Magie Wine Bar, the Miami import known for pairing caviar with chicken nuggets, is set to open a third location in Fort Lauderdale's Flagler Village neighborhood on October 15. The 1,400-square-foot spot will land at 551 North Federal Highway Suite 600, joining the wine bar's existing Little River and Coconut Grove locations in Miami-Dade County.
Co-owner Caroline Strauss told Axios that Magie had considered expanding to Charleston and Tampa before the Fort Lauderdale space became available. According to the same report, Strauss described the site as “quirky and weird,” saying it fit Magie well, and added that Fort Lauderdale “fell into their lap.” The space sits within The Manor at Flagler Village, a 382-unit residential complex whose commercial footprint has previously housed Brass Tap, Unit B, and El Pama, according to a LoopNet listing.
Why Fort Lauderdale, and Why Now
Strauss said Fort Lauderdale has fostered unique homegrown concepts, citing Sidewalk Bottle Shop and The Katherine as examples, per the Axios report. She also said the city feels more receptive to small, local, loved businesses than Miami does, the outlet noted. Sidewalk Bottle Shop opened in 2021 in nearby Progresso Village, founded by sommeliers David Lopez and Walter Navarro as a daytime wine shop that turns into a nighttime natural wine bar, according to Voyage MIA Magazine. The Katherine, meanwhile, opened in December 2021 in downtown Fort Lauderdale under three-time James Beard Award nominee chef Timon Balloo and his wife Marissa, known for globally inspired small plates and an organic wine program, according to MIAbites.
The timing lines up with a broader shift in the surrounding district. Downtown Fort Lauderdale's retail vacancy rate fell 27 percent from 2021 to 5.2 percent by late 2024, with more than 50 new dining concepts opening across the city since 2022, according to figures from DowntownFTL. Flagler Village itself is in the middle of a $500 million redevelopment of FATVillage across 5.6 acres, including a mass-timber office building and hundreds of new apartments delivering through 2026, per D'Angelo Realty Group.
Caviar, Dino Nuggets and a Speakeasy Vibe
Magie describes itself as a hidden speakeasy with a laid-back vibe, and the Fort Lauderdale menu will lean on chef and co-owner Ivan Barros's high-low approach, per Axios. Expect caviar dino nuggets alongside charcuterie boards, escargot, truffle grilled cheese and Caesar fries, all created by Barros for the brand's elevated snack menu.
Magie's wine-bar format pairs wine with its elevated snack menu.
Happy Hours, Singles Nights and a Consistent Brand
Strauss said the goal is for customers to have the same experience whether they visit Coconut Grove or Fort Lauderdale, maintaining a consistent brand identity across locations, according to the Axios report. Planned programming includes daily happy hours, bottomless wine experiences, singles nights, craft nights and pop-ups, with collaborations planned alongside local businesses. The Fort Lauderdale location's happy hour is set to run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with $5 hot dogs and a $35 two-hour bottomless wine option, according to WhatNow.
Magie has also experimented with daytime programming at its existing locations. At Coconut Grove, the wine bar recently partnered with Miami brand Imperial Moto to run a specialty coffee and pastry program from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. before evening wine service begins, WhatNow Miami reported. Strauss said Magie wants to remain open to Fort Lauderdale's local community as the new location settles in, per Axios.
Hours, Age Requirement and What's Nearby
The Fort Lauderdale location will be open Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday from 6 p.m. to midnight, and Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., with no reservations accepted and a 21-and-up age requirement, according to the Axios report.
