Fort Lauderdale’s vibrant nightlife scene offers an eclectic mix of bars, each with its own unique character and charm. From craft beer havens to sophisticated wine bars, and from rooftop lounges to intimate cocktail dens, the city’s drinking establishments cater to every taste and mood. This guide will help you discover the best spots for your perfect night out.
Whether you’re a local looking for new haunts or a visitor seeking the city’s finest watering holes, we’ve curated a list of Fort Lauderdale’s 11 must-visit bars. Each venue has been selected for its distinctive atmosphere, quality of drinks, service excellence, and overall experience. Let’s explore these outstanding establishments that make Fort Lauderdale’s bar scene truly special.
11 Best Bars in Fort Lauderdale, FL For Hangouts
Fort Lauderdale’s vibrant nightlife scene offers an eclectic mix of bars, each with its own unique character and charm. From craft beer havens to sophisticated wine bars, and from rooftop lounges to intimate cocktail dens, the city’s drinking establishments cater to every taste and mood. This guide will help you discover the best spots for your perfect night out.
Whether you’re a local looking for new haunts or a visitor seeking the city’s finest watering holes, we’ve curated a list of Fort Lauderdale’s 11 must-visit bars. Each venue has been selected for its distinctive atmosphere, quality of drinks, service excellence, and overall experience. Let’s explore these outstanding establishments that make Fort Lauderdale’s bar scene truly special.
1. The Laser Wolf
The Laser Wolf, located at 901 Progresso Drive, has earned its reputation as one of Fort Lauderdale’s premier craft beer destinations. With consistent 4.5+ star ratings across review platforms, this neighborhood bar offers an expertly curated selection of craft beers that changes regularly. The venue’s industrial-meets-casual vibe creates an inviting atmosphere for both beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers.
The bar maintains an active presence in the local craft beer community, regularly updating their tap list on social media to showcase new and interesting brews. Their compact but welcoming space features indoor and outdoor seating options, making it a versatile spot for both intimate conversations and small group gatherings.
2. Riverside Market Café
Located in historic Riverside Park at 608 SW 12th Avenue, Riverside Market Café has become a Fort Lauderdale institution. This converted convenience store offers over 550 different craft beers in their signature self-serve coolers, creating a unique “honor system” experience that regulars love. The casual, lived-in atmosphere feels like you’re drinking at a friend’s house rather than a bar.
With communal tables and regular community events, Riverside Market champions a neighborhood-friendly vibe. Their menu features pub fare that perfectly complements their extensive beer selection, and their proximity to the water makes it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists looking for an authentic Fort Lauderdale experience.
3. Tap 42 Fort Lauderdale Bar
Situated in downtown Fort Lauderdale at 1411 S Andrews Ave, Tap 42 has established itself as a cornerstone of the city’s craft beer scene. True to its name, the bar features 42 rotating draft lines showcasing both local Florida breweries and national craft favorites. Their modern industrial design creates an upscale yet comfortable atmosphere.
Their popular weekend brunch and daily happy hour specials draw consistent crowds, while their gastropub menu elevates the typical bar food experience. The spacious outdoor patio offers a perfect setting for South Florida’s pleasant evenings, making it a go-to spot for both casual drinks and special occasions.
4. Wine Watch Downtown Ft Lauderdale Bar
Located at 901 N Federal Highway, Wine Watch has built its reputation as Fort Lauderdale’s premier wine destination. With over 35 years of experience, this establishment offers an impressive collection of over 3,000 different wines, making it a paradise for wine enthusiasts. The intimate space combines a retail wine shop with a sophisticated tasting room.
The venue regularly hosts wine tastings and educational events, led by their knowledgeable staff. Their carefully curated wine list changes frequently, offering both rare vintages and affordable discoveries. Their temperature-controlled storage ensures each bottle is served at optimal conditions, demonstrating their commitment to wine excellence.
5. Lagniappe- High Rated Lauderdale Bar
Inspired by its New Orleans namesake, Lagniappe brings authentic southern charm to Fort Lauderdale. Located at 3425 NE 12th Terrace, this high-rated establishment combines the casual atmosphere of a wine house with the sophistication of a jazz bar. The venue’s standout feature is its extensive wine selection paired with artisanal cheese and charcuterie boards.
