- Attraction: Southport Raw Bar & Restaurant
- Location: 1536 Cordova Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
- Industry: Seafood Restaurant
- Website: http://www.southportrawbar.com/
Five decades ago, two New Yorkers stumbled upon a tiny beer and wine joint in Fort Lauderdale and transformed it into what locals now consider the heart of waterfront dining. Southport Raw Bar opened in 1973 when Milton Kirtman and Carmine Ferrante took over from original owner Ted Twist, creating what would become Fort Lauderdale’s premier raw bar.
This isn’t your polished marina restaurant – it’s where generations of families have gathered for no-nonsense seafood with million-dollar water views. You’ll find this local institution perched right on the Intracoastal Waterway, where the atmosphere feels more like a beloved neighborhood hangout than a tourist destination.
What makes Southport special is that it’s one of the best purveyors of fresh seafood in all of Florida, and one of the few affordable restaurants where you can sit outside with a view of the water. Whether you arrive by car or dock your boat at their free slips, you’re in for authentic South Florida dining at its finest.
Seafood Specialties That Keep Locals Coming Back
Fresh Oysters: The star of the show here are the oysters – both raw and grilled varieties that showcase why this place has thrived for half a century. The raw oysters are fresh and tasty, served with crackers, lemon, horseradish and cocktail sauce, while the grilled oysters stay moist with a buttery parmesan and parsley topping that’s absolutely delicious. Don’t skip the Blue Point oysters – they’re consistently mentioned as exceptional.
The Famous Half & Half Chowder: Deciding which chowder to choose tends to be a dilemma, but locals know to order the ½ & ½ – half conch chowder, half clam chowder, half white, half red. This is some of the best chowder found anywhere in America. The combination gives you the best of both worlds and showcases the kitchen’s expertise with these Southern staples.
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Keep Exploring →Mahi-Mahi Done Right: The Mahi Mahi is incredibly fresh and tender and comes broiled, fried, or blackened with rice, fries, or vegetables. The mahi tacos are consistently praised by diners, and the blackened mahi Caesar salad arrives fresh, well-seasoned and perfectly cooked.
Conch Fritters & Fish Dip: The menu features great starters like conch fritters and smoked fish dip that capture the essence of Florida coastal cooking. These appetizers perfectly set the stage for your main course while giving you something to enjoy with drinks.
Hot Lips Appetizer: For those who like heat, the Hot Lips – jalapeños stuffed with cream cheese – deliver a kick, while the cream cheese adds a velvety finish. It’s the kind of bold appetizer that fits perfectly with the restaurant’s unpretentious personality.
Fish & Chips and Seafood Baskets: The kitchen excels at classic preparations, offering everything from beer-battered fish and chips to fried seafood baskets that satisfy those craving comfort food by the water.
Waterfront Atmosphere & Unique Character
Canal Views: You can sit on the back patio which overlooks a canal and many beautiful boats. Grabbing a drink and sitting at the railing overlooking the canal with cool boats creates the perfect backdrop for a leisurely meal.
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Live Entertainment: Live music plays seven days a week, creating an energetic backdrop without overwhelming conversation. Dave the Entertainer is frequently mentioned as adding to great afternoons.
Boat-Friendly Setup: You can come by car or boat – they offer free dockage, making it a true boater’s destination where you can literally dock and dine.
Other Considerations
Family-Friendly Environment: The restaurant is children friendly and pet friendly, making it perfect for multi-generational dining. Families with children and babies are common, and kids are often fascinated with the outside fish décor.
Pricing and Value: The restaurant offers casual waterfront dining with inexpensive prices. While some complain about seafood prices, most find them reasonable for the quality and waterfront location. You’re getting genuine value for fresh seafood in a prime location.
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Keep Exploring →Parking Considerations: At night and on weekends they have permission to use the office building on the north side, plus a small lot in the back of the restaurant. During busy periods, you might need to walk a bit, but most diners find spots without too much trouble.
Long Hours: Open daily from 7:30 AM to 11:00 PM, making it perfect for everything from breakfast to late-night dining. Early risers on weekends can enjoy hearty breakfasts that fuel a full day of Fort Lauderdale activities.
Service Character: The service tends to reflect the restaurant’s laid-back, local personality. While experiences vary, the atmosphere focuses more on good food and waterfront relaxation than fine-dining service standards.
Reservations: You can make reservations through OpenTable, though the restaurant also accommodates walk-ins and encourages a come-as-you-are attitude.
Southport Raw Bar & Restaurant
📍 1536 Cordova Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
