Bite the beaches

Wanted to start with a little background on Apt 9F, The building has had a long history of success. The restaurant current owners are (Carol Moran and Nancy Goldwin. A small, “unpretentious” cocktail/wine + small plates spot.

Before Apt 9F, that storefront was The Naked Grape Wine Bar.
The Naked Grape was in business for eight years. started around 2007– 2019. Pretty much the same type concept and had great success.

Carol Moran and Nancy Goldwin are longtime partners in both life and business, with a history in Wilton Manors that goes back decades. The two reportedly met more than 25 years ago while standing in line at a bank, and have since built several hospitality ventures together

Carol Moran, a native Floridian with a lifelong career in hospitality, opened her first bar in Wilton Manors called Kicks Sports Bar in 1999.

She later became widely known as the longtime owner of New Moon Bar, one of the best-known LGBTQ venues on Wilton Drive, which she ran for many years and helped establish as a staple of the local nightlife scene.

During this period Moran also became active in the LGBTQ community and philanthropy in South Florida, supporting organizations such as Broward House, the Trevor Project, and the Pride Center at Equality Park.

One of the more interesting things about Apt 9F is how they manage to produce a menu of small plates despite operating with what is essentially no traditional kitchen.

The space itself was never designed to support a full commercial kitchen, so the menu leans heavily into small-plate dishes that can be assembled rather than cooked in the traditional sense. Think charcuterie boards, cheeses, spreads, and simple tapas-style items that focus more on presentation and pairing than on complex preparation.

It’s a concept that fits the size and layout of the space. Instead of trying to force a full restaurant operation into a tiny footprint, the menu stays within the limits of what the location can realistically produce. The result is a food program that feels more like elevated bar snacks meant to complement cocktails and wine, rather than a full dinner destination.

The charcuterie and cheese boards are probably the most recognizable offering — a rotating selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, nuts, and spreads that pair well with wine or cocktails. It’s simple, but done in a way that encourages sharing and lingering at the table.

Another popular choice is the baked brie, typically served warm with fruit preserves and toasted bread or crostini. It’s one of those comfort-style small plates that works well in the cozy setting the space is going for.

The menu also leans into flatbreads and lighter tapas-style dishes, which are easy to produce in a compact prep space but still give guests something a little more substantial than bar snacks.

For brunch, some regulars gravitate toward the quiche and lighter breakfast plates, which fit the same theme of simple, approachable food designed more for socializing than formal dining.

One of the real highlights of Apt 9F is the outdoor seating along Wilton Drive. It’s the perfect place to sit back, enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail, and watch the energy of the Drive go by. On a nice evening, the patio really becomes part of the experience — relaxed, social, and exactly what Wilton Manors is known for.

You can also see the amount of hard work and personal attention that Carol and Nancy have put into creating the space. From the décor to the atmosphere, it feels intentional and welcoming — more like being invited into someone’s living room than walking into a typical bar or restaurant.

I could probably go on with a longer story, but what matters most is this: Carol is genuinely kind, the concept is unique for the Drive, and it’s clear that a lot of heart went into making Apt 9F what it is today.

Apt 9F is definitely a must-try on Wilton Drive, and once you visit, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular stop. Great job, ladies — I look forward to my next visit.