What a difference a half year can make to downtown Delray.
Back in July, I wrote about all the restaurants that were working behind the scenes in downtown Delray Beach planning to open this high season. If you’re a foodie or entertainment buff, today you’ll get an update on those, and more local tidbits as high season is now here.
Downtown Delray Beach New Restaurant Update
* Michelin-starred Chef Michael Mina is fast a work on his Bourbon Steak restaurant at The Seagate Hotel on Atlantic Avenue. Plan on it in early 2025.
* Amar Bistro moved and opened at 25 SE 6th Ave (Fed Hwy). It has a full bar, covered outdoor patio and additional seating. My wife and I’ve walked by several times and its been packed.
* Pura Vida Miami opened at 6 S. Ocean Blvd on the SW corner of The Ave and A1A. Pura Vida is a healthy-minded café serving natural, wholesome foods. Food is terrific and perfect food for their location. It’s next to the Delray Visitor Information Center:
* Lefkes Estiatorio opened 60 days ago in the Delray Beach Market. It’s the new “hot spot” for happy hour and refreshing vibes.
* Geronimo Tequila Bar & Southwest Grill, located in New Haven, CT, will open at 105 E Atlantic Ave – formerly Cabana El Rey – nothing new to report.
* The former Taverna Opa space at 270 E. Atlantic Ave. will open “Roka Hula,” a modern Asian Tiki Bar Restaurant. They’re hiring staff now and should be open after New Year.
* Gabriella’s Modern Italian in Atlantic Crossing is now advertising their VIP list. Opening is weeks away.
* True Vegan – while walking The Ave recently I heard someone yelling my name. It was Rahien, the former owner of The New Vegan that closed during Covid. Well, he’s hard at work to open this new venture next to Sazio’s and Tramonte. He has big plans up his sleeve and is shooting for a Springtime opening.
* Avalon Steakhouse is now Avalon Beach House. Yep, the menu changed and they’re now focusing on the millennial crowd.
* Table 165 is under construction in Pineapple Grove…
Behind the scenes there are too many developments, so I can’t share as they’re in late stage approval process with The City. Don’t worry, I finished my Citizens Academy 6-week program last month. I’m now more connected than ever to all City departments to gain access to the most current downtown Delray information available.
Speaking of which, there are good looking conceptual plans for downtown Delray on Atlantic Ave and NW 6th – 8th Ave’s. And if you haven’t driven down SE 3rd Ave parallel to the train tracks, there’s heavy equipment moving dirt behind fences, now. I’ll share more on these soon.
Downtown Delray is booming more than ever. And, I saw a wonderful statistic I believe you’ll find interesting: 96% of downtown Delray businesses are locally owned.
This is one more fact that helps keep our Village By the Sea more special than most other places. So, support our local business owners and help them thrive.
(Main Photo: Inside the new Sugar Factory Restaurant – Holiday Style)
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*** Community Greening Tree Giveaway is this Saturday, Dec 7th. If you’re a resident, head over there and get some trees
*** Last night was the 100 Ft. Christmas Tree Lighting and Yuletide Street Fair (this is the 31st year). Did you miss it? You have all month to enjoy the festivities
*** Thinking about what’s to come in our 2025 downtown Delray Beach real estate market? I share some thoughts in my latest essay
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*** South Florida Real Estate Inventory ***
Last week’s supply was 54,601
Today’s supply is 54,908
That’s a 308 unit increase in one week
*** December Inventory is UP 301 units ***
