Michael Holland - Updated on July 19th, 2024
This article focuses specifically on the top restaurants in Coral Springs on University Drive.
This popular destination offers many dining choices. However, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you using our unique SENTY75 system to identify the best.
SENTY75 analyzes recent customer reviews with feedback to provide a sentiment rating and piercing insights.
Let’s dive in, and you’ll quickly understand how it works.
What are the Top Restaurants on University Drive?
Here are 7 great restaurants on University Drive in Coral Springs. To keep things simple, I listed them in alphabetical order.
However, you’ll see the comparison between their lifetime Google rating and current sentiment score.
1. Big Bear Brewing Company
Craft Beer and Creative Cuisine - Where Quality Meets Comfort
~ Big Bear Brewing Co. ~
SENTY75 Current Sentiment Summary
If you’re on the hunt for a restaurant that nails the trifecta of delicious eats, fantastic brews, and a warm, inviting atmosphere, Big Bear Brewing Co. should be at the top of your list.
This eatery has been around since 1997 and has accumulated more than 1,800 lifetime Google reviews, with a 4.4 rating.
But did 75 recent customers agree with those of the past? According to our SENTY75 analysis, the answer is yes.
Big Bear earned a 4.3 current sentiment rating, confirming its consistency in delivering quality experiences. Here are the top 3 positive and negative sentiments diners revealed.
As you can see, customers are praising Big Bear Brewing Co. for its exceptional food, attentive service, and inviting atmosphere.
However, there are some areas for improvement. Issues such as inconsistent service, noisy bar areas, and occasional food quality problems were noted.
When we dug deeper into the reviews, several mentions of specific foods or dishes stood out. In particular, the Prime Rib French Dip and Burgers received a good number of shout-outs. And, interestingly, the Chicken Pot Pie wasn’t far behind.
"Food is awesome quality and great service. They even have an entire gluten-free menu. Drinks are great value, too."
Restaurant Profile:
- Type of Cuisine: Creative Americana featuring Burgers, Steaks, Pizzas, Sandwiches, Salads, etc.
- Menu Options: Dinner, Lunch, Brunch, Kids, Delivery, Pickup
- Ambiance: Casual but lively with big screen TVs, outdoor seating
- Average Prices: Pizzas ($20+), Seafood ($20+), Steaks and Prime Rib ($30+) Burgers ($20)
Location & Hours:
- Address: 1800 N University Dr, Coral Springs, FL 33071
- Phone: (954) 341-5545
- Hours of operation: Monday-Thursday from 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
- Website: bigbearbrewingco.com
2. Bonefish Grill
Discover Exceptional Seafood in a Warm, Inviting Atmosphere
~ Bonefish Grill ~
SENTY75 Current Sentiment Summary
For those seeking a seafood sanctuary that delivers on both quality and experience, Bonefish Grill is the perfect choice.
The first Bonefish Grill opened in St. Petersburg, Florida, in 2000, followed by the Coral Springs location in 2003. There are more than 150 locations nationwide.
The Coral Springs restaurant has scored over 2,000 Google reviews and an excellent 4.4 rating.
But as far as we’re concerned, it’s their SENTY75 rating that counts. And to that end, the restaurant proved consistent with a 4.3 current sentiment score.
Here are the top 3 likes and dislikes customers shared about their experience:
The positive sentiments showcase the restaurant’s strengths, like their mouthwatering dishes and attentive staff.
However, the negative sentiments highlight areas such as slow/poor service, overcooked food, and bad vibes where they need to focus on ensuring every guest has an unforgettable experience.
And if you want to know just how good the food is, we uncovered several raved-about dishes. At the top of the favorites list were the Bang Bang Shrimp and the Calamari. Steaks also made an appearance.
"Food was impeccable. Had the pecan crusted trout...wow! Long wait but to be expected as it's New Years Eve. Our server Brittany was a doll!"
Restaurant Profile:
- Type of Cuisine: Primarily Seafood, but offers assorted meat, chicken, and pork dishes
- Menu Options: Dinner, Brunch, Lunch, Kids, Delivery, Pickup
- Ambiance: Casual with an upscale vibe
- Average Prices: Seafood Entrees ($25), Filet Mignon ($30)
Location & Hours:
- Address: 1455 N University Dr, Coral Springs, FL 33071
- Phone: (954) 509-0405
- Hours of operation: Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Website: bonefishgrill.com
3. EL Colombiano
Authentic Colombian Flavors with a Homestyle Touch
~ EL Colombiano ~
SENTY75 Current Sentiment Summary
If you’re craving an authentic taste of Colombian cuisine and culture, add El Colombiano to your must-try list.
