Boardwalk

American · Italian · Fort Lauderdale, FL

$$ ·American · Italian

About

Boardwalk on Wilton Drive is open day and night, with an outside bar called Gus's Cafe that serves food until late. Inside, the dance floor and lap dance room draw a mixed LGBTQ+ crowd of 20-somethings and 30-somethings with go-go boys and drag shows on rotation. It's seedy in the classic Wilton Manors way: dancers will approach you for massages and try to upsell, so know your boundaries.

The burger at Gus's Cafe has fans calling it one of the best in town, and the happy hour is a solid deal. Regulars warn that dancers can be aggressive with pricing, so stick to what you're comfortable with. If you want a cleaner night, Georgie's Alibi Monkey Bar down the street offers a more relaxed vibe.

Located in Wilton Manors, the heart of Fort Lauderdale's gay scene, along Wilton Drive.

Features

  • Go-go boys and drag shows on rotation
  • Outdoor bar Gus's Cafe serves burgers and seafood
  • Happy hour and lively crowd
  • Separate room for lap dances
  • Mixed LGBTQ+ crowd, 20s and 30s

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodSandwichBurgers

Good for

Drag ShowsGo-Go Boys/StrippersOutdoor SeatingHappy HourBar FoodCasualGood For GroupsLively20 Somethings30 SomethingsNightclub

Practical

Mixed LGBTQ

What people say

253 community ratings.

From the community

“Decent Prices and Consistently Hot Dancers”

Ignore my old headline. Boardwalk is located just southwest of Wilton Manors. It has a large bar with a lounge area off to one side and a separate room for lap dances. I last visited in November 2025, paying $10 cover and $10 for a rum and coke. The place has declined in quality over the 12 years since I last went. The dancers are looking for easy targets and will approach you while you're seated to try to give you a massage. Really? My advice for those on a budget: limit yourself to a few dances and then leave, or get used to saying no thanks. I'll think twice about returning. Don't bring your mother. The drinks are strong. It's a total dive.

A visitor · 6 months ago

“Dudes, ladies, a MUST see spot in Fort Laud!”

I always drive past this place on my way to work and finally decided to stop at the outdoor bar (apparently called Gus's Cafe) for dinner. Wow! I had one of the best burgers I've ever had, and I'm hard to please since I lived in Philly, a foodie city. The other patrons and staff were incredibly nice and welcoming. As a woman, that's not always easy to find in Wilton Manors. The bartender mentioned that the indoor bar would open soon, so I called two girlfriends to join me. The DJ played really fun throwback songs that night, and we ended up dancing and chatting with other guests for hours. I'll definitely return this week and might even plan my birthday here. I 100% recommend this place to everyone. The food, drinks, and casual, fun atmosphere are top-notch. It's a must-visit in Wilton Manors.

A guest · Over a year ago

“Prepare to be robbed..”

Boardwalk used to be a fantastic spot to hang out with friends and have a great time. Now it's filled with pushy, aggressive, straight hustlers looking for $20 bills. The guys won't take no for an answer and then try to charge you $20 just for touching your shoulder. The bartenders are really nice, but the sketchy men working there make it unpleasant. I'd rather have my pocket picked than go there to dance. Not recommended.

A recent visitor · Over a year ago

Over a year ago. Very seedy, as previous reviews said. The dancers are trick shows trying to get every penny from you. Do not let them touch you with their dirty little hands. They'll try to give a massage—poorly and actually painfully—then take you to a back room for personal services after the house charges for the room. Then, without any discussion after the services, the fraud dancer demands $300, and there's an ATM conveniently placed at the exit (which probably copies your card info and PIN). I got out only tipping $20 and didn't swipe my card or use cash. So stay away from this prostitution house; it's a waste of time and money. The law should shut it down. Don't bring your mother. It's a total dive.

A local visitor · Over a year ago

Over a year ago I love strippers and strip clubs. I went there for a midnight amateur dance contest. They announced a countdown every five minutes until around 11:55 PM, but then no contest ever happened. The strippers are pushy, and even though I also love dive and grunge bars, this place was just disgusting. - ewww

A visitor · Over a year ago

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cover charge? +

Yes, reviews mention a $10 cover charge on some nights.

What food is served? +

Gus's Cafe serves American, Italian, seafood, sandwiches, and burgers. The burger is highly praised.

Are there regular events? +

Yes, drag shows and go-go dancers are featured regularly. Check their social media for schedules.

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