Fort Lauderdale isn’t just about beaches and boats — it’s also a city full of tasty surprises after the sun sets. Whether you’re craving a relaxed cruise with a hearty BBQ, a walk through lively streets filled with local eats, or a sophisticated waterfront dinner, Fort Lauderdale offers something for every appetite. We especially like the Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner and Drinks Tour for its boutique food stops and community vibe, and the All You Can Eat BBQ Dinner and Show at Tropical Isle for its lively mix of good food, comedy, and river views. These experiences let you soak in the local flavor while enjoying a memorable night out.
If you’re after an easy-going, scenic evening, the Fort Lauderdale: Intracoastal Cruise with Waterfront Dinner combines a speedboat thrill with a relaxed meal, making it ideal for those who want a little of everything. For a more comprehensive experience with a bit of everything — sightseeing, dining, and entertainment — the Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal & Dinner Cruise offers a budget-friendly yet lively option. Keep reading to find out which tour fits your style, budget, and schedule, whether you want to sip cocktails on Las Olas or cruise past millionaire mansions.
Quick Overview
This list covers a variety of top-rated dinner experiences in Fort Lauderdale, each offering a unique flavor of the city. From walking tours exploring local bars and eateries, to boat cruises with onboard entertainment, there’s something for all:
- Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner and Drinks Tour — a guided walk through Las Olas and Riverwalk with tastings [].
- All You Can Eat BBQ Dinner and Show at Tropical Isle with Sightseeing Cruise — a cruise with a barbecue feast and live entertainment [].
- Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner & Drinks Tour — a bar-hopping experience with local craft drinks [].
- Fort Lauderdale: Intracoastal Cruise with Waterfront Dinner — a speedboat ride with a post-cruise meal [].
- Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal & Dinner Cruise — a budget-friendly cruise with dinner and scenic views [].
Now let’s explore each one in detail.
1. Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner and Drinks Tour
This walking tour takes you through Fort Lauderdale’s lively Las Olas Blvd. and Riverwalk areas, giving you a taste of local cuisine and craft drinks. With a rating of 5.0/5 from 7 reviews, it’s clear that travelers love its personalized feel and diverse food stops. We particularly appreciate how they focus on locally sourced ingredients and blend of cultures, reflecting the city’s vibrant community.
The tour kicks off at 5:00 pm, starting on Las Olas Blvd, which means you’ll enjoy the area’s bustling scene. Stops include some of the neighborhood’s most popular restaurants and bars, with opportunities to sample sliders, artisanal drinks, and more. The 2.5-hour experience offers enough time to sample a variety of bites while soaking in the street art, shops, and galleries. The guide shares stories about the area’s history and culinary scene, making it more than just a food crawl — it’s an immersive experience.
What makes this tour stand out is its emphasis on local flavor and community. It’s perfect for travelers who want authentic bites in a relaxed atmosphere, meet new friends, and learn about Fort Lauderdale’s lively dining scene. The reviews praise the guide’s friendliness and the delicious food. If you love exploring neighborhoods on foot and discovering hidden gems, this tour is a top pick.
Bottom line: Great for those wanting a casual, authentic evening with a local touch, especially if you enjoy craft drinks and lively streets.
2. All You Can Eat BBQ Dinner and Show at Tropical Isle with Sightseeing Cruise
For around $80 per person, this combination cruise and dinner creates a lively night out packed with entertainment. The 4-hour experience features a narrated cruise along Fort Lauderdale’s historic New River aboard the Jungle Queen Riverboat, taking you past Millionaire’s Row with its opulent mansions [].
After about an hour on the water, you’ll arrive at a tropical island for an all-you-can-eat barbecue of ribs, chicken, and classic sides. The food is hearty and plentiful, earning accolades from visitors, and the evening continues with a hilarious variety show featuring jugglers, magicians, and a Polynesian revue. The mix of scenic views, good food, and lively entertainment makes for an engaging night.
This tour is especially suited for families, groups, or anyone looking for a fun, all-inclusive evening. The reviews highlight the boat ride’s fun narration and the quality of the show, though some mention the menu could include more vegetarian options. It’s a good value considering the entertainment, scenery, and meal are all included.
Bottom line: A great pick for travelers wanting a lively experience with plenty of food, laughs, and river scenery.
