Visiting tomorrow from Ohio!

Question

Hey guys, I’m so excited to feel sand under my bare feet for a few days! It’s getting a bit crisp up here in the Ohio valley. Hubby and I are looking for some great locally sourced seafood. Looking for a local hole in the wall - not touristy. Just longing for some really delicious shrimp, fish, etc. no frills and not super pricey.

Also, is the ocean still warm enough to lounge in on a raft? How is the condition (hopefully no red tide or anything).

It’s our 13th anniversary we’re flying down to celebrate.

Thank you!

Answer

Happy early 13th anniversary! Fort Lauderdale is a great pick — here are some local seafood places that feel authentic (not touristy), plus what to know about beach and water conditions for swimming and floating in the ocean.

Where to Get Real, Local Seafood

Southport Raw Bar — A classic, laid-back waterfront raw bar very popular with locals. According to Reddit: > “Southport Raw Bar. Close to the airport, local favorite … solid FL seafood joint with affordable prices.” They serve oysters, shrimp, and other simple seafood fare — very low-frills and very Florida.
The Fish Shack — According to Redditors, this place is a gem for fried fish: > “They have a big board with the prices … the Wahoo and Grouper in particular are excellent.”
Tark’s Seafood — Another local favorite: one Reddit commenter recommended “Tark’s … they have incredible oysters, clams and the price is elcheapo.”
Cap’s Place — If you don’t mind a short drive or a more “off the beaten path” feel, this spot came up on Reddit as a beloved mom-and-pop seafood place: > “Cap’s Place … I always recommend … get the crab cakes.”

How’s the Ocean Right Now?

Water temperature: In November, the ocean water around Fort Lauderdale is very comfortable. Average sea temperatures are in the range of about 79–81 °F (26–27 °C), depending on the data source. That means lounging on a raft should feel really nice — warm but not hot.
Red tide / water quality: According to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission’s most recent east-coast sampling data, no significant red tide (Karenia brevis) was detected in Broward (where Fort Lauderdale is). Also, local beach-condition reports from the city don’t currently flag any major water-quality hazards.
Beach safety: As always, pay attention to local flags when you go to the beach — there are sometimes rip currents or other marine hazards.

Bottom Line

Yes — you can absolutely find *real, local, affordable seafood* in Fort Lauderdale that’s not touristy. Southport Raw Bar, The Fish Shack, and Tark’s are all great picks, and Cap’s is a little more hidden but loved by locals. And the ocean? Totally still warm enough for swimming or chill rafting. Red tide doesn’t seem to be a concern right now on the east coast (Broward), so you should be good to get in.