Local Highlights

11 Funky Bars in Fort Lauderdale

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Whether you’re living in Fort Lauderdale, or simply stopping by for a vacation, you should make time to visit the unique bars in the area. There’s no shortage of personality and variety in these watering holes. From the historic Elbo Room on the corner of Las Olas Boulevard to an axe-throwing bar called Chops and Hops in the trendy Flagler Village area, you’ll find plenty of cool bars in Fort Lauderdale to keep you entertained.

Your first stop should be Flagler Village

The residents of Fort Lauderdale and South Florida love new nightlife experiences. The latest destination for entertainment and dining is the trendy area known as Flagler Village. For convenience, the area comprises three hubs of activity, The Hive, MASS District, and Flagler Uptown, which are found within a half-mile radius.  From some of the best lunch and dinner spots to some of the most lively bars and clubs, Flagler Village has everything you need in your own backyard!

You’ll know you’re in the right spot when you start seeing warehouses covered in murals along Flagler Drive. You’ll specifically want to check out the area on Flagler Drive between Sistrunk Boulevard and Northeast Ninth Street for some of the best venues.

Snag a cocktail in Flagler Village

If you’re not sure what to do in Fort Lauderdale, there’s no doubt that grabbing a refreshing cocktail is the way to go. It doesn’t matter whether you like vodka, whiskey or gin, there’s nothing like handcrafted cocktails. Flagler Village offers several bars where you can get your cocktail fix. Why not visit as many as possible to find your favorite?

Have you ever wanted to order craft cocktails out of an airstream trailer? If that sounds like a quirky dream come true, it’s time to make your way to Rhythm and Vine. You can sip on concoctions like the Garden Mule or the Tequila Me Softly in the den space or in the garden. The bar also hosts different food trucks throughout the week.

 

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Enjoy a craft beer or two in Flagler Village

Everybody seems to love having a good craft beer, and Flagler Village business owners have definitely gotten the memo. The area is home to several breweries where you can enjoy every type of craft beer imaginable.

Your first stop should be the aptly named Flagler Village Brewery. The craft brewery offers an extensive rotating selection of beers to suit every taste. Not only that, but you can also enjoy the brewery’s delicious menu that includes popular options like pizzas, sliders, and tacos. The environment of the space is perfect for everyone, including kids and four-legged friends.

Sistrunk Marketplace and Brewery is another not-to-miss spot for craft beer, but it offers so much more than that. This enormous space also houses a sprawling food hall, a small-batch distillery, cooking classes, local art and music, and a DJ academy. It’s no wonder that people describe this venue as a “lifestyle complex.”

Play some games while you drink in Flagler Village

Across the country, bars that offer activities and games like duckpin bowling and axe throwing are growing in popularity. It’s no different in Flagler Village. This trendy area features some of the best bars in Fort Lauderdale with all these activities and more.

If you’re looking for duckpin bowling, shuffleboard, darts, and ring toss, you should stop by the Rec Room in the MASS District. All the activities are free, but the bar recommends calling ahead to reserve duckpin bowling lanes. When you’re not playing the games, you can enjoy live music on Thursdays and excellent happy hour specials.

Axe throwing has become a craze, and it’s the perfect way to live out your dream of being a lumberjack. Chops and Hops in Flagler Village allows you to learn and enjoy this centuries-old activity while sipping on craft beers from a rotating draft list. You’ll get all the instruction you need to get started before playing different axe throwing games.

 

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Grab a unique bite to eat in Flagler Village

Food is an essential component of a successful night out, and Flagler Village has plenty of trendy options that are frequented by the locals. The eats range from vegan food to poke bowls, so you’re sure to find something delicious to fill your belly. On your night out, don’t forget to stop by some of the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale.

Leaves and Roots Lounge proudly boasts vegan “munchies” in its MASS District kava bar and vegan café. Some of the most popular food options at this restaurant include vegan pizza and veggie-filled empanadas. If you’re looking for a mood boost, you may want to order the kratom, a plant-based tea with feel-good effects.

If your ears perk up when you hear the word poke, be sure to stop by Poke Lolo for a build-your-own bowl or poke in a waffle cone. The eatery provides a fresh take on local favorites in a space that features a faux-grass wall and surfboards for a tropical feel. With so many healthy ingredients, the eatery offers food you can feel good about.

Satisfy your sweet tooth in Flagler Village

Sometimes, you’re looking for a sweet treat during a night out. If you have a sugar craving in Flagler Village, you’re in luck. The area offers a delicious ice cream shop and a gourmet cookie bakery owned by famous names.

You aren’t alone if the South Florida heat has you craving frozen treats. Canadian rapper Tory Lanez realized that the Flagler Village area could benefit from an ice cream shop and opened Notorious Creamery in The Hive. You can find Instagram-worthy ice cream sandwiches and milkshakes to satisfy your sweet tooth.

If a cookie is more up your alley, you’ll want to pay a visit to the nearby Batch, the Cookie Company. Under the direction of former Salty Donut chef Max Santiago, the Batch staff keeps the delicious gourmet cookies coming every day.

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Flagler Village isn’t the only area to hit the bars in Fort Lauderdale

Although Flagler Village is one of the hottest destinations for Fort Lauderdale bars, there’s so much more to explore. The city has other attractions you don’t want to miss. From the fun and friendly gay bars to beach-front watering holes, the city has something for everyone.

A beach bar for those seeking a little history

If you’re in downtown Fort Lauderdale, you should make your way over to the Elbo Room. This historic beer joint at the end of the Fort Lauderdale strip has been a destination for spring breakers since 1938. It’s a dive bar, but that’s part of its charm. This legendary Fort Lauderdale beach bar also features loud live music and affordable drink specials that keep people flocking to it.

A bar for sports fans

Not everyone who visits Fort Lauderdale beach is looking to hang out at a beach bar. If you’re seeking a place to get your sports fix, The Parrot Lounge is for you. The sports bar has a strong connection to Philadelphia and focuses on combining sports with craft beers and appetizing bar bites in a fun atmosphere.

A spot for craft beer aficionados

You can’t call yourself a craft beer lover if you don’t visit The Riverside Market during your trip to Fort Lauderdale. Family-owned and operated, this restaurant is comfortably nestled between the Riverside Park and Sailboat Bend neighborhoods of the city. Offering more than 550 craft beers has helped The Riverside Market gain the title of “Fort Lauderdale’s Official Craft Beer Hangout.”

A club for people seeking a fun gay bar

For more than 35 years, Hunters has kept true to its three-word mission statement: fun and friendly. The Wilton Manors gay bar features a renovated space that hosts a huge dance floor, karaoke, a video bar with eight screens, monthly theme parties, and an upstairs lounge where you can take it all in.

An unpredictable nightclub for the adventurous

After spending a day at some of the best beaches in Fort Lauderdale, you might be ready to party hard at night. America’s Backyard is just the place to do it. At “South Florida’s largest 21 and up outdoor party,” locals and tourists alike take advantage of the drink special of the night and high-energy dance floor. Every night is different, so you definitely won’t be bored.

All these spots throughout downtown Fort Lauderdale highlight how fun and diverse the city is. You can visit them all or just pick your favorites. In a town so memorable, you’ll make memories that you won’t forget, no matter how many cocktails or craft beers you have.

Make Fort Lauderdale home

When you move to this vibrant city, the best bars are just around the corner!

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