$80.00 per person
3. Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner & Drinks Tour
Another dinner and drinks experience focuses on Fort Lauderdale’s craftiest bars and local restaurants, giving you a more intimate, bar-hopping style evening. At $109 per person and a length of 2.5 hours, it’s perfect for those who want to savor cocktails and explore the city’s hidden gems.
The tour includes visits to multiple bars, with plenty of food for dinner and three included alcoholic beverages. Guides help you discover lesser-known spots that locals love, making it a favorite for those seeking authentic local nightlife rather than tourist traps. It’s also a social experience — perfect for making new friends while enjoying the city’s best drinks.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on local craft cocktails and hidden eateries, ensuring a more off-the-beaten-path experience. It’s less about sightseeing and more about enjoying the social scene, ideal for those who appreciate good drinks paired with small bites.
Bottom line: Excellent for nightlife enthusiasts and those who want a fun, social night out with a local guide.
$109 per person
4. Fort Lauderdale: Intracoastal Cruise with Waterfront Dinner
This experience combines the thrill of a speedboat cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway with a relaxed dinner at Bokampers Sports Bar & Grille. Priced at $80 per person for about 3 hours, it’s perfect for those who want a dynamic evening with scenic views.
Starting with a speedboat ride, you’ll zoom past some of the most impressive homes and yachts in Fort Lauderdale, feeling the wind and excitement. After the cruise, you’ll enjoy a sit-down meal at Bokampers, where you can choose from a menu including wings, ribs, and seafood, all served in a lively sports bar atmosphere.
This tour appeals to adventure seekers who appreciate both the quick thrill of a speedboat ride and a relaxed, flavorful meal afterward. Reviews are positive, highlighting the fun of the boat ride and the quality of the food. The only consideration might be the speedboat’s pace, which isn’t suited for those prone to motion sickness.
Bottom line: Best for active travelers who want a mix of adventure and dining with impressive waterfront views.
$80 per person
5. Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal & Dinner Cruise
This budget-friendly cruise offers a scenic ride through Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway with a delicious dinner at Bokampers afterward. Priced at $63.99 per person and lasting about 3 hours, it’s a straightforward way to enjoy the views without breaking the bank.
Your boat will pass through the busy waterways, showcasing luxury yachts and mansions, with engaging narration from the crew. The lively music and scenic backdrop make for a pleasant ride, and the post-ride dinner at Bokampers provides a satisfying end to the evening. The menu includes favorites like wings and ribs, making it perfect for casual diners.
While reviews are limited, the combination of a scenic cruise and a casual dinner makes this suitable for travelers seeking a relaxed, affordable evening. It’s less elaborate than some other options but offers good value for a scenic overview of Fort Lauderdale’s waterways.
Bottom line: Ideal for budget-conscious travelers wanting a scenic cruise with a simple, tasty meal.
$63.99 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Fort Lauderdale Dinner Experience
When selecting the right dinner outing, consider your budget, time, and interests. For a relaxed, authentic neighborhood walk with local bites, the Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner and Drinks Tour excels. If entertainment combined with scenic views is your goal, the All You Can Eat BBQ Dinner and Show at Tropical Isle offers unbeatable value.
For those who enjoy exploring nightlife, the Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner & Drinks Tour provides craft cocktails and local haunts. Adventure lovers should consider the Intracoastal Cruise with Waterfront Dinner, which combines a speedboat thrill with a tasty meal. Budget travelers might prefer the Intracoastal & Dinner Cruise, for scenic views at a lower cost.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak season (winter months), and consider your physical comfort — some tours involve walking or motion on boats. Think about whether you prefer a walking food tour, a lively boat cruise, or a more relaxed dinner scene, and pick according to your style.
In summary, Fort Lauderdale offers a range of dinner experiences that highlight its culinary diversity and scenic waterways. Whether you choose a walking tour of Las Olas, a lively riverboat show, or a scenic speedboat cruise, each option promises a memorable night out. For a classic, laid-back evening, the Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner and Drinks Tour is hard to beat, while adventure lovers will enjoy the Intracoastal Cruise with Waterfront Dinner. No matter which you pick, booking ahead guarantees a spot for a fantastic night of eating and exploring in this sunny Florida city.