The Drive

the drive is now closed for now a new place is in the works and will reopen soon as something new and something different, i hope it last more than six months

The «drive» is Wilton Manors and The Drive is a nicely apportioned resto-​pub right smack in the middle. Caveat: It sounds like their kitchen is closed till next month (October 2014) but that doesn’t stop Andre from serving up some stiff cocktails — and when in a gay bar, well who doesn’t like a «stiffy»!!?
There’s more eye candy at Rosie’s down the lane but I was there late in the afternoon — I’m sure after dark (and after hours) this place really gets rocking — and when I get there — I’ll let you know! ;-)

Went once, wont be back! And we walk/​drive by multiple times a day. Hardly ever a soul in there! Over priced. The meth’d out bartender wasn’t appealing either! Hope the owner sells and someone who is proud to own a restaurant in wilton manors purchases! Until then we will continue right by and enjoy other fine establishments in town!

For the prices, food is good. Atmosphere is very calm, serene & comfortable. Will be back again. Staff is very pleasant.

If you are looking for a place to unwind, have a few drinks & people watch, then you’re in luck. The menu, though limited, is geared toward snacking and the guacamole is my favorite. The flatbreads are reasonable but not amazing. The sandwiches are nice and drinks are usually strong and tasty. Waitstaff are wonderful, attentive and eager. Hope this place survives.

I’ve been here twice for drinks and both times the bartender messed up my order (vodka soda with lime). Hmmm. Although the location is perfect and the curb appeal is somewhat inviting (somewhat) it really isn’t worth the frustration. With so may other options on the drive for a drink, I will opt to go somewhere that can get it right.

The food was meh… The atmosphere was meh… It’s trying to be the same as everyone else already is on the Wilton Drive, but not even close… The drinks were very week, you’re better off going to other bars around the area…

Last night my wife and a friend of us went to Wilton for the art walk and we found this place at the end of our tour. We decided to stop forma drink and grab a bite. Very nice
Looking place decorated with a modern vibe and classy they. This place is consider a piano bar and they hit it right on the money. We order the Burger slider with Kobe meat they were really good my wife was very please with it. Drinks are very reasonable price and atmosphere was great to have a conversation but at the same able to enjoy de music. Most likely would go back again

Had promise but fell flat. Menu is isn’t that exciting (or good) and it seems like a lot of the finishing touches were done cheaply. Ie Printing menus and specials on plain paper with faded ink.

Ate here with friends. The food is fine, but not mindblowing, or even especially good for that matter. Tuna was ok, I guess. What they do have going for them are the prices, and the vibe. Service was good.
Overall though, probably not coming back unless people’s experience shift quite rapidly.

First experience really bad. Second was horrific
I went to The Drive when it first opened. The service was horrible. I can’t say anything about the food because we, and almost everyone else there, left because no one could get waited on. We managed to get a drink but basically had to beg for it.
The second experience was down right frightening. The manager is a total psycho. He had a friend evicted by the police for absolutely NO REASON. We were sitting quietly having a beer with about 5 or 6 other poeple and about the same number of staff in the place. All of a sudden the police home in and my friend is evicted. Shock on eveyones face as to what we going on. The staff had a look of horror on their faces.
Beware, this place is frightening. Our wiatress was very nice and efficient. So that’s one nice thing I can say.

I came here on a Saturday night with a big party and I don’t know if I would be back.
One thing I liked about this bar was the ample space. There was plenty of room and the bar was very clean and funky. The bartender’s are super friendly and my drinks came out pretty strong. It’s a mediocre bar but nothing special about it sticks out for me. The service is good but it doesn’t have that Ft. Lauderdale spark. I’m sorry The Drive, I tried. But it just doesn’t do it for me.
Maybe you will have a different reaction. I’d say try it out for dinner or lunch, maybe it would have a better appeal.

This is a nice upscale place. Too bad when we came for a drink and a late night snack at 10:40pm the kitchen was closed. Hello this IS Wilton Manors a GAY destination. We live local but the kitchen sucks. Changed the menu and now doesnt serve food late. Guess they are looking for thevretired group who retired at 900pm. We ate somewhere else.

I know people that have been here as customers, worked there as employees and are his business neighbors.
The owner of this bar has no respect for his employees, his neighboring businesses or the gay community. His reputation has spread as a person who owes everyone money and runs a business that is inconsistent and unpredictable.
It is a pseudo upscale bar that only draws people in with cheap happy hour well drinks.
The bar is boring and unimpressive.
The employees are the best thing about this place, but they rotate like a revolving door due to the way the owner treats them.
His aggressive outbursts and bigotry are well-​known in the area.
Everyone says the same thing, this place will be closed in 6 months.
Nice décor and patio though.

My main review is the service that we received when we visited The Drive. Our server was attentive and food came out quickly and were tasty. I ordered the Kobe Sliders and it was delicious. The buns were sweet and the patty was well seasoned.
My only gripe would be that I would like to have seen more tapas as it was advertised.

Where are the tapas? A menu of flatbreads, wraps and sliders? Not impressed.
When you open across from Rosie’s, you had better either have a unique menu (tapas would be great) or amazing food and service. The Drive has none of those.
Management, check out an online menu of any tapas restaurant. Put some of those things on your menu. Hire professional waiters. Or stop calling yourself a tapas restaurant. Good luck.

I loved this place… check it out. we had a great time ask for Gregg he’ll rock your world

I was surprised the owners opened up a bar without two for one drinks… but never fear. that did not scare me away.
On my second visit after ordering my cocktail and food the server said he needed to hold on to my credit card! ??? Really… I think not…
good luck you’re doing to need it.

Great place to hang out having cocktails with friends outside in the beautiful weather.

Since it was Halloween night and I was being threatened by a lesbian vampire, it presented a difficult moment for me to make an accurate assessment of The Drive. Besides that, it has barely gotten its doors open for business, but what I did observe left me favorable impressed. It’s a really nice set up with its relaxing open air and covered patio, clean looking, well designed interior and good location. In all, a great addition to Wilton Manor.
The bartenders seem competent, handled the Halloween crowd well, and poured a decent drink.
Since they have barely gotten their doors open for business I can only say that they look OK to me, rate them Three Stars and come back later for a more detailed update.