Boatyard

Overview

Boatyard sits right on the water at 1555 SE 17th St, just off the 17th Street Causeway in Fort Lauderdale’s marina district, where yachts drift past while you eat. The setting splits into distinct zones – an outdoor waterfront deck with fire pits and lounge seating, a lively bar area, and a more polished indoor dining room – so the mood shifts depending on where you land. The outdoor space is the draw, especially on warm afternoons when the Intracoastal views turn a regular lunch into something worth lingering over.

The menu leans heavily on seafood and steak. Guests consistently flag the seafood tower, East Coast oysters, Chilean sea bass, and lobster fra diavolo as standouts. The artichoke appetizer with chive oil gets quiet praise from regulars who know to order it. Steaks arrive well-cooked, and the calamari is a reliable opener. For something different, the wagyu bolognese is a generous portion that works well split between two. Desserts punch above their weight here – the bread pudding, carrot cake, and a substantial slice of birthday-worthy cake all get called out as highlights worth saving room for. Do not skip the Bimini Bread.

The cocktail program is a genuine strength. Drinks like the Nauti Rita, Minty Melon, and Sun Kissed lean tropical and refreshing without being sugary throwaway beach drinks. The bar also stocks a solid wine list – La Crema shows up on the happy hour menu – plus craft beer, coffee, and hard liquor. Happy hour covers both drinks and food, including large shrimp at a fair price.

Service varies by visit. Some servers nail the timing and warmth, while others seem stretched thin during busy periods. Reservations are recommended for brunch, lunch, and dinner alike – waits are common, especially on weekends. Valet parking can be inconsistent, but public parking is plentiful nearby. The crowd runs wide: families celebrating birthdays, tourist groups getting their first taste of South Florida, couples on date nights, and solo diners posted up at the bar watching boats pass.

Good to know

• Rating: 4.4/5 from 7,533 Google reviews
• Price: $$$
• Best for: Waterfront Date Night, Group Celebrations, Craft Cocktails at Sunset, Visiting Tourists, Weekend Brunch, Happy Hour Seafood
• Features: Happy Hour, Outdoor Seating, Live Music, Late Night, LGBTQ+, Dog Friendly

Hours