If it’s tasty cajun and creole food you seek in Fort Lauderdale, the best unkept locals secret is Shuck and Dive, an unpretentious spot operating out of a corner unit in a large plaza just north of the trendy shops on Las Olas Boulevard.
We’ve been customers for years and routinely visit every time we are craving authentic, homemade Louisiana dishes. Let’s walk through the experience in this full Shuck and Dive review and I’ll tell you all about it as well as share some pics along the way.
A Taste of Louisiana in Fort Lauderdale
Tucked into a casual strip center off Federal Highway with ample free parking, Shuck N Dive has been a favorite in Fort Lauderdale for over 25 years. This Cajun restaurant is known for its authentic Cajun cuisine, aiming to replicate the flavors of New Orleans. We appreciate the laid-back vibe, lively horseshoe bar, and menu that channels the spirit of New Orleans right here in Fort Lauderdale. The restaurant features eclectic NOLA decor, Mardi Gras beads, and NOLA trinkets, making it a popular spot for watching sports and enjoying live music.
Men will be enlightened by pics of women flashing their breasts when they enter the men’s restroom, making it a memorable experience while relieving yourselves!
Shuck and Dive Supports LSU and Louisiana Sports
While Shuck N Dive doesn’t have the century-long heritage of a traditional Louisiana institution, its roots are deeply inspired by Southern and Cajun culinary traditions. The restaurant celebrates New Orleans-style food and culture, from gumbo and jambalaya to raw oysters and Po’ boys — a connection reinforced by its popularity among fans of Louisiana teams like the Saints and LSU Tigers. The cozy feel evokes nostalgia for New Orleans, and if you follow any of these teams, you can expect large crowd’s for any of their respective games on gameday.
Chef Staz, who leads the kitchen, has helped elevate the restaurant’s profile through involvement in local food festivals and competitions. His approach blends classic Cajun techniques with the fresh seafood bounty of Florida, earning accolades like “Best Raw Bar” and other local honors over the years.
Shuck and Dive Menu
Shuck N Dive’s menu is where its personality really shines. Expect a robust selection of Cajun and Southern classics — from rich, dark-roux gumbo and red beans & rice with sausage to Gulf oysters and shrimp & grits, a must-try dish. Highlights often mentioned by regulars include:
- Raw & baked oysters — large, fresh Louisiana oysters served raw or cooked in various styles. Baked oysters are a popular dish, with options like Oysters Bienville (featuring onions, chopped onions, cream reduction, and parmesan cheese) and Black N Blues Oysters, topped with compound butter, blackening spice, and blue cheese.
- Fried green tomatoes and Louisiana chicken wings — great starters with genuine Southern flair. Crab claws, prepared sauteed in garlic butter or fried, are a specialty and considered incredibly delicious by patrons.
- Crawfish etouffee, Mahi Mardi Gras (topped with crawfish etouffee), and Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich — hearty entrees that showcase classic Creole spice and technique.
- Po’ boys (including the highly recommended fried shrimp Po Boy), Collard Greens, Hush Puppies, and more — communal, comforting options that keep guests coming back. Popular items also include pork boudin, a traditional starter from Breaux Bridge, Louisiana.
I recently had the red fish po’boy and it was incredible. This appeared on their specials menu as well as soft crab claws among many other things. Here’s a recent pic of their daily specials:
Shuck and Dive Daily Specials Menu
Seafood preparations include flash fried and grilled methods, with some grilled meats finished with a light BBQ glaze served for extra flavor. The menu also features the Dirty Bird, a blackened chicken breast with grilled onions and provolone, and burgers with spicy voodoo sauce. Chicken breast is a key ingredient in several dishes featured here.
Salads are built with ingredients like shaved iceberg lettuce, iceberg lettuce, sliced egg, red onions, onions, chopped onions, roasted red peppers, candied pecans, parmesan cheese, and house vinaigrette. Mama Staz’s Caesar is a signature salad, and some salads are inspired by the Garden District.
Sides include cajun fries, slaw, and tater tots (highly recommended) as popular accompaniments. Wednesday is all day happy hour with $3 tap beers and oysters are only $1.50 after 2 PM!
For dessert, don’t miss the pecan pie (including the best Dixie pecan pie served warm with whipped cream), chocolate bread pudding, and banana pudding made with fresh bananas and Nilla Wafers, all topped with whipped cream. Our last visit featured a peanut butter pie as the dessert speciality.
The lively bar is a great place to catch a solo meal or watch a game and the bartenders are very friendly and knowledgable of the menu. They are always quick to point out the specials and make sure your visit is unforgettable.
Related Reading: Oyster bars in Fort Lauderdale, Florida!
Atmosphere & Service
Shuck N Dive blends a cozy interior with an upbeat bar area and often lively crowd, especially during sports events and live music. The restaurant is noted for its vibrant ambiance, eclectic NOLA decor, and a crowd of locals that adds to the energy. Reviews online are mixed on service — many praise friendly, attentive staff and quick drink service, while a few note occasional lapses during busy times. (Hey, this bar gets busy for big games and the busy season – it is what it is and I have zero complaints personally.)
Overall, the vibe leans toward casual comfort with New Orleans music and décor that transport you away from Florida’s beaches for a meal.
Shuck N Dive is closed on Mondays. It operates from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM Tuesday through Thursday, 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM on Sundays. Reservations are not required for lunch or dinner, and take-out and delivery options are available.
Shuck N Dive Address and Contact Info
Shuck N Dive
650 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
(954) 462-0088
If you’re craving authentic Cajun-Creole food outside Louisiana — from creamy etouffee to fresh oysters and spicy wings — Shuck N Dive is a Fort Lauderdale gem worth trying.
Summary
The Shuck N Dive community is as lively and flavorful as the dishes served at this beloved Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale spot. Regulars and newcomers alike are quick to share their experiences, filling social media and review sites with enthusiastic comments about their favorite menu items and the welcoming vibe. Whether it’s a snapshot of fried green tomatoes topped with crumbled blue cheese and pit smoked ham, or a rave about the traditional red remoulade sauce and blue cheese crumbles that elevate so many dishes, the conversation is always buzzing.
There is a reason they are going on 30 years in business – this place simply does Louisiana food at an incredible level!
It’s one of the best places to get gulf oysters, sometimes baked with creamed spinach and bacon crumbles for an extra indulgent treat. I eat mine raw but you do what you want with them! The crawfish etouffee, made with authentic andouille sausage from Breaux Bridge, and the shrimp remoulade are frequent stars in customer reviews, celebrated for their bold flavors and true Cajun spirit. Fried pickles, another crowd favorite, are a perfect starter to share with friends at the bar.
The sense of community extends beyond the food. Many guests become regulars, drawn by the friendly, attentive service and the personal touch of Chef Staz, whose blue cheese sauce is a local legend. The restaurant’s location at 650 N Federal Hwy makes it a convenient gathering place for those in Lauderdale FL seeking real Cajun food in a relaxed, festive setting. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick bite, a family dinner, or a night out with friends, Shuck N Dive’s passionate community is always ready to welcome you—and share their latest food recommendations.
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.
