50 Best Cocktail Bars in Fort Lauderdale

“We started coming here recently and now we visit a few times a week. The Burata pie is my favorite followed by their pear pasta appetizer.“

“This fresh-scratch kitchen restaurant and bar is one of my favorites. Moxies features a menu chock-full of contemporary and healthy options with a great happy hour menu. It is a truly accessible venue worth visiting on world-famous Las Olas Blvd where you can dine and shop and be close by the Broward Courthouse and Fort Lauderdale's finest real estate and beaches. My family keeps asking to go here so we are frequent guests. My favorite Happy Hour appetizers are the Thai Chili Chicken, the Vegan Potstickers and the Guacamole. There's a half-a-dozen Florida brewery draft beers on the Happy Hour menu for $6 and a selection of wines for only $9.“

“Great place for a celebration!“

“Phenomenal atmosphere! We stopped at the first bar on the left and ended up staying here all night. bella was a fantastic bartender and made us feel at home. ( we’re from chicago ). Overall, it was a amazing place and beautiful scenery. Ill be back forsure!“

“For the Standard Crowd
Stop ordering Tito’s Sodas and Espresso Martinis. These are not Fort Lauderdale Airport bartenders. They are on another level. Explore new drinks and discover a world previously unbeknownst to you.

For the Cocktail-Savvy Crowd
Expect well-executed classics and a menu full of smash hits and acquired tastes — crafted by a legend and brought to life by up-and-coming cocktail superstars. Their Bounty Daiquiri and Probitas Daiquiri are both delicious. While the fast-paced environment does limit the level of detail and technique I personally enjoy, it’s understandable — they’ve got quotas to hit. It’s the standard big-city bar rhythm: efficient, energetic, and volume-driven.

For the Cocktail-Autistic (Like Me)
Their classics are phenomenal.
If I had feedback, it would be temperature control. Some drinks felt slightly too warm, likely due to missed chilling steps. I recommend chilling everything before building: spirits, mixers, glassware — even carbonated ingredients. There might be some technique improvements that could be made.

Also, consider investing in spear ice. Yes, it’s pricey, but it meaningfully improves the experience by reducing surface area and slowing dilution.

Another detail: avoid garnishing sour drinks with lime wheels directly on the surface of the cocktail. As they sit, they leach bitterness into the drink. Skip the lime wheel and save a bit on your happy hour daiquiris — lime prices are only going up. You’re welcome; I just improved your margins.

Lastly (and this may sound counterintuitive): your drink volumes might be too high. Many feel like they’re built with 3 oz of base spirit. The Negroni in particular feels like 5 oz total. I’d suggest slightly lowering the overall volume. It would:
-Allow guests to enjoy more drinks in one sitting
-Improve guest pacing and per-head spend
-Make pricing more approachable (e.g. from $17–20 to $15–18)

I know this means changing every glass and possibly reworking your build strategy, but the long-term payoff in margins and guest experience could be well worth it.

Train your staff (especially on slow days) on unreasonable hospitality.“

“Wonderful food and such excellent service! Definitely will be back! Loved the fritters and the poutine, sooo yummy!“

“I always go to Rocco's but this time their service was not that good. They brought my main courses before my appetizers , I cancelled one of the appetizers as it didn't make any sense anymore , drinks were late. Food is always good though“

“Wasn’t expecting to need a reservation on a rainy Sunday evening, but alas, even with multiple empty tables, we had to sit at the bar. The food was just OK honestly for the amount we spent it could’ve been a lot better. A bottle of champagne is three times a normal price. The oysters smelled fishy, but thankfully, they let me send them back and the other items that we tried were tasty.. our bartender Julia was fabulous. The presentation was a lot of fun. The atmosphere is hip and trendy, and the view is spectacular. Make a reservation. It requires a credit card, which is a bit much, it reminds me of a fine dining establishment in the middle of New York City but I guess they want people to show for their reservations and that’s one way to do it. I lost my credit card there…“

“Absolute Gem, AMAZING SERVICE, food was Outstanding. Great Entertainment Shawn the staff, well done!! We will definitely be back.“

“Great spot for events and live music! The staff is awesome and the vibe is always right. They also host some great stand up comedy nights.“

“Great people... good prices. Fun place.“

“wonderful cocktails and tapas!“

“great food and great place to watch Panthers Hockey“

“Great food, friendly service, and a beautiful atmosphere.“

“An awesome place where everybody knows your name. The prices are very affordable and the Drinks are ice cold. Not to forget some good old-school Bartenders like AM Dave on the weekends at 7am. Sherbear and Kelly in the afternoon. Trace and Tim at night will ensure your favorite sports are on one of the 8 TV's.“

“Came here for dinner with a large group for a very late dinner. They were about to close the kitchen and still accommodated us. It was very nice of them to allow us to dine and enjoy our time together after a long day of activities. There was a mix up with splitting the bill, but Muhammad, the manager, did an outstanding job of making everything right.

