(Southport Raw Bar, Ft. Lauderdale)

Located in the '17th Street Causeway' tourist area, the Southport Raw Bar might get overlooked. This was our second stop at this bar/restaurant and it solidified this place as one of our favorite outdoor spots to relax, drink and eat.


(Patio dining at Southport Raw Bar)

The restaurant décor doesn't take itself too seriously. It's very casual. There are places to eat inside that contains your normal booth seating. We love to head to the outside patio. It's a shaded spot that overlooks a marina. While you don't get the large vast 'beach' view…it's an entertaining and relaxing view. Boats are going in and out of this canal …both for just the marina..and to stop at this restaurant.


(The view from out table on the patio of Southport Raw Bar)

The menu has lots to choose from. Seafood is the star here (yeah, they do have raw oysters too) , but you can get your normal bar munchies like cheese sticks and onion rings along with some hoagies/sandwiches. I went for the Fish & Chips and a cup of Conch Chowder…Jeff went for the 1/2 Pound Old Bay Shrimp.


(Conch chowder at Southport Raw Bar)

The conch chowder was pretty good. Lots of conch and it was thick with some spice.


(Jeff enjoyed his beer while waiting as well.)

The Fish & Chips consists of one large fish fillet…not sure what kind of fish fillet…but it's not cod. It's along the same family. The French fries were hot and crisp and I liked them. No coating…no 'seasoning'…just good 'ole french fries. The cole slaw was good as well..not too 'wet'.


(Fish and Chips at Southport Raw Bar)

The Old Bay Shrimp were swimming in the stuff. Jeff was actually excited to see this since most places call something "Old Bay" and hardly use any. This had more than enough of the spice. We couldn't tell if they used an oil or butter in the dish…but there was something other than water. The shrimp is 'peel and eat' for this dish, so if you are not into that…I'd pass. The portion size was plenty and you definitely get your fill. Was it good? I really liked it…and Jeff was slurping away all through lunch…I think he even got a shrimp leg on his shoulder (wasn't fast enough with the camera).


(Peel and Eat Old Bay Shrimp - Southport Raw Bar)

Overall…we both really like this place. It's relaxing, the food is good and you can get away with a very inexpensive meal here. We saw a couple next to us order 2 hot dogs and a basket of fries…which worked out to be around $6. The seafood is a little more…but I think it's worth it. Our bill came out to be around $32 plus tip.



Southport Raw Bar location:
1536 Cordova Road
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

FTLToday Score: A