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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in South Fort Lauderdale

Cool spots

Made for those who only dine at establishments that possess a distinct and recognizable personality.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery Ft. Lauderdale image 1
Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery Ft. Lauderdale image 2
Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery Ft. Lauderdale image 3
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Cocktail lounge offers an intimate space with a speakeasy vibe and chill, classy atmosphere. Music plays at a perfect volume, creating a vibrant, welcoming energy. Outside seating overlooks boats, adding to the cozy patio experience even on chilly nights.

Food comes with perfect drinks and delicious cocktails. Service supports the experience well, making the overall meal satisfying.

Dimly lit and intimate, the spot offers an underground speakeasy vibe with clever cocktails that match its effortlessly cool atmosphere.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are creative and perfectly balanced."

"I loved the cool speakeasy vibe with dim lighting and intimate atmosphere."

"The food here is amazing, especially the tempura chicken strips."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5-7pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating, especially during busy hours.

3

The bar features over 180 different kinds of rums from around the world.

02
Emily's Garden image 1
Restaurant

Outdoor garden space offers a cozy vintage atmosphere with live music enhancing a relaxed vibe. Several stations serve varied drinks and food, including artisanal beers and gelato. The setting suits pleasant, leisurely meals with options for families and groups.

Food features very good quality with a relaxed yet sophisticated style. Dishes pair well with great wine and come with attentive service.

A calm and quiet spot with a super cool courtyard and great outdoor vibes. Fans and shade keep the atmosphere comfortable and relaxed.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and super fresh."

"The outdoor seating here is so cute and inviting."

"The staff here are super friendly and helpful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for special events and busy weekends.

2

The yoga class is held every first Sunday of the month.

3

Wine tasting events occur regularly, featuring rotating selections.

03
Velvet Taco image 1
Taco restaurant

Industrial layout combines with hip, laid-back decor to create a comfortable space with plenty of seating inside and out. Atmosphere features chill vibes and good music, supporting a lively yet relaxed energy. Known for unique tacos and popular $5 frozen margaritas during happy hour.

Food here stands out for its amazing flavor and delicious quality. Many choose it for special occasions due to its highly recommended taste.

A laid-back vibe sets the tone with a fusion taco concept that stands out. Music and atmosphere add to the overall trendy feel.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best I ever had."

"I found the food here to be freaking delicious."

"The tacos here are bursting with flavor and really creative."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs late into the night with great drink specials.

2

Taco Tuesday features a weekly special taco at a discounted price.

3

The restaurant has limited parking, so arrive early or use rideshare.

04
Pummarola Fort Lauderdale "Pizza Napoletana" image 1

Open kitchen with visible pizza oven and pizza-making classes create an interactive dining experience. Atmosphere feels family-friendly and welcoming, with staff engaging guests warmly. Decor features red, white, and black colors and Fiat 500 themes, adding distinctive Italian charm.

Authentic Italian food stands out with amazing flavors and delicious dishes. The menu features Pizza Napoletana that consistently impresses.

Atmosphere feels laid back and trendy, with a vibe that suits casual hangouts. The environment comes across as Instagram-worthy and fun.

People are saying

"I learned so much making this amazing pizza."

"I found the food here to be fresh and delicious."

"The atmosphere here is cool, laid back, and trendy."

Good to know

1

On Mondays, the margherita pizzas cost $6.

2

Wednesday night pasta costs $6.

3

The pizza making classes are fun and great for celebrating children's birthdays.

05
El Tiesto Cafe Fort Lauderdale image 1
Latin American restaurant

Industrial-style space with neon accents and artwork blending Dominican and Japanese culture creates a beautifully decorated setting. Music by a live DJ features a variety of Latinx genres, turning the venue into a mini club atmosphere after dinner. The vibe is energetic and lively, with a strong focus on entertainment.

Dominican cuisine shines with amazing and delicious dishes. Service stands out as exceptional alongside a lively atmosphere.

Original decor and cool lighting create a unique vibe. The music and overall atmosphere add to the cool feel of the place.

People are saying

"The food and drinks here are super good."

"The dinner spots blend Dominican and Japanese flavors, like the La Chapi Roll."

"The vibe and atmosphere here are really cool."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 7pm with half-price drinks and appetizers.

