What's New in Greater Fort Lauderdale

The first phase of the highly anticipated Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center expansion – the newly updated 800,000 sq. ft. pre-existing center with an expanded 350,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall – opened Oct. 27, 2021. Work on the remainder of the $1.3 billion expansion continues, including the new eastside expansion with waterfront ballrooms, meetings rooms and kitchen facilities, a six-acre outdoor waterfront plaza and an 801-room, five-story Omni headquarters hotel interconnected with the convention center. Full completion will increase the facility's size to 1.2 million sq. ft. and is expected in late 2025. 

New on the Hotel Scene

Avid hotel Ft. Lauderdale Airport - Cruise opened in Dania Beach in April of 2022. The 101-room hotel is minutes away from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and a 15-minute drive to downtown Fort Lauderdale, the beach, and Port Everglades cruise terminal. Visitors will enjoy guest-centric hallmarks such as best-in-class room design for sound sleeping, seamless technology and a high-quality grab-and-go breakfast.

The new 22-story Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale opened in March of 2022 with luxurious guestrooms and residences, two restaurants, a spa, fitness center, and ballroom and meeting facilities. The Ocean Sun Deck is home to two horizon-edge pools and the hotel's signature dining experience, Evelyn's Fort Lauderdale. Honey Fitz, on the first level, offers gourmet coffee creations and colorful handcrafted pastries during the day and natural wines, grower champagne and cocktails in the evening. 

AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach opened in February of 2022 just steps away from Sebastian Street Beach in Fort Lauderdale. The 171-room hotel boasts ocean views, an open kitchen for European-style breakfast and specialty culinary events, a library, an expansive resort-style pool with cabanas and dining services, and 954 square feet of flexible meeting space.

New Transportation

The City of Fort Lauderdale has introduced the Micro Mover – a FREE, convenient and sustainable mobility option to help get residents and visitors around downtown, Las Olas and the beach. Just download the “Ride Circuit” app to book your ride. 

Brightline, the high-speed rail connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, is now running to Orlando.

New Attractions

Visit Lauderdale welcomes everyone under the sun to experience a curated collection of craft breweries through the new Visit Lauderdale Ale Trail Passport, a free mobile-exclusive digital pass that all locals and visitors can sign up for. With many breweries tucked away, this passport makes it easy to discover Greater Fort Lauderdale’s thriving brewery scene and to go where the locals go or to create your own tour. As locals and visitors work their way through the Visit Lauderdale Ale Trail, they will be automatically checked in and collect points to redeem limited-edition Visit Lauderdale swag, including hats and beer bottle opener keychains. They will also enjoy exclusive deals and discounts at Ale Trail stops.

Ready to unlock even more exclusive deals to help you save at Greater Fort Lauderdale’s attractions, restaurants, retailers and more? Then you’ll will want to sign up for Visit Lauderdale’s new “Show Your Badge” program. This free mobile passport helps you make the most out of your vacation by providing special savings on food, drinks, activities and fun. Best of all, it’s easy to use and you can start saving right away.

The historic Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center and International Swimming Hall of Fame complex, home to Florida’s first Olympic-sized swimming pool that opened in 1926, has undergone a $47 million renovation and expansion that includes five swimming pools and support amenities that welcome new generations of aquatic sport enthusiasts to sporting activities and competitions. A major highlight for the new venue is a 27-meter dive tower with springboards and nine platform levels. Visitors can experience “Top of the Tower” tours with scenic views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Fort Lauderdale beach. 

Explore the ecosystem surrounding the exquisite Bonnet House via paddleboard or kayak with a new tour offered by Sunrise Paddleboards. After you paddle from Coconut Cove, guests can walk the grounds of this 100+ year old historical plantation with desert gardens and beach views outside of the museum. The grounds are known for spotting raccoons, wild monkeys, turtles, manatees, heron and other critters.

New on the Dining & Entertainment Scene

Hallandale's first container restaurant, KAO Bar & Grill, has officially opened. The Two-Story Argentine-American Fusion Concept features an Alfresco Patio with Rotating Live Entertainment, Intimate Bar, and Private Event Spaces. Guests can expect flavorful Argentine grill-inspired dishes, including shareable tablitas (grilled platters), Argentine-style pizzas, signature fusion sandwiches, and more.

AQUI Bar and Kitchens is now open in Flagler Village. The venue features three craft kitchens (Asian Fusion, Kebab Kitchen & Calle Tacos) along with curated cocktails.

The Bite Eatery, the first food hall in Pompano Beach, has opened. It's located just a few blocks away from the beach and the Pompano Fishing Pier. The 250-seat venue features The Bite Bar, Taco Vibez, Moop Gelato, Beef Boyz, Deli Shack, The Lobster, Ceviche Time, Mama Mia, Abuelita's Cuban Bistro, and Yin and Yummy.

