Fort Lauderdale’s pub scene splits into two distinct camps, Irish pubs with deep roots in the city’s bar culture, and modern craft-focused taverns pushing South Florida’s beer scene forward. The Irish side runs strong, with five dedicated spots including The Field Irish Pub & Eatery, Waxy’s Irish Pub, and Kelly Brothers Irish Pub across the greater metro, plus The Galway Shawl and Con Murphy’s Ocean Bar & Grill holding down Fort Lauderdale Beach.
On the craft side, The Riverside Market Cafe earns 4.7 stars, the highest sit-down rating in this set, while Tap 42 Craft Kitchen & Bar brings a kitchen-forward approach to draft beer. For something completely different, Paddle Pub Fort Lauderdale takes the pub experience onto the water with a perfect 5.0 rating.
Choosing comes down to neighborhood and vibe. Las Olas delivers polished gastropub energy at Big City Tavern. The beach strip works for casual pints with ocean air. And neighborhood gems like Village Well Pub and Just 1 More Tavern reward those willing to explore.
1. The Riverside Market Cafe
Tucked on SW 12th Avenue in a residential pocket most visitors never find, this part bottle shop, part casual kitchen pours one of the deepest craft-beer selections in Fort Lauderdale, and the regulars prefer to keep it that way.
2. The Field Irish Pub & Eatery
Set in a woodsy roadside spot on Griffin Road that feels more like the Irish countryside than South Florida, The Field backs up its 4.6-star rating across 4,242 reviews with live music, a dog-friendly patio, and walls covered in Irish memorabilia.
3. Waxy’s Irish Pub
Planted on SE 17th Street in the port-and-hotel corridor, Waxy’s pulls in Premier League diehards, pre-flight tourists, and late-night pub-food crowds under one roof, with a dog-friendly patio and live music on weekends.
4. Tap 42 Craft Kitchen & Bar, Fort Lauderdale
A polished South Andrews Avenue spot with a massive tap wall of craft beers and a covered patio that handles everything from solo bar dining to large group celebrations, plus weekend brunch and late-night eats.
5. Big City Tavern
Right on the Las Olas Boulevard strip, Big City Tavern pairs prime people-watching with a rustic interior featuring exposed brick, a mounted fourteen-point buck, and a working fireplace, plus late-night drinks and food.
6. Paddle Pub Fort Lauderdale
A pedal-powered party boat cruising the Intracoastal and New River from Cox’s Landing, Paddle Pub holds a perfect 5.0-star rating and is a top pick for bachelorette parties, group celebrations, and LGBTQ-friendly outings on the water.
7. Kelly Brothers Irish Pub
This North Federal Highway brick building runs deeper than it looks, a dimly lit ground-floor pub with comfort food and a wide beer selection, plus Liverpool FC watch parties, live blues and rock, and budget-friendly late nights.
8. Con Murphy’s Ocean Bar & Grill
Perched on the A1A strip at Fort Lauderdale Beach near the Marriott Beach Place, Con Murphy’s offers elevated views of the sand and surf alongside all-day happy hour, sports on the screens, and a dog-friendly patio.
9. Village Well Pub
A no-frills watering hole just off SE 17th Street in the marina district, Village Well draws locals, yacht crew, and curious tourists with budget drinks, pool and darts, and a late-night vibe full of genuine character.
10. Just 1 More Tavern
Just south of Oakland Park Boulevard on Fort Lauderdale Beach, this 4.7-star neighborhood favorite splits the difference between dive bar and house party, dim lighting, a pool table, live music nights, and drinks that stay easy on the wallet.
More to explore
Frequently asked questions
Are there Irish pubs in Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale has a strong Irish pub presence. The Field Irish Pub & Eatery (4.6 stars), Waxy’s Irish Pub (4.5), Kelly Brothers Irish Pub (4.5), The Galway Shawl (4.6), and Con Murphy’s Ocean Bar & Grill (4.3) all serve the area, spanning the beach and greater metro.
Which Fort Lauderdale pub has the highest rating?
Paddle Pub Fort Lauderdale holds a perfect 5.0-star rating. Among traditional sit-down pubs, The Riverside Market Cafe and Just 1 More Tavern share the top spot at 4.7 stars each.
Where are the best pubs near Fort Lauderdale Beach?
Three pubs sit in the Fort Lauderdale Beach area: Con Murphy’s Ocean Bar & Grill (4.3 stars), Just 1 More Tavern (4.7 stars), and The Galway Shawl (4.6 stars). Just 1 More Tavern carries the highest beach-area rating.
What is the best craft beer pub in Fort Lauderdale?
The Riverside Market Cafe (4.7 stars) and Tap 42 Craft Kitchen & Bar (4.4 stars) are the go-to options for craft beer fans. Tap 42 pairs its draft list with a full kitchen menu, while Riverside Market earns the higher rating in the group.