Southport Raw Bar - Where the Locals Go for Seafood in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Anytime I visit or move to a new place the first thing I do is poll the locals for their fave hang outs and eateries. I like tourist traps, don't get me wrong, but when push comes to shove I want the good stuff, and the locals always know where the best can be had. The Southport Raw Bar in Ft. Lauderdale is definitely a locals heaven for seafood.

I've eaten at Southport Raw Bar several times now. The first time we pulled up into the parking lot just across the 17th street Causeway coming off the beach I wasn't impressed. You won't be either. Go ahead and park anyway. Once you get inside, walk to the back past the bar and out onto the deck. How ya like it now, huh? The plain facade would never lead you to believe the wonderful Intracoastal seating to be had inside, then back outside. If it's one of those rare bad weather days, go ahead and sit at the bar or one of those cushioned booths.

As far as the food goes... Ooh la la. Do try the Catfish for under 10 bucks. This is a big fillet and has been cooked to perfection every time I've ordered it. The batter is light and the fish is nice and flaky. It comes with a healthy portion of fries too. Enough to feed a hungry soul after a long day at the beach, that's for sure.

Then there's the awesome Clam Chowder. I love this so much from here that I go ordered a quart of it to go at least once a week ($8.95 for that size) while I was in Lauderdale. It reheats well throughout the week and they are very generous with the crackers. This just may be the best New England Clam Chowder I've had to date.

The Old Bay Shrimp is another hit. This one is the hands-down favorite of my diving instructor, Rick Murphy. There were days he just had to have it, and off we'd go. It's seasoned just enough to make you crave more, more, more. The Raw Oysters are another favorite of my little group down there. The Steamers also rawk; and the Chili is great on a stormy day as well.

Now, while Southport is pretty much a bar kinda hang out, kids are fine during the day and early evening, but I would leave them at home after 7-ish. It's all abut the seafood here, so Vegetarians will have to decide on that one. There is nothing special on the menu for them.

So, I'm going with a full 5 stars for Southport. The prices are great, the view is wonderful and the food is excellent. The service is best at the bar, but always friendly wherever you decide to sit. If you're ever in Lauderdale, don't miss this place.

1536 Cordova Road
Fort Lauderdale. FL 33316

Tel. 954-525-2526