16 Classic Old-School Fort Lauderdale, Florida Restaurants Worth Visiting
Fort Lauderdale is full of dining spots that have stood the test of time, serving up flavors that feel both familiar and unforgettable.
These classic old-school restaurants capture the city’s charm with timeless menus, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere.
From seafood staples to beloved family recipes, each spot tells a story of tradition and community. Visiting them is like stepping back in time while enjoying food that still shines today.
1. Lester’s Diner
Neon lights beckon hungry patrons 24/7 at this Fort Lauderdale institution since 1967.
The massive coffee cups on their signs aren’t just for show – they actually serve java in oversized mugs that’ll keep you buzzing all day.
Breakfast reigns supreme here with fluffy pancakes larger than your plate and omelets stuffed with everything imaginable.
The retro vibes and friendly waitstaff who know regulars by name make this spot a genuine slice of old Florida.
2. Southport Raw Bar
Tucked along a waterway since 1973, this unpretentious seafood joint serves up the freshest catches with zero fuss.
Fishing boats sometimes deliver their haul directly to the kitchen dock. Grab a seat at the weathered bar, crack open some peel-and-eat shrimp, and watch the boats drift by.
The oysters arrive ice-cold, the beer flows freely, and the fish sandwiches outshine fancy restaurants charging triple the price. Local fishermen swapping tales at the bar provide free entertainment.
3. 15th Street Fisheries
Perched above the Lauderdale Marina since 1978, this two-story seafood haven offers million-dollar views without the pretension.
Massive tarpon fish gather below the docks, creating quite the spectacle during feeding time. Upstairs hosts fine dining with white tablecloths and impeccable service.
Downstairs delivers the same quality seafood in a casual dockside setting where salty sea dogs mingle with tourists.
Their key lime pie recipe hasn’t changed in four decades – because perfection needs no improvement.
4. Runway 84 (Anthony’s Runway 84)
Walking into Runway 84 feels like stepping into a 1980s New York Italian restaurant transported to Florida.
Founded by restaurateur Anthony Bruno, this aviation-themed Italian joint serves portions that could feed a small country.
Red sauce flows freely over hand-rolled pasta while Frank Sinatra croons overhead.
The meatballs achieve the perfect density-to-tenderness ratio that only decades of recipe refinement can produce. After a recent renovation, they’ve preserved the old-school charm while updating the facilities.
5. Sea Watch on the Ocean
Claiming one of the most enviable oceanfront perches in Fort Lauderdale since 1974, Sea Watch occupies a historic 1920s beach house.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame Atlantic waves that crash just yards from your table. Regulars swear by the New England clam chowder, which has won so many awards they’ve stopped counting.
The seafood here is treated with reverence rather than drowned in heavy sauces. Multi-generational families celebrate special occasions at the same tables their grandparents once enjoyed.
6. Shooters Waterfront
From rowdy party spot to refined waterfront dining, Shooters has evolved while maintaining its prime Intracoastal location since 1982. Arrive by car or boat – their 340-foot dock welcomes vessels of all sizes.
Sunday brunch here has become a Fort Lauderdale tradition with a spread that stretches as far as the water views.
The restaurant underwent a complete renovation in 2014, trading its spring break vibe for coastal elegance. Yet longtime patrons still reminisce about the wild days while sipping cocktails on the same scenic deck.
7. Café Seville
Family-owned since 1975, this Spanish gem hides in an unassuming strip mall, proving spectacular food needs no flashy location. Red walls, intimate lighting, and flamenco music transport diners straight to Spain.
Their paella requires 45 minutes to prepare properly – a testament to authenticity over convenience. Garlic shrimp arrive sizzling dramatically in traditional ceramic dishes.
The owners still work the floor nightly, greeting regulars with European double-cheek kisses and sharing stories about their homeland.
8. Kelly’s Landing
Bostonians homesick for proper New England seafood flock to this unpretentious eatery established in 1987.
Boston sports memorabilia covers nearly every inch of wall space, creating a genuine Northeasterner outpost in sunny Florida.
Their lobster rolls contain meat from knuckles and claws only – never the cheaper body meat. The New England clam chowder recipe comes directly from the owner’s grandmother.
Kelly’s flies in fresh seafood from Boston fish markets multiple times weekly, ensuring authenticity that keeps Massachusetts transplants coming back.
