GG’s Waterfront Grill is Hollywood Florida’s premier sunset restaurant. It offers casual elegance and locally sourced seafood. GG’s concept is affordable seafood and steaks served dockside, with a magnificent view of the daily sunsets. It was created by veteran restaurateurs Dan Serafini and Lise Ann Serafini. They have hit all of these marks, and more. GG’s is a must-dine experience for your next south Florida vacation.
The History of GG’s Waterfront Grill
Joe Sonken’s infamous Joe’s Waterfront Grill is located in the same building. Gold Coast Lounge . The restaurant became synonymous with those who enjoyed life. The dining room was the “event” of the night, with movie stars and mobsters mixing. One evening Audrey Meadow from the Honeymooners would sing to the crowd and the next Frank Sinatra might be kicked out because he caused a disturbance. The good guys lived large and the life was great. People started to notice. Jack Anderson’s 1957 expose portrayed Sonken in a sinister light. Sonken played cat-and-mouse with a series raids, special task forces, and operations over the next 30 year. Gold Coast remained in business and Sonken was never sent to prison. He died in 1990 from natural causes. Sonken, until the day of his death, “couldn’t explain why individuals of the hoodlum elements frequented his restaurant except that he had good food.” The patrons of this period enjoyed a fantastic meal and felt as if they were extras from a Godfather film.
The restaurant was in financial trouble after Sonken died and has changed hands several times. The Serafini’s purchased the restaurant in 2010 and started a modernization, while maintaining the charm and the favorite dishes from the past. The open-concept kitchen has fantastic views, and more Italian favorites that you would expect at “Waterfront Grill.”
The Waterfront Grill at GG’s
Arriving at GG’s around 7:00pm, we were able to enjoy a few drinks and a spectacular sunset. The restaurant offers valet parking for only $4, which is a lot cheaper than the pay lots in the area. We sat on the veranda outside and ordered a beef carpaccio starter, their special mule and a wine frozen (rose and vodka blend drink). The beef was tender and flavorful, and paired perfectly with the crisp mule. The night we were there, Mother Nature put on an amazing show. As the sun sank below the intercoastal, full puffy clouds with distant lighting popped. It’s not a true description of GG’s view. GG’s overlooks the Hollywood Lakes so we were able to enjoy the sunset on a large body of water. Our main course of scallop and Shrimp risotto, served with truffled mushrooms, crispy onions, and grilled asparagus, arrived just before dusk. The risotto had a rich, full flavor and the scallops and prawns popped right in our mouths. The asparagus and mushrooms were the perfect accompaniment to the risotto.
The Nightcap with a view
It was a delicious dessert. We would have regretted it if we hadn’t ordered their banana bread pudding. The combination of Valrhona Milk Chocolate, candied nuts, bananas, vanilla bean ice-cream and Flor de Cana Rum glaze was sublime. This sweet perfection was accompanied by a couple desert coffees. The Nutty Nightcap was made with Bailey’s, Frangelico and Kahlua. A Caribbean Knight was also chosen, which featured Botran Reserve Rum with Kahlua. We had a great time with the sunset, the savory and the sweets. Perfect romantic evening On GG’s waterfront.
Other information about GG’s
- Website: GG’s Waterfront Bar and Grill
- Location: 606 North Ocean Dr. Hollywood, FL. 33019
- Reservations suggested: 954-929-7030
- Hours: Monday – Thursday 11 am – 10 pm Friday – Saturday 11 am – 11 pm Sunday 11 am – 10 pm
Specials:
- Froze Fridays: $8 for all frozen foods on Friday
- Sunday Brunch on The Water – Seafood buffet with more than 40 choices and a complimentary bloody mary or mimosa.
- Stone Crab Season is October 15-May 15. Enjoy locally sourced stone Crabs cooked fresh every day and pre-cracked.
- Lunch Specials Starting at $10
- Happy Hour – from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm, enjoy specials on drinks and appetizers.