Ten Best Places to Drink in Broward County

We work hard and at the end of a long day -- or a long week -- we deserve to sit back and decompress with a glass of wine or a cold beer. Happy hours were invented for this very reason, but there's more to it than just ordering up your usual beverage.

It's also about the ambience, the comfortable surroundings and that means something different for everyone. For some it's a warm, cozy pub and for others, a sleek, modern spot on the shoreline.

And what is a drink without a satisfying meal. We're not 21 anymore. Clubs and bars are well and good, but we're hard-working grown-ups now. We want a place where everybody knows our name, they're always glad we came, and the kitchen turns out our favorite bites - or they at least make sure our favorite food trucks are idling outside. (Of course, we're also not ready for the nursing home, so we won't turn down a good nightspot. Our standards are just higher.)

See Also: Ten Best Coffee Shops in Broward and Palm Beach Counties

So, when we put together this list of the best places to drink in Broward, we didn't base it solely on happy hour specials or draft lists or liquor selections, but on all those things and more; the total experience.

So here it is, the Ten Best Places to Drink in Broward County. Cheers!

10. Ye Olde Falcon Pub

Traditionally, British Pubs are set in their own homelike structures rather than strip-malls -- but hey, this is South Florida you do what you can with what you've got. While the exterior looks like any bar west of I-95, the interior of this English-inspired spot will have you feeling like you've gone somewhere else, even if it's not the motherland itself. With dark wooden walls, sports on TV, loud music, traditional pub grub, and more than 50 beers on the list, it's kind of like walking into a college bar -- and exactly as much fun.

9. Oceans 234

Even though South Florida is surrounded by mile upon mile of beautiful shoreline, there are only a handful of bars that are situated directly on the beach. Oceans 234 is one of them. With a great seafood-centric menu, friendly bartenders, and plenty of seating options overlooking the pier, it's kind of hard to beat in terms of oceanic atmosphere. On this side of the peninsula you may not be able to watch the sunset over the water while consuming your tropical drink, but at this place you'll probably be enjoying yourself so much you won't even notice. We'll raise a mojito to that.

8. YOLO

Aside from the obvious cool outdoor ambience, intimate fire-pits, the nice wine list, and creative cocktails, there is one main reason anyone should come to this place, the people. They're beautiful, in a very Fort Lauderdale sort of way; they're rich, or at least appear to be from the cars they drive; and they're looking to hook up. What more could you possibly want for an interesting night out? From bachelorette parties to cougars to wealthy old guys looking for a trophy wife and everything in between, this place has some of the most entertaining people watching you'll find north of the 954/305 border. All you have to do it pull up a stool, order a Passiontini, and let the games begin.

7. PRL Euro Cafe

Craft beer bars have sprouted up all over Broward County in recent years, but this place has been racking up our beer, bartender, and whatever other Best of awards for more than five years now. Set between the high-end and lowbrow international restaurants that line Hollywood Blvd., this dark and mysterious spot is an artsy hideout with local musicians on the stage and artwork on the walls. While the environment is good enough in itself, it's the large selection of European craft beers that should really get you going. There's a good chance you'll have no idea what you're ordering when you ask for some random Polish beer, but that's kind of the point. You'll drink it and like it no matter what.

6. The Dubliner

Fort Lauderdale and overall Broward County certainly has no dearth of options when it comes to Irish pubs; there's probably about one every square mile. While you can't really go wrong with a Guinness and a shot of Jameson anywhere, some pubs are better than others. In addition to its general downtown Fort Lauderdale Irish revelry, the bar features tons of brews and probably the widest selection of Irish whiskeys around. If you can't have fun with that, we don't know what to tell you.

5. McSorley's Beach Pub

Fort Lauderdale beach is known for high-end resorts and grimy beach bars with bouncers that just might kick your ass, if they decide you've stepped out of line. For the most part, locals tend to stay away from all of the above; however, if you're looking to absorb some of that warm ocean breeze while knocking back some Guinness or Irish whiskey, McSorley's presents a fun -- and non-violent -- option. The three story bar with rooftop dance-floor is chock full of partiers looking to get wasted on weekend nights, but earlier on and on weekdays, it's a mellow locals' bar with tables for beer pong and friendly bartenders who will know your name in no time. Sloppy or subdued: this bar is always a good time.

4. Original Fat Cat's

There are times when you want to throw on a nice outfit and go out for a sophisticated cocktail; there are others when you just want to drink in a dark and dingy bar. If the latter is what you're looking for, this would be your place. Set right on downtown Fort Lauderdale's Himmarshee Street, Fat Cat's is more of a locals' place than tourist haunt. With inexpensive and craft beer, a fully stocked bar, pool table, and constant stream of live music, it's the perfect place to kick back in the clandestine digs. That's exactly why it is the best dive bar in Broward County. And we mean that in the most endearing way.

3. The Tipsy Boar

Located on artistic Harrison Street just steps away from much of the Hollywood Mural project, this gastro pub offers eaters and drinkers a wide selection of interesting choices in a laid-back pedestrian friendly atmosphere. Between the huge selection of craft beers, nightly Randall-infused brews, and specialty cocktails prepared by one of the best bartenders in South Florida Alexander J. Stajduhar, something will be sure to tickle your alcohol-consuming taste-buds. It's the kind of place where you can walk-in wearing shorts and a t-shirt, pull up a stool at the large bar and get chatting to local Hollywood residents or sit on the patio while watching the monthly art walk visitors stroll by while taking in some creativity.

2. Tap 42

Home to one of the largest beer selections around, 42 on tap alone -- hence, the numeric title -- the most prolific tap takeover and beer events in all of South Florida, and the individual who made number one on our list of best bartenders in Broward County, beverage director and mixologist Paige Nast, Tap is one of the busiest, and most beloved, bars in Fort Lauderdale. With a large indoor/outdoor bar and immense yet comfortable outdoor seating options ranging from intimate low-tops to lounges to bar-height communal tables its ideal for soaking in the Florida weather while sipping on a damned good drink.

See Also: Best Bartenders in Broward and Palm Beach Counties

1. Funky Buddha Brewery

Broward's newest brewery not only churns out some of the best brews around, but it's also one of the best places to hang out. With patrons ranging from beer geeks to frat boys to families and everything in between, the spot has a wide range of personalities inhabiting the scene. If activities are what you're after, the brewery offers tours and a number of games, such as bocce ball, bags, and giant Jenga as well as multiple options for stuffing your face -- you can get delivery or a snack from whichever food truck or purveyor is onsite that evening. While the brewery obviously specializes in, well, beer, wheat-free options, like wine, do exist. See, it really does cater to everyone.

Follow Sara Ventiera on Twitter, @saraventiera.