14 Best Old School Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale isn't just a city of beaches, bars, and boats; it's also a city with a rich history, and nowhere is that more evident than in its restaurants. Across Broward County, tucked alongside streets, waterways, and boulevards, you'll find old-school institutions that have been serving South Floridians for decades, like the great Anthony's Runway 84. These aren't just places to eat; they're living landmarks, each with stories that trace back to the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, when Fort Lauderdale was still finding its identity as a growing city by the sea.

From the rustic, rum-running hideaway of Cap's Place, founded in 1928, and the steakhouse traditions of Tropical Acres Steakhouse, founded in 1949, to the neon glow of Lester's Diner, founded in 1967, and the garlic-crab feasts at Rustic Inn Crabhouse, founded in 1955, these restaurants have withstood fires, hurricanes, and massive waves of development. Yet they continue to thrive, beloved by generations of locals who return again and again for familiar dishes and a taste of nostalgia. They are the places where families have celebrated milestones, where visitors have been introduced to Fort Lauderdale's character, and where time seems to slow down just enough for you to feel the history in the walls.

On August 1, New Times went searching for these legends — the restaurants that locals still call their favorites after decades of dining. We turned to Facebook groups like Let's Eat, South Florida, and Foodies Who Review South Florida, and the response was overwhelming: more than 1,000 comments from people eager to share their most beloved old-school restaurants. What we found is that these old-school restaurants aren't just surviving in a city that's constantly changing, but they're defining it, giving Fort Lauderdale and Broward a unique flavor that no glossy newcomer could ever replicate. Below, in alphabetical order, explore the fascinating history of 14 of these historically significant Fort Lauderdale-area restaurants.

The Ambry - Opened in 1981

3016 E. Commercial Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
954-771-7342
ambryrestaurant.net

The Ambry has been a beloved Fort Lauderdale institution since 1981, first opened by the late, famed German footballer Gerd Müller (who passed away in 2021 at the age of 75) before being taken over by the Huber family, who still run it today. Known for its authentic German cuisine, Bavarian-style décor, and cozy castle-like exterior, it's one of the most unique dining experiences in the city. Inside, guests find dark wood corridors, private rooms with warm hearths, and a bar decked out in German soccer memorabilia and decorative steins reserved for loyal regulars. With house-made sausages, hearty prime rib, and frothy German beers, the Ambry has built a legendary reputation as one of Fort Lauderdale's most cherished old-school restaurants.

Anthony's Runway 84 - Opened in 1982

330 W. State Rd. 84, Fort Lauderdale
954-467-8484
runway84.com

Anthony's Runway 84 has been a legendary Fort Lauderdale landmark since 1982, known as the city's ultimate Italian-American red-sauce joint. Founded by Anthony Bruno and his father, the restaurant quickly became a magnet for athletes, celebrities, and locals who loved its old-school charm and classic dishes. Nearly 40 years later, Runway reinvented itself with a glamorous new supper club vibe, live music, and a refreshed interior while keeping the same beloved hospitality and signature plates like chicken Parm and veal chops. With its mix of nostalgia, star power, and true Italian-American flair, Anthony's Runway 84 remains one of the most iconic old-school restaurants in South Florida.

Cap's Place - Opened in 1928

2765 NE 28th Ct., Lighthouse Point
954-941-0418
capsplace.com

Cap's Place, tucked away in Lighthouse Point just north of Fort Lauderdale, is one of the oldest and most storied restaurants in all of Broward County. Established in 1928 by Captain Theodore "Cap" Knight, it began as a rumrunner's hideaway only accessible by water during Prohibition. Between the 1930s and 1940s, it was a supper club and gambling casino called Club Unique, even though gambling was illegal in Florida at the time. Private memberships to the "supper club" were sold for twenty-five cents, slot machines lined the hallway between the dining rooms and kitchen, and windows were covered to keep prying eyes away. Over the decades, it transformed into the legendary restaurant we know today, and has hosted everyone from locals and tourists to Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt (during the war in 1942,  where they dined in the "yellow room"), the Vanderbilt family, Joe DiMag­gio, and countless celebrities. Nearly a century later, Cap's Place remains a historic landmark, celebrated for its rustic charm, fresh seafood, and role as a living piece of South Florida history. Interesting fact: Knight's name made the newspapers in 1962 when he was arrested and charged with possession of illegal turtle eggs used in the making of "Turtle Egg Pancakes," which he had served at Cap's for 36 years, according to his wife, Lola...he passed away two years later, and this practice hasn't taken place since.

