Boulevard Heights in Hollywood, FL, may not always make the headlines, but for locals in the know, it’s a neighborhood bursting with culinary discovery. From cozy, family-owned eateries to popular bakeries and vibrant food trucks, Boulevard Heights celebrates the diversity and authenticity that define South Florida’s food scene. Whether you’re craving Cuban pastelitos, a perfectly crusted pizza, or a late-night taco, this community invites you to taste a bit of everything—all without straying far from Pembroke Road or bustling North 56th Avenue. I’ve scoured the area for the most delicious spots, so grab your appetite and let’s dive into the neighborhood’s standouts and secrets.
International Flavor at Every Turn
*Boulevard Heights* does international flavor right. Start your journey along the eastern stretch of Pembroke Road, where Latin American cuisine especially shines.
- La Costa Oaxaqueña (at Pembroke Rd & N 56th Ave)
- *Cuisine:* Authentic Oaxacan and Mexican
- *Price:* $-$$
- *What to try:* Tlayudas, mole, tamales
- A warm, family-run spot beloved for its regional Mexican specialties. Locals can’t get enough of the deeply flavored mole and freshly made tortillas—plus, the agua frescas are a must, especially on a steamy Florida day.
- Las Carnitas Chidas
- *Cuisine:* Mexican
- *Price:* $
- *What to try:* Carnitas tacos, burritos, homemade salsas
- This unpretentious taqueria draws crowds for slow-cooked pork carnitas that are crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender. Expect friendly vibes and quick service for lunch or dinner on the go.
- El Rinconcito Latino
- *Cuisine:* Cuban
- *Price:* $
- *What to try:* Vaca Frita, medianoche sandwich, café con leche
- Known to regulars but overlooked by many, this Cuban joint delivers generously portioned comfort food—don’t leave without a pastry from the counter or a strong cup of Cuban coffee.
Pizza, Pasta, and Italian Comfort
Italian cuisine has a comfortable home in Boulevard Heights, thanks to time-tested pizzerias and neighborhood ristorantes.
- Capone’s Italian Pizzeria (along Johnson St & N 57th Ave)
- *Cuisine:* Italian, Pizza
- *Price:* $$
- *What to try:* New York-style pizza, calzones, garlic knots
- With a Prohibition-inspired theme, Capone’s serves pizzas piled high with quality toppings and cheesy, satisfying calzones. The family feel is unmistakable, with kids welcomed and locals returning for the friendly service.
- Sapore di Mare
- *Cuisine:* Italian, Seafood
- *Price:* $$-$$$
- *What to try:* Linguine alle vongole, brick-oven lasagna, tiramisu
- This slightly upscale spot is favored for its fresh seafood pastas and homemade desserts. It’s ideal for date night or family gatherings with a bit of elegance.
Casual Eats & Comfort Fare
If you’re craving diner classics or a great burger, Boulevard Heights has you covered.
- Parker’s Barbecue & Grill (N 56th Ave)
- *Cuisine:* American, BBQ
- *Price:* $-$$
- *What to try:* Smoked ribs, pulled pork sandwich, coleslaw
- Come for the welcoming small-town vibe and stay for genuine Southern BBQ—the slow-smoked ribs keep locals coming back year after year.
- Sunshine Diner
- *Cuisine:* American, Breakfast, Brunch
- *Price:* $
- *What to try:* Pancakes, omelets, fresh orange juice
- This retro spot is a breakfast mainstay with classic diner fare and bottomless coffee. It’s where you’ll find silver-haired regulars swapping stories and families fueling up before a day at the park.
Bakery Bliss & Sweet Treats
Boulevard Heights is home to a few treasured bakeries and dessert shops that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Boulevard Bakery
- *Cuisine:* Cuban, Pastries, Bakery
- *Price:* $
- *What to try:* Guava pastelitos, tres leches cake, cheese rolls
- Adored for its flaky, golden pastries, this bakery is the go-to for morning treats and celebration cakes. The window displays alone will get you through the door!
- Pao de Queijo Café
- *Cuisine:* Brazilian, Café
- *Price:* $
- *What to try:* Brazilian cheese bread, brigadeiros, espresso
- A tiny café bringing a bite of Brazil to the block. Their cheese bread is pillowy and irresistible, making it a popular snack (especially paired with rich Brazilian coffee).
Food Trucks & Hidden Local Legends
Some of Boulevard Heights’ best food comes on four wheels. The neighborhood’s food trucks gather near key intersections, offering quick, flavorful bites with plenty of personality.
- El Jefecito Food Truck (often parked near McArthur High School)
- *Cuisine:* Latin Fusion
- *Price:* $
- *What to try:* Chicharrón tostones, birria tacos, tropical fruit drinks
- Beloved for “late-night munchies,” this truck serves up platters that blend Dominican, Puerto Rican, and Mexican influences. The birria tacos are juicy and messy in the best possible way.
- Burger Bus
- *Cuisine:* American, Burgers
- *Price:* $
- *What to try:* Classic cheeseburger, crinkle-cut fries, milkshakes
- This retro-styled school bus serves what many claim are the best burgers in Boulevard Heights. Don’t skip the house-made sauce—it’s legendary.
Where Flavors (and Neighbors) Come Together
Boulevard Heights doesn’t do pretentious. The food scene here is all about comfort, authenticity, and community. Whether you’re grabbing pastelitos on your way to work or lingering over Italian with family, you’ll find that each spot—new or old, fancy or humble—welcomes you like a regular. Newcomers and old-timers alike can agree: in Boulevard Heights, good taste is always around the corner.
So next time your stomach starts to rumble, take a stroll along Pembroke Road, North 56th Avenue, or Johnson Street. The perfect meal is waiting for you—whether it’s from a cozy booth, a no-frills counter, or right off a food truck window!