If you are looking for a chill atmosphere off Commercial Boulevard in a dive bar experience that offers some of the best Chicago style bar food you’ll ever encounter, you have to check out Hot Leggz in Fort Lauderdale.
I’d heard about this venue for many years, and sadly, didn’t visit until recently. We stopped by on a Friday afternoon to see what all the fuss was about, and we were NOT let down. Here’s my honest review of Hot Leggz, an absolute gem of a dive bar in Fort Lauderdale.
What is Hot Leggz?
Hot Leggz is a neighborhood bar & grill located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They’ve won awards dating back to 2011 for their burgers, snow crab, and Chicago themed menu. While they don’t have tap beer, their cooler is stocked to the gills with craft beers from all over the world.
People come for sporting events, business meetings, “Crabby Hour,” and great food.
When I first walked into the venue, I didn’t know what to expect. There were numerous televisions showcasing sports of all kinds. In an almost Key West type of feature, dollar bills with notes – some G rated – some vulgar – are taped to the walls. Menu’s are perched on the table next to roll ups of plastic silver. Yes, plastic. They keep it simple here at this establishment and I have to respect that!
I got the vibe that many regulars were there as the bartender knew most of the customers by name. I felt like this is my type of joint from the moment I stepped in the front door.
Michelle asked our server “what’s good here?” Her reply – “Everything. What are you in the mood for?”
She’s more of a healthy eater than I am and she opted for the seafood Crabby Patty. This is a sandwich featuring blue crab and king crab with lettuce, red onion, tomato, and remoulade sauce served with thin and crispy french fries.
I had a look at the massive burger menu after seeing they have won Best Burger in Broward County since 2001, which is no small feat. While I was tempted, I was craving a taste of Chicago and opted for the Chicago style Italian Beef Sandwich. In the most honest review I could give – this was a 10 out of 10.
I grew up in Minneapolis and visited Chicago frequently and am a huge fan of Chicago beef sandwiches and hot dogs. I opted for provolone to mix into the massive sandwich featuring beef top round, hot peppers, and giardiniera. This hit the spot and paired perfectly with a salt & lime beer from California.
We also had the pizza bread as an app – it was delicious.
Overall, I found it very reasonable menu prices especially post-COVID when every bar menu item seemed to go up by 40%. Not here. Items range from $12 – 17 which is not pricy, especially for this area and considering the massive portions they offer.
Hot Leggz Menu Highlights:
According to locals I spoke to at the bar, you can’t go wrong with any of the burgers on the menu. In fact, a lot of the Hot Leggz reviews I read online talked about the burgers being among the best in Fort Lauderdale.
For starters, they have an oyster rockefeller which is a hard one to turn down for me as I love oysters any way you prepare them. They also offer shrimp, gator, wings, and just about everything else you’d expect at a great dive bar.
If I’m being honest, most people come here for crab legs. I found this odd being it’s a sports bar, but once I saw them come out and spoke to some of the staff, I was in shock! Yes, dive bars can serve great crab! Here is an overview of what you can find on the “crabz” menu:
- King Crab
- Snow Crab
- Dungeness Crab
- Soft Shell Crab
In addition, they also have peel & eat shrimp, mahi & veggies, and bacon wrapped scallops on their seafood menu.
On my second visit, I had to try the Chicago hot dog. Chicago style means they come on the classic poppy seed bun with mustard, onions, relish, a sport pepper, tomatoes, pickle, and celery salt. This hit the spot! Other than at Hot Dog Heaven in Fort Lauderdale I haven’t had a hot dog this good in a long while!
This is quite possibly one of the best bars for food in Fort Lauderdale, and it’s now firmly in my rotation.
Hot Leggz Location
2471 East Commercial Blvd
Fort Lauderdale FL 33308
Hot Leggz is open between the hours of 11:00 AM to 1:30 AM seven days a week.
Hot Legg’z on Uber Eats & Grub Hub
If you don’t have time to visit the location, you are in luck as they are on both Uber Eats and Grub Hub. Check each app to find out if they deliver to you.
Summary
If you appreciate a good dive spot with excellent food and a diverse menu, RUN to Hot Leggz. I’m actually embarrassed it took me this long to dine here, but that mistake will not be made again as I’ll be a routine visitor when I visit North Lauderdale.
About Tim Schmidt
Tim Schmidt is a 20+ year Entrepreneur and Digital Marketer. A Fort Lauderdale-based "Digital Nomad," he enjoys traveling as much as possible with family and friends. AllWorld is his escape to document all of his adventures, including being a hardcore "foodie." He has property in Costa Rica and visits several times each year and is happy to offer his expert advice for planning your trip. Make sure to download the AllWorld Travel Hacks FREE ebook.
