On Drinks, and Where to Drink Them in Fort Lauderdale From Now On

There’s no shortage of places to get your hands on a good cocktail in this town.

Still, that’s no reason to miss out on all the tricks Fort Lauderdale has up its sleeve.

The latest: the Hideaway, a new night spot with a strong focus on drinks that err on the outstanding side. It’s open now, and here it is in pictures.

Walking in, you’ll immediately notice this place’s historical roots. The building itself is one of the first hotels in the original downtown district, and one of the first to be built after the 1912 fire. Knowledge is power. But so are drinks. 

You’ll find the latter among original Dade County Pine columns, stamped tin ceilings and steel elevator gates separating the main area from the VIP one. More specifically, you’ll find them at the bar, which happens to be made from a workbench and a factory conveyor belt. Quirks like that come courtesy of the same person who designed Pawn Shop back in the day.

Those drinks, however, are from a bartender with Hakkasan chops. Drinks like the namesake Hideaway with bourbon and strawberry-and-blueberry basil syrup, and the Desoto with tequila, watermelon and jalapeño agave.

Keep it moving past the vintage 1940s cigarette machine and the DJ booth made from an antique organ until you find a vacant mid-century-looking seat or two. Sit a spell, admire the era-themed art and take in some music.

And don’t forget to thank Fort Lauderdale on your way out.