
Southport Raw Bar & Restaurant
A long-standing Fort Lauderdale institution offering fresh seafood, raw bar favorites, and a vibrant Keys-like atmosphere with waterfront views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Southport Raw Bar & Restaurant

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A long-standing Fort Lauderdale institution offering fresh seafood, raw bar favorites, and a vibrant Keys-like atmosphere with waterfront views.
"This place is heaven with fresh seafood, great views, and a truly laid-back vibe!"
Happy Hour Deals
Visit during happy hour until 7 PM for discounted drinks and appetizers.
Outdoor Seating
Sit outside on the spacious patio for the best marina views and a relaxed dining experience.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(954) 525-2526
Address
1536 Cordova Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fresh Oysters and Seafood
Enjoy incredibly fresh, generously sized oysters and a variety of seafood in a relaxed waterfront setting.

Keys-Like Atmosphere
Experience a true Old Florida vibe with live music, waterfront views, and a laid-back dockside patio.

Bimini Bread
Don't miss the sweet and delicious Bimini Bread, a must-try side dish that complements any meal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Happy Hour Deals
Visit during happy hour until 7 PM for discounted drinks and appetizers.
Outdoor Seating
Sit outside on the spacious patio for the best marina views and a relaxed dining experience.
Arrive Early for Parking
On-site parking can fill up quickly, so arrive early to secure a spot.
Dog-Friendly Dining
Bring your well-behaved dog; they even offer a special bacon appetizer for pups!
Tips
from all over the internet
Happy Hour Deals
Visit during happy hour until 7 PM for discounted drinks and appetizers.
Outdoor Seating
Sit outside on the spacious patio for the best marina views and a relaxed dining experience.
Arrive Early for Parking
On-site parking can fill up quickly, so arrive early to secure a spot.
Dog-Friendly Dining
Bring your well-behaved dog; they even offer a special bacon appetizer for pups!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Southport Raw Bar & Restaurant is celebrated for its incredibly fresh seafood, particularly its large, delicious oysters, and the laid-back, Old Florida waterfront atmosphere. Diners love the relaxed vibe, live music, and waterfront views, making it a great spot for casual dining. While the food and ambiance are highly praised, some reviewers note that service can be slow at times.
"Great spot for seafood at reasonable prices, with portions that match the value. The outdoor seating is charming with nice views, making for a relaxed dining experience.
The food was fresh and tasty. Staff were friendly, though service was a bit on the slow side.
There’s on-site parking, but it’s first come, first served — so it can fill up quickly.
Overall, a solid choice for a laid-back seafood meal by the water."
T C
"I really liked this place. ❤️❤️❤️I was very surprised that they have such great, huge oysters here — because usually, in most places, they’re really small. Here, they’re very large and tasty. It was also nice to sit outside and look at the bay and the water. There’s a canopy and misting fans outside, so it’s not hot at all. I also really liked the idea of having a roll of paper towels on every table — it’s very convenient. I really enjoyed this place and definitely recommend it."
Katerina Limm
"Southport Raw Bar is a true local gem! Laid-back, waterfront vibes with fresh seafood that never disappoints. We stopped by for a casual bite and ended up staying longer than expected—great drinks, chill atmosphere, and awesome service.
The oysters were incredibly fresh, and the peel-and-eat shrimp were perfectly seasoned. Sitting outside by the water made the whole experience even better. It’s the kind of place where you can relax, enjoy good food, and feel like a regular, even if it’s your first time.
Highly recommend for anyone looking for an authentic, no-frills South Florida seafood spot with character. Can’t wait to go back!"
Alejandro
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Signature dishes include fresh raw oysters, peel-and-eat shrimp, clam chowder, fish and chips, and Bimini Bread.
Yes, Southport Raw Bar is a dog-friendly spot and even offers a special bacon appetizer for canine companions.
Happy Hour runs until 7 PM on weekdays and offers great deals on drinks and menu items. Arriving early is recommended for parking.
The restaurant offers a laid-back, Old Florida vibe with a dockside patio, live music, and waterfront views, creating a relaxed dining experience.