There was a few times I ordered to go from the bar, and Barbara, the bartender, was very genuine and kind. She was alone and was so good at multitasking, from taking phone orders to making conversation with me, to handling other patrons. She's such a hard worker.

During breakfast dine ins, the staff is attentive and kind. Pray, the manager, also did a wonderful job of checking in and asking how my dining experience was going. Overall, a good place to eat. Food is actually good for hotel food! I was pleasantly surprised.“

“The waitstaff were excellent and the views were very nice. I had the shrimp tacos that were actually quite good. I had a little difficult time finding the restaurant. It is on the 6th floor of the hotel requiring a room key that is easily obtained by the front desk staff. Overall I was very happy with my experience.“

“The food, cocktails and staff over the top wonderful! We highly recommend the great menu and the margaritas were delicious! The staff was so efficient, helpful and full of fun! Please give them try...you will not regret your decision!“

“Always a great time breakfast, brunch and dinner.“

“This rooftop bar is absolutely amazing! The views are breathtaking, offering the perfect backdrop for sunsets and city lights. The cocktails are creative and well-balanced, with something for every palate. The vibe is relaxed yet upscale, and the staff makes you feel welcome from the moment you walk in – a must-visit spot!“

“Reasonably priced food that tasted really good. The staff was very nice but aside from the man that handed us our menus, they were very, very slow. We had to get back to where we were parked by a specific time and ended up having to rush because we waited so long for our salads and then for our check after we were done eating. Really I want to do 3.5 stars but since I can't, I am doing 4.“

“Coconuts has consistently been my "Go-To" spot when guests are in town or a special occasion comes up. From the Drink Menu & Appetizers to Deserts and everything in between; they have always been spot on! Valet makes parking easy in the busy beach area, taking away the hassle of having to find a spot. The staff is always kind and courteous- I especially appreciate the mindfulness when I mention my food allergies. I'm confident I can order anything off the menu and not have to worry about an accidental contamination and reaction. If you go- don't leave without ordering the Scoobies and a slice of Key Lime pie!“

“On June 16, we went to Kaluz Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale to celebrate my mother’s 85th birthday. We are regulars at Kaluz to the point where we have the cell phone numbers of several employees. In a nutshell, Anthony, the manager, should not hold that position in a restaurant like Kaluz. My husband and Anthony exchanged words and Anthony’s solution to the issue was telling us, “You should not come back here. The owners do not want parties larger than five people.” My jaw dropped. I could not believe that a manager’s solution to an issue about seating us sooner, while we waited for two other people in our party, especially since my 85-year-old mother could not stand for long, was to tell us, on two separate occasions, that we should not come back. Anthony also put the entire blame on the owners of the restaurant. We go to Kaluz almost on a weekly basis, tip extremely well and have taken countless people there that have also ended up being regulars at Kaluz. No restaurant manager should EVER tell a customer, regular or not, to not come back regardless of the issue. Needless to say, we will not be going back to Kaluz as long as Anthony continues working“

“Amazing! Can’t wait to go back! Service is also top notch.“

“Was very impressed. My date and I had the cornbread , oyster rockefeller and the truffle deviled eggs, impressive intricate cajun menu“

“Day 5 Happy Hour at El Camino location in Boca Raton, FL was incredible. The place was buzzing, but the atmosphere was fantastic. We snagged a table pretty quickly despite the crowd. Our server, John, was top-notch. We started with a $6 margarita & a michelada, & the tamarind straw was a game-changer. The food was phenomenal - chips with salsa, pork tamale, chicharrones, & more. We were stuffed, but the flavors were perfection. What a steal!“

“Have been many times great space to relax and chill great music. Pizza is great…had a slight misshap last night but the manager was so wonderful and handled situation great!! Will continue to support and recommend“

“Sehr lecker und macht viel Spaß“

“What a great way to blow off some steam!!!! The atmosphere is great and the staff are wonderful to work with. The check in process is simple and fast so get ready for some fun times with colleagues or friends.“

“I come here on Sundays and the brunch menu is so good. This place has a great conch salad. There’s a live DJ who’s awesome too. 10/10 recommend coming here for lunch!“

“We stopped in for Taco Tuesday, hoping for a fun bite, but it was a bit of a mixed experience. The tacos were good, but the prices felt a bit steep for what you get. They’ve got a bar and both indoor and outdoor seating, which is nice. Unfortunately, the service wasn’t very welcoming; the person taking our order didn’t greet us or seem too interested in offering suggestions or talking in general. Overall, the food was solid, but the combination of high prices and lackluster service makes it unlikely I’ll return.“

“Great food, fun, and atmosphere. Excellent service don't miss a beat! 🩷“

“I’ve been going to the Bistro for many years and weather it’s a night in the barroom or having a delicious full course meal in the dining room 😎 Every time it’s been an Outstanding experience with Great service and the Most Delicious Food of many different kinds !!! 😁🫶 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🇺🇸“

“We were so impressed with the menu choices, how nice everyone was & how delicious our food was. They definitely take so much pride in the food the serve. We will definitely recommend this restaurant. Our server Raanan was the best! Thank you for treating us like family 😊“

“Great Atmosphere!

