Fort Lauderdale’s sun-drenched veneer hides a paradox: a city famed for its sober boating culture now drowns in craft cocktails. Between bridge-and-tunnel crowds from Miami and retirees sipping cosmopolitans aboard their yachts, this is no longer just a town for light beers and early bedtimes.
Corner Lounge
$$ | (954) 319-7518 | WEBSITE
We can’t think of many better places to unwind than a hidden lounge, which is why you’ll regularly find us grabbing drinks at Corner Lounge. Formerly just another downtown spot, this intimate space still has that cozy neighborhood vibe (warm lighting, comfortable seating, and tasteful decor) except now the experience is better. All the Italian dishes are prepared fresh, plus they have a fantastic cocktail menu featuring creative mixes that’s guaranteed to elevate your evening.
Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar & Store
$$$ | (954) 527-8868 | WEBSITE
You probably don’t need us to tell you what Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar & Store is at this point. This one is right on the busy street in Fort Lauderdale, and is no different from all the rest – great quality cocktails and food for a not-outrageous price. The Ahi tuna tacos and jerk rub wings are particularly good, and the whole experience is even more enjoyable with the live music and people-watching. The whole situation is as laid-back and festive as it gets.
Rooftop @1WLO
$$$ | (954) 523-1956 | WEBSITE
Weekend evenings often go one of two ways: either settle for a mediocre chain bar, or make a regrettable decision to stay in. One of these nights, take yourself up to Rooftop @1WLO instead. The elevated spot in Fort Lauderdale has some of our favorite cocktails in the city, and sitting at the bar won’t make you feel awkward about enjoying the view solo. We like the creative drinks, well-balanced cocktails, and the most breathtaking sunset views in existence.
Terrace 555 Restaurant & Bar
$$ | (954) 772-5400 | WEBSITE
When it comes to finding a happy hour in Fort Lauderdale, it’s hard to beat the value. But for drinks and bites after work, you can almost always find us at Terrace 555. It’s more relaxed than some of the bustling downtown spots, and that’s exactly why we love it. Their crispy, savory broccoli cutlet bites are among our favorite snacks in town.
IL Mulino
$$ | (954) 524-1800 | WEBSITE
IL Mulino, a cozy Italian spot in Fort Lauderdale, is an ideal place for a relaxed dinner that doesn’t involve loud music or rushed service. They serve phenomenal Italian dishes, including things like chicken Alfredo, chicken Parmesan, and a slightly sweet garlic bread. Every meal comes with some version of their attentive and sweet staff, but we recommend grabbing an extra glass of wine to supplement your pasta and veal.
They’ve also got a family-friendly atmosphere, so you can spend less time worrying about the kids, and more time enjoying the delicious desserts.
Apothecary 330 – A Cocktail Bar
$$ | (954) 616-8028 | WEBSITE
There’s a decent chance you haven’t heard of Apothecary 330, and that’s because most of the people drinking there don’t want you to know about it. Why? Because this speakeasy spot serves tremendous craft cocktails like the Bellini, Old Fashioned, and lychee martini in a space just a block from the Broward Center that never gets too loud. Just don’t tell anyone we sent you.
Coconuts
$$ | (954) 525-2421 | WEBSITE
You can find Coconuts right by the water in Fort Lauderdale’s bustling beach area, but this surprisingly well-run restaurant has a spacious open-air covered patio ideal for actually enjoying the marina views during dinner. They have a variety of delicious options that usually include favorites like the lobster roll and jambalaya that go great with any of the cocktails.
Our favorites include the Scoobies – basically a seafood delight – and the Key Lime pie- and chowder-topped meal, which includes salted ham or bacon.
Moxies Fort Lauderdale Restaurant
$$ | (954) 666-6861 | WEBSITE
Moxies sits just off the bustling energy of Fort Lauderdale’s main drag, but their spacious patio – with its vibrant string lights and lively chatter – feels like its own little world. The name of the game here is cocktails – expertly crafted, balanced drinks and fresh, simple ingredients like citrus, herbs, and top-shelf spirits. It’s the same quality they’ve been pouring for years, and it’ll take exactly one sip for you to understand why they’re still a favorite today.