2

On Wednesdays, enjoy 2-for-1 sushi specials.

3

Free shots are offered every hour during happy hour.

06
Elba Las Olas image 1
Restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant with modern elegant design and a massive central bar creates an electric atmosphere. Outdoor patio offers views of downtown skyline and hosts a DJ and live performances, adding energy to evenings. Space suits family dinners, friends, and business meetings with cozy yet original ambiance.

Food stands out for its exceptional quality and phenomenal taste. Service matches the food with quick and attentive delivery.

Music sets a grown and sexy vibe with soft electronic tunes. The indoor-outdoor bar adds to the cool, relaxed atmosphere away from crowds.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here are amazing; the pistachio pasta is so creamy and flavorful."

"The food here is delicious and presented so well."

"The vibe here is so cool, especially the indoor-outdoor bar."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $25 for valet service.

2

Happy hour offers $5 food and drinks every day.

3

Lady's night on Thursdays includes free drinks for women.

07
TIMBR Restaurant & Lounge image 1

Atrium with 90,000 flowers under glass pyramid creates a striking botanical setting. Upstairs lounge offers lively music, dancing space, and comfortable seating for after-dinner socializing. Atmosphere blends romantic decor with club-like energy, featuring bold floral textures and vibrant vibes.

Food here stands out for its delicious quality and is paired with excellent service. Drinks from the flower bar add a unique touch to the dining experience.

Three rooms create a very cool experience. Upstairs lounge offers a fantastic vibe with great music and a really cool look. Atmosphere feels trendy and welcoming.

People are saying

"The food here was amazing."

"It's a romantic, dreamy dinner spot with a high-vibe atmosphere."

"The atmosphere here is really cool and calm."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great drink specials from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

The upstairs lounge gets lively after 8pm, perfect for late-night gatherings.

3

A 20% service charge is automatically added to all bills.

08
Howl at the Moon Fort Lauderdale image 1

Piano bar with dueling pianos and nonstop live music creates a high-energy party atmosphere. Talented musicians engage the crowd with multi-instrumental performances and lively vocals. Space includes a decent dance floor and open patio seating, drawing a packed, energetic crowd.

Food features well-priced happy hour options and notably good wings. Overall, the menu offers incredible and amazing dishes.

Lively atmosphere and super cool venue make this spot stand out. It keeps a consistently cool vibe throughout.

People are saying

"This bar is a really fun place to have a great time."

"The food here was really good, especially the wings."

"The live music here is talented and nonstop, making it super cool."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times on weekends, especially around 7pm.

2

Happy hour runs from 6pm to 8pm with great drink specials.

3

No cover charge is required for entry at any time.

09
The House on the River image 1

Charming historic house offers cozy intimate setting with serene river views and indoor-outdoor seating including two patios. Atmosphere feels romantic and comfortable, enhanced by a live DJ and waterfront vibe. Visitors often enjoy the on-site bakery and private garden room for groups.

Amazing food pairs with a lovely location for meals here. The setting enhances the dining experience.

Every room has its own theme, creating a unique and historic vibe throughout. The staff are attentive and friendly, adding to the cool atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and freshly made."

"This place has an amazing, intimate atmosphere for dinner spots."

"I thought the individually designed rooms in the historic building were really cool."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for special events like Valentine's Day dinners.

2

The restaurant offers private dining rooms for events and celebrations.

3

Parking is available in a garage just a short walk from the restaurant.

10
Original Fat Cats image 1

Dive bar with punk rock decor and skateboard deck displays creates a lively, nostalgic vibe. Live cover bands and a DJ playing disco music fill the space with energetic, loud sounds. Regulars mix with a young crowd drawn by arcade games and a relaxed, open-front layout.

Bar food stands out with top-notch quality and pairs well with a wide selection of craft beers. Prices stay reasonable while the food consistently impresses.

Live bands play every night, creating a cool bar vibe. The crowd and staff stay chill and friendly, making it a consistently appealing spot.

People are saying

"The bar food, especially the cheesesteak eggrolls, is delicious."

"I loved the live music and great food here."

"I loved the live music and the cool bar vibe."

Good to know

1

They open super late at 4am for late night crowds.

2

Valid ID is required for entry; non-US IDs may not be accepted.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere with great people watching and a football crowd.

