Backyard

Overview

Backyard sits on SW 3rd Avenue in the Himmarshee District, Fort Lauderdale’s walkable nightlife corridor, and runs as a late-night open-air venue with a semi-covered roof and overhead awning that keeps the Florida weather manageable without killing the outdoor feel. Doors open at 9 PM every night of the week and the place stays lit until 4 AM, making it one of the later-closing spots in the area. A raised stage anchors the space with a proper sound system, lighting rig, and resident DJs spinning sets most nights, while live bands rotate in for cover-heavy sets that pull from decades of crowd-pleasers. Caribbean-themed nights and special events like mimosa festivals keep the programming from going stale. The drink menu leans on cocktails served strong – the Backyard Lemonade is a tart, boozy crowd favorite – alongside a beer lineup and full liquor rail. Food runs through a pizza-forward menu with more than 24 personal-sized varieties, and weekend brunch brings a buffet spread with made-to-order waffles, omelets, a cheese board, fried chicken, and bottomless mimosas. Beyond the dance floor, the yard is scattered with lawn games like Jenga, beer pong, and cornhole, plus tables clustered around a palm tree centerpiece that give groups room to spread out. The crowd skews younger and energetic on peak nights, though brunch pulls a wider mix. Reservations are accepted and recommended for larger parties. A dress code is enforced at the door – slides and flip-flops have been turned away – so plan accordingly. Street parking is metered, and several other bars and restaurants sit within a short walk along the Himmarshee strip.

Good to know

• Rating: 4.1/5 from 829 Google reviews
• Price: $$
• Best for: late night dancing, group celebrations, boozy weekend brunch, outdoor nightlife, live music nights
• Features: Happy Hour, Outdoor Seating, Live Music, Late Night, Dancing

Hours