Where to Eat near Port Everglades

Old-fashioned ice cream parlor with carnival vibes — burgers, dogs, and big sundaes

Drive time

10 min from port

Price

$-$$

Cuisine

American

Order: Start with lunch — burgers, chicken fingers, grilled cheese. Then splurge on their famous Kitchen Sink sundae or any of their homemade ice cream creations.

Pro tip: Go earlier in the day to beat the crowds. Popcorn on every table when you sit down. The old-fashioned candy shop and small merry-go-round outside will keep kids entertained.

Pirate-themed waterfront restaurant with seafood and a resident macaw

Drive time

12 min from port

Price

$$

Cuisine

Seafood

Order: The seafood moqueca is famous, but kids will be happy with fish and chips or chicken tenders. Fresh catches prepared simply work great for everyone.

Pro tip: The pirate decor is genuinely fun without being cheesy. The macaw is a hit with kids. Waterfront seating on the New River adds to the atmosphere.

A 24-hour diner with huge portions, familiar food, and family-friendly prices

Drive time

7 min from port

Price

$

Cuisine

Diner

Order: Classic breakfast all day: pancakes, eggs, bacon. Burgers and sandwiches for lunch. Greek specialties for adventurous eaters. Portions are massive.

Pro tip: You'll see other cruise families with luggage here — it's that close to the port. Fast service, no pretense. Just solid diner food that satisfies everyone.

Old Florida seafood spot famous for garlic crabs

Drive time

8 min from port

Price

$$

Cuisine

Seafood

Order: Their signature garlic crabs are the draw — messy but delicious. Kids menu has chicken fingers and shrimp for less adventurous palates. Canal-front views.

Pro tip: Embrace the mess — they give you mallets for the crabs. Outdoor patio seating is great weather permitting. A true South Florida institution.

Italian eatery with a tree-covered garden and s'mores by the firepit

Drive time

15 min from port

Price

$$

Cuisine

Italian

Order: Authentic Italian menu — pizza, pasta, simple preparations kids love. Parents get a great wine selection. End with s'mores around the firepit.

Pro tip: The firepit s'mores are the perfect pre-cruise treat. Garden atmosphere feels special without being stuffy. Good for families who want something nicer than a diner.

Las Olas hotspot with contemporary American fare and popular weekend brunch

Drive time

10 min from port

Price

$$$

Cuisine

New American

Order: Come for weekend brunch, with bottomless mimosas and creative dishes. Dinner features modern American plates. The outdoor patio is prime people-watching.

Pro tip: Book a reservation for weekend brunch — this place has been a Fort Lauderdale fixture for years. The bar scene is lively if you want a pre-cruise drink.

High-energy Italian with house-made pasta and wood-fired pizza on Las Olas

Drive time

10 min from port

Price

$$$

Cuisine

Italian

Order: Everything is made from scratch — the wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas and fresh pasta are standouts. Great cocktail menu too.

Pro tip: The patio is gorgeous, but expect a wait without reservations. Perfect for a special pre-cruise dinner. Lively atmosphere.

Waterfront seafood institution with yacht views and tarpon feeding

Drive time

8 min from port

Price

$$-$$$

Cuisine

Seafood

Order: Fresh catches prepared however you like. The raw bar is excellent. Sit outside and watch the yachts cruise by at Lauderdale Marina.

Pro tip: Great waterfront dining with sunset views. You can buy food at the gift shop to feed the tarpon.

Breakfast spot with scratch-made dishes and serious coffee

Drive time

12 min from port

Price

$$

Cuisine

American Breakfast

Order: Everything is made fresh. The pancakes have a loyal following, eggs Benedict done right. Great coffee selection.

Pro tip: Perfect for a relaxed pre-cruise breakfast. Not rushed, not pretentious. The kind of place that makes you feel like a local.