The restaurant opened in 2022 and has amassed over 900 lifetime Google reviews and achieved a stellar 4.6 rating.
But we were curious whether recent customers were as impressed. Well, with a SENTY75 rating of 4.5, the answer is a resounding yes.
Here’s what they liked and disliked about the restaurant:
El Colombiano is killing it with its tasty Colombian cuisine and fantastic service! Many happy diners couldn’t get enough of the delicious, authentic flavors and warm, welcoming vibes.
But there were a few bumps, too – some folks weren’t too thrilled with the service, portions, or prices on their visits.
Want to know which delicious dishes are boosting the sky high rating? I’ll share more in the full review. But just between you and me, try the Sancocho and Empanadas.
"We go to this restaurant many times and the service is always quick and the waiters are always friendly! The food is delicious... We'll keep coming back."
Restaurant Profile:
- Type of Cuisine: Colombian comfort food
- Menu Options: Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Kids, Full Bar, Delivery, Pickup
- Ambiance: Comfortable, Family-friendly
- Average Prices: Dinner Meals ($30), Breakfast Meals ($16)
Location & Hours:
- Address: 2049 N University Dr, Coral Springs, FL 33071 (Located in Coral Palm Plaza)
- Phone: (754) 529-8979
- Hours of operation: Monday-Sunday from 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Website: elcolombianocuisine.com/
4. EL Mariachi
Food, Family, Fun - Experience Mexican Dining at Its Finest
~ El Mariachi ~
SENTY75 Current Sentiment Summary
Craving an explosion of authentic Mexican and Cuban flavors? Look no further than El Mariachi.
The restaurant was established in 1993, and there are two Coral Springs locations.
This Mexican eatery has more than 1,300 lifetime Google reviews with a 4.4 rating.
Their SENTY75 current sentiment score is a near-matching 4.3, so this place has been doing things right for many years.
Here are the top positive and negative sentiments:
The reviews show that El Mariachi hits the mark with its delicious, authentic Mexican and Cuban flavors. The lively atmosphere with live music on weekends is a plus, creating a vibrant dining experience.
However, some guests felt let down by subpar service and inattentive servers.
Looking deeper, we found that Tacos, Burritos, and Lechon Asado (roast pork) received rave reviews among food items.
"The service and food are always great when we go. The salsa is fresh and delicious!"
Restaurant Profile:
- Type of Cuisine: Cuban-Mexican dishes
- Menu Options: Dinner, Lunch, Full Bar, Delivery, Pickup
- Ambiance: Comfortable, Family-friendly
- Average Prices: Mexican Entrees ($25), Cuban Entrees ($20), Seafood Entrees ($24)
Location & Hours:
- Address: 2153 N University Dr, Coral Springs, FL 33071 (Located in Coral Palm Plaza)
- Phone: (954) 688-7505
- Hours of operation: Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
- Website: elmariachimexican.com/
5. Embarcadero 41
Peruvian Fusion & Nikkei Cuisine - A Culinary Adventure Awaits
~ Embarcadero 41 ~
SENTY75 Current Sentiment Summary
Discover the vibrant flavors of Peru at Embarcadero 41! This Coral Springs gem combines traditional Peruvian dishes with a modern twist.
The restaurant opened in 2022 and has attracted more than 500 Google reviews, with an average rating of 4.7.
Would you be impressed if recent customers confirmed that rating as legit? They did. Their SENTY75 rating is an impressive 4.6.
Here is what customers liked and disliked about their experience:
On the positive side, the restaurant received high praise for its delicious food, attentive service, and clean environment.
On the negative side, there were a few complaints about small portions, long wait times, and rude behavior among staff. But as you can see, when comparing both tables, the negatives are miniscule.
Unsurprisingly, when we looked deeper into the reviews, the Ceviche and Sushi Rolls received the bulk of the raving shout-outs.
"Very very nice place. The service was excellent. Very nice people. I recommend coming here. Food is also amazing!"
