Our Top Restaurant and Bar Picks for the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show

The International Boat Show on Nov 1-5 will once again attract thousands of visitors to Fort Lauderdale, all enjoying the sunshine and hospitality of Southern Florida.

The culinary scene has changed dramatically over recent years offering a huge selection of bars and eateries for those visiting from around the world.

In this article, we have some of our top picks ahead of the 2017 show…

Great for the atmosphere

Boatyard

Boatyard’s 80-seat dockside patio lounge provides a prime view of the scenic Intracoastal and is the perfect setting to grab a bite or drinks in the company of friends while enjoying an afternoon or evening watching the boats cruise by.

1555 SE 17^th St., Fort Lauderdale, 954-525-7400

http://boatyard.restaurant

Burlock Coast

This innovative restaurant-café-market-bar channels the creativity of Prohibition era rumrunners. Experience the irreverent spirit and buzzing atmosphere, while enjoying an unprecedented food and beverage experience. Burlock Coast is one of the stand out restaurants and cocktail bars in the area.

1 N.Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, 954-302-6460

www.burlockcoast.com

Great for Brunch…

Coconuts

Just a few steps from one of the area’s many docks, you’ll find this seafoodcentric eatery. In many ways, Coconuts is a charming dockside restaurant offering a seafood-heavy menu and a wide range of sumptuous cocktails, wines and beer. Busiest on Sundays, this is the ideal brunch spot, and you’re sure to be joined by a host of polo-shirted yacht captains while you dine!

429 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-525-2421, coconutsbahamagrill.com.

Great for a fun time…

Waxy O’Connors 

Founded in 1997, Irish bar Waxy’s has long been hailed as one of Fort Lauderdale’s preeminent yacht crew bars. In 2008, New Times even dubbed it the Best Yacht Crowd Bar. You’ll find a buzzing atmosphere and a homely feel, with plenty of Irish hospitality to go round. Head there any night of the week for a warm welcome, great food and drink, and a multi-national crowd.

1095 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-525-9299, or visit waxys.com.

Great for Beer…

Tap 42

Beer lovers should head to Tap 42 – one of the newest hangouts during the show. The impressive beer selection wall includes 42 taps sourced from around the country. There’s a casual yet creative feel to the venue, a great happy hour and weekend-long brunch. Enjoy a refreshing beer

1411 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-463-4900, or visit tap42.com.

VIP Hangouts…

B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale

The B Ocean Resort is spread over four towers, boasting two pool decks and a stretch of private sand along the beach – complete with free lounge chairs and day beds for rent. There’s a Mexican feel to the food here and you can choose from a range of signature dishes including made-to-order guacamole, snapper ceviche, and chorizo fundido. With over 150 varieties of tequila, a range of delicious margaritas and cocktails, and a vibrant pink interior, this is certainly one of the places to be seen during the show.

1140 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-564-1000, or visit boceanfortlauderdale.com.

The Pelican Grand Resort

The 02K Lounge at the Pelican Grand Resort is a great place to enjoy a beachfront dining spot and a delicious adult beverage from brunch time onwards. All the boat show’s out-of-town tourists head to the resort, so it’s great for people watching while enjoying a build-your-own mojito or something from the grill.

2000 N. Ocean Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-568-9431, or visit PelicanBeach.com.

Terra Mare

This most fabulous restaurant is an absolute must-visit. The restaurant only opened in September at the new Conrad Hotel, and early indications show it’s likely to be popular. Chef Johan Svensson, who recently moved from New York’s famous Aquavit, serves dishes from an impressive and varied menu.

551 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Call 954-414-5160, or visit TerraMare.com.

Monkitail

Another new restaurant to the scene, Philadelphia restauranteur Michael Schulson has created one of the best and most beautiful restaurants in the area. A real international flavor awaits, with Japanese small plates, grilled items and sushi served daily to a glamorous crowd.

3555 S. Ocean Drive, Hollywood, Call 954-602-8755, or visit Monkitail.com.

Great for the party nights…

The Treasure Trove.

For a piece of ‘old Florida’, look no further. This beachside bar makes the list due to its proximity to boat-show central. The Trove has been a longtime hangout for yachties wanting to escape life onboard, as well as Florida locals looking to do the same. It’s no frills, just a dive with cold beer, ocean air, and a laid-back crowd. And the spot’s Taco Tuesday is an institution. Who doesn’t like tacos sold for just a buck? During the boat show, this place takes on a life of its own. Want to pick up a hot foreigner? Head down to the Trove shortly after the show shuts down its velvet ropes. You’re bound to overhear those accents sharing horror stories from the boats.

2933 SE Fifth St., Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-522-8385

Great For the morning after…

Bahia Cabana Beach Resort

For those lazy mornings, head to the Bahia Cabana to enjoy a serene oasis of Fort Lauderdale culture. There’s a relaxed vibe here while still being close to the show in proximity. Tucked away between docks, you’ll enjoy eclectic décor and a great view of the majestic yachts and boasts in the largest marina. Specialty drinks include the World’s Best Frozen Pina Colada and the Frozen Pink Lemonade.

3001 Harbor Drive, Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-524-1555, or visit bahiacabanaresort.com.