Craving New England seafood but find yourself in Fort Lauderdale? At Kellys Landing, a homey neighborhood charm instantly places you in Boston and lets you know you are in the right spot. In my Kelly’s Landing review I’ll share with you some of the highlights of the menu as well as recap a lot of my experiences there.
This is the ONLY Place I come from true New England Seafood, and I’m going on record saying they have the best clam chowder in South Florida!
In fact, I gave this place a spot on my prestigious list of the top places for seafood in Fort Lauderdale, and trust me, there are many!
Kellys Landing Reviews & My Experience
You can’t go wrong with Kellys Landing New England Seafood. Whether you are looking for the areas best clam chowder, steamers, Ipswich clams, or a classic lobster roll, you’ll be among the many who rate it five star reviews online. I’ve been dozens of times, and it’s in my regular rotation for a casual lunch in Fort Lauderdale.
Don’t just take my word for it, if you look online, where customers are VERY vocal about being upset, and don’t always rush to praise restaurants, you’ll find the following ratings.
- 4.5 out of 5 on Google
- 4.4 on TripAdvisor
- And even a 4.2 with the fickle Yelp crowd!
Your New England culinary journey begins at Kelly’s Landing with their appetizers, fondly referred to as “Nautical Nibbles.” From the creamy clam chowder to the juicy lobster rolls and Ipswich clams, each dish is a testament to the freshest New England seafood.
The Best New England Clam Chowder in Fort Lauderdale
This is the best clam chowder in South Florida and perhaps the best I’ve had in my entire life!
Made from scratch with the following fresh ingredients:
- chopped sea clams
- white potatoes
- onions
- butter
- light cream
You won’t find any complaints about the Kelly’s Landing clam chowder, other than for me, it always fills me up and gets in the way of me being my gluttonous self and devouring a lot more dishes and apps!
Get a mug if you are going to order a meal. The bowl is huge! They are both filling. You’ve been warned!
Kelly’s Landing Lobster Roll – Best in the Area!
If there’s one dish that screams ‘New England,’ it’s the lobster roll. At Kelly’s Landing, the lobster rolls are a must-try. I know I just went on record saying Kelly’s Landing has the best clam chowder in South Florida, but I’d say the same about their New England Lobster roll.
Served on a toasted New England style roll, these england rolls served are packed with seasoned lobster meat, melted butter, and zesty mayo. The result? A luscious, mouthwatering delight that locals can’t get enough of.
More than just a menu item, the lobster roll represents a slice of history. The lobster roll traces its roots back to Perry’s restaurant in Milford, Connecticut, in 1927. Harry Perry created this delicious delight for a customer, and it quickly became a hit.
Kelly’s Landing upholds this tradition today, offering the finest New England seafood in Fort Lauderdale.
Ipswich Clams
The Ipswich clams are another New England delicacy that has found a home at Kelly’s Landing. Known as “Whole Belly Delights,” these clams are adored for their juicy and tender texture, achieved by using the whole belly of the clam.
The popularity of Ipswich clams in New England cuisine dates back over 100 years. At Kelly’s Landing, these clams are rinsed and soaked in a mix of milk and water for hours before making their way to your plate. If you are a fan of Ipswich clams, Kelly’s does a great job at them.
I won’t get into the chicken and steak on the menu because frankly, I’ve never had them. I come here for New England seafood in Fort Lauderdale. That’s it!
Kelly’s Landing extends beyond seafood and grill, presenting a unique dining experience that merges casual fare with high-end flavors. Think classic New England baked beans with a twist, a variety of sandwiches and burgers, and homemade desserts that round off the meal perfectly.
Kelly’s Landing Daily Specials
Most locals are aware of their dynamic specials menu and visit when their dish of choice is on special. Here’s the specials offered, which hangs on signs in front of the door and on the outside patio:
New England Baked Beans at Kelly’s Landing
Kelly’s Landing’s New England baked beans are made with:
- Navy beans
- Bacon
- Onions
- Garlic
- Salt pork
- Maple syrup
- Molasses
These Boston baked beans are slow-baked to perfection, offering a taste of New England with every bite.
No matter what main you choose, these baked beans make for a delightful side. And with a variety of dishes that pair well with them, including:
- sausages
- BBQ ribs
- mac and cheese
- beef hot dogs – The “Fenway Frank & Beans” is two hot dogs on toasted buns with beans.
Sandwiches & More
For those seeking lighter options, the sandwiches and burgers at Kelly’s Landing are an excellent choice. Some options include:
- Tuna Salad Sandwich
- Grilled Ham & Cheese
- Traditional Lobstah Roll
- Three-Way sandwich
While I stay with the traditional fresh or fried seafood, there’s something for everyone, even your picky eater of a child who just wants pasta or a simple hot dog.
You can end all this with a Boston Cream Pie. Yep, made fresh every day at Kelly’s, it’s a huge hit with everyone. Can’t go wrong if you have a sweet tooth to satisfy.
Local Love for Kelly’s Landing
Kelly’s Landing holds a special place in the hearts of Fort Lauderdale locals. From the generous appetizers to the variety of tasty dishes and the great service, regulars have nothing but praise for this restaurant.
What I like about this place is that it’s one plaza over from Southport Raw bar, meaning you can walk to the other if one is full. You can’t go wrong at either spot, and both restaurants are very close to the airport.
Kelly’s Landing New England Seafood Photos
Here are a few more photos of Kelly’s Landing.
Kelly’s Landing Address & Contact Info
Name: Kelly’s Landing
Address: 1305 SE 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Phone Number: +1 954-760-7009
Website: kellyslanding.com
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Summary
From the fresh New England seafood to the cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, Kelly’s Landing offers a unique dining experience that blends tradition with innovation. Whether you’re a seafood lover or a fan of casual dining with a gourmet twist, this restaurant has something for everyone. Next time you’re in Fort Lauderdale, make sure to pay a visit to Kelly’s Landing. You’re in for a treat!
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.
But let’s talk chowder. I ordered that “Mug” of clam chowder on a whim, and holy smokes—it’s legitimately the best in South Florida (and maybe the best I’ve ever slurped) with tender clams, buttery potatoes, and just enough cream to feel indulgent without tipping you into a food coma.
And if you’re not diving headfirst into a lobster roll next, what are you even doing? Their New England-style roll is loaded with sweet, seasoned lobster meat and that melted butter + zesty mayo combo that makes it pure comfort heaven—all while sitting in a casual, Boston-sports-logo-decked dining room that somehow feels like Cheers down in the Sunshine State.
Don’t sleep on the Ipswich clams or the baked beans—those navy beans stewed in maple syrup and bacon are the sidekick your main needs. Whether you swing by for a weekday lunch or hit their patio specials, Kelly’s Landing nails that blend of cozy neighborhood charm and seafood done right. If you’re in town, just go—you can thank me later when your taste buds are still doing a happy dance.