The Floridian - Opened in 1937

1492 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
954-463-4041
thefloridiandiner.com

The Floridian Restaurant has been a true Las Olas Boulevard staple since 1937, making it one of Fort Lauderdale's oldest dining landmarks. For more than eight decades, it has welcomed locals and tourists alike with hearty meals served in a nostalgic, vintage diner setting. Open 24 hours, the Floridian has built its reputation as the go-to spot for everything from all-day breakfast to late-night bites. Its long-standing tradition and warm hospitality have made it a beloved gathering place for generations of Fort Lauderdale faithful.

Frank's Italian Restaurant - Opened in 1972

3960 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd., Pembroke Park
954-983-2342
franksitalianrestaurant.com

Frank's Italian Restaurant has been a beloved South Florida staple since 1972, when Frank, his wife Anne, and their three sons relocated the family business from Staten Island. Originally founded in 1960 on Victory Boulevard in New York, the restaurant carried its old-school Italian recipes and warm, family-run charm down to Florida. Frank, who hailed from Fondi, Italy, built a legacy rooted in tradition, authenticity, and hospitality. Today, his son John and the family continue to carry on that legacy, making Frank’s one of the most legendary Italian restaurants in the region.

Georgia Pig BBQ & Restaurant - Opened in 1953

1285 S. State Rd. 7, Fort Lauderdale
954-587-4420
georgiapig.com

Georgia Pig BBQ & Restaurant has been a Fort Lauderdale staple since 1953, when the Anderson family brought their barbecue traditions down from Jesup, Georgia. Known for its smoky, no-frills Southern-style barbecue, it quickly became one of the most legendary old-school spots in South Florida. Generations of loyal customers, including many who have since moved away, still make it a point to return for a taste of "The Pig." More than 70 years later, Georgia Pig remains a beloved landmark, celebrated for its timeless flavors and community roots. In 2020, it celebrated its 67th anniversary, with its founder's daughter, Susan Anderson, writing on Facebook, "Happy 67th Anniversary to the Georgia Pig BBQ & Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. [Thank you to] my parents who began this dream, my siblings who lived it, my brother and sister-in-law who worked it and kept it alive, and to Luke, Robert, the Mormon family, and all you amazing people who are carrying it forward."

Jack's Old Fashion Hamburger House - Opened in 1972

4201 N. Federal Hwy., Oakland Park
954-565-9960
jacksoldfashionburgers.com

Jack's Old Fashioned Hamburger House has been serving Fort Lauderdale since 1972, making it one of the city's oldest burger joints. Founded by Jack M. Berry on North Federal Highway, it became known for its hand-pressed burgers, crispy fries, and classic milkshakes. Berry built the business not just on good food, but also on a strong work ethic, often hiring young employees to give them their start. More than 50 years later, Jack’s is still going strong, even expanding with a second location in Pompano Beach.

Laspada's Original Hoagies - Opened in 1973

233 Commercial Blvd., Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
954-776-7893
laspadashoagies.com

Laspada's Original Hoagies has been a legendary Broward staple since 1973, when John LaSpada Jr., a third-generation sandwich maker whose grandfather opened his first hoagie shop in 1938 in Atlantic City, opened the first shop in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. Known for its overstuffed sandwiches and no-nonsense style, it quickly became one of Fort Lauderdale's most famed spots for a hoagie fix. In 1978, LaSpada sold the business to Harry and Gale Kappes, who, along with their son Phil, still operate the brand's five South Florida locations. After more than four decades in its cramped original space, the shop moved in 2018 across Commercial Boulevard into a former hair salon, where it continues to serve more than 1,000 hoagies daily.

