Broward County

Fort Lauderdale looked like that? See the old stores and restaurants along Las Olas

A horse carriage ride in 1989 on Las Olas Boulevard near downtown Fort Lauderdale.
A horse carriage ride in 1989 on Las Olas Boulevard near downtown Fort Lauderdale. Miami Herald File

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Looking back at old Miami

Photos and memories of the way South Florida used to look: its streets, stores, events and people.

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Places change. And the Las Olas area of Fort Lauderdale certainly has through the years.

The business district is now dotted with outdoor cafes. High-rise towers glisten in the distance. There’s a lot more traffic. And construction. Lots of construction.

Let’s take a look at how Las Olas looked decades ago through the photo archives of the Miami Herald:

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Las Olas bars and restaurants in Fort Lauderdale

Diners at Mark’s Las Olas restaurant in 1999.
Diners at Mark’s Las Olas restaurant in 1999. Miami Herald File
The outside dining area of Mangos in 1994.
The outside dining area of Mangos in 1994. Miami Herald File
Mango in 1993, at the corner of Las Olas and Ninth Street.
Mango in 1993, at the corner of Las Olas and Ninth Street. Miami Herald File
At the Riverside Hotel, 620 Las Olas Blvd., bartender John Hughes mixes drinks and talks with customers.
At the Riverside Hotel, 620 Las Olas Blvd., bartender John Hughes mixes drinks and talks with customers. Alan Freund Miami Herald File

Las Olas Art Festival

Las Olas Art Festival in Bubier Park, across from the Museum of Art in 1992.
Las Olas Art Festival in Bubier Park, across from the Museum of Art in 1992. Miami Herald File
In 1987, crowds gather at the Winterfest activities that include Bob Hope appearance at Las Olas and A1A.
In 1987, crowds gather at the Winterfest activities that include Bob Hope appearance at Las Olas and A1A. Miami Herald File
Las Olas Art Festival in 1979.
Las Olas Art Festival in 1979. Miami Herald File

Las Olas streetscapes

Las Olas Boulevard near downtown Fort Lauderdale in 1994.
Las Olas Boulevard near downtown Fort Lauderdale in 1994. Miami Herald File
Strollers on the sidewalk at the corner of Las Olas and A1A in 1979.
Strollers on the sidewalk at the corner of Las Olas and A1A in 1979. Miami Herald File
The lunch-time trolley service in 1991, on Las Olas and Eighth Avenue.
The lunch-time trolley service in 1991, on Las Olas and Eighth Avenue. Miami Herald File
Early days of the Las Olas Bridge.
Early days of the Las Olas Bridge. Broward Library
This 1925 Photo of Fort Lauderdale beach looking north to the Las Olas Boulevard bridge shows some of the islands that have since disappeared under the water. Directly south of the bridge is the beginnings of the Idlewyld subdivision; the bottom of the picture is now Harbor Beach. The Small island to the right at the mouth of the Lake Sylvia (where the now Intracoastal and New River Connect) has been underwater since at least 1940 and is now owned by a corporation based in California. The large island in the center was probably partially submerged and then filled in the 1960’s to build the Harbourage subdivision. At left are two other small islands that have since disappeared.
This 1925 Photo of Fort Lauderdale beach looking north to the Las Olas Boulevard bridge shows some of the islands that have since disappeared under the water. Directly south of the bridge is the beginnings of the Idlewyld subdivision; the bottom of the picture is now Harbor Beach. The Small island to the right at the mouth of the Lake Sylvia (where the now Intracoastal and New River Connect) has been underwater since at least 1940 and is now owned by a corporation based in California. The large island in the center was probably partially submerged and then filled in the 1960’s to build the Harbourage subdivision. At left are two other small islands that have since disappeared. Miami Herald File
Shops and traffic on Las Olas Boulevard in 1989.
Shops and traffic on Las Olas Boulevard in 1989. Miami Herald File
Pantry Pride supermarket on East Las Olas Blvd in Fort Lauderdale in 1986.
Pantry Pride supermarket on East Las Olas Blvd in Fort Lauderdale in 1986. Miami Herald File

Attractions

The scene at the grand opening of the Las Olas Riverfront in 1998.
The scene at the grand opening of the Las Olas Riverfront in 1998. J. Albert Diaz Miami Herald File
Beaux Arts Promenade on Las Olas Boulevard in the early 1960s.
Beaux Arts Promenade on Las Olas Boulevard in the early 1960s. Miami Herald File
Festival goers fill the streets of Las Olas Boulevard for the annual Christmas on Las Olas celebration.
Festival goers fill the streets of Las Olas Boulevard for the annual Christmas on Las Olas celebration. Miami Herald File

Downtown Fort Lauderdale buildings

In 1954, the lobby of the Las Olas Inn.
In 1954, the lobby of the Las Olas Inn. Miami Herald File
In 1990, New River Center at Las Olas and Southeast Third Avenue in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
In 1990, New River Center at Las Olas and Southeast Third Avenue in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Miami Herald File

Las Olas stores

A Las Olas business.
A Las Olas business. Miami Herald File
The Las Olas shopping area in 1989.
The Las Olas shopping area in 1989. Miami Herald File
The 700 block of East Las Olas Boulevard in 1983.
The 700 block of East Las Olas Boulevard in 1983. Miami Herald File
In 1986, the south side of Las Olas, with the Riverside hotel at right.
In 1986, the south side of Las Olas, with the Riverside hotel at right. Miami Herald File
Storefronts along Las Olas.
Storefronts along Las Olas. Miami Herald File
Las Olas Boulevard’s business district.
Las Olas Boulevard’s business district. Miami Herald File

This story was originally published May 25, 2023 at 3:11 PM.

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Jeff Kleinman
Miami Herald
305-376-3561
Consumer Team Editor Jeff Kleinman oversees coverage for health, shopping, real estate, tourism and recalls/scams/fraud.
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Looking back at old Miami

Photos and memories of the way South Florida used to look: its streets, stores, events and people.

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