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Walking into Southport feels like coming home, if you’ve ever for one second fancied yourself a pirate. This circa-1970s dive is a time capsule of Old Fort Lauderdale, the sort of wood-paneled waterfront spot where the air is salty and so is the company—of course, in the best way possible.
The vibe: The front doors have porthole windows, immediately hinting at the vibe inside, which is dim and cozy, not unlike the cabin of a ship. Beyond the booth seating, a bar in back overlooks the dock and Intracoastal Waterway, where you’ll likely want to sit to take in the live music, fresh air and festive atmosphere.
The food: If it’s on the raw bar menu, order it. My go-tos are the steamed clams, Old Bay peel-and-eat shrimp, conch fritters and smoked fish dip. The mahi mahi tacos, fish and chips, mussels and cheesesteaks are also popular for good reason.
The drink: Cold beer and crisp white wine pair best with Southport’s laidback seafood menu, but they do also have a full bar—and the pours here are strong.
Time Out tip: Ask your server or bartender to indulge you with a yarn about Ted Twist, Southport’s original owner, who is something of a Fort Lauderdale legend. Bonus: Boat dockage here is free.