When you picture the ultimate sports bar in South Florida, you’d expect it to cost more than a season ticket to the Dolphins. But Fort Lauderdale is that rare, special place where cheering on your team at some of our most incredible spots costs less than a round of craft beers in Miami. Park your expectations for the night (and ditch your friend who only orders wings), and head to these 12 venues for some amazing game-day grub.
Quarterdeck Restaurants
$$ | (954) 524-6163 | WEBSITE
While this Fort Lauderdale spot is known as a sports bar, they also serve one hell of a seafood dinner (and it includes some of the freshest grouper in town). Every weekend, the vibrant indoor/outdoor restaurant offers consistently good seafood dishes and great bar food. It’s reasonably priced, with most entrees around $25-$35, and features unique drinks like the watermelon margarita.
Come in for a casual meal and dig into fresh shrimp and seafood in a place full of comfortable patio seating, ample parking, and a welcoming atmosphere where the staff makes sure you feel satisfied.
Freddie’s Anchor Sports Grill
$ | (954) 462-7665 | WEBSITE
We always recommend Freddie’s Anchor Sports Grill to anyone looking for a casual, affordable sports bar where you don’t have to worry about dressing up. The welcoming dive bar has a gentleman in the kitchen who makes very good food, including red beans and rice with andouille sausage for about $12. You could always just enjoy their nice selection of beers on draft if you’re thirsty, but the food feels like one of the best deals in the neighborhood.
Plus, their second bar for extra quiet is right there and has plenty of space where you don’t feel crowded, with many pool tables and poker games (it’s just more relaxed).
Palm Room
$$ | (954) 991-1749 | WEBSITE
When you first walk into the Palm Room, you’ll notice that every cocktail has a unique presentation. Everything at this Fort Lauderdale lounge is that creative, but especially their diverse array of drinks and shots that feature playful twists (like drinks served in a croc shoe or with a plastic alligator). It’s all vibrant—bartenders use expert recommendations and top-notch skills that you won’t find at other sports bars.
We’re talking retro cocktails crafted with care, beautifully presented shots tailored to your preferences, and a Florida-inspired setting with televisions for watching games and a great variety of music.
Bokamper’s Sports Bar & Grill
$$ | (954) 900-5584 | WEBSITE
Bokamper’s Sports Bar & Grill feels like the ultimate sports fan’s paradise—fantastic food in an atmosphere that feels more like a friend’s game-day party than a typical bar—and it easily stands out as one of the best in Fort Lauderdale (and across the region). The $22 lobster Mac and cheese at this waterfront spot has all the elements of great bar food without the greasy heaviness.
The menu stays consistent, but you can expect dishes like the Big Daddy appetizer piled high with crispy goodness, a savory crab cake sandwich that’s packed with flavor, and chicken quesadillas that are perfectly grilled. The entire patio turns into a group hangout during football season, so even if you come alone, everybody around you (including servers like Stephanie) will feel like family by the end.
Primanti Brothers Pizza and Grill
$ | (954) 565-0605 | WEBSITE
It’s clutch that Primanti Brothers Pizza and Grill has a $12 large pizza deal. Because after scanning a lineup of unexpectedly great pies and sandwiches that perfectly balance floppy and crunchy crusts, you (and your appetite) will want it all. The deal gets you an all-the-meats pizza—pretty much a massive version of their signature pie—and your choice of sandwich, with both fresh and delicious.
Our picks in those categories are simple: the perfect-crust pizza with authentic taste and the oversized sandwich with friendly service. Remember it’s cash-only, so take the extra cash you saved with the affordable prices and put it towards something from the convenient spot near the beach.
Players Sports Bar & Grill
$$ | (954) 733-0990 | WEBSITE
If you plan on hitting Players Sports Bar & Grill, you either have to get there early for a good spot at the huge bar or show up ready to dance when the karaoke nights kick off. But it’s worth it, because it just might be the single most fun you’ll have at a sports bar in Broward County. The Ft. Lauderdale staple has a lunch special full of things like crispy cod sandwiches, fresh wings, and other bar classics that come straight from their clean kitchen.
