Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Fort Lauderdale became famous in the mid 20th century as the place college kids went for Spring Break, but now it’s a more upscale destination, known as a center for sailboats and yachts, a popular place for snowbirds who come to escape northern winters. One of its best-known restaurants is the Rustic Inn, first opened in 1955 as a small saloon, but now a sprawling destination for seafood lovers. Butter-sopped garlic crabs are the must-eat signature dish. Roadfood favorites in Fort Lauderdale include the eclectic, hospitable cafe / art gallery / juice bar known as 925 Nuevos Cubanos — great for Cuban sandwiches, pastries, silly juice and serious coffee. Southwest in Hollywood is the brash and boisterous sandwich shop known as Sonny’s Famous Steak Hogies — a destination for seekers of Philly cheese steaks, cold hoagies, burgers, pizza, and hospitable counter sass.