Photo by Barry Grossman
Audio By Carbonatix
It’s official: Fort Lauderdale’s most iconic spire is back in business. Pier Sixty-Six-a historic waterfront resort with roots dating back to the 1960s-roared back to life after a multi-year, multi-billion-dollar transformation. And while its original tower still spins with historic swagger, everything else on the 32-acre site is shiny and new, including a sizzling culinary scene that’s already drawing in locals.
“Pier Sixty-Six has been around since the 1960s and there’s a good chance that many locals have some memories here,” Kevin Ives, general manager of Pier Sixty-Six, tells New Times. “With the exception of our tower that has been preserved and has received a historic designation, everything here is new with nods to our history.”
Sotogrande pays homage to Southern Spain and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Pier Sixty-Six photo
Four New Restaurants, Including The Return of An Iconic Rooftop Bar
Two restaurants that are already turning heads are heading the resort’s food-and-beverage revival: Calusso, where Southern European flair meets a South Florida breeze, and Sotogrande, a bold, sun-soaked homage to Southern Spain and the Eastern Mediterranean.
The pièce de résistance? Pier Top, which opened earlier this month. Set on the 17th floor of the spire-topped tower, the iconic rotating lounge now serves cocktails with a 360-degree view of Fort Lauderdale’s skyline and superyacht playground.
More flavor is en route: Garni, expected to open on April 2, will plate up French-American brunch all day, every day-complete with mimosa and Bloody Mary bars. Meanwhile, Pelican Landing will offer laid-back eats like conch fritters and PBR for boaters and landlubbers alike.
The entryway to Calusso at Pier Sixty-Six.
Pier Sixty-Six photo
If you’re thinking all this luxe means it’s invite-only, think again. “The most attention we’re giving here is the human side of things,” Ives says. “It’s a welcoming environment… and to date, more than 80 percent of our F&B business has been from outside guests not staying in our hotel.”
Beyond the dining, the property now boasts 325 sleek guest rooms, 88 luxury residences, and one of the largest event spaces in Broward. A 13,000-square-foot spa-Zenova Spa & Wellness-debuts soon for hotel guests, complete with sensory showers, a snow room and ceremonial sauna.
Tavistock Group owns the project, while CoralTree Hospitality handles day-to-day vibes. The marina-which stayed open throughout construction-remains a superyacht magnet and host of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Expect more rollouts throughout 2025, with the full Pier Sixty-Six experience ready, according to Ives, by October 2026. For now, bring your appetite-and maybe a camera. The city’s most storied social harbor is literally spinning into a new era.
Pier Sixty-Six. 2301 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale; 954-525-6666; piersixtysix.com.