Located in the booming Flagler Village neighborhood, AIDA Fort Lauderdale features innovative dishes that transcend typical Mexican gastronomy. Visitors are invited to engage in a culinary adventure that satisfies each person’s gastronomic curiosity with freshly sourced seafood at its core. This contemporary restaurant unveils an edgy and eclectic ambiance with a show-stopping mural created by the famous Cuban American artist, ABSTRK.

Sushi Lab's coastal beachfront dining escape is an award-winning New York born innovative omakase concept focused on the dining experience and its unique take on traditional Japanese cuisine. With culinary inspirations from Japan and France, Sushi Lab offers dining options with the highest quality of sourced items that bring together robust flavors, and precisely curated dishes that are truly a journey for the senses. Experience elevated omakase and sushi dining experience amidst unparalleled ocean views and spectacular beachfront dining access in the heart of Pompano Beach.

Rio’s Tequila Bar is Fort Lauderdale’s first and only tequila-dedicated cocktail bar offering a curated lineup of some of the finest tequila distilleries. Set among the tree-lined streets of Rio Vista, the hidden bar’s namesake, Rio’s Tequila Bar offers a select menu of craft cocktails, tequila flights with educational tastings, and globally-inspired, tapas-style bar bites. With an intimate feel and elevated ambiance, Rio’s modern Southwest décor transports guests with a chic desert vibe in the 25-seat bar. 

A reimagined Timpano Las Olas is now open. The restaurant has been a Fort Lauderdale staple since its debut in 1999. Timpano offers a bold approach to contemporary dining for guests who want to be surrounded by sophistication with a modern menu inspired by culinary heritage. Rich emeralds, gold tones, and splashes of color fill the space with a subtle hint of a speakeasy vibe.

Vegan and plant-based restaurant, Planta Queen, has opened on Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. The 4,400-square-foot location features vegan dishes with bold Asian flavors, including sushi, dumplings and noodles. 

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is now open on Las Olas Boulevard in the heart of the Central Business District. Guest can enjoy signature starters, a range of classic and specialty Prime steaks, premium seafood entrées, plant-based offerings, ultra-savory sides, desserts and more.

Sistrunk Marketplace has expanded with new food vendors, bringing the total to 13. They include Made in Italy, Mari’s Kitchen (Italian), Henry’s Sandwiches and Island Made (Caribbean). Dream State Brewing bar and taproom recently opened and features a 10-seat bar offering guests 36 taps, including 7 original brews and 3 collaboration beers.

Christian Louboutin has now opened its only outlet shoe store in Florida – and only the second nationwide – at The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise. Known for its signature red-soled heels, Louboutin will join 70 other luxury brands at the open-air wing of the mall.

South Bar & Kitchen is now open in Pompano Beach. With an inviting ambiance, the restaurant is home to an alfresco community patio with a shipping container bar embellished with murals painted by local artists and a custom-designed meat smoker that infuses the food with a rich smoky taste. Their unique approach to traditional Southern cuisine offers a lighter, contemporary flair by playing with made-from-scratch flavors, spices, and marinades. 

The popular Texas restaurant chain Velvet Taco officially opened its first Florida location in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. The expansive and colorful restaurant boasts a 108-seat, 3,477-square-foot dining room and a 38-seat, 842-square-foot patio. The restaurant is known for its out-of-the-box and internationally-inspired tacos categorized by pork, chicken, beef, fish and vegetarian options.

The breakfast and brunch restaurant Maple and Cream opened in Plantation. The eatery is open daily and features pancakes, French toast, avocado toast, biscuit tiramisu and a variety of coffees like the maple shaken expresso.

Deerfield Beach's first brewery, Cove Brewery, is now open. It features a 8,500-square-foot brewhouse and taproom. The 170-seat brewery is capable of pumping out 620 gallons of craft beer in one batch and features 20 taps. The brewery is located at Deerfield Beach’s Cove Shopping Center.

Southern Cajun Kitchen, Voodoo Bayou opened its doors on Las Olas. Offering up a true taste of New Orleans, their menu features Southern Cajun Cuisine, an exotic craft cocktails list, and an extensive Bourbon/ Whiskey collection.

The House On The River has opened in Fort Lauderdale. Located directly on the river, known as the Venice of America, in the heart of Downtown. The iconic structure is complemented by a charming eclectic use of vintage furniture with a modern twist, outfitted with mixed china, vibrant flowers, and lush trees.

The 40-year-old Fort Lauderdale staple, Runway 84, has reopened its doors after closing in May of 2022 to undergo renovations. The redesigned dining room is meant to evoke a modern Italian supper-club vibe. The restaurant also unveiled an updated menu and beverage program while still retaining some of the favorites.

Moxies, an intimate neighborhood dining destination, is now open on Las Olas Boulevard. Elevating the dining experience, Moxies’ modern American cuisine offers up high quality food and drink made with fresh ingredients, all made in-house. The 12,000 square foot venue also offers flexible event options for parties and private dining. 