Restaurant Profile:
- Type of Cuisine: Peruvian Fusion + Japanese Sushi
- Menu Options: Dinner, Lunch, Full Bar, Delivery, Pickup
- Ambiance: Warm and Modern
- Average Prices: Ceviche Bowls ($24), Sushi Rolls ($19)
Location & Hours:
- Address: 3111 N University Dr #113, Coral Springs, FL 33065
- Phone:(954) 688-6495
- Hours of operation: Monday-Thursday from 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m., and Sunday from 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Website: embarcadero41.us
6. First Watch
Start Your Day Right with Fresh, Flavorful Breakfast and Brunch
~ First Watch ~
SENTY75 Current Sentiment Summary
First Watch is making a name for itself as a stellar breakfast and brunch destination in Coral Springs.
It is a franchise chain based in Bradenton, Florida, with more than 500 locations in 29 states.
The Coral Springs restaurant cracked its doors open in 2020. Since then, it has attracted more than 1,100 Google reviews and a 4.3 rating.
The SENTY75 current sentiment rating is a matching 4.3. So, you can count on this breakfast joint to deliver a quality experience.
The reviews paint a pretty delightful picture overall! Customers rave about the delicious food, excellent service, and pleasant atmosphere.
That said, some guests did experience slower service or had to endure a lengthy wait, especially during peak brunch hours. A few folks felt the portions were on the smaller side and not worth the price point.
When we dug deeper into the reviews, the foods that received the most positive mentions include the Million Dollar Bacon, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, and Biscuits & Gravy.
"Went for Sunday brunch and the restaurant was able to accommodate a group of 8 in a reasonable amount of time (20 mins). We always get the Chikichanga; it never disappoints."
Restaurant Profile:
- Type of Cuisine: Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch dishes with healthy twists, like avocado toast, multigrain pancakes, and quinoa bowls.
- Menu Options: Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Pickup, Delivery
- Ambiance: Casual
- Average Prices: Meals & Sandwiches ($15)
Location & Hours:
- Address: 750 N University Dr Ste 126, Coral Springs, FL 33071
- Phone: 954-346-4690
- Hours of operation: Monday-Sunday from 7 a.m.-2.:30 p.m.
- Website: firstwatch.com/
7. 4 Rivers Smokehouse
Elevate Your BBQ Experience with 4 Rivers' Signature Flavors
~ 4 Rivers Smokehouse ~
SENTY75 Current Sentiment Summary
Looking for an authentic taste of smoky, saucy barbecue bliss? 4 Rivers Smokehouse has been tantalizing taste buds in Coral Springs since 2016.
This BBQ joint has amassed over 1,900 lifetime Google reviews with a 4.4 rating.
But is that rating legit?
Well, according to our SENTY75 analysis, the answer is, yes. Their SENTY rating is 4.2, which reflects a tiny drop, but nothing to worry about.
Here are some of the positive and negative sentiments shared by 75 recent customers.
Customers expressed their delight with the restaurant’s delicious food, excellent service, and tasty smoked meats.
On the negative side, several customers groused about the food’s too-salty taste, small portions, and dry meat.
When we pulled back the curtains further, we discovered that customers raved about the brisket, burnt ends, and ribs.
"Incredible food nice smokey flavors. The chef Jarred was very accommodating and makes different sauces during seasons. The front of the house was very hospitable. Darren and Amanda even offered samples just to make sure we were happy...Wonderful experience!"
Restaurant Profile:
- Type of Cuisine: BBQ
- Menu Options: Dinner, Lunch, Full Bar, Delivery, Pickup
- Ambiance: Casual, Family-friendly
- Average Prices: BBQ Platters ($18), BBQ Sandwiches ($10)
Location & Hours:
- Address: 2660 N University Dr, Coral Springs, FL 33065 (Located in The Walk at University)
- Phone: (844) 474-8377
- Hours of operation: Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday (Closed)
- Website: 4rsmokehouse.com
What is SENTY75?
SENTY™ is a rating system designed to gauge current consumer sentiment about a business, product, or service. Unlike Google and Yelp, which provide cumulative lifetime ratings, SENTY focuses on recent reviews.
It pulls and analyzes feedback from multiple platforms, excluding reviews without comments, to avoid outdated ratings and reduce manipulation. The number of reviews analyzed varies by business category frequency.
For Coral Springs restaurants, we use the 75 newest reviews, hence the name SENTY75. More or less active business categories might use SENTY100 or SENTY50.
Conclusion.
As you can see, there are a variety of top-rated restaurants in Coral Springs on University Drive that can appeal to different preferences and tastes.
Try them all and provide an honest review. You’ll be helping others understand how well the eateries deliver on their promises. Bon Appetit!
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