Kelly’s Landing New England Seafood

Overview

Kelly’s Landing brings a no-frills New England seafood shack vibe to the 17th Street Causeway corridor, and the line out the door on any given afternoon proves the neighborhood has noticed. With a 71-seat capacity and a strict first-come, first-served policy, waits are common – but regulars and cruise-ship visitors alike treat it as part of the ritual. Inside, the atmosphere is casual and warm, more family kitchen than fine dining, with zero pretentiousness and servers who greet tables like old friends. The draw is straightforward New England comfort food done with care. Lobster is the headliner – order the bisque and you get real chunks of lobster, not just a cream base with garnish. The lobster bomb, a bisque-loaded sourdough bread bowl topped with extra lobster meat, is a crowd favorite that routinely finishes people off before they can get to the house-made desserts. The Kelly’s medley pairs shrimp, scallops, and scrod for diners who want range, and the clam chowder pulls superlatives from self-described New Englanders passing through Fort Lauderdale. Onion rings round out the comfort-food side of the menu. The bar pours a solid beer selection alongside cocktails, wine, and fruit-forward champagne-style drinks that clock in around eight dollars – well below the Fort Lauderdale waterfront average. A patio with dog-friendly seating gives the place an extra draw for afternoon crowds, and TVs tuned to sports keep solo diners and groups equally comfortable. Portions run generous, service is fast and genuinely friendly, and the overall check stays moderate for what lands on the table. It is the kind of spot where tourists stumble in on a Reddit recommendation and leave planning a return trip.

Good to know

• Rating: 4.5/5 from 3,726 Google reviews
• Price: $$
• Best for: New England seafood fans, Casual family lunch, Dog-friendly patio dining, Solo seafood and sports, Post-cruise comfort food
• Features: Outdoor Seating, Sports, Dog Friendly

Hours