Yes, they are known to cook fresh-caught fish, preparing it in various delicious styles with two sides included.
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Another Fort Lauderdale stalwart, Southport Raw Bar has been serving Old Bay Shrimp, oysters, clams, and local seafood classics for 50 years. The waterfront haunt recently got a facelift with an updated exterior and a full liquor bar, but it still maintains that Old Florida ambiance that is increasingly absent from town these days. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but no matter what you get, make sure to throw on an order of sweet Bimini Bread as a side.
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Fun fact time: not only is Fort Lauderdale one of the yachting capitals of North America, but the city also has hundreds of miles of navigable waterways. This not only explains the amount of yachties you’re likely to match with on Tinder while in town, but also why eating seafood on the water is such a Fort Lauderdale thing. There’s no better place to do that than at Southport, a salty old seafood spot with waterfront seating and excellent seafood.
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A local favorite and a bit of a dive, it serves shrimp, cheese steaks, roast pork hoagies and pitchers of beer – all Southport staples.
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Southport has been a Fort Lauderdale institution since the day it opened its doors more than 40 years ago. This wonderfully low key waterfront restaurant and raw bar is one of our favorite places to eat, drink and be merry. Whether you just pop in for a quick lunch during the week to get a break from your office; or you go for dinner with friends and end up having one too many pitchers of beer(easy to do at these prices) while enjoying a beautiful south Florida sunset, Southport will always be there to remind us why we live in South Florida and what it means to be a local.
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Unlike many other restaurants -- even shacks right on the water -- Southport always shucks oysters to order, instead of letting them sit refrigerated on the half-shell until they develop the texture of rubber cement, the way some establishments do. Observe as plastic milk-crates packed full of the bivalves make their way from coolers in back to tubs of ice at the shucking station. At $9 a dozen (cheaper during happy hour), the oysters fit in well with Southport's no-frills, slightly divey setup.
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In the 1970s, when it opened, Fort Lauderdale was still a very undeveloped little beach town, but it's been the home to one of the finest seafood restaurants in South Florida. Over the past fifty-plus years, Southport Raw Bar has served everyone from famous people to generations of residents. Carmine Ferrante and Mickey Kirtman started selling their share in the restaurant in 1998, which is when its three managers, Jack, Pat and Buddy Sherman, purchased Southport Raw Bar.
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Set at the end of a canal offshooting the Stranahan River, Southport Raw Bar & Restaurant operates from a primo location, which it has done since time immemorial. (The company history marks the current iteration of the bar as having been born in the 1970s; however, the building has been serving food since long before that decade.). These days, the back deck offers a dining opportunity that is simple, with no frills and a salt-of-the-sea character.
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Southport Raw Bar & Restaurant Description: Veteran seafood shack with water views. Raw-bar items are washed down with beer & wine at this long-running shack with a dockside patio. Address: 1536 Cordova Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, United States Phone Number: +1 954-525-2526 Website: http://www.southportrawbar.com/ Store Hours: Sunday: 7:30AM-11PM | Monday: 7:30AM-11PM | Tuesday: 7:30AM-11PM …
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As soon as I arrived at Southport Raw Bar & Restaurant, I was greeted with a friendly smile and a warm welcome. The first thing that caught my attention was its convenient location near the airport, making it a perfect spot for both locals and travelers looking to enjoy a delicious meal with a waterfront view. Speaking of meals, the food at Southport Raw Bar & Restaurant was simply outstanding.
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Almost nothing about the city’s best raw bar has changed since it opened over 40 years ago. Boaters still tie up and stumble inside for a big plate of fresh shucked oysters or Old Bay shrimp at Southport Raw Bar. Salty locals still tell stories of old Lauderdale while gazing out at the canals, while post-brunch Sunday parties keep their buzzes going with cold draft beer and fresh fish.
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To list a few good Bars that every tourist should visit while staying is Sand Bar Fort Lauderdale a excellent restaurant right on the water and good vibe is our favorite, been there countless times on ourjet-skis (Rent a jet ski with us) is the Southport Raw Bar take a look at that place and it is family friendly for sure too.