Don’t stray too far from the cocktails, but if you want to throw a few bites on the table, we recommend the perfectly crispy calamari or the brunch flatbreads.
Casa Calabria
$$$ | (954) 982-2191 | WEBSITE
Casa Calabria is one of our favorite Italian spots in Fort Lauderdale – not only because of their exceptional food, but also for having a laid-back, sexy space that’s great for a romantic dinner. The oceanfront balcony feels kind of like a Mediterranean escape, and with the warm welcome and easy parking, you won’t have any trouble finding a reason to linger. The gnocchi, with its imported 00 flour and amazing ingredients from Italy, definitely needs to hit the table.
Spinnaker After Dark
$$$$ | (954) 414-5100 | WEBSITE
Tucked away on the sixth floor of the Conrad hotel, Spinnaker After Dark is a spot you might easily overlook if you’re not looking up. And even if you do notice it, you probably wouldn’t guess that inside are some of the best ocean views in Fort Lauderdale. With everything from shrimp tacos to ahi tuna over avocado tempura to yakitori chicken, the menu certainly covers a lot of ground, but we haven’t tried a single bite that we wouldn’t order again.
Plus, with such a vibrant, adult-oriented atmosphere and games like cornhole and giant Jenga, it’s an ideal spot for after-work or weekend gatherings when everyone wants something fun.
Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery Ft. Lauderdale
$$ | (954) 336-2017 | WEBSITE
Your shift ended hours ago at the convention center, but now it’s midnight and you can’t think straight. Go even yourself out at Swizzle Rum Bar. The little speakeasy off Las Olas isn’t pouring the best cocktails in Fort Lauderdale, but sometimes you just need to sip something strong that doesn’t cost more than $15. There’s really no quiet here save except for a few cozy corners on slower nights, so plan to stand and drink as you make your way back to the hotel.
No Man’s Land Cocktail Parlor & Eatery
$$ | (954) 280-9919 | WEBSITE
On those evenings when you’re craving a proper cocktail in a moody setting, but don’t want the downtown hassle or the pretense, No Man’s Land is a fantastic option to know about. Everything here, from the No Man’s old fashioned to the French Toast Martini, is crafted with care and satisfies that cocktail craving (though they sadly don’t serve beer on tap). The baked oysters are plump and savory, while the steak tacos have a nice and flavorful char.
This is mostly a cozy, dimly lit parlor with a speakeasy vibe, but there’s a quiet, social atmosphere perfect for date nights if you’re looking for a romantic spot or you simply want to unwind after work with a $10 Old Fashioned on Friday.
Even Keel Las Olas
$$ | (754) 701-4895 | WEBSITE
Even Keel Las Olas is the latest addition to this cocktail bar restaurant’s growing seafood empire in Fort Lauderdale. As far as the menu goes, it’s similar to their reputation, which is to say, it’s filled with delicious, fresh plates like oysters or lobster rolls, double smashburgers, and mussels that all cost around $20.
They offer both indoor and outdoor seating, but if you’re particularly in the mood for something special, there’s an exceptional hands-on approach from the owners so you can relax and enjoy the warm atmosphere.
YOT Bar & Kitchen
$$ | (954) 953-9000 | WEBSITE
YOT Bar & Kitchen is a spot that specializes in, you guessed it, a lively waterfront dining experience. Their Chicken and Waffles is a generous stack of crispy chicken over golden-brown waffles that gets praised for its perfect batter. As per tradition, this all comes with a side of maple syrup and fresh berries, making it a perfect size for sharing with your friends during brunch. There’s also fantastic Jerk Chicken Wings served with a tangy dipping sauce and fresh celery sticks.
Expect to see people (OK, us) lingering by the outdoor seating with drinks in hand because the marina view is that good.
Harborwood Urban Kitchen
$$$ | (954) 353-1234 | WEBSITE
This Fort Lauderdale brunch destination is a local favorite where weekend mornings always stretch into afternoons simply because you can’t stop ordering. Harborwood’s appeal centers on the breakfast and brunch section of the menu, a thoughtful selection of dishes that highlights the kitchen’s modern, careful approach. The French toast and shrimp tacos both need to be tried. As a bonus, the clean, welcoming atmosphere assures a relaxed experience no matter the occasion.
