Sometimes you just feel like drinking with a bird’s eye view. And in Fort Lauderdale, that means glorious views of the ocean and cityscape and the wonderful breeze that comes from being multiple stories above the ground. Fort Lauderdale doesn’t have as a robust rooftop pool scene as other US cities, but these spots below make up for it with plenty of space to lounge and excellent drink menus to enjoy. But you don’t always need a pool to get the good times rolling. The three additional rooftop bars featured here cater to those looking for excellent food and beverage with the added benefit of a killer view. From the rooftop pool bars that will keep you cool all day long to lively locales where the party goes until late, these are the six best rooftop bars in Fort Lauderdale right now.
The Best Rooftop Bars in Fort Lauderdale
ELEV8 Pool Bar
Located on the eighth floor of Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale, ELEV8 Pool Bar is an arty oasis surrounded by some of the city’s tallest skyscrapers. The sparkling pool is a welcome respite from the South Florida sun, while fire pits warm up chillier evenings.
“This art-infused escape allows our guests to soak in city views with one-of-a-kind murals as a backdrop,” says Joshua Morris ELEV8’s general manager. “As we roll out the new ELEV8 menu, we are elevating the typical rooftop pool and bar experience, making sure to leave our guests sunkissed and satisfied.”
Refreshing libations like frozen cherry limeade and a watermelon margarita are perfect for poolside sipping, while bar snacks, sandwiches, and salads can satisfy appetites big and small.
The Easton
The Easton has a little something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a chill after-work cocktail, raucous weekend pool party, or Sunday morning yoga class. The indoor-outdoor venue features weekly DJs, sweeping views of surrounding Fort Lauderdale, and, of course, a lovely blue pool to enjoy.
“I think our most distinctive feature is having an amazing pool in the middle of our venue,” says Diego Echeverry the assistant general manager. “It gives our guests the opportunity to enjoy delightful craft cocktails at a rooftop bar and allows them to do it wearing a bikini while enjoying our lasting summer weather.”
The Easton has both signature and classic cocktails (think negronis and passionfruit margaritas) on deck, as well as bottle service and a small food menu.
Rooftop at Kimpton Shorebreak
Located just steps from the beach, Kimpton Shorebreak offers serene, modern rooms and lively dining options that make for the perfect Fort Lauderdale hotel stay. The property has two pools, one of which sits high above the city on the eighth floor that offers views of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Guests can cool down with quenching house cocktails like We Are All Pirates, made with two types of rum, ginger, lime, and apricot liqueur, or grab a frosty beer, wine, or canned cocktail. A robust poolside menu has something for every appetite, like smoked swordfish dip with pickled fresno chile and a classic turkey club.
Sparrow
Sparrow is one of the coolest places to grab a drink in Fort Lauderdale right now, with its gorgeous design and excellent libations. Located on the top floor of The Dalmar, Fort Lauderdale, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, the indoor-outdoor space boasts plush seating, an expansive patio, and views for days.
The cocktail menu features tropical riffs on classic cocktails, large-format punches for groups, and signature tiki libations like the Me Oh My, made with bourbon, Italicus Bergamot Liqueur, Giffard Framboise, calamansi honey, yuzu, tonic, and sage. Guests can also grab a bite from the dinner menu — which has nibbles like sushi and bao buns, in addition to larger plates — if you’re feeling peckish, and don’t miss $10 cocktails during happy hour.
Rooftop @1WLO
If you’re looking for a loungey party vibe in a place that serves great cocktails, Rooftop @1WLO has everything from happy hour food and drink specials to sparkler-topped bottle service. The plant-filled space overlooks Las Olas Boulevard and is designed with both bar and cushy lounge seating so guests can choose their own adventure.
Classic cocktails like the Martini are always on the menu, and signature drinks like Into the Sunset — made with blanco tequila, Cherry Herring, passion fruit, and lemon — taste as good as they look. You can also ask for a tailor-made cocktail and choose between different spirits, flavor profiles, and even opt to have the libation smoked. Nibbles like patatas bravas and shrimp toast are also available.
Bar Rita
There are few better places to grab a Margarita in Fort Lauderdale than Bar Rita, which serves its excellent variations both by the glass and by the pitcher. The original lime margarita comes frozen or on the rocks, but we love their signature takes on the classics like The Matador (reposado tequila, blood orange, and tonic) and the Mango Mezcalita (mezcal, mango, blanco tequila, and agave). The bi-level restaurant and bar feature a breezy open-air rooftop where you can sip your margarita of choice and nosh on dishes like Baja grilled shrimp and brisket barbacoa enchiladas. 