Good Spirits Brings Good Vibes & Tasty Fare
Old School Hospitality opened its newest restaurant ‘Good Spirits’, located at the corner of Fifth Street and Federal Highway. Good Spirits Fifth and Fed is nestled in a new retail and entertainment complex in Victoria Park, just north of historic Las Olas Boulevard and east of the newly redeveloped area of Flagler Village. We dined at Good Spirits and truly enjoyed the cuisine, ambiance and libations
Good Spirits Fifth & Fed is the pièce de résistance of Old School Hospitality, whose leadership includes Victoria Park residents and co-founders Frank Zaffereand his wife Kimberly Zaffere. “This project has been a decade-long labor of love for us,” noted Old School Hospitality partner Zaffere. “Given the central location and culinary craftsmanship, we think Good Spirits will soon be a neighborhood staple.”
“Good Spirits Fifth and Fed harkens back to the mid-century era of the cocktail and the crooner – think Las Vegas in the 70s – a time in which glitz and glamour lived alongside effortless elegance,” declared Old School Hospitality co-founder Paul Flanigan. “Good Spirits brings tradition back to dining, but with a modern flare. Every dish and every cocktail served has been crafted to introduce yesterday’s lifestyle to today’s generation.”
Old School Hospitality incorporates these concepts into its modern, 21st century dining experience at Good Spirits. The décor is mid-century modern and is centered around a large fireplace flanked on one side by an extensive sushi bar and elevated raised wine cellar and a modern take on a 1960’s vintage lounge at the entrance of the restaurant on the other side. The music will range from The Commodores to Coldplay, creating an atmosphere enjoyed by older and younger generations alike.
“We have had great success with our restaurant Beach Bar over the years,” said Beach Bar @ Newport Pier in Sunny Isles Beach and Old School Hospitality partner Joe Zebrowski. “Patrons love the ambiance, dishes and craft cocktails we serve. Our hope is to build on that successful offering with our newest, innovative restaurant, Good Spirits. We are thrilled to open another great dining option within the Old School portfolio.”
Good Spirits embodies an upscale casual American restaurant serving a unique spin on traditional American fare, alongside the highest quality fresh sushi. Executive Chefs Chang ‘Sushi Mike’ Jin and Jonathan Jimenezlead the creative direction and culinary creations for Good Spirits. Chef Parsons is classically trained in the culinary arts and has spent the past two decades traveling the world to hone his craft.
We adored the Crispy Burrata that was Flash Fried for a change and coupled with Heirloom Tomato, Red Onion Relish, Basil Oil & Balsamic. One of the most satisfying Burrata we ever had!
Another delectable winner was the So-Flo Scallops – pan seared scallops, honey-lime mint slaw, avocado relish and sprouts. The scallops were cooked perfectly and melted in our mouths that swam in delight with the slaw.
Other signature dishes include the Blue Bird, a modern take on the mid-century classic chicken cordon bleu; the Maple Pig, a delectable appetizer made with maple-chili glazed pork belly, roasted sweet potato whip, cotija cheese, crispy sweets and pecans; The Patriot Burger, Sunshine Premium Beef, apple smoked bacon, Vermont cheddar, 954 sauce, lettuce, tomato, tobacco onions on a potato roll. The Firecracker Roll, spicy tuna, shrimp tempura, avocado, topped with tuna, masago, scallions, tempura flakes and drizzled spicy mayo and eel sauce.
We loved sitting outside in a comfy setting taking in the Laudie scene and adorable puppies trotting by. The service was on point and we are excited to try their vaunted brunch menu.
The cuisine is complimented by a wine cellar with more than 75 wine bottles from across the world. The bar and lounge area offers a full-service menu and is equipped to serve classic cocktails with a modern twist, select high quality wines, and a variety of craft beers. Patrons can enjoy their cocktails inside the restaurant or on the extensive dog-friendly patio.
About Old School Hospitality
Old School Hospitality, LLC, is a locally owned and operated restaurant group with locations in South Florida’s Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Restaurant brands that Old School Hospitality owns and operates include five Quarterdeck locations, Beach Bar @ Newport Pier, the Lobby Bar, as well as the newest brand, Good Spirits. The common thread uniting all of its restaurants is an unwavering focus on excellent food, superior service and genuine value. The Old School legacy began in 1966 with the opening of Big Daddy’s Bar and Liquor Store in Fort Lauderdale, purchased by Paul Flanigan in 1985. For the last 30 years, its success has been driven by old school values: great tasting food and beverages in a fun, neighborhood environment at a competitive price with personal service from all. Old School attributes its longevity to an entrepreneurial approach and strong local leadership that continually brings positive results for its restaurants, exceptional experience for its customers, and great opportunities for its employees.