11
Askaneli Restaurant & Steakhouse image 1

Georgian restaurant with authentic music and a cozy, home-like atmosphere. Features an outdoor terrace with hookah and live music on weekends. Offers beautiful views of the river and marina from the outdoor seating areas.

Food here is unique, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The dishes consistently deliver excellent taste and quality.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful and thoughtfully prepared."

"The outdoor seating offers beautiful river views and nice breezes."

"The food here is delicious, especially the lamb dumplings and cheesy flatbread."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Wednesday night, adding a fun twist to the experience.

2

Themed evenings on Thursdays vary each week, offering different entertainment.

3

Live music is featured three times a week, including karaoke on Thursdays.

12
Tin Roof image 1
Live music bar

Live music fills a spacious venue with multiple bars, an outdoor patio, and a side room featuring a DJ. The atmosphere stays lively and fun, drawing a crowd that enjoys well-crafted cocktails and energetic performances. Plenty of TVs and a modern, clean design add to the engaging experience.

Food features a creative menu with great dishes that stand out. The menu offers a variety of options that complement the lively atmosphere.

Bartenders bring a cool vibe with fast, passionate service. Live music adds to the great atmosphere in this cool venue.

People are saying

"The bartender Tomas was a legend, crafting awesome drinks."

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"It's a cool spot with live music and good vibes."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Tuesday night with a two-drink minimum.

2

Happy hour features $3 beers and runs from 4-7pm on weekdays.

3

Live music is performed on Monday nights, featuring local artists.

13
Backyard image 1

Outdoor and indoor spaces blend with multiple levels and two bars, creating a spacious multi-level venue. DJs spin hip hop old school music that keeps energy lively, especially during day parties and brunches. Fans and tents help manage heat, supporting a vibrant, youthful crowd that enjoys dancing and socializing.

Unlimited food and mimosas flow all day long with a setup that handles high volume smoothly. The menu offers plenty of choices alongside great drinks and a lively music backdrop.

Unique venue offers a dope setup with cool art and a photo backdrop. Hosts big-name acts and serves amazing brunch.

People are saying

"The music and vibes at Brunch were so lively."

"The food here is plentiful and all-you-can-eat."

"The venue's art and photo backdrop are really cool."

Good to know

1

Backyard offers free bottomless mimosas until 1pm on Sundays.

2

Old School Saturdays feature R&B and hip hop music once a month.

3

Expect large crowds, especially on weekends and during events.

14
Beyond Brunch Sundays image 1
Brunch restaurant

Open outdoor space hosts a Backyard Style Gathering with lively DJs spinning R&B, hip-hop, and Afrobeat. Atmosphere blends brunch with a turn-up twist, creating a vibrant, energetic vibe filled with socializing and dancing. Indoor seating exists but energy centers outside where music and mingling thrive.

Food comes all day with the entry fee, served fresh and consistently on point. The vibe pairs well with hookahs lasting long, letting you relax or dance while enjoying your meal.

Beyond Brunch Sundays bring a cool vibe with good music. Drinks and service also feel cool and laid-back.

People are saying

"The brunch vibe here is a whole mood with DJs keeping it lively."

"The food here was really good."

"The music and vibes here are A1."

Good to know

1

Bottomless mimosas end at 1pm, so plan accordingly.

2

Parking costs $20 in the lot nearby.

3

Reservations require purchasing a bottle to guarantee a table.

15
The Wharf Fort Lauderdale image 1

Large riverside outdoor space combines open-air bars, live DJ music, and walk-up food windows. Atmosphere stays lively and fun, with loud music and dancing drawing crowds. Promenade features art installations and themed decor, creating a vibrant social scene.

Food comes from walk-up windows and food trucks, ordered via online menu scanning with delivery to tables. Options suit a late night crowd enjoying a riverside outdoor setting with bars and games.

A laid-back atmosphere sets the tone with a cool bar setup featuring unique decorations. The space feels trendy and chill, perfect for relaxing or hanging out with friends.

People are saying

"It's a cool spot to chill with friends and grab a drink."

"The food options here are amazing and creative."

"It's a cool, laid-back place to hang out with friends."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

The venue closes at 2am, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Reservations are required for special events like dog gatherings.

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South Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale

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