Rhythm & Vine in Fort Lauderdale has such an incredible vibe! The atmosphere is fun, laid-back, and perfect for a night out. Our bartender, Zachary, was awesome—his service was on point, and he really made our experience memorable. We absolutely loved the energy of this spot and looking forward to coming back.“

“Collin is an awesome bartender! Had a great time at this speakeasy in the middle of the afternoon. Super cool vibes and pizza was excellent“

“Awesome vibe, great drinks and service. Nice outside patio with Local food treats which are different every night. Also it's a Dog Friendly venue as well. I recommend to anyone. It's the New Hip Low Key Bar in Downtown Fort Lauderdale! A+++++“

“The two owners that work here are AMAZING. I love the atmosphere here and is a true hidden Gem in Las Olas. The hookahs here are brilliant and the menu items are perfect. Definitely recommend for a nice hang out spot and a bite to eat. If you're looking for a place to hang out that isn't overly crowded this is definitely the place for you! They have plenty of games to keep you entertained. Also if you're looking for a place for nice conversations this is the place for you too. A nice breath of fresh air from the craziness of downtown. The music is not overwhelming and tasteful. Stop in and Grab a drink, I promise you will not regret it.Indoor and outdoor seating is a plus“

“I had an amazing experience at the Palm Room Trisch, and a huge part of that was thanks to the incredible bartender working the night I visited. From the moment I sat down, they made me feel welcome with a warm smile, great conversation, and expert recommendations.

Their cocktail skills were top-notch—every drink was crafted with care, perfectly balanced, and beautifully presented. I especially appreciated how they took the time to ask about my preferences and then customized a drink that was honestly one of the best I’ve ever had.

The bar was busy, but their service never slipped. Fast, professional, and genuinely friendly—it’s clear they know how to handle a crowd while still making each guest feel like a priority.

If you're headed to the Palm Room Trisch, do yourself a favor and sit at the bar. The drinks are phenomenal, and the bartender? Absolutely the heart of the place.“

“It always absolutely awesome the scenery and the food was delicious.“

“Last night, we dined at Maass and had the privilege of sitting at the chef’s counter. The experience was nothing short of amazing! They graciously accommodated my veganism, although I must admit, I indulged and opted for vegetarian dishes last night. Meanwhile, LD fully immersed himself in the tasting menu. Chef Ryan Ratino, along with his Michelin-accoladed team at Maass in Fort Lauderdale, curated a truly spectacular experience.“

“This restaurant is exceptional! we went with our family after our civil ceremony and their service was beyond expectations. they made every effort to accommodate us as we found them very last minute and the weather turned rainy and windy suddenly. we wanted to sit outside, and they reserved the table without hesitation and then afterwards accommodated us inside when the rain started. They were so attentive, courteous, and made sure we were all taken care of. they had live music with an excellent singer who was talented and played with our kids and sang with them. the hostess Sally, was kind and sweet and very attentive!. Michael was a great server as well. ! all of them were great! the food was superb! great tasting with many options and excellent quality. thank you so much for making our night special. I will highly recommend this restaurant.“

“Amazing food, service and ambiance! ❤️“

“Food and service here was truly remarkable, our waiter had the best attitude and you could truly tell he loves his job! Overall we were very impressed with Harborwood, it exceeded our initial expectations of a lobby restaurant! Never judge a book by its cover because we’d never know to come back and visit them again in the future!“

“I wanted red beans and rice but they ladies didn't understand. I ended up getting white rice and some bean juice with griot.

When I tell you that was THE best griot plate I ever had! I am definitely coming back here!“

“I had an incredible evening at Solluna. The evening I went there was a good flow of people coming into the restaurant! I’m not gonna lie it was a bit of a wait for my dinner but that’s because of the large traffic of folks dining and drinking.What really changed the evening for me was the incredible bartender! Renata, you’re awesome!“

“The food was outstanding. Ordered the crab cakes, greek salad and lamb chops! Outstanding!“

“Always fun vibe hanging at bar.“

“First time here and I can’t wait to go back! I found this gem on Yelp as I was looking for a special place to celebrate a good friend’s birthday. My friend wanted something on the water that was unique. Olive & the Sea looked like the perfect fit. I reached out a week prior to see if they could accommodate a party of 10. Bernadette (events manager) was amazing and got back to me right away. The restaurant was STUNNING. Beautiful atmosphere inside and out with water views. The food was delicious and so were the cocktails. Everything was very fresh and tasted great! Rachel our waitress did everything she could to make the night perfect. We had a private room that was gorgeous! I highly recommend everyone check Olive & the Sea out especially if you are looking for a special night!“

“The food is delicious I have never had a bad meal there.“