Millennials—typically defined as anyone born between 1981 and 1996—are our country’s largest age demographic, and their consumption patterns influence a lot of things we do, including the way we eat. According to the Pew Research Center, this bracket dines out often, gravitates toward fresh and healthy options, and cares about where their foods are sourced (and, yes, they’re the catalyst behind why menus list where your salad fixings were grown). So, where do local millennials head to dine, drink—and Instagram their experiences? We asked five locals under 40 to share their favorite hot spots.
Cristyle Egitto
Cristyle Egitto, 37, chronicles Palm Beach County’s burgeoning dining scene for her popular food blog, EatPalmBeach. She’s also a partner at Pumphouse Coffee Roasters and runs a hospitality consulting firm. In December 2020, she authored an illustrated guidebook, 111 Places in Palm Beach That You Must Not Miss, that highlights local businesses and points of interest around the county. In her spare time, the Palm Beach Gardens resident dabbles in cryptocurrency and works for her family’s commercial real estate company in Lake Park. Follow her on Instagram: @eatpalmbeach
Après Workout: Soul Rebel
A Michelin-starred chef curated the menu, which offers healthful fruit and veggie goodness like the Soul Bowl with a spinach base, farro, red cabbage, avocado, broccoli, peanuts, carrots, and a hardboiled egg topped with peanut-chili dressing.
Caffeine Fix: Cones and Coffee
The smell of waffle cones hits you the moment you open the door, followed by aromas of freshly brewed beans. The affogato is a must-try: It’s made by pouring espresso over a scoop of vanilla ice cream, bringing the concept of “cones and coffee” to life.
Pixel Perfect: The Parched Pig (at Coolinary)
Rich, leather seating, industrial fixtures, and artist Bulk Styles’ pig mural on the interior brick wall make Coolinary’s lounge area an Instagrammer’s dream. Equally camera-friendly are the bountiful charcuterie boards and craft cocktails garnished with citrus curls, dried fruit slices, rosemary sprigs, and sugared rims.
Notable Newcomer: The Butcher’s Club at PGA National
I was so happy to learn that Jeremy Ford of Top Chef fame and Miami’s Stubborn Seed made his way to Palm Beach Gardens. Beneath the ceiling of glistening chandeliers, dine on chef-driven selections like a smoked, dry-aged prime Delmonico featuring “Ford’s Four” sauces.
Sweet Escape: Alaina’s Café & Bake Shoppe
The cakes are always flavorful and skillfully decorated. For my daughter’s sixth birthday, they designed a beautiful and delicious Parisian-themed cake!
Monica Hill
Brazilian-born Monica Hill, 38, relocated to North Palm Beach from the Big Apple in 2016. Soon after, her sartorial blog, Glam by Moni, was damaged by malware. Instead of tossing in the towel, the former Wilhelmina model retooled the website and started publishing “authentic and engaging” content on social media. Today, she connects with her nearly 75,000 combined followers on Facebook and Instagram through daily videos and posts about fashion, beauty, and health. She also coaches other influencers on developing their Instagram strategies and collaborates with store chains and brands like Target and Bobbi Brown to create monetization opportunities. Follow her on Instagram: @iammonicahill
Best for Brunch: 1000 North
I love a Sunday Funday on The Terrace with upscale brunch selections like steak and eggs tartine with spicy avocado, feta, and chimichurri on whole grain toast.
Signature Sip: Hot & Bothered at Stage
This is one of my favorite cocktails. Mixed with tequila and lime, the agave and guava add sweetness without being overwhelming.
See and Be Seen: Waxin’s
The outdoor patio is great for gathering with friends or dining with a large group. And the inside bar is elegant and full of beautiful people!
Satisfying Staple: Duke’s Tacos & Margs
The J Town cheese steak meal and a house margarita is my go-to order here. Then I like to indulge in a sweet churro followed by a stroll along Main Street in Abacoa.
Cheat Meal: Meatballs at Lynora’s
This Polpette Della Casa appetizer is enough to share, but you definitely won’t want to.
Chelsea Paine
Chelsea Paine, 29, has a soft spot for small businesses. The daughter of the founder of both Perk Coffee House and Mood in Tequesta (her mom, Megan Woodard), she launched Influence Florida in 2019, a boutique-style marketing agency that offers social media marketing aimed at influencers and startups. Last year, Paine, who is also a certified yoga instructor, opened Village Yoga in Tequesta. In between yoga classes, client meetings, and networking events, the Jupiter resident finds time to blog on Instagram and take pictures of “anything cute and pretty.” Follow her on Instagram: @c_paineeee
Best View: Topside at the Beacon
The breezy, rooftop bar is a great place to grab drinks and take in a sunset.
