Located in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Pirate Republic bar and restaurant offers a gorgeous waterfront dining experience. I was blown away by the unexpected flavor combinations, which blend Brazilian and Caribbean flavors, and the menu had a lot of fresh seafood and exclusive spices. Many people know this restaurant because it appeared on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” and I wanted to check it out.
Located along the New River, this restaurant is like Fort Lauderdale’s downtown landmark. I was impressed from the start with the free parking. I also noticed that there was plenty of dock space for Florida boaters. A bit off the beaten path, I met some friends here, and we had an amazing early evening listening to live music while we ate on the water.
Pirate Republic Seafood Restaurant Reviews
Did other’s like this place as much as I did? On Yelp, Pirate Republic has a 3.6/5 star rating. Those who were happy with the service loved how the jerk chicken on the grill was cooked, and noted that the food was prepared well. Though many seem to enjoy this restaurant, mixed reviews tend to be the norm. Unhappy reviewers talked about several issues with the restaurant including very poor service, issues with the quality of the food, and rude management.
Reviewers on TripAdvisor rated this place a bit better with a 4.1/5 star rating. Many mentioned that they came to this restaurant on account of the appearance on Food Network, but others were locals who have become regulars in the pirate-themed world here. Some mentioned the unique look of the building, and many shared that a table by the water was like a magnet for insects, but the restaurant had good views.
Pirate Republic Seafood Restaurant Menu
Pirate Republic’s menu showcases a fusion of Brazilian and Caribbean cuisines, emphasizing fresh sea life and bold flavors. I thought it was the kind of place that only catered to a unique taste, but I had a great surprise when I saw that the menu was more varied than I thought.
I had the Pirate Bowl, which was a mixture of fish and other seafood in a white wine, garlic, and butter broth. It was served with rice. One of my friends had a whole snapper, which he described as delicious, and one of the best in the area. The other friend I was with had a salad, which also looked amazing. The restaurant also has a variety of tropical cocktails, including traditional and flavored Caipirinhas, Mojitos, and Margaritas made with fresh ingredients.
Pirate Republic Seafood Restaurant Dress Code
Pirate Republic has a casual dress code. Since it’s on the water and has open-air seating, diners seemed to mostly wear relaxed clothes during the day. Some may choose to dress up slightly for the evening, but the atmosphere is very much “come as you are,” without making you feel like you are in a high society type of place.
Pirate Republic Seafood Restaurant Location & Hours
Address: 400 SW 3rd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
Phone: (954) 761-3500
Website: piraterepublicseafood.com
Hours of Operation:
- Monday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Final Thoughts
I was quite impressed with Pirate Republic. We went for a late lunch, and enjoyed the boats docking and unusual ambiance. Though the restaurant has mixed reviews, we were pleased with the staff and the food here. It isn’t one of the top places for seafood in Fort Lauderdale, but I’d come back. We even met the chef/owner, Claudia, who created many of her recipes while sailing around the world.
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.
