Brandon’s Bistro in Pembroke Pines, Florida
Brandon’s Bistro is a notable dining establishment in Pembroke Pines, Florida, recognized for its modern twist on African American classic cuisine, particularly Southern and Caribbean-inspired dishes.
What Makes it Unique
- Culinary Focus: The restaurant sets itself apart by focusing on coastal Southern cooking deeply rooted in the African-American diaspora, drawing inspiration from places like Savannah, Jacksonville, and Gullah Geechee cuisine.
- 100% Scratch Kitchen: Brandon’s Bistro emphasizes quality by operating as a “100% scratch kitchen,” meaning all dishes are prepared fresh upon order without pre-prepared components.
- Ambiance and Vibe: The atmosphere is often described as warm, welcoming, and vibrant, with a neo-soul vibe, sometimes playing old-school R&B and hip-hop. The decor is simple but welcoming, and some visitors have noted a “New York vibe.”
- Black-Owned Business: It is a celebrated Black-owned restaurant that patrons appreciate for contributing to and celebrating local community and culinary heritage.
History
Brandon’s Bistro opened in Pembroke Pines as the second eatery by Starex Smith, also known as “The Hungry Black Man,” an influencer-turned-restaurateur. Smith partnered with former athletes, retired Super Bowl champion Kayvon Webster and former NBA player Brandon Knight, to open the establishment. Smith’s larger enterprise, Smith & Webster Hospitality Group, co-opened its first restaurant in Miami in May 2022. The restaurant aims to be more than just a dining spot, creating a “chef’s space” where patrons are comfortable and the food “speaks to the soul.”
Highlight Menu Items
The bistro offers brunch, lunch, and dinner with a variety of flavorful dishes. Highlighted items often praised by customers include:
- Shrimp & Grits: Creamy hominy grits paired with shrimp, often with a creole cream sauce.
- Fried Chicken & Waffles/Pancakes/French Toast: Featuring a 24-hour brined, Cajun fried chicken leg and thigh, served over a cornbread waffle, buttermilk pancakes, or French toast, and complemented with house-made maple butter syrup and marinated watermelon.
- Oxtail Philly: A unique take on the classic sandwich.
- Lamb Chops: Halal grilled lamb chops, often served with accompaniments like chimichurri.
- Fried Catfish & Grits: Fried catfish served with creamy hominy grits.
- Mac & Cheese: Specifically, the Skillet Gouda Mac and Cheese is a customer favorite.
- Crab Cake: Often described as one of the best by patrons.
Customer Feedback
Customer feedback is overwhelmingly positive, often using words like “spectacular,” “exceptional,” “delicious,” and “soulful sophistication.” Common praises include:
- Food Quality: Patrons highly commend the food’s flavor, freshness, generous portions, and the quality derived from the 100% scratch kitchen.
- Service & Atmosphere: The staff is frequently described as friendly, attentive, and the overall dining experience as memorable, enjoyable, and having a great “vibe.”
- Must-Try Dishes: The Shrimp and Grits, Mac & Cheese, and Catfish & Grits are routinely recommended.
A notable point of review is that a 20% service charge is automatically included in the bill, which the restaurant states is split between the establishment and the front-of-house staff, with additional gratuity for the server being optional.
Significant Events
While specific, recurring major annual events solely hosted by the bistro are not widely publicized in the search results, the restaurant’s opening and its mission to educate South Florida about Black cuisines have been significant community events. Its presence also contributes to local culinary events.
- Establishment: The founding by Starex Smith, Kayvon Webster, and Brandon Knight marked a significant entry into the South Florida dining scene.
- Community Focus: The restaurant’s effort to create a comfortable space and promote African-American culinary heritage has been a point of positive community attention.
Restaurant Information
