Earls Las Olas entered the local foodie scene and planted itself firmly into the fabric of Fort Lauderdale living. With over 70 restaurant locations across North America, Earls is no stranger to creating memorable dining destinations, but this one feels different–it feels like home.
“Earls Las Olas was truly designed for the Fort Lauderdale guest,” says Kristin Vekteris, chief brand officer at Earls Restaurants. “From the coastal-modern design inspired by the city’s yachting lifestyle to a menu featuring rituals you won’t find at any other Earls (like half-priced Margarita and Martini Mondays), it’s a location that reflects the rhythm of this community.”
The space itself is a showstopper. Spanning 9,500 square feet, it rises over two airy levels and features a rooftop patio that locals are already calling their new go-to hotspot. Inside, you’ll find rich mahogany tones (a nod to the city’s yachting culture)complemented with coral stone, rattan lighting and sandy-textured brick tiles. It feels airy yet grounded, like the city itself. “We wanted the space to feel like an extension of Las Olas itself: nautical touches, a breezy color palette and design details that nod to the city’s energy and yachting lifestyle,” Vekteris explains.
Art plays a starring role. Commissioned pieces from Florida artists bring the local creative spirit to life, from photography to mixed media. The exterior features a mural from Chalk and Brush Design Co., a female-owned studio whose ocean-inspired artwork has already become one of the most Instagrammed spots on the strip.
Inside, the energy shifts with each hour. Lunch feels bright and relaxed, happy hour buzzes with weekday rituals and by the time dinner service hits its stride, the rooftop is humming. “There’s nothing quite like it on the Las Olas strip,” Vekteris says. “The rooftop offers sweeping views and a sense of escapism. It’s an oasis above the bustle of the street below.”
Of course, the real story begins once the menus arrive. Earls Las Olas is built on modern American cuisine with global influences, reflecting Fort Lauderdale’s own melting pot.
“There are a few must-tries,” Vekteris recommends. Diners rave about the Seafood Tower, a shareable statement item piled high with fresh oysters, crab and lobster. The indulgent Sirloin Truffle Tortellini has quickly become a house favorite and Crispy Rice Sushi has developed its own cult following.
Other dishes, like the Spicy Calabrian Pasta, Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl and Steak + Sushi, are proving so popular that they may well become neighborhood staples. The Tomahawk Maple-Glazed Pork Chop, with its hint of sweetness, is paired with garlic mashed potatoes and is another bold standout.
The bar program is equally ambitious. Margaritas are a house specialty, made with fresh-squeezed juice and 100% agave tequila. Daily rituals keep things lively: half-priced martinis and margaritas on Mondays, half-priced bottles of wine on Tuesdays and bottomless brunch on weekends. “Our cocktail program is all about handcrafted drinks made with the freshest ingredients,” Vekteris says. “It’s elevated but approachable, just like Fort Lauderdale itself.”
Pull up a seat at the coral-colored upstairs bar, and it’s easy to see why. Drinks like the Mini Strawberry Margarita Shot, rimmed with Tajin, blend fun with sophistication. Meanwhile, timeless classics sit comfortably alongside inventive new creations, making it just as much a destination for cocktails as it is for dinner.
Earls Las Olas is more than just a beautiful space with great food. It’s a restaurant built with intention, from showcasing Florida’s artists to tailoring its rituals around how the locals live and celebrate. It’s the kind of place where a weekday happy hour can seamlessly slide into dinner, where rooftop views provide the perfect backdrop to milestone moments and where locals feel truly seen.
“We want guests to feel transported the moment they walk in,” Vekteris says. “Earls Las Olas is casually sophisticated: it’s stylish and welcoming, a space that offers something for everyone.”
Earls feels like a natural next chapter for Fort Lauderdale, a place that embraces the relaxed, seaside lifestyle while layering in the sophistication of a world-class hospitality group. It feels as timeless as Las Olas Boulevard itself.
