Pompano Beach Highlands may be one of Broward County’s quieter neighborhoods, but locals know it pulses with an off-the-beaten-path food scene that’s vibrant, diverse, and delicious. Whether you’re in search of homestyle comfort food, bold international flavors, or that perfect cup of coffee, this unassuming enclave near US-1 and Sample Road serves up unmissable eats. Follow along as we explore the standout restaurants, cozy cafés, bakeries, food truck haunts, and culinary secrets that make dining in the Highlands a true foodie adventure.
Where Latin Flavors Shine
No visit to Pompano Beach Highlands is complete without experiencing its Latin American culinary roots. Along NE 49th Street and around the NE 4th Avenue corridor, you’ll find a bounty of authentic spots that echo the neighborhood’s multicultural makeup.
- El Mago de las Fritas – For Cuban food lovers, this humble spot near NE 48th Street & NE 2nd Avenue is gold. Their famous frita burgers—seasoned beef topped with crispy potato sticks—are a South Florida staple. Don’t skip the café con leche or the guava pastries. Prices are friendly for both families and solo diners.
- La Criollita Bakery & Restaurant – On NE 49th Street, this bakery draws locals for its fresh empanadas, pastelitos, and Colombian coffee. They serve hearty arepas, ropa vieja, and a lunch menu that will fill you up without emptying your wallet. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch their daily lunch specials with homemade soups and rotating platters.
Comfort Food Classics & American Favorites
Some of the Highlands’ biggest surprises are classic diners and unpretentious restaurants dishing out amazing comfort food at fair prices.
- The Hen and The Hog – Tucked just off NE 48th Court and Dixie Highway, this Southern-inspired café is a breakfast-and-lunch treasure. Think stacked biscuit sandwiches, country-fried steak, and their much-beloved chicken and waffles. It’s bright, cheery, and always bustling on weekends.
- Highlands Café – A staple for locals, this neighborhood greasy spoon on Sample Road serves up hearty breakfasts, all-day omelets, and legendary pancakes. The vintage booths and counter stools are a throwback, and waitresses greet regulars like family.
International Eats: A Global Village of Tastes
Diversity is at the heart of the Highlands, and you’ll taste it at every intersection.
- Pho Lien Hoa – For a slurp-worthy bowl of Vietnamese pho, this no-frills eatery on North Federal Highway, just a few blocks from the neighborhood, is a revelation. From rich beef noodle soups to refreshing bún salads, the menu is spectacular and the prices can’t be beat.
- El Rinconcito Latino II – Specializing in Peruvian cuisine, this spot along NE 4th Ave is known for ceviche mixto, lomo saltado, and towering plates of arroz chaufa. Locals love the tangy house-made green sauce and friendly service.
- New Golden China – Near McNab Road and NE 18th Avenue, New Golden China is a go-to for Chinese takeout with a devoted fan base. Their General Tso’s chicken and crisp egg rolls are neighborhood classics, and portions are generous.
Sweet Stops & Bakeries
- Sweet Lava Bakery – Hiding on NE 48th Street, Sweet Lava is a Filipino bakery with a cult following. Their ube cheesecakes, ensaymadas (Filipino sweet buns), and leche flan are must-tries—get here early or order ahead, because locals snap up favorites fast.
- Pompano Pastry – This tiny Greek-owned bakery at NE 43rd Court turns out baklava, honey-soaked pastries, and the flakiest spanakopita in Broward County. Grab a strong Greek coffee to go and linger outside on a sunny day.
Food Trucks & Late-Night Bites
Pompano Beach Highlands has a thriving food truck culture—with trucks often parking along Dixie Highway or at weekend events in local parks.
- The Arepa Stop – This Venezuelan food truck is a Highlands legend, known for its hot arepas stuffed with shredded beef or reina pepiada (chicken-avocado salad). You’ll often find it parked near NE 50th St and Dixie Hwy on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Taqueria El Jefe – For authentic Mexican street tacos, this truck’s nightly lineup near the Marathon gas station at NE 49th Street is always buzzing. Tacos are $2 each—try the al pastor or carne asada. Loyal fans swear by the roasted jalapeños and aguas frescas.
Coffee Shops & Cozy Breakfast Nooks
In need of your daily caffeine kick or a relaxed spot to savor breakfast? The Highlands has you covered.
- Grind Coffee Project – Right on Sample Road, this modern café serves single-origin espresso, cold brews, and small-batch pastries. There’s a cool, artsy vibe and a rotating micro-roaster menu, making it a magnet for coffee enthusiasts and remote workers.
- Auntie Kelly’s Kitchen – Located on NE 48th Street, Auntie Kelly’s is a breakfast nook known for homestyle quiches, homemade muffins, and real southern grits. Regulars swear by the hash browns and friendly banter.
The Heart of Local Traditions
One of the Highlands’ culinary charms is its community-centered spirit. Seasonal food festivals—like the annual Highlands Block Party—feature samplings from dozens of local vendors, pop-up BBQs, and dessert trucks. Many restaurants rotate menus based on the owner’s family recipes or whatever’s fresh at neighborhood markets.
Want a real taste of Pompano Beach Highlands? Talk to the servers. Chances are, you’ll hear stories of family, tradition, and the kind of local pride that turns a simple meal into something special. And, as any foodie local will tell you: In the Highlands, the best meals are shared.
Final Bites: Exploring the Culinary Landscape
Next time you’re in Pompano Beach Highlands, ditch the chain restaurants and take a culinary stroll along NE 49th Street, Dixie Highway, or Sample Road. Each block mixes old Florida soul with Latin spice, immigrant ingenuity, and an unmistakable sense of belonging.
Whether you’re grabbing a midnight taco, waking up with a fresh pastelito, or discovering your new favorite café, you’ll find that Highlands’ food scene is as genuine as the people serving it.
Happy (and hungry) exploring!