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Southport is one of the earliest seafood places in Fort Lauderdale. It all began back in the 1970s when two friends from New York ventured into the region when it was still underdeveloped and scarcely populated. Today, Southport serves thousands of visitors each year, including many celebrities and esteemed individuals.
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The Southport Raw Bar is the place to go with no docking fees and a beautiful view of the surrounding area. This restaurant features a fantastic menu with king crab legs and delicious cocktails. This location is the oldest raw bar in Fort Lauderdale, and they sell more oysters than any other restaurant in the area.
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I have to admit, Southport Raw Bar & Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale knows how to reel in the crowd with their seafood buffet. From the moment you walk in, you'll be hooked by the tantalizing aroma of fresh fish and the lively atmosphere. The buffet spread is an underwater feast fit for King Neptune himself.
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It’s unpretentious, casual, and filled with locals who know a thing or two about good seafood. With limited dockage and a salty ambiance that hasn’t changed in decades, Southport is as authentic as it gets. Their oysters are famous, but the spicy steamed shrimp and grouper sandwiches hold their own.
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Southport Raw Bar & Restaurant is located in the center of Fort Lauderdale Beach and has been open for 50 years. It is best recognized for its innovative cuisine and exceptional service. Its spectacular view and reasonable prices make it a popular restaurant with locals and tourists alike.
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Lauderdale for over 40 years, Southport Raw Bar 's digs and decor have undergone a bit of wear and tear. But you don't establish yourself as a South Florida institution unless you do a few things right. And what South Port Raw Bar does well, it arguably does better than anyone else.
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Southport Raw Bar is obviously known for its large assortment of raw seafood as they are the oldest raw bar in Fort Lauderdale. However, they do offer delicious brunch and dockside views!. Pull up on your boat or walk in, either way, you’ll be met with stunning views.
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A laid-back staple since 1973, Southport Raw Bar is perfect for casual dining with a nautical vibe. They serve fresh oysters, steamed clams, and their signature smoked fish dip. Dockside seating and affordable prices attract boaters and seafood enthusiasts alike.
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Address: 1536 Cordova Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, United States. For a more laid-back dining experience, Southport Raw Bar is the place to be. Located on the South Fork of the New River, it offers a casual setting with a focus on fresh seafood.
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Sun – Tues 11:00 am – 12:00 am Wed & Sat 11:00 am – 2:00 am Thurs – Fri 11:00 am – 3:00 am. Located at the end of a quiet canal just off the Intracoastal Waterway, Southport Raw Bar is where locals go for great seafood in a casual environment.
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If you're a fan of fresh seafood served in a laid-back setting, you've got to check out Southport Raw Bar & Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale— it's a gem!. The food is superb, and the drink selection complements the menu perfectly.…
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For a romantic evening out, why not enjoy some oysters and delicious drinks at Southport Raw Bar?. Whether you’re out with friends or enjoying a couple’s night out, there’s a Fort Lauderdale bar for everyone.
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About: Southport Raw Bar & Restaurant is a laid-back spot famous for its fresh seafood, including delicious crab legs. With indoor and outdoor seating options, it offers a relaxed dining experience.
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Both Southport Raw Bar (laid-back OLD-TIME Ft. Lauderdale) and Bimini Boatyard are good..but for the best views?. Either 15th Street Fisheries (like Oliver said) or Grille 66 (at Pier 66)./QUOTE
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If you’re looking for something that is a little more relaxed, try Southport Raw Bar. The iconic Fort Lauderdale waterfront tavern specializes in shellfish in a casual atmosphere.
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1536 Cordova Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316Phone: 954-525-2526 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by The Lauderdale Local (@thelauderdalelocal)
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Fresh seafood is always a big draw in Fort Lauderdale, and Southport Raw Bar has some of the best offerings you’ll find—especially if you drop in from 4 p.m.
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And if the good times gods let me stay until Sunday, a little cruise on the Intercoastal, a walk on the beach, a dip in the ocean.
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