Their courtyard setting, adorned with string lights and casual seating, creates an enchanting atmosphere for evening drinks. Live music performances are a regular feature, typically featuring local jazz and blues artists, adding to the venue’s laid-back, sophisticated vibe.
6. The Poorhouse
Situated in downtown Fort Lauderdale at 110 SW 3rd Ave, The Poorhouse has been a staple of the local music scene for decades. This no-frills bar maintains its authentic rock ‘n’ roll spirit while serving up an impressive selection of craft beers. The historic building’s brick walls and worn wooden floors tell stories of countless memorable nights.
The venue is known for its live music performances, featuring local bands and up-and-coming artists across various genres. Despite its name, The Poorhouse offers rich experiences with reasonable prices, making it a favorite among locals seeking genuine Fort Lauderdale character.
7. Culture Room
Located at 3045 N Federal Highway, Culture Room has earned its place as one of Fort Lauderdale’s premier live music venues. This intimate concert space, with a capacity of approximately 600, offers the perfect balance between a large concert venue and a cozy bar. The sound system and lighting setup rival those of much larger venues.
The bar offers a solid selection of drinks at reasonable prices, but it’s the diverse lineup of musical acts that draws crowds. From rock and metal to indie and electronic music, Culture Room hosts both national touring acts and local talents, making it a vital part of South Florida’s music scene.
8. Blue Martini
Situated in The Galleria at 2432 E Sunrise Boulevard, Blue Martini combines upscale lounge atmosphere with vibrant nightlife energy. The venue is famous for its signature martini menu featuring over 40 variations. The sophisticated interior design, with its blue lighting accents and modern furnishings, creates an elegant setting for evening entertainment.
The venue features live entertainment nightly, from live bands to DJs, and their happy hour is consistently rated as one of the best in Fort Lauderdale. The outdoor patio provides a more relaxed atmosphere, while the indoor space transforms into a high-energy dance venue as the night progresses.
9. Stache Drinking Den
Located in downtown Fort Lauderdale at 109 SW 2nd Ave, Stache brings a sophisticated speakeasy vibe to the city’s nightlife. The two-story venue combines Victorian-era décor with modern mixology, creating an atmosphere that’s both elegant and approachable. Their craft cocktail menu features both classic recipes and innovative creations.
The upstairs area hosts regular live music performances, while the downstairs bar area provides a more intimate setting for conversation. Their mixologists are known for their attention to detail and knowledge of classic cocktails, making it a destination for serious cocktail enthusiasts.
10. Apothecary 330 Cocktail Bar
Hidden inside Pizza Craft at 330 Himmarshee Street, Apothecary 330 brings a true speakeasy experience to Fort Lauderdale. The bar’s interior features rich leather seating, vintage décor, and dim lighting, creating an intimate atmosphere that transports guests to the Prohibition era. Their extensive cocktail menu showcases both classic and innovative craft cocktails, each prepared with precise attention to detail.
The bar’s expert mixologists pride themselves on their knowledge of spirits and craftsmanship, often creating custom drinks based on customer preferences. With a strict capacity limit, the venue maintains an exclusive atmosphere while ensuring quality service. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.
11. Bar Rita
Perched above Federal Highway at 1401 S Andrews Ave, Bar Rita offers a fresh take on the Fort Lauderdale bar scene. This multi-level venue features a stunning rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city skyline. The colorful, modern Mexican-inspired décor creates a vibrant atmosphere perfect for both day and night drinking.
Known for its extensive tequila and mezcal selection, Bar Rita offers creative cocktails alongside Mexican-inspired cuisine. Their popular happy hour specials and weekend brunches draw consistent crowds, while the rooftop setting provides a perfect backdrop for sunset drinks and social gatherings. The venue’s unique combination of atmosphere, drinks, and views makes it a standout in Fort Lauderdale’s bar scene.
Our Final Words
Fort Lauderdale’s bars pack a serious punch – from Laser Wolf’s rotating craft taps to Apothecary 330’s moody speakeasy vibes. The city serves up everything from thumping live music at Culture Room to those stunning skyline views at Bar Rita.
Ready to dive into Fort Lauderdale’s bar scene? This guide should help you find your perfect hangout. Grab your friends and explore these spots – each one brings something special to the table. Trust us, you won’t regret checking them out!