Lester's Diner - Opened in 1967

250 W. State Rd/ 84, Fort Lauderdale
954-525-5641
lestersdiner.com

Lester's Diner has been a Fort Lauderdale staple since 1967, making it one of the city's oldest and most beloved restaurants. Known for its retro vibes and classic diner fare, it's the spot where generations of locals have gathered for pancakes, burgers, and endless coffee refills. The original location on State Road 84 has become a landmark in its own right, famous for its welcoming atmosphere and that legendary 14-ounce coffee cup. More than five decades later, Lester's is still going strong, proving that comfort food and community never go out of style.

The Mai-Kai Restaurant & Polynesian Show - Opened in 1956

3599 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale
954-563-3272
maikai.com

The Mai-Kai Restaurant & Polynesian Show has been one of Fort Lauderdale's most legendary old-school restaurants since opening in 1956, dazzling guests with its immersive Polynesian theme. Founded by brothers Bob and Jack Thornton, the restaurant became famous for its authentic South Pacific décor, nightly Polynesian dance shows, and tropical cocktails crafted by tiki legend Mariano Licudine. Its collection of artifacts, some more than a century old, adds to the magic, transporting diners straight into the golden age of tiki culture. Recognized as a true cultural treasure, the Mai-Kai was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014, cementing its legacy as an icon of Fort Lauderdale dining. After a multi-million-dollar renovation, the restaurant reopened in 2025 to massive fanfare.

Rustic Inn Crabhouse - Opened in 1955

4331 Anglers Ave., Fort Lauderdale
954-584-1637
rusticinn.com

The Rustic Inn Crabhouse is one of Florida's most legendary old-school restaurants, with roots dating back to at least 1913 when the space first opened as a different restaurant. In 1955, it transformed into the Rustic Inn Crabhouse, forever changing Fort Lauderdale's dining scene with its famous garlic crabs and hammer-on-the-table seafood feasts. Tucked along a waterway, it's been the go-to place for generations of locals and visitors who love messy, flavorful crab dinners served with mallets and plenty of butter. Decades later, Rustic Inn remains a true Florida classic, where tradition, seafood, and a lively atmosphere continue to draw crowds.

Sonny's Famous Steak Hoagies - Opened in 1958

1857 N. 66th Ave., Hollywood
954-989-0561
sonnysfamoussteakhogies.com

Featured in Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on the Food Network, Sonny's has been a Broward institution since 1958, when Samuel "Sonny" Nigro opened his humble sandwich shop after moving from Philadelphia. Known for its old-school charm and family-run tradition, the restaurant has been serving generations from the very same location for more than six decades (67 years to be exact). Everything is made from scratch, from the daily-baked bread and housemade sauces to the hand-sliced rib-eye steak, meatballs, and famous garlic rolls. With its unwavering commitment to quality and tradition, Sonny's remains one of the best old-school restaurants in Broward.

Southport Raw Bar & Restaurant - Opened in 1974

1536 Cordova Rd., Fort Lauderdale
954-525-2526
southportrawbar.com

Southport Raw Bar & Restaurant has been a legendary Fort Lauderdale seafood spot since 1974, beloved for its casual dockside vibe and fresh raw oysters. Founded by New Yorkers Milton Kirtman and Carmine Ferrante, the restaurant quickly became a hangout for boaters, locals, and even celebrities. With stories of Tarzan actor Johnny Weissmuller letting out his famous call after a few beers, Southport's history is as colorful as its seafood platters. Owned by Buddy Sherman over the past few decades, it remains a true old-school institution, serving generations of diners along the waterfront.

Tropical Acres Steakhouse - Opened in 1949

2500 Griffin Rd., Fort Lauderdale
954-989-2500
tropicalacres.com

Tropical Acres Steakhouse has been serving Fort Lauderdale since 1949, making it one of the city's oldest and most enduring restaurants. Founded by Gene Harvey in a converted frame house on Griffin Road, it quickly became famous for its open-pit charbroiled steaks. Though the original restaurant was twice devastated by fire, first in 1964 and again in 2011, it was rebuilt each time, a testament to its resilience and loyal following. At one point, it had other locations, including one pictured above in Dania, which have all since closed. Today, Tropical Acres continues to thrive, cherished for its tradition, longevity, and generations of employees and customers who have kept its legacy alive.