Taking your boat to a waterside restaurant provides a memorable experience for captain and crew. With 2,276 miles of tidal shoreline and 11,000 miles of rivers, streams and waterways, Florida boasts a bonanza of dock and dine locations.
We test a lot of boats in Florida, and since even boating editors have to eat, we get to sample a variety of waterfront restaurants in Florida. Check out this sampling of our editors’ favorite places to eat out by boat in the Sunshine State.
Key West, Florida
Schooner Wharf is ever-funky and billed as “a last little piece of old Key West.” It lives up to this adage by offering a laid-back open-air atmosphere chock full of entertainment — including watching the locals — while providing classic Key West dishes. Got to Try: The conch chowder or its ever-popular fresh mahimahi tacos are meals you will not forget.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
15th Street Fisheries for the freshest seafood and a waterfront experience in an authentic Fort Lauderdale marina. The Fisheries is situated directly inside the city’s most famous nautical landmark, Lauderdale Marina, and provides a superior complement of fine food and fun along the waterway near the 17th Street Causeway drawbridge and Port Everglades inlet to the Atlantic Ocean. Arrive by boat or car!
Jacksonville, Florida
Whitey’s Fish Camp: Whitey’s fish camp has been family owned and operated since 1963. Whitey’s offers outside waterfront dining with a tiki bar. Docking and gas are available. Whitey’s has consistently been voted # 1 for the the Best Catfish & Gatortail.
Miami, Florida
Casablanca Seafood Bar and Grill: Watch fishing boats unload fresh catch at the dock of this waterfront resataurant. Casual ambiance, a great view and stellar service.
Fort Myers, Florida
Cabbage Key Inn: Its rumored that Jimmy Buffet sang about this island restaurant in his song, “Cheeseburger In Paradise. The main room is nestled among live Cuban laurels dripping with moss. Previous visitors have taped thousands of one-dollar bills to every surface. Ask your server for a black marker and tape to add yours to the collection. Open for breakfast lunch and dinner.
For more great dock and dine locations in Florida, visit: www.visitflorida.com.