Palm Room has opened on Las Olas. The new sports-oriented cocktail bar will offer conventional sports bar feels while turning into a more energized scene at night.

Longtime Riverside Hotel pastry chef, and Netflix baking show “Sugar Rush Christmas” winner, Sabrina Courtemanche has opened the New River Cafe and Bakery in Fort Lauderdale. Offerings include from-scratch baked custom cakes, artisan breads, sweet treats, homemade jams, paninis, grab-and-go options and desserts. It's located around the corner from the Riverside Hotel at 420 SE 6th Ave.

The outdoor gaming terrace at Harrah’s Pompano Beach is now open. Located between the North (Main) and West entrances, the outdoor Gaming Terrace’s open-air environment is a welcomed addition to the South Florida destination.

Point Break, the Plantation fast-casual eatery is now open. The location features affordable and fresh Japanese street food, ramen, poke bowls, sushi rolls and other Asian-inspired fare.

La Fuga is now open at Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. Experience modern, coastal Italian cuisine. Chef Michael Mayer infuses local South Florida flavors with classic Italian staples to create a fusion of crave-worthy, contemporary dishes.

Willie T's Seafood Shack, a new fast casual-style-eatery in Fort Lauderdale, offers deliciously seasoned fried and grilled menu items varying from Breaded Catfish Delta, to Shrimp Baskets, to Battered Cod. Standout menu items are notably the fresh Lobster Rolls and Jumbo Lump Crab Rolls. Willie T's features plenty of sides including hushpuppies, fried onion petals, mac & cheese, coleslaw and french fries. 

On the Horizon

The Soulful Steep, a new “teahouse + salt cave + emporium” will be opening in Pompano Beach later in 2023. The space will be located on the southeast corner of North Flagler Avenue and Northeast Second Street. 

Baoshi, an innovative Asian food hall, bar and curated market, is set to revolutionize suburban Broward’s dining scene with its November 2023 opening in Pembroke Pines. Located right off bustling Pines Boulevard, Baoshi is poised to become the ultimate hot spot for those looking for an immersive culinary experience.

A major $190 million makeover of the International Swimming Hall of Fame complex is on the way, with plans for an aquarium, rooftop restaurant, new museum and even a FlowRider surf simulator machine. The project will spruce up the city-owned peninsula south of Las Olas with a modern five-story building on the east side just a block from the beach and a six-story building on the west overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. Completion of the project is expected in 2025.

Topgolf is coming to Pompano Beach! Construction on the new three-level state-of-the-art venue has begun and is set to be completed in late 2023.

A new, unique dining concept, TIMBR, will open in 2023 in Fort Lauderdale inside a 100-year-old building. TIMBR will invite visitors to an enchanted world. The 6,500-square-foot space will serve as an ode to nature. Guests will enjoy American/European fusion and beautifully-prepared twists on their favorite foods of the world alongside high-end, elevated offerings, a superb wine list and cutting-edge cocktails.

The Wyndham Dolce Kosher House Hotel is slated to open in Spring 2023. This boutique hotel will be the first Kosher hotel in Broward County. Amenities will include a kosher rooftop restaurant near the pool, a Shabbat elevator that will automatically stop on every floor, and rooms that can be opened without the use of an electronic key card reader on the Sabbath so guests can refrain from operating electronics. It will be located across the street from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood.

Slated to open in late 2023, Marina Village by Bahia Mar will be a waterfront food, beverage, and entertainment venue accessible by foot, car, and even boat with dock access. The one-of-a-kind village will be located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale.

Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show is planning to reopen its doors in late 2023. The landmark restaurant is currently undergoing renovations.

The Florida Panthers organization's revitalization of the War Memorial Auditorium and construction of a new state-of-the-art practice and community ice facility in Fort Lauderdale is fully underway and slated for a 2023 debut. Upon its completion, the new ROSSETTI-designed 144,000 sq. foot sports and entertainment venue will house South Florida's first-of-its-kind ballroom-style concert and performance venue, capable of accommodating up to 3,800 people for intimate live music and events. The redesigned theater will carefully preserve the iconic War Memorial Auditorium's classic art-deco character, while new enhancements and technical upgrades will modernize the space to accommodate global tour productions and larger-scale events. The addition of a state-of-the-art practice facility will feature two regulation-sized indoor ice rinks, including a dedicated public rink that will host a robust variety of youth and adult hockey programs, public skating, and figure skating for community members of all ages. 

Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina, a South Florida icon for more than 50 years, is going through a total reimagination of the destination. Upon completion the hotel will have 376 guest rooms & suites, multi-level pool experience with family and adult areas, lobby lounge, Pier Top lounge, spa, fitness center, kids club, marina promenade and residential offerings. The hotel is officially closed, but the marina and Pelican Landing remain open, welcoming guests and boaters. Expected reopening 2024.