Just west of downtown Fort Lauderdale is The Riverside Market, which has rightfully earned the title of "Fort Lauderdale's Official Craft Beer Hangout."
Located between the quiet neighborhoods of Sailboat Bend and Riverside Park neighborhoods, in what appears to be a former convenience store, this could well be the most happening place this side of downtown. You can tell, especially on weekends, when there's a full parking lot as well as an overflow of cars parked along the streets.
The Riverside Market — Photo courtesy of Stanley T. Bird, Jr.
While The Riverside Market can easily be overlooked if you're just driving by, as this part of SW 12th Avenue is a quiet one between two historical neighborhoods, it won't be overlooked for long.
It’s easy to see why the crowd is here. And it’s a mixed crowd: young and old, some families, friends from work gathering after hours and the many regulars.
Go inside and join the party. Tables are available lined along a cooler filled with over 550 craft beers, specialty wines and over 50 gourmet sodas, which are especially popular with the kids. Try the lounge area with its mixed-matched couches to relax in.
This can easily become a regular watering hole after the first visit.
With their selection of craft beers available, there is certainly something for everyone. While many people here know exactly what beer they like, this is a great place to frequent for those who are newcomers to the craft beer scene. The Riverside Market prides itself on stocking hard-to-find brews, and rare bottles make frequent appearances.
Plenty of drink options at The Riverside Market — Photo courtesy of Stanley T. Bird, Jr.
They also support local, Florida-brewed beer, which can be found on draft, in a bottle or in a can. They offer 20 drafts in a constant rotation, and there are always five locals on at all times. Also available are 10 gluten-free beers and over 25 ciders that contain no grain at all.
The Riverside Market is indeed open for the evening crowds, but it's also open at 8 a.m. for great breakfasts. It's lucky for those who live nearby, but certainly worth the drive before you go into the office.
Their list of mouth-watering, fresh and oversized omelets include the Ed Hardy Omelet, which is the cheesiest around; the West of 95, which consists of ham, onions and green peppers; The Tony Soprano Omelet with mozzarella, tomato and pepperoni; and the Go Green Omelet with fresh spinach, tomatoes and cheese, just to name a few.
Want to create your own? The I'm Here To Please Omelet can be requested. Choose from the fresh ingredients available and create a masterpiece.
Lunch or dinner is great, too. Discover the variety of salads – including tuna, chicken breast, shrimp and crab meat, caprese or garden – and pick one for a start or even a meal itself). Look over the list of sandwiches, subs, clubs and wraps, which are all priced just right, and enjoy. Also available are delicious pizzas, fish tacos, Carolina pulled pork and delicious chicken wings.
Make it a point to visit The Riverside Market, and see why this popular, family-owned establishment is a local favorite.
