If you’re seeking a taste of classic American comfort food with a side of nostalgia, look no further than Grampa’s Bakery & Restaurant in Dania Beach, Florida. Since 1957, this beloved local spot has been serving hearty meals and delectable baked goods that keep locals and visitors coming back for more.
Grampa’s Bakery & Restaurant started as a modest bakery and evolved into a full-service restaurant beloved by locals and visitors alike. It even caught the attention of Guy Fieri when it was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, where he praised their light and fluffy pancakes and fall-off-the-bone lamb shank.
Man, it’s been years since my last visit to Grampa’s Restaurant (formerly Grampa’s Deli & Cafe) in Dania Beach. Honestly? Back then, it didn’t do much for me.
Fast forward to now — the new owners of the now Grampa’s Cafe hit me up on Instagram and invited me over to check out what they’ve got cooking. I was in… as long as a patty melt was involved. (Priorities, people.)
Before we jump in, a quick backup plan was in place: Grampa’s is just a few hundred feet away from Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor, so if things went sideways, ice cream therapy was right around the corner.
Spoiler alert: No ice cream detour necessary. Let’s get into it.
Kicking Things Off Right
First move: Potato pancakes. Perfectly done — crispy edges, tender middle. That’s how you know things are about to go well.
And then came the heavy hitters:
- Pork Roll Breakfast Sandwich — I went with an everything bagel (they hand-roll their bagels here!) and it was freakin’ incredible. That bagel deserves a standing ovation.
- Patty Melt — you know me and patty melts. This one made my Best Patty Melts in South Florida list. No surprise there.
- Cheesesteak Sandwich — Grampa’s sneaks in garlic butter. Yeah, you heard that right. Garlic butter. It’s not just good; it’s “Where has this been all my life?” good.
And speaking of “where has this been all my life,” I wasn’t leaving without trying their Hot Dog Knish. One bite, and I was questioning every knish-less moment of my existence.
What Else You’ll Find at Grampa’s
If you’re not already drooling, here’s more you can get into:
- Hand-Rolled Bagels
- Nova Scotia Salmon Bagel Sandwich
- Pastrami and Corned Beef Sandwiches
- Old-School Breakfast Specials
- Fresh Baked Goods — including some killer rugelach and muffins
The new team at Grampa’s is doing a great job keeping the tradition alive while putting their spin on things — and I got to experience it firsthand. New ownership, new energy, killer food — and now they’re officially #burgerbeastapproved.
Go hungry. Leave happy. Maybe bring me back a hot dog knish while you’re at it.
Grampa’s – Quick Info
- Address: 17 SW 1st Street, Dania Beach, FL 33004
- Phone: (954) 923-2163
- Website: eatatgrampas.com
- Hours: Open every day from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM
