(Hi-Life Cafe, Ft. Lauderdale)

I recently purchased a 'Living Social' discount for Hi-Life Cafe. (Living Social is a kind of 'Groupon' website).  It was a discount rate for $45 worth of food and drink at the restaurant.  I've always wanted to give this place a try to didn't think twice about the purchase.

Hi-Life Cafe has been around for years in the same location on US1 (Federal Highway) in Ft. Lauderdale.  Chef Carlos Fernandez was a contestant on Top Chef Season 2...which added to the popularity of this small restaurant.  (We did manage to see Chef Carlos in the restaurant during our meal...but he was only chatting with some friends...would have been nice to see him interact with the guests..but maybe he was the one actually doing the cooking)  Hi-Life is located in a strip mall just South of Oakland Park Blvd on US1.  It's kind of tucked away in the back...so you can really see it from the road.  Reservations are highly recommended on Friday and Saturday nights (especially during tourist season) since the restaurant is not that large.

Hi-Life Cafe is split into 2 rooms.  When you walk in the door...the main room consists of the bar and some tables.  There are large windows so if you mange to dine when the sun is up...it quite light.  The second room is a little more 'dark' and has all tables.


(Hi-Life Cafe Dining room..with other room in the back of picture)


(Hi-Life Cafe dining room with all the windows)


(Hi-Life Cafe dining room - another view showing the bar area)

We made our reservations for 6:30 PM and showed up on time.  The host was friendly and sat us right away.  It wasn't really that busy yet...so we had our pick of which room.  We opted for the room with the bar and sat by the window.  The vibe is very relaxing...but because of the size...I can see it getting a bit loud with a full house.  They had music playing...a very strange choice.  Frankie Vallie and the 4 Seasons and other songs from that time era.  It reminded me of being in a 1960's diner.  I would have liked something a bit more relaxing for the environment.

The host took our drink orders right away.  Diet Coke and Iced Tea (the usual).  The soda is from a can...which isn't too bad...at least it's not soda from a 'bar' (they only serve wine).  Our server greeted us with fresh sweet potato chips.  They were good..but inconstantly crisp.  Some were crisp...some were a bit chewy.  I actually liked them.  After explaining the specials and allowing us to look at the menu, the server returned with a bread basket and took our order.


(Hi-Life Cafe - sweet potato chips)


(Hi-Life Cafe - bread basket..fresh bread, but plain)

The menu isn't that large...but has something for most.  The prices range from $15 to $30 for the most part and some of the dishes have a 'large' and 'small' portion (2 price tiers).  We ordered the Cajun Kisses for our Appetizer.  It's made of fresh Jalepeno peppers that are stuffed with shrimp and cheese then wrapped in bacon.  They are grilled and served with some cool sour cream.  I was going to order the Chicken Fried Chicken...but instead went for the Merlot Roast Duckling.  Jeff chose the 10 oz. Angus Beef NY Strip Steak.

The Cajun Kisses came out and the portion consists of 4 peppers.  They were hot off the grill.  The bacon was crisp and had the perfect balance of smoke and salt.  The shrimp inside the pepper was done perfectly.  The pepper actually held together nicely so you actually got all the components in every bite.  They were quite spicy so be prepared.


(Hi-Life Cajun Kissed - LOVED THEM.  Might even try to copy them at home)

The entrees came out after maybe 20 minutes after we finished our Cajun Kisses.  The server had suggested that I order the Merlot Sauce for the duck 'on the side' so that the duck skin would be nice and crispy when it arrived (I think they've had many people complain about soggy roasted duck).  That was a GREAT suggestion.  The duck was served with wild rice and baby carrots. 


(Hi-Life Cafe - Roasted Ducking with Merlot sauce on the side)

The duck was tasty..but the skin could have had a little more of the fat rendered.  The duck meat was good and it was nice to have control over the Merlot sauce.  The sauce was strong and it did pair well with the duck.  The wild rice was...well wild rice.  Nothing too different here.  The carrots were really good.  They were in a strange 'round' shape though.  Still don't know how they got them like that.

Jeff's steak was served 'medium'.  You have your choice of 'sauce' for the steak and he chose a Green Peppercorn sauce.  The sides consisted of mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli. 


(Hi-Life Cafe - Angus 10 oz NY Strip Steak with Green Peppercorn sauce)

The steak was done perfectly.  It was nice and tender and had a great flavor.  The sauce was actually quite good as well.   If you are unsure if you'd like the sauce...order it on the side.  The broccoli was fresh and not overcooked.  The mashed potatoes were good...but I think they had a bit too much liquid in them.  The consistency was a bit 'off'.  The only issue Jeff was with his meal was that the potatoes and broccoli were 'warm' and not served hot.

Our server was quite nice and didn't neglect us.  He made us feel comfortable which is nice to see.  He tried his best to get us to order some dessert...but we were way too full for that.  Their desserts are all 'house made' and all sounded quite good.



The total came to $76.70  pre tip and pre Living Social $45 discount.  Overall...we enjoyed the meal but I kind of felt our choices were a little overpriced.  We would return..but would choose something on the lower end.  They also have a special that includes salad if you dine prior to 6:30 PM. 



Hi-Life Cafe location:
3000 North Federal Highway
 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

FTLToday Score: B