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Melina’s on the Beach

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wine bar

Melina’s on the Beach is a cozy wine bar on Fort Lauderdale Beach open Thursday through Saturday evenings, known for craft cocktails, authentic Italian plates, and live music in a romantic, LGBTQ-friendly setting.

Overview

Melina’s on the Beach is a wine bar tucked along North Ocean Boulevard on Fort Lauderdale Beach, open Thursday through Saturday from 5 to 10 PM. The limited schedule makes each evening feel like a small event rather than an afterthought, and the cozy, romantic room draws couples, solo diners, and tourists looking for something more polished than the typical beachside pour.

The wine list gets top billing here – guests consistently flag it as one of the bar’s strongest draws – but the cocktail program holds its own. Bartenders who work this room earn regulars by name, mixing drinks like espresso martinis, lemon drops, chocolate martinis, and amaretto sours with enough craft that guests have called them the best versions they have tried anywhere. Expect attentive, personalized service at the bar, where solo visitors settle in comfortably and often end up staying for a full meal.

The kitchen turns out authentic Italian plates that punch well above what most small beach bars attempt. Guests highlight the bruschetta, lobster ravioli with lemon sauce, risotto, chicken parmesan, caprese-stuffed avocados, and calamari. A vegan chocolate torte rounds out dessert. Happy hour pricing runs on food and drinks, a rare combination for a spot this close to the sand.

Live music and performances add energy on select nights without overwhelming the intimate scale of the room. Outdoor seating puts you steps from the ocean, and the crowd skews LGBTQ+ friendly with a mix of hotel guests and locals who treat the short weekly window as appointment dining. Reservations are accepted and worth making – with only three nights of service, tables fill. If you want a refined, unhurried evening on Fort Lauderdale Beach with strong pours and real cooking, this is the room.

Good to know

Rating: 4.8/5 from 14 Google reviews
Best for: date night on the beach, solo wine and dinner, craft cocktail lovers, LGBTQ-friendly nightlife, Italian food near the ocean
Features: Happy Hour, Outdoor Seating, Live Music, Waterfront, Beach, LGBTQ+

Hours

Monday	Closed
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	Closed
Thursday	5-10PM
Friday	5-10PM
Saturday	5-10PM
Sunday	Closed

Frequently asked questions

What are the hours for Melina’s on the Beach?

Melina’s is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 5 PM to 10 PM. The bar is closed Sunday through Wednesday, so plan your visit for the weekend window.

Does Melina’s on the Beach have happy hour?

Yes. Happy hour includes both drinks and food, which is uncommon for a beachside spot. It runs during the early part of the evening on open nights – arriving closer to 5 PM gives you the best shot at catching the deals.

Is Melina’s a good spot for solo dining?

It is one of the better solo options on the beach. Guests frequently sit at the bar for a full dinner, and the bartenders are known for being engaging and attentive, making it easy to enjoy a meal and conversation on your own.

What kind of food does Melina’s serve?

The menu focuses on authentic Italian dishes. Guest favorites include bruschetta, lobster ravioli with lemon sauce, risotto, chicken parmesan, calamari, and caprese-stuffed avocados. A vegan chocolate torte is the standout dessert.

Can I make a reservation at Melina’s on the Beach?

Yes, reservations are accepted and recommended. With only three nights of service each week, the intimate room fills up, especially on Saturdays. Walk-ins can try for bar seating if tables are spoken for.

Is there outdoor seating or live music?

Melina’s offers outdoor seating near the beach and features live music and performances on select evenings. The setting stays intimate enough that the music adds atmosphere without drowning out conversation.

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