Justin Guerrero
If you’re looking for a genuine, old-school local spot, the Wayside Inn is a true hidden gem. It’s not fancy, and that’s the whole point. The drinks are strong and fairly priced, and the bartenders have that perfect mix of sass and charm that makes you feel right at home. The vibe is incredibly relaxed—a great place to shoot some pool, listen to the jukebox, and chat with locals. It has that welcoming, come-as-you-are atmosphere that’s getting harder to find. Highly recommended for an unpretentious, good time!”
… moreDina Elayne
UPDATE: AS OF FEBRUARY 14, 2026 IT’S OFFICIALLY A NON-SMOKING BAR!!
A True Hidden Gem in the Neighborhood
If you’re looking for a laid-back spot where everyone knows your name (or learns it by the end of the night), this little neighborhood dive bar is the place. It’s not fancy, and that’s exactly the point. The drinks are strong, the prices are fair, and the bartenders have that perfect mix of sass and charm that makes you feel right at home.
There’s a mix of regulars and newcomers, which keeps the atmosphere friendly and familiar without ever feeling cliquey. The TouchTunes jukebox is the best form of live entertainment around. These people know music
Don’t come expecting craft cocktails or a five-star menu; come for good conversation, cold beer, and that nostalgic dive-bar comfort you can’t fake. It’s the kind of place you stop by for one drink and end up staying until closing.
… moreEasy Crider
On the canopy it said Bar and Grill and I was coming back from the beach viewing the SS United States go by. I wanted to grab a burger or something so stopped in the place. Just down the street from the whete the old Pirates Inn was. Been there for at least 50 years. I’ve never been in it but I’ve been by it plenty of times so I thought I’d give it a try. Reminded me of the old time Taverns. The first thing that hit me was all the cigarette smoke and as an x-smoker found it quite offensive. But since I was already there I figured well I’ll get myself a beer and a burger and head on my way so I ordered up a nice cold Yuengling draft and asked for a menu. The girl behind the bar said we don’t serve food. I said well your canopy says Bar and Grill and she said does it ? I don’t know. It seems like she didn’t know a lot of stuff. So I paid for my expensive draft beer finished it and headed on my way. I don’t think I’ll ever be back and I don’t know who can afford to drink at this little hole in the wall place. For what it is I think their draft beer should be quite a bit cheaper.
… moreIceman From Lauderdale
This just in!!!!! This is nolonger a smoking bar. This place like many around us caved to tourist trap clientele. It’s a sad thing for locals that have been coming here for years. There are a few chairs out front for the smoking regulars that have been patrons of this establishment for many years.
… moreMark Kopsack
My brother and I found this place out of desperation to find blue crabs in the greater Fort Lauderdale area. Do they serve or steam blue crabs? No, they do not.
However, after hearing our story, the folks inside this humble abode (team and customers) all chipped in to help us find and locate them from a local fish market. In doing so, their suggestions and encouragement help us deliver 3 dozen blue crabs to the happiest 80 year old father in SW Florida.
And we had a heck of a good time, the drinks are deliciously made with love, the juke box sounded great, and the vintage bowling machine begged us to play.
We only wish we had more time to hang out with the amazing people we met at The Wayside Inn.
Amazing local place filled with amazing people (which is what makes a business successful, in my humble opinion). We cannot wait to go back when we are in town.
… moreMaryBeth Begalke
Wayside Inn was an exciting find for me as I was staying right across the street at the Tru by Hilton. I made two separate stops in one day and was welcomed during both and enjoyed my visit. Seems like it’s a local place with smoking allowed but that is something I love to find. I prefer this kind of bar to a hotel bar anyways so the location and authenticity was amazing. They also had a hula hoop on the wall I wanted to use (or see someone else use) but unfortunately never had the opportunity.
… moreMegan Hovenden
Pretty much a glorified jail. And the staff likes to talk behind the clients backs. 0/10
… moreRebecca Dunn
Great local bar with a killer food truck in the parking lot on Friday nights!
… moreLilmike P.S.
They don’t serve food but it’s like a old school type bar. Bartender was amazing she made great drinks for me
… moreLisa Anderson
If you don’t smoke skip this dive bar. BTW beers are $6 not $1.50. Nope.
… more