Jet Runway Cafe is Ft. Lauderdale's hidden gem.  It's located inside of the Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport and I'm guessing that most people haven't heard of this place.  They serve Breakfast and Lunch only on Monday - Saturday.  You don't need a private plane or have to go through security.  All you need to do is mapquest or google map it and you'll find it pretty easily.  I'm guessing that their business is highly catered to locals and those workers in the Cypress Creek area, but when we went for lunch on Saturday...they just finished a lunch rush.


(Jet Runway Cafe - Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport)

From the outside, the place doesn't look like much.  It actually looks like an airplane hanger.  As you walk up to the door...you can see the changes that let you know you are about to walk into someplace completely different from a hanger.  The building overlooks the airport and you can definitely see this as you get to the front door.  The windows on the front door mimic those found on an airplane.


(Jet Runway Cafe - Main entrance and airport tarmac just beyond the gate)

Once inside, you might be very surprised.  While serving only Breakfast and Lunch, it's quite stylish looking.  Windows make up the walls facing the airport and you can watch the action outside...or watch one of the LCD TV's to catch up on your news, weather, etc.  The place isn't that large but they do get lots of seats into the space.  It's a bright spot and the high ceilings and wood floors do make for some tricky acoustics.  When the place fills up, it can be kind of loud.  I found the 'look' of the place to be quite upscale...more so than I expected.  The restaurant was clean and maintained very well.


(Jet Runway Cafe - View from the front door)


(View of the back of the dining area...kitchen is on the other side of the wall)


(Typical view at Jet Runway Cafe)

The lunch menu was larger than expected.  Along with a few 'specials' (like Shrimp Po Boy, Steak Salad just to name a few) they had a few appetizers, a nice salad section, burgers, sandwiches and some 'entree' type selections.  I decided on the Blackened Mahi Mahi Sandwich and Jeff went for the French Dip.  Sandwiches are served with regular fries or sweet potato fries.  Mixed veggies are also an option for $1 extra.  Most of the burgers and sandwiches were $10.

The server was prompt and very friendly.  We were served our drinks right away and our food didn't take that long either.  I'd say about 15 minutes, during which time we got to look around at what others were ordering.  The burgers looked HUGE and the Chicken entree (believe it was a Chicken Santa Fe) looked and smelled amazing.

The presentation of the dishes is done with care and make the food look quite appetizing.  Fries are served in a 'cone' type of container and salads come in a unique bowl.  The square dishes were kind of large...but I liked the way it made the food look.


(Blackened Mahi Mahi Sandwich - Jet Runway Cafe)

When the Mahi Mahi was set in front of me...I saw that it didn't cover the bun so at first I was a little disappointed.  Upon further inspection, I noticed that the shape of the fillet made up for that.  At one end...the fillet was as least an inch thick!  It was topped with a dollop of guacamole and had fresh (and I mean fresh) lettuce and tomato with a pickle.  I took a bite and knew I made a great choice.  The blackening spice was more spicy than most...but the texture and freshness of the fish was amazing.  The guacamole cut the spice a bit along with the cool tomato.  The bun was soft and lightly toasted. This was one of the best pieces of fish I've had in a very long time.  The fries were fresh and hot...but had a 'coating'.  I'm not a huge fan of fries with a coating and the coating on these didn't really lend to any flavor...mostly crunch. 


(French Dip - Jet Runway Cafe)

Jeff's French Dip was HUGE.  The roll was fresh and soft and the meat inside was tasty and tender.  This wasn't your typical diner 'steak-um'.  The cheese was melted to perfection.  The  'au-jus' wasn't too salty and had a nice flavor.  Jeff ate every bite.

We both really enjoyed Jet Runway Cafe and found a new favorite lunch spot.  There are lots of menu items to choose from, so everyone in your party can find something they will like.  This is also a great spot for a business lunch or someone you want to impress.  One thing to note.....if you are going for lunch on Monday - Friday...get here early if you are on a time limit.  I hear that a line forms quite fast.



The total bill (not including tip) was $27.56 which I feel was well worth the quality and potions they dish.  The soft-drinks were kind of expensive at $3 each, but they offer unlimited refills and the server even gave us fresh refills 'to-go' at the end of our meal which was a nice touch.



Jet Runway Café location:
5540 NW 21st Terrace
Fort Lauderdale, FL

FTLToday Score: A (Loved it)