When we arrived at the Renaissance Cruise Port Hotel in Fort Lauderdale the night before our cruise departure, we were hungry for some good seafood.
Tried from traveling, we weren’t up for fine dining. Plus, we wanted somewhere within walking distance.
As usual, we fired up Yelp on our smartphones, and the great reviews led us to the Southport Raw Bar.
This is the entrance to the Southport Raw Bar, which probably would not have drawn us in if we were just walking by without the insight from Yelp.
Upon entering these doors, you will find a large dining area with two bars, two kitchens and an outdoor dining area with a boat dock and a water-view looking over one ofFort Lauderdale’s canals.
Not sure where to go, we headed to two empty seats at the back bar — a good choice since it was happy hour. Suddenly, the place was full.
The beers were inexpensive and ice cold.
The fish tacos with blackened mahi-mahi were drowning in messy slaw, spicy sauce and slabs of avocado, but oh they were delicious.
Mr. Jones couldn’t decide between the combo seafood basket with scallops and shrimp, or his favorite fried clams. So he got both. And ate them both, minus a few nibbles from me.
On our second visit a month later (yes, before another cruise) I thought I’d try the Caesar salad with grilled shrimp.
While the Caesar salad tasted better than it looks in this photo, I will lean towards the fish tacos on future visits.
The blue paper menus at the Southport Raw Bar provides very accurate descriptions:
The Guests – If you’re reading this while visiting the Raw Bar, take a look around.
This is Fort Lauderdale. You’ll see a guy who pumps gas at the Marina down the
street sitting next to the Mayor. You’ll see the billionaire who lives up the street.
The weathered charter captain. The even more weathered mate. A pair of cops. The
retired Hall of Fame Quarterback. A half dozen beautiful girls on their way back
from the beach, and several polite, but mildly lecherous, attorneys admiring them.
You’ll even see a few tourists. They’re the ones asking for the Bloody Mary or the
Margarita. (NOTE: the Raw Bar serves only beer and wine.)
The Experience – It takes years and years to establish true character. This is true
for people, as well as places. The Raw Bar is not just a big room on the water
where people eat and drink. It’s a spirit. It’s a mood. It’s an ambiance. It’s old, but
not run down. It has a smell, but not an odor. It’s worn, but not dirty. It has a dull
roar that could at once be described as both boisterous and tranquil. It’s a place
where you come in, order a pint and a dozen (from the bartender who may, or may
not, know your name), enjoy the quintessential Fort Lauderdale view, and your
tab’s going to be about what your tip would be on a mediocre night out with the
wife.
If you are in Fort Lauderdale and are looking for good seafood in an easy-going local establishment, check out the Southport Raw Bar.
Happy hour runs 4-7 pm Monday to Friday and after 11 pm to close on Saturday to Thursday nights.
Do you have a favorite pre-cruise departure dining destination in Fort Lauderdale? Please, do share in comments below.
Follow us on Twitter or interact with us on Facebook