Party Like a Rock Star: A Local’s Guide to Fort Lauderdale
Are you a rock star seeing the country one city at a time? Maybe you roll like one, with a new destination on your itinerary each night. If you spend six months traveling around the world, it can take its toll physically and financially. Where do you eat on a budget? What are top must-see destinations? What bars do the locals recommend? Whether you’re taxiing the runway, cruising in a tour bus, or taking turns behind the wheel of a van, travel tips from locals will maximize your fun. Check out how the locals party like a rock star in Fort Lauderdale.
Where to Eat
Steak 954
Locals tend to avoid the beaten path, but Steak 954 is a worthy exception to that rule. Located in the W Hotel, Steak 954 offers such enticing dishes as East & West Coast Oysters, dry aged steaks, and a personal favorite, the 954 Cheesesteak. After you’ve stuffed your belly, head upstairs to the balcony. Overlook the ocean and sip an aperitif around the fire pit.
Sublime
Sublime is a vegan restaurant for the meat lover. It’s not how it’s marketed, mind you. In fact, owner Nanci Alexander is so active in animal rights organizations, all the proceeds of her restaurant support animal welfare. Here you will find a cashew cheese plate and a ton of gardien palate surprises. This location is popular with the locals for the right reason; the food. If you’re on the fence, try the Sublime Picatta. No matter how much you like your food to bleed, Sublime aims to make you a believer.
Wilton Wings
Wilton Wings has been a Fort Lauderdale staple for over ten years. Now, under the ownership of Gary Bouvier, it’s becoming Broward’s best kept (but not for long) secret. We asked Bouvier about his vision for the new Wings. “I want to have fun and serve my community.” As refreshing as his humility is, Wings provides so much more. The cool vibe, delicious food, and adventurous selection of beer and wine keep locals addicted. The reworked and rotating menu is the icing on the proverbial cake.
Where to Drink
Cash Only
Fort Lauderdale has a history of being a spring break destination, though the cool factor has since chilled significantly. Locals flocked not around the block, but south to Miami for their slice of nightlife. That was until Jonny Adler opened Cash Only. Soon the Miami elite began arriving in droves to check out south Florida’s coolest venue. From decor to talent to crowd, Cash Only is the hottest place to see and be seen.
Wine Watch
If a sophisticated chill is your thing, head over to Wine Watch. As the name suggests, it’s a wine bar, but you will find some tremendous tapas on the menu as well. Wine Watch is not just for the wine connoisseur. The staff is well versed in layman speak and can suggest the perfect wine for your particular taste. Check out their wine room next door for a special, hard to find bottle, to take back to your hotel.
Conrad
The Conrad Fort Lauderdale is also (gasp) located on the water. Why do locals flock to the Conrad? View, view, and view. The terrace is perfect for sunset sips. In fact, their happy hour, Clicquot On The Clock, is one of the best in the city for fans of bubbly. Arrive at 5pm and a bottle of Clicquot will run you damned near wholesale. Each hour it increases, but by now you’re splitting it with arriving friends, yes?
What to Do
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
It’s a charming name with an even more charming atmosphere. Lauderdale-By-The-Sea has grown exponentially in the past few years. Now it boasts dozens of restaurants and shops all within walking distance of each other. Between four and six you can pick up half-price sushi at local favorite Pump Sushi. Snag a few rolls and head to the beach to enjoy the salt air. Don’t forget to stroll down pier for your selfies.
Water Taxi or Gondola
Fort Lauderdale is known as the Venice of America. With many canals and waterways spanning the Intracoastal and New River, touring the town is as easy as A, B, sea. Gondolas offer private, romantic, made-to-order tours (just make sure you call for reservations). If budget cruising is what you’re seeking, consider a water taxi. A one-day pass allows you to hop on and off any of the 15 stops spanning Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood. Either way, the water way is a must-do experience while in Fort Lauderdale.
Jungle Queen Riverboat
Fort Lauderdale is all about the water, so embrace it. The Jungle Queen Riverboat boasts a “world famous” BBQ and shrimp buffet, complete with a variety show and narrated tour of Millionaire’s Row. Bonus points: they stop over at a tropical isle for rare bird and monkey sightings.
Tourist Musts
Elbo Room
Even the locals have been known to haunt the world-famous Elbo Room. It’s location off the beach makes it ideal for a sunset cocktail. The tunes spun upstairs encourage even the most responsible amongst us to stay around for “just one more.”
Mermaid Bar
Name the last time you drank tiki style cocktails while watching mermaids dive and swim behind the top shelf display. Well, this is where the Fort Lauderdale locals hide. We love old Florida experiences, and it doesn’t get more old Florida than the the Wreck Bar at B Ocean. We recommend an old fashioned, and a photo in front of the bar featured in the Robert DeNero / Billy Crystal movie Analyze This. Speaking of tiki bars …
Mai-Kai
Dating back to 1956, Mai-Kai is the ultimate tourist trap that somehow manages to still appeal to the locals. Our secret is to skip dinner. Grab a seat and a cocktail in the bar and enjoy a classic Polynesian show, complete with fire and flair.
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Party Like A Rockstar Series
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