Palm Beach Post / TGIF

That Girl by Leslie Streeter

A couple of weeks' ago, my friend L invited me to Ladies Night at Falcon House in Delray and was shocked that I'd never been there before. Actually; so am I - it's within shouting distance of a couple of my favorite spots. Besides, the decor, as L pointed out, totally looks like somewhere I'd like to live: It's in a gorgeous old house, with plush red accents everywhere, from the door to the walls. And once you're settled in and enjoying the scenery; the sensory experience is completed in both deliciousness and cheapness -ladies drink free from 7 to 9 p.m. each Wednesday; and happy hour is every weekday during the same hours, with half-price drinks for all and food specials. Try the fries — they'll make you cry. Falcon House, where have you been all my life? . . .

— Leslie Gray Streeter, The Palm Beach Post, TGIF, Dec. 11, 2009

Atlantic Ave magazine

Friday Night at The Falcon House

Friday 5:15 p.m.
The Falcon House Happy Hour is in full swing. As they have for eight years, Tim Bauer and Ted Keer are entertaining friends and patrons from their post behind the bar — pouring cocktails and signature drinks. Catering to the whims of the office groups, singles, and couples on dates, the bar is hopping. The 5-7 pm crowd has spilled onto the patio bar to catch the latest game on the plasma while munching on Falcon Firsts – Four Cheese Spinach Dip and Classic Guacamole and “Soon to be Famous” Small Plates – Hawaiian Tuna Poke – tartar style, toasted macadamia nuts, sesame seeds and crispy taro chips, with chili-scallion soy; Beer battered Fried Shrimp with Mystic tartar sauce; and the Thai Peanut Glazed Chicken Satay of marinated and grilled chicken skewers with an Asian slaw. The young families dining with their children are savoring the Mac & Cheese – manchego, cheddar-jack, crispy cheese topping; Falcon Fries with BBQ ranch dipping sauce; and the “Off the Ave” Sliders.

Friday 8:15 p.m.
The upscale couples dressed to the nines are seated inside the one-story Mediterranean cottage enveloped by the refreshed décor, from the painting to the light fixtures and table lamps to wall art. The mellow sound of jazz plays in the background as the guests have wines by the bottle and experience an innovative menu created by Culinary Institute of America trained Executive Chef Adam Brown, including: “Steak Diane” A Falcon House Classic – black pepper seared filet mignon, seasonal vegetables, truffle whipped potatoes, with a brandy laced demi-glace; Scampi “Pappardelle” – shrimp sautéed with extra virgin olive oil, shaved garlic, zucchini and yellow squash ribbons, with diced tomatoes in a garlic white wine sauce; and the Sesame Seared Rare Tuna sliced thin and served over crab filled rice with sweet wasabi soy and scallions. “This casually elegant contemporary American restaurant and bar in downtown Delray Beach is an ideal setting for mingling and meeting, happy hour and dining,” said Norm Weinstein, Proprietor.

Friday 10:30 p.m.
The crowd and the music find energy. The girls-night-out groups are mingling with the single guys, as the bar lights up again. The dining guests are moving on to after dinner drinks and dessert throughout The Falcon House. General Manager Joe McCarthy says, “The Falcon House is Delray’s neighborhood restaurant and bar and remains the place for Late Nights.”

Friday 2 a.m.
“Thanks for stopping by, and we look forward to seeing you again soon at The Falcon House,” said Tim and Ted, Proprietors.

– Atlantic Ave Magazine, June 2009

Sun-Sentinel SHOWTIME

Dining: The Falcon House

*** (3 out of 4 stars)

First impression: The 8-year-old Falcon House, set inside a 1925 cottage, had a face-lift earlier this year. Along with new lighting, art, paint and a kitchen, there are now white linens on the tables. (It's almost elegant.) Thankfully, it held on to its bohemian, neighborhood vibe. Many classic menu items remain, but chef Mike Millan has also added his touches.

Ambience: Whether you sit at one of the 62 seats inside or in the larger outside area, there's a funky ambiance to the place that's a nice break from corporate-style restaurants. It can get loud inside when there's live music. Call ahead to find out what time it starts.

Starters: With a menu that includes sections called Falcon Firsts anid Small Plates, there's lots here to start your meal. Classic Guacamole ($8) is indeed classic, unadorned and served with yucca chips instead of traditional corn chips. A very good Hawaiian Tuna Poke ($I4) is the restaurant's version of tartare, mixed with toasted macadamia nuts and sesame seeds. You scoop it up with taro chips and dip into chili-scallion soy. Tuscan Vegetable Ragout ($l1, or $5 as a side dish) is an almost ratatouille-like mixture of zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant and red peppers piled on top of a red wine mushroom risotto cake. It's a perfect vegetarian dish.

Entree excellence: The Big Plates section of the menu includes seven entries: burger; skirt steak, pasta, scampi, tuna, ribs and a good rendition of classic Steak Diane ($27), served with truffle whipped potatoes. Daily Specials add more choices. On the night we dined at the Falcon House, some very meaty South Fried Chicken ($I5) was offered. Specials include wine pairings. I'd also recommend Off The Ave Sliders ($l1, add $2 for fries): three Black Angus beef sliders with crispy onions.

On the lighter side: Light eaters will do just fine with those Small Plates or entree salads.
Liquid assets: Great beer menu as well as a sensibly priced and not overwrought wine list.

Sweet!: The letdown in an otherwise good meal. Why were the churro bites ($6) spicy? Perhaps the odd chipotle whipped cream? Apple cobbler ($8) was far too gooey and sweet. Was this canned apple pie filling?

Service: Youthful, but efficient.

Insider tip: Drinks are half price 5-7 p.m. weekdays. This is a great place for drinks as well as dinner.

— John Tanasychuk, Sun-Sentinel SHOWTIME, June 5, 2009