9. Tom Jenkins’ Bar-B-Q
Smoke signals rise from this barbecue institution that’s been slow-cooking meats since 1987.
The modest building houses serious barbecue operations – massive smokers run continuously, perfuming the neighborhood with hickory goodness.
Lines form before opening, especially on Saturdays when locals stock up for weekend gatherings. The ribs achieve that perfect balance – clinging to the bone until the first bite, then surrendering completely.
Their sauce recipe remains closely guarded, though countless imitators have tried to replicate its sweet-tangy perfection.
10. Primanti Bros. (Fort Lauderdale Beach)
Pittsburgh’s famous sandwich shop planted its Florida flagship on Fort Lauderdale beach in 1970.
Their signature creation stacks meat, coleslaw, tomatoes AND french fries between two slices of Italian bread – a complete meal in handheld form.
Beach-goers stumble in with sandy feet at all hours since they’re open 24/7. The Fort Lauderdale location adds fish sandwiches to the classic Pittsburgh menu.
Late-night people-watching from their patio provides entertainment nearly as satisfying as their overstuffed sandwiches.
11. LaSpada’s Original Hoagies
Sandwich artistry reaches performance-level status at this local chain that opened its Fort Lauderdale location in 1973.
Meat-slinging staff toss freshly sliced cold cuts through the air before catching them perfectly on the roll – a hoagie preparation method that’s as entertaining as it is delicious.
Lines move surprisingly quickly despite each sandwich receiving meticulous attention. The Italian special packs enough meat for three normal sandwiches.
Their bread achieves the perfect ratio – crusty exterior yielding to a soft interior that absorbs flavors without disintegrating.
12. Greek Islands Taverna
Brothers Sam and George have been serving authentic Greek cuisine since 1993 in this blue-and-white taverna.
Regulars know to trust the daily specials recited by longtime servers rather than focusing solely on the printed menu.
Whole fish arrives at the table dramatically deboned tableside with expert precision. Their Greek salad comes properly dressed – no sad dressing containers on the side here.
The brothers still source olive oil from their family’s groves in Greece, shipping it directly to ensure dishes taste exactly like they would in the old country.
13. Casa D’Angelo
Chef Angelo Elia’s flagship restaurant has defined upscale Italian dining in Fort Lauderdale since 1998.
Despite its white-tablecloth elegance, the atmosphere remains refreshingly unpretentious – you’ll spot everything from anniversary celebrations to business dinners to casual weeknight meals.
The pasta is made fresh daily in their visible kitchen. Wine enthusiasts appreciate the predominantly Italian list with bottles from small-production vineyards you won’t find elsewhere locally.
Chef Angelo still works the dining room most nights, greeting guests and occasionally bringing special off-menu creations to longtime patrons.
14. Cafe Vico
Hidden in a residential area since 1997, this Italian hideaway feels like dining in someone’s elegant home.
Owner Marco Vico converted a house into a series of intimate dining rooms, each with its own character – request the wine room for special occasions.
The veal chop has achieved legendary status among locals who refuse to order anything else.
Hand-painted murals and family photos create an atmosphere of dining with Italian relatives rather than at a restaurant.
Their tiramisu recipe came directly from Marco’s grandmother and remains unchanged for over two decades.
15. Old Heidelberg Restaurant
Authentic German cuisine has been served in this Bavarian-styled restaurant since 1991.
The interior resembles a traditional German hunting lodge complete with dark wood paneling, beer steins lining shelves, and servers in traditional dirndls and lederhosen.
Portions arrive Oktoberfest-sized – schnitzel overhangs plate edges while sausage platters could feed a small village.
Live accordion music fills the room on weekend evenings, often inspiring spontaneous singing among diners. Their potato pancakes use a recipe the owner’s family has guarded for three generations.
16. Hot Dog Heaven
This tiny roadside stand has been satisfying Chicago dog cravings since 1979.
Their Vienna beef hot dogs arrive properly dressed in the authentic Chicago style – yellow mustard, neon green relish, onions, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt on a poppy seed bun.
The owner imports ingredients directly from Chicago to ensure complete authenticity. Regulars know to request their fries “well-done” for maximum crispiness.
The simple outdoor picnic tables fill with everyone from construction workers to business executives, all united by their appreciation for a properly made Chicago dog.