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Original Fat Cats

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Original Fat Cats — Fort Lauderdale
Original Fat Cats — Fort Lauderdale

Description

Original Fat Cats is a casual late-night bar on Himmarshee Street in downtown Fort Lauderdale with 80-plus beers, live music, and a beloved Philly cheesesteak, best for groups and night owls looking for affordable drinks until 4 AM.

Overview

Original Fat Cats sits on Himmarshee Street in the heart of Fort Lauderdale’s downtown entertainment district, and it runs like a bar that never wants the night to end – doors open at 11:30 AM and the lights stay on until 4 AM, seven days a week. The vibe inside lands somewhere between neighborhood dive and late-night dance hall depending on when you show up. Daytime brings a laid-back crowd watching football on the screens (the Dolphins faithful are loud and proud here), while nights shift toward DJs spinning throwbacks, rock, and Latin tracks that pack the dance floor, or live bands taking the small stage.

The beer list runs 80-plus deep, including Fat Cat’s own brewery on tap served cold, and the cocktail menu holds its own at prices that won’t punish your wallet. Happy hour covers both drinks and food for an even better deal. Food-wise, the Philly cheesesteak is the thing to order – multiple regulars call it the best they’ve found in South Florida, and it gets people genuinely fired up. Tater tots are a reliable bar snack. Beyond that, set expectations at solid bar food rather than destination dining.

The decor leans into a skater-punk-meets-sports-bar aesthetic with walls lined in skateboard decks, stickers plastered across every surface, and a lived-in feel that matches the casual crowd. Outdoor seating is available and the spot is dog friendly for afternoon hangs. Fat Cats draws a wide mix: birthday groups, bachelorette parties, solo regulars posted at the bar, tourists exploring Himmarshee, and a notably LGBTQ-friendly crowd. Bartenders like the well-known Brando keep service fast and funny, and the owner has been spotted behind the bar cracking jokes. If you want cold beer, a legit cheesesteak, and a dance floor that somehow goes harder on Sunday than Saturday, this is the move.

Good to know

  • Rating: 4.4/5 from 1,154 Google reviews
  • Price: $
  • Best for: late night drinks, live music nights, budget friendly groups, Philly cheesesteak fans, Sunday night dancing
  • Features: Happy Hour, Outdoor Seating, Live Music, Sports, Late Night, Dancing, LGBTQ+, Dog Friendly

Hours

Monday 11:30AM-4AM
Tuesday 11:30AM-4AM
Wednesday 11:30AM-4AM
Thursday 11:30AM-4AM
Friday 11:30AM-4AM
Saturday 11:30AM-4AM
Sunday 11:30AM-4AM

Frequently asked questions

What are the hours at Original Fat Cats?

Fat Cats is open from 11:30 AM to 4 AM every single day of the week, including weekends. That makes it one of the latest-closing spots on Himmarshee Street, so you can grab a daytime beer or stay well past last call at most other bars nearby.

What should I order at Fat Cats?

The Philly cheesesteak is the standout menu item and regulars swear by it. Pair it with tater tots and a pour from the 80-plus beer list, which includes Fat Cat’s own house brew on tap. Cocktails and happy hour specials round out the drink options at budget-friendly prices.

Is Original Fat Cats good for groups?

Yes, Fat Cats handles groups well, from birthday weekends to bachelorette parties. The dance floor, bar games, outdoor seating, and live entertainment give larger parties room to spread out and plenty to do without feeling cramped.

Does Fat Cats have live music or DJs?

Live bands play regularly and DJs spin on other nights with a mix of throwbacks, rock, Latin, and hip hop. The dance floor fills up on weekends, and even Sunday nights have been known to go off with the right DJ set.

What is the vibe like during the day versus at night?

Daytime is relaxed and sports-focused with games on the screens and a chill crowd at the bar. At night it transforms into a louder, dance-heavy scene with DJs or live bands, a packed house, and a more energetic mix of locals and visitors.

Is Original Fat Cats dog friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome and the bar offers outdoor seating that works well for hanging with a pet during the daytime hours. It is a solid pick for an afternoon drink with your dog before the late-night crowd takes over inside.

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