personal.
It is the kind of place you tell friends about before you finish dessert.
How To Find Us
Look for the cozy storefront tucked in a low-slung plaza just off PSL Boulevard, where palm fronds nod in the coastal breeze. A Haitian flag decal brightens the window, and the scent of frying plantains greets you in the parking lot.
If you pass the laundromat and the barber, you went ten seconds too far.
From I-95, take the Port St. Lucie Boulevard exit and head east until traffic eases, then slip right into the plaza. Weeknights are easiest for parking.
Weekends, come a little early, wave hello at the counter, and let the griot guide you in.