South Floridians might not get the typical fall weather like our neighbors to the north, but that doesn’t mean you can’t appreciate the flavors of the season while visiting Greater Fort Lauderdale.
Whether you crave pumpkin spice or are more into crisp, juicy apples, the region offers an abundance of seasonal delights to savor. To guide you through this culinary journey, we've curated a selection of the finest breweries, restaurants, bars, and more, all dedicated to infusing the essence of fall into their coffees, cocktails, desserts, and more. Brace yourself for an unforgettable gastronomic adventure this autumn in our slice of paradise.
Cafe Delights
Who can’t resist a pumpkin spice latte? This season, elevate your coffee experience by savoring the offerings from some of the area's top coffee shops. Wells Coffee, with convenient locations in downtown Fort Lauderdale and the Tarpon River Entertainment & Design District (TREDD), has introduced five delightful creations to welcome the season with open arms. Among them, you'll find an enticing iced pumpkin spice latte, The Incider, and Cookie Crush. Additionally, don't miss out on the exclusive Freeze Fallin, available only at the Flagler location.
Voted “Best Cafe in Florida,” The Modern Rose is a popular Deerfield Beach hangout. They recently welcomed a downtown Fort Lauderdale outpost and serve tempting treats all season long. From a toasted coconut iced latte and cinnamon apple cold brew to the classic pumpkin spiced latte and a banana chai tea latte, there is something for everyone under the sun.
Java & Jam on Las Olas Boulevard is a favorite for breakfast lovers and caffeine seekers alike. Stop by this season to try the fall features menu, which offers inventive creations like the Spiced London Fog. It blends warm, spiced Earl Grey tea, milk, and cinnamon. You can even make it dirty with Captain Morgan rum! There are plenty more seasonal shakes and cocktails to try, making this a go-to spot no matter the time of day.
Circle House Coffee rose to fame in Flagler Village as the altruistic coffee shop owned by retired NFL linebacker Stephen Tulloch. This season, the coffee shop features a Pumpkin White Mocha, Pumpkin Spice Horchata, and Dirty Pumpkin Chai, plus baked goods, ranging from a pumpkin spice muffin to a warm, flaky apple turnover.
Beer and Libations
If you prefer to savor the flavors of autumn through seasonal spirits, you'll find an abundance of options nearby. Start with Tarpon River Brewery and enjoy brews like the Honey Love Imperial Cream Ale to Beam Me Up.
Be sure to stop by the famed Funky Buddha Brewery in Oakland Park. Their rotation features inventive pours such as Blackberry Pie Sour, Maple Bacon Coffee Porter, Sweet Potato Casserole, and White Chocolate Macadamia Nut.
For the ultimate brewery experience this fall, head to Yard House at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach to celebrate Oktoberfest through October 23. Order a stein to enjoy new flavors like the new Belgium Voodoo Atomic Pumpkin and pair it with tasty seasonal foods, such as the Bavarian pork chop.
There’s a ton of fall cocktails to enjoy with friends and family. Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits on Fort Lauderdale beach offers a Pumpkin Runner, made with Crop Spiced pumpkin vodka, espresso, and housemade vanilla syrup.
Las Olas Boulevard is home to American Social, which is serving a Te-Kill-A-Zombie cocktail, a playful twist on the Paloma, from October 27 to November 2, while Casa Sensei’s fall lineup includes Caramel Pear Smash. Rio’s Tequila Bar inside Canyon Restaurant in downtown is the perfect spot for a Smoking Gun, while YOT Bar & Kitchen has the best pear-inspired libation: the Pearadise.
Sweets + Treats
For the ultimate dessert experience, head to Fireman Derek’s. This notorious bakeshop, which first rose to fame in Miami, recently expanded north to the 954. Stop by for autumn indulgences like a monster slice of Pumpkin Pie or the Pumpkin Cheesecake.
Indulge in the spooky yet sweet Basic Witch Taco at the newly-opened Velvet Taco in downtown Fort Lauderdale. This delightful dessert features fried pumpkin pie, flaky pie crust, cajeta, marshmallow fluff, candied pepitas, cinnamon jalapeño gummy worms, and pearls in a tie-dye waffle tortilla.
Over at Blueprint Cookies (locations in Flagler Village and Plantation), there is no shortage of cookie heaven. From October 9 to 15, the shop will present Chocolate Pumpkin Glaze as its weekly flavor, while its October cookie of the month (October 15-November 12) is Maple Pecan. That’s not all—from October 16 through 22, Blueprint Cookies will offer Pumpkin Cheesecake, Apple Cider Doodle, and Cookie Butter as their weekly flavors.