Splurge-Worthy: Coolinary
Chef Tim Lipman helms one of the finest contemporary kitchens in South Florida. The stracciatella [a variety of gelato] is mouth-watering, and the apple cider cake is sooo good.
Locals Only: Tiki 52
There’s such an authentic Florida crowd here. I like relaxing with an ice-cold Corona and watching the boats sail by. They also have an amazing fish sandwich and live music
on Sundays.
Happy Hour: Josco Bar & Oven
Owners Julia Silver and Stephanie Flora did an amazing job of transforming this into a cool space with an industrial vibe. It’s my happy hour haunt, and there’s always something happening like live music on the patio.
Chill Spot: Perk Coffee House
I like to come here to work, meet friends, or tuck into a good book. Matcha with oat milk is my drink du jour, and the tuna sandwich is the best I’ve ever had.
Jenna Hubka
Jenna Hubka, 37, owned an event/wedding planning business in Ormond Beach for four years before settling down in Palm Beach County. In 2019, she launched her lifestyle blog, Random Housewife, using it as a platform to share her tips for “throwing great parties, cooking amazing meals, and being a great mama.” The bubbly brunette hopes the content, which also includes home hacks, fashion finds, and workout inspiration, galvanizes her followers to become their best selves. Hubka also enjoys playing golf and hosting gatherings at her home in Abacoa. Follow her on Instagram: @random_housewife
Neighborhood Hangout: Cactus Grille & Tequila Bar
The drinks are stellar at this new Tex-Mex eatery, and everything’s hyper-local. Try the Espresso Cactini Martini, which has an aromatic bubble that releases a fragrance of sweet espresso when popped.
Power Lunch: Lucky Shuck Oyster Bar & Taphouse
When I meet colleagues here, I like to eat at the bar because it’s super convenient. Otherwise, I prefer dining outside with the sand between my toes—amazing food and an incredible view.
Happy Place: PapiChulo
The bartenders will remember your drink order and make you feel part of the family. And I know when I go, I’ll likely run into a friend or neighbor sitting outside on one of the
colorful Adirondack chairs.
Top-Notch Italian: Evo Italian
The vibrant artwork and modern decor remind me of my favorite white-tablecloth restaurants in New York City. Chef Erik Pettersen is the best—the squid ink scampi with jumbo shrimp is what dreams are made of!
Impressing Guests: The Cooper
I come here when I want to treat guests to a true farm-to-table experience. An old-school chalkboard hangs by the kitchen listing out all the local farms they source their food from.
Elizabeth Legore
Vagabond Apparel owner Elizabeth LeGore, 38, knows what she likes. After 12 years in the retail industry, she opened her North Palm Beach boutique in 2014 and filled it with trendy, bohemian, and surf-inspired apparel and accessories. Five years later, she moved to bigger digs at Downtown Palm Beach Gardens. LeGore oversees every aspect of her business, including social media and store design, and works the sales floor to remain close to her customers. In her downtime, the Maryland-born entrepreneur loves traveling and works closely with local charities like Bella’s Angels, a Wellington-based nonprofit that offers financial and emotional support to families with disabled children. Follow her on Instagram: @elizabethlegore
Favorite Indulgence: The River House
When I feel like splurging, I order the chicken and waffles with bacon and warm syrup— it’s so worth it!
Special Occasion: Kitchen
When I have a reason to treat myself, I come to the Palm Beach Gardens location for the crispy eggplant, followed by charred filet of beef and coconut cake for dessert—it’s a slice of heaven!
Cool Atmosphere: Voodoo Bayou
If the vibe and drinks don’ transport you to the The Big Easy, then the fried green tomatoes topped with pimento spread and pork belly surely will.
Local Flavor: Leftovers Café
I come here for the relaxed, surfer vibe and stay for delicious staples like the fried tuna and basil roll and sweet potato-crusted grouper over a tropical salad.
Best Deal: Avocado Cantina
They have a really great happy hour: You can’t go wrong with half-off tacos and $5 house margaritas. I like sitting at the bar because the ambience is so fun and laid-back.
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