Seafood Restaurants · South Fort Lauderdale · Fort Lauderdale

Southport
Raw Bar

★ 4.5 1536 Cordova Rd Open Now · Closes 11:00 PM $$ · Seafood Last verified Jul 14, 2026

The place

If you want to understand Fort Lauderdale before the mega-yachts arrived, Southport Raw Bar is your classroom. This open-air waterfront bar has been slinging stone crab claws, conch fritters, and cold beer since 1974 — and has absolutely no interest in changing.

The raw bar sits on the Intracoastal Waterway, and half the entertainment is watching the boat parade go by while you peel shrimp. Expect paper plates, plastic cups, and prices that make you wonder if you've traveled back in time.

The stone crab claws (in season, October through May) are as good as anywhere in South Florida. Service is the kind of efficient that only comes from people who've been doing this for decades. Cash only — ATM on-site.

What to expect

Cash only (ATM on-site). Outdoor seating; no indoor dining. Stone crab season: Oct 15–May 1. Expect waits on weekends and during high season. Dogs allowed on the patio.

Then come for the photos

The shop, in frames

What people are saying

4.05

★★★★★

Based on 5,853 Google reviews

Rating and review count sourced from Google. We surface them so you can gauge a spot at a glance — the full review history lives on the business's Google profile.

Read all 5,853 reviews on Google →

Frequently asked

What is Southport Raw Bar known for?

If you want to understand Fort Lauderdale before the mega-yachts arrived, Southport Raw Bar is your classroom.

Is Southport Raw Bar worth visiting in Fort Lauderdale?

It holds ★4.5 from 5,853 reviews on Google, which puts it among the better-reviewed seafood restaurants options in Fort Lauderdale. Mid-range ($–$$) — solid value for the quality. Cash only (ATM on-site).

When is the best time to visit Southport Raw Bar?

Weekday visits are less crowded than weekends.

Is the seafood at Southport Raw Bar fresh?

Southport Raw Bar sources from Gulf Coast suppliers, which is the standard for any Fort Lauderdale seafood restaurant worth its reputation. Freshness varies with the season — the catch of the day specials are typically the best indicator of what's actually come in that week.