Fort Lauderdale’s waterfront bar scene stretches from the Atlantic beachfront to the Intracoastal Waterway and the network of canals that earned the city its “Venice of America” nickname. The best waterfront spots here put you within arm’s reach of the water – whether that means toes-in-the-sand seating at Coconuts on Fort Lauderdale Beach, a dock-level drink at The Wharf along the New River, or a panoramic view from Rooftop @1WLO above Las Olas.
This collection spans more than 50 venues across Fort Lauderdale Beach, Las Olas, and the greater marina district. You will find open-air tiki bars like Bamboo Beach Tiki Bar alongside polished cocktail spots like Eddie V’s and Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar. Standouts like Swizzle Rum Bar pull a 4.9-star rating, while Marina Village and The Shorely anchor the revitalized beach marina area. What ties them together is simple: a drink with a genuine water view, not a parking lot with a nautical theme.
Frequently asked questions
Which Fort Lauderdale waterfront bars are directly on the beach?
Coconuts, Bo’s Beach, Bamboo Beach Tiki Bar, Sea Level Restaurant and Ocean Bar, and Con Murphy’s Ocean Bar & Grill all sit on or immediately adjacent to Fort Lauderdale Beach with direct sand or oceanfront access.
Where are the highest-rated waterfront bars in Fort Lauderdale?
Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery leads at 4.9 stars. Voodoo Bayou, Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar, and Bariloche Gourmet each hold 4.8 stars, followed closely by IT! Italy and Rooftop @1WLO at 4.7 stars.
Are there waterfront bars on Las Olas Boulevard?
Yes, Las Olas hosts the largest concentration in this set. The Wharf Fort Lauderdale, American Social, YOLO, Rocco’s Tacos, and Big City Tavern all offer canal-side or Intracoastal-adjacent seating along the Las Olas corridor.
Can I find waterfront sports bars in Fort Lauderdale?
American Social on Las Olas combines a waterfront setting with a full sports bar setup including multiple screens. Marina 84 Sports Bar & Grill in the greater Fort Lauderdale area offers a marina-side alternative with a more casual, local feel.
What types of waterfront bars does Fort Lauderdale have beyond beach bars?
The city’s waterfront scene includes wine bars like Sixty Vines and Fleming’s, craft cocktail lounges like TIMBR and Eddie V’s, tiki bars like Bamboo Beach, a rooftop bar at 1WLO, and even a cigar lounge at Macabi – all with water views.