It’s $7.99 a person, you get a solid meal with friendly service from staff like Sarina, Adrius, Mike, and Valmor, and if you stick around for the amazing sound system and free parking, the atmosphere will have as much energy in it as the dance floor on a Saturday night.
Blondies Sports Bar
$$ | (954) 559-0222 | WEBSITE
Blondies Sports Bar on the beach is consistently good for all things game-watching, drinks, and laid-back vibes, but it’s no slouch when it comes to the bar food menu. Their simple, satisfying offerings include highlights like the best burger on the beach, tasty bar bites, and delicious drinks served by friendly bartenders Rayne and Nella that will leave you perfectly content. Be sure to save room for another cold beverage with those ocean views.
Archie’s Bar
$ | (954) 561-4111 | WEBSITE
Archie’s Bar is a local hangout that’s perfect for pretty much any occasion, including having one of the most fun nights out in Fort Lauderdale. And whether you’re there with your dog for Thursday night live music or shooting pool with friends in the laid-back bar area, you should definitely try their $12 craft beers (a favorite among regulars). It’s a great place to bring a group to pass around darts, share laughs, and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.
Plus, Archie’s also has one of the better Thursday night scenes in the city (that’s when the live music really shines). So you can have a great time here with the bartenders and come back the next week for more pool, more drinks, and more good people.
Waxy’s Irish Pub
$$ | (954) 525-9299 | WEBSITE
Waxy’s Irish Pub has all the elements of a typical sports bar: big screens, cold beers, and more friendly chatter than a family reunion. But where the cozy Irish spot sets itself apart is with the standout Waxy Burger. From the tender meat to the fresh toppings, each bite is a satisfying mix of flavors that simply works. Grab a table when you want a fulfilling meal and authentic Guinness, all while comfortably watching soccer in jeans and a jersey.
Island Vibes Kava Bar Fort Lauderdale
$ | (954) 990-8438 | WEBSITE
Island Vibes Kava Bar Fort Lauderdale is a welcoming spot to unwind with friends over some of the best drinks around. For a casual visit, you can order a la carte, but the $12 all-day happy hour is the way to go (and requires no reservation). The menu spans from uplifting drinks like the strong and tasty Cacao tea to pleasant little treats such as vegan cookies or brownies.
While the vibe is decidedly chill, every drink is thoughtfully and expertly made, making it the perfect balance for a relaxed afternoon or Monday night with friends. Take our word for it—this is one kava bar that’s actually worth the renewal.
Hooters
$$ | (954) 320-6019 | WEBSITE
This sports bar has a few solid options: the smoked wings, which are a customer favorite, and the buffalo shrimp and cheesecake, which are highly recommended. The original wings and iced tea are also popular choices. The salads are always fresh and yummy. The atmosphere is lively and fun, with good banter between staff and guests. The staff, including servers and pick-up window girls, are friendly and sometimes even know regular customers by name.
Bartender Sammy provides excellent 5-star service at the outdoor bar, and the manager is noted for being kind and genuinely attentive. Don’t be surprised if you leave with a full stomach and a smile.
Casa Playa
$$ | (954) 376-5512 | WEBSITE
Casa Playa has been serving a vibrant Latin experience near the beach for years (or not so subtle, if you come on a night when the heaters are glowing). Everything from the bright outdoor tables and inviting atmosphere to the staff bringing out perfectly cooked Wagyu skirt steak is pure relaxation. And they have a three-course, $45 meal of spicy tuna tartar guacamole and tender chicken lomo that we’d happily return for any day of the week.
Park your group at a cozy table and wait for the procession of zesty empanadas, flavorful pollo saltado, and sweet passion fruit mousse to come your way.
