Dock and Dine: 10 South Florida Restaurants you can Visit by Boat

Boating isn’t all about fishing and watersports. Well, okay, maybe it is. But you gotta eat sometime, and dining by boat is just plain fun. South Florida’s landscape lends itself to waterfront restaurants, bars and cafes where you can enjoy a meal with stunning views of boats, bridges, canals, sunsets and unique wildlife such as pelicans, dolphins and manatees.

We’ve picked out some South Florida waterfront restaurants that you can access from your marina or private boat dock rental. No tires and traffic involved.

15th Street Fisheries

1900 SE 15th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316

Yachts, docks and ICW views … What could be better? The menu features a sea-inspired selection of items such as New England clam chowder, Bahamian-style conch chowder, Mahi tacos and lobster rolls, as well as salads and chicken sandwiches. Leave room for Ghirardelli triple chocolate brownies and key lime bars with raspberry sauce.

15th Street Fisheries is located at Lauderdale Marina, just north of the 17th Street bridge on the Stranahan River. It’s also a stop on the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi route.

Boatyard 

1555 SE 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316

An upscale vibe and nautical flair, not to mention the ICW sunset scene, make Boatyard a great spot for a romantic dockside dinner. The menu includes grilled seafood, ceviche, a raw bar, wood-fired steaks and a daily catch menu fresh from local fishermen. There’s 120 feet of dockage space, so pull right up.

Casablanca on the Bay

1717 N. Bayshore Drive, Miami, Florida 33132

Round up the usual suspects and sail on over to Casablanca on the Bay. It’s located inside the Grand DoubleTree Hotel, north of the Venetian Causeway Bridge at NE 15th Street in Miami’s arts and entertainment district. Enjoy beautiful views of Biscayne Bay while dining on seafood, pasta, flatbreads or steak. There’s also a raw bar. It’s open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Come by on Wednesdays for free oysters and happy hour specials. 

Casablanca is next to Sea Isle Marina. The marina has full-service fuel and can accommodate boats up to 110’.

Coconuts

429 Seabreeze Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida33301

You gotta love a place that allows dogs (on leashes, of course). Coconuts is that place. Fun and lively, with an upscale casual attitude, it’s just south of the trendy Las Olas Boulevard on the New River. You can tie up your boat at the dock. The menu boasts coconut shrimp platters, jambalaya, BBQ ribs, fish tacos, New York strip and chicken dishes. Stop in for Sunday brunch before heading out for the day.

<h2Pelican Landing

2301 SE 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316

Located at Pier Sixty-Six Hotel and Marina, Pelican Landing is right on the docks at the marina. Find it on the north side of the 17th Street Causeway Bridge. It’s open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. You and the crew can enjoy live music, happy hour specials and Stranahan River views. 

The menu offers Caribbean conch chowder, ceviche, salads, herb-crusted local mahi, grilled skirt steak and key lime pie. Sunday brunch selections include pastries, egg dishes, biscuits, huevos rancheros and more. Don’t forget the mimosas.

Monty’s Sunset

300 Alton Road, Miami Beach, Florida 33139

Monty’s Sunset is on the docks at Miami Beach Marina and has free dockage. The menu features sushi, sashimi, conch fritters and a raw bar. If you’re more into landfood, try a burger, a key lime grilled chicken sandwich or a Philly cheese steak. There’s also salads, rice and beans and sweet potato fries. Enjoy live music, DJs and sports on TV before heading back to your private boat slip.

Shooters Waterfront

3033 NE 32nd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33308

With palm trees, waterfront seating and live music, Shooters Waterfront is a South Florida favorite. It’s Stop 9 on the Water Taxi route, and there’s complimentary docking if you come by boat.

Shooters is open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Choose from flatbreads, sushi rolls, veggie burgers, roasted lemon rosemary chicken, Cajun shrimp pasta, Cuban sandwiches and wraps, as well as a wide array of salads and the fresh catch of the day. Brunch options include lobster Benedict, steak and eggs, French toast, western omelets and classic eggs Benedict. Happy hour is Monday through Friday 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

The Downtowner Saloon

10 S New River Drive E, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301

The Downtowner, located at River Drive and South Andrews Avenue, has New River views and live music. Choose from sandwiches, tacos, seafood, steak, ribs and specialty burgers. It’s on the Water Taxi route, and New River Downtown Docks and Riverfront Marina are nearby. Relax with Sunday brunch or show off your knowledge on Trivia Tuesday.    

The Pirate Republic Seafood & Grill

400 SW 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33315

If the pirate life’s for you, Pirate Republic is the place for you. Pirate décor, Jolly Roger flags and dockside dining play up the theme. It’s located on the south side of the New River, near the Riverwalk and the Broward Performing Arts Center. There’s free docking (on a first come / first served basis) that can accommodate boats up to 100 feet long. The face dock has a 12-foot draft, and the inside slips have a 6-foot draft.

Menu items include a Caribbean and Mediterranean mix of seafood dishes with snapper, mahi, salmon and octopus, as well as jerk chicken, chicken alfredo, Jamaican okra and saltfish. For the over-21 crew, check out the list of Brazilian, Caribbean and specialty cocktails.

5 O’clock Somewhere Bar & Grill

1112 N. Ocean Drive, Hollywood, Florida 33019

If you’d rather leave your boat at the boat slip rental – but still want that nautical South Florida factor - hop on the Water Taxi and head to Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Beach Resort at Hollywood Beach. The 5 O’clock Somewhere Bar & Grill is literally at the water taxi dock. It’s complete with sand and beach chairs. Relax with a boat drink and appetizers while taking in ICW sunset views and live music.

You could also go inside the resort to try out JWB Prime Steak and Seafood, the Margaritaville Café or the Landshark Bar and Grill, which overlooks the beach, Broadwalk and BandShell.

Have we tempted you to get out and dine by boat? Whether your boat’s docked at a private boat slip rental or moored at a marina, you’re sure to find a favorite local dock-and-dine South Florida restaurant to suit your tastes.