The Best LGBTQ+ Friendly Bars in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale has long been one of the most welcoming cities in the country for LGBTQ+ visitors and locals alike, and its bar scene reflects that reputation. From the waterfront patios of Las Olas to the craft cocktail lounges dotting Fort Lauderdale Beach, the venues on this list share a common thread, inclusive atmospheres where everyone can relax and be themselves.
What sets these spots apart is range. You can sip wine at Emily’s Garden in Himmarshee, catch live music at Cafe Ibiza on the beach, or grab a rooftop cocktail at Rooftop @1WLO, one of the highest-rated bars on Las Olas. Neighborhood favorites like LauderAle Brewery and Laser Wolf in the Sistrunk and Progresso districts bring a laid-back, community-first energy, while spots like The Wharf and YOLO keep the nightlife pulse strong. Whether you are after a quiet date night or a full evening out, these 79 venues deliver a genuinely welcoming experience across every corner of Fort Lauderdale.
10. YOLO Restaurant
The complete list, A to Z
1800 Bistro & Bar
321 Slammer
511 Bar & Lounge
American Social, Bar & Kitchen, Fort Lauderdale
B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale Beach
Bandoleros Tacos & Tequila Bar, Fort Lauderdale
Beach House Las Olas
Black Jack’s Rum Bar & Grille (Flagler)
Blondies Sports Bar
Blue Jean Blues
Boardwalk
Boathouse At The Riverside
Boatyard
Cafe Ibiza
Casablanca Cafe
Club Fort Lauderdale
Del Frisco’s Grille
Dicey Riley’s Irish Pub
Downtown Cigar BAR
El Vez Fort Lauderdale
Elbo Room
Elite Bartending School and Event Staffing Fort Lauderdale
Escape Rooftop Bar
Evelyn’s
Fishtales On 33rd
Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa
Golden Lyon Vintage Pub
Gulf Stream Brewery & Pizzeria
Holy Mackerel
Karma Kava
Kelly Brothers Irish Pub
LA VIE LOUNGE
Laser Wolf
LeBoy
Livia Bar and Grill
Lona Cocina Tequileria
Marina 84 Sports Bar & Grill, Fort Lauderdale
Melina’s on the Beach
New York Marina Deli
No Man’s Land Cocktail Parlor & Eatery
Nubé Rooftop
Olive & Sea
Original Fat Cats
Ozzie’s Restaurant Bar
Paddle Pub Fort Lauderdale
Patio Bar & Pizza
Posh Lounge
Preston’s Wine & Martini Lounge
Ramrod Fort Lauderdale
Royal Palms Bar
Rush Street Bar & Nightclub
Sea Level Restaurant and Ocean Bar
Secret 1309 Las Olas
Shooters Waterfront
Sidewalk Bottleshop
Sistrunk Marketplace Event Hall & Sports Bar
Sparrow Fort Lauderdale
Steak 954
Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery Ft. Lauderdale
The Dalmar, Fort Lauderdale, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
The Fitz Bar & Lounge
The Galway Shawl
The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
The Wharf Fort Lauderdale
The Wreck Bar
TIMBR Restaurant & Lounge
Timpano Las Olas
Twice Removed
Wild Sea Las Olas
Frequently asked questions
Which Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods have the most LGBTQ+ friendly bars?
Las Olas and Fort Lauderdale Beach have the highest concentration, with spots like Rooftop @1WLO, YOLO, Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar, and Nubé Rooftop. The Sistrunk and Progresso districts also offer welcoming options like Laser Wolf and Patio Bar & Pizza.
Are there LGBTQ+ friendly bars in Fort Lauderdale with waterfront views?
Yes, several venues sit directly on the water. Shooters Waterfront and Boatyard both offer outdoor waterfront seating in welcoming environments, while Southport Raw Bar provides a casual dockside experience in Greater Fort Lauderdale.
What types of LGBTQ+ friendly bars are available beyond nightclubs?
Fort Lauderdale’s inclusive scene goes well beyond clubs. You will find wine bars like Emily’s Garden and Steak 954, craft cocktail lounges like TIMBR and Sparrow, breweries like LauderAle Brewery, live-music venues like Blue Jean Blues, and laid-back sports bars like American Social.
Which LGBTQ+ friendly bars in Fort Lauderdale are highest rated?
Several venues carry ratings of 4.7 stars or higher. Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar leads at 4.8 stars, joined by Emily’s Garden, LauderAle Brewery, and Bellagamba’s, also at 4.8. Rooftop @1WLO and Laser Wolf each hold 4.7 stars.
Can I find LGBTQ+ friendly bars in Fort Lauderdale that serve food too?
Most venues on this list serve full menus or substantial bar bites. Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar, Southport Raw Bar, and Del Frisco’s Grille all pair strong food programs with welcoming atmospheres, so you do not need to choose between dining and nightlife.