This thread will grow FAST and LONG for sure ...SNIP
We are staying at the Hilton near the airport ...SNIP
Oops, I guess we're DIVERS not DINERS. Fortunately, the airport is VERY close to everything in this town. Here are some more specific ideas about restaurants:
Old Heidelberg is up there someplace (
http://www.oldheidelbergdeli.com/); it's a VERY german restaurant, not expensive but the food is GREAT. Casual dining.
Las Olas is a great "walking street" and has "too many choices" (
http://www.lasolasboulevard.com/) but we like the food just about everywhere. Mango's is terrific (note that they don't advertise on the lasolasboulevard.com site), and for a REALLY excellent meal - a bit more expensive than your budget for sure - you can try the Riverside Hotel (
http://www.riversidehotel.com/) although you can choose the less expensive cafe (they have two restaurants).
River Front is just west of Las Olas and another great walking place. It(
http://www.riverfrontfl.com/) has a lot of great restaurants in your range and above. We found "acceptable" Mexican food there (I'm a SoCal Mexican food snob), and Dan Marino's are our picks.
Finally for real "Fort Lauderdale" dining & night life you can drive down to the beach to "Beach Place" on A1A just north of Las Olas but south of Sunrise Blvd. We like Max's and if you're after a great appetizer order the Bento Box at the bar.
You now have too many choices, I know. Do River Front and you won't be disappointed, but if you begin early you can do them all - they're all in the same general zone. In fact, not to complicate your trip, but the Water Taxi makes stops at each place!!!!