Dock and Dine: 10 Tampa Bay Area Restaurants to Visit by Boat

Known as the Sun Coast, the central section of Florida’s West Coast offers soft white sand, warm waves and turquoise waters for boating, fishing, swimming, snorkeling and more. With all of that activity, it’s a good thing there’s so many waterfront restaurants in the area. 

Whether your private boat slip is on the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa Bay or an inland river, the waterways around Tampa, Clearwater and St. Pete feature some of the best food and views you can imagine. And you can get there by boat.

We’ve picked out a few restaurants where you can pull up the boat, throw out a line and enjoy lunch, dinner, a frosty drink or even Sunday brunch.  That stunning West Coast sunset is an added bonus.

Bahama Breeze Island Grille

3045 N. Rocky Point Drive E

Tampa, Florida 33607

Located near the Courtney Campbell Causeway, Bahama Breeze is where you’ll want to go when you’re in an island mood. Choose from Caribbean-inspired food such as jerk chicken pasta, seafood paella and coconut shrimp. There’s also burgers, salads and baby back ribs if you’re not in an island mood. The best part of the menu just might be the collection of famous cocktails, including the Rum Runner, Rum Swizzle and Painkiller. 

Columbia Café

801 Old Water Street

Tampa, Florida 33602

While you’re cruising around Tampa Bay, check out Columbia Café. Located near the Tampa Bay History Center, it’s a great stop before or after walking around downtown Tampa and the Tampa Riverwalk. Come by boat or water taxi. Short term tie-up is $2 per hour for up to 10 hours. There’s outdoor covered seating along the waterfront and live music on weekends. 

The Hula Bay Club and Duke’s Retired Surfer’s Island Bar

Photo: Hula Bay Facebook

5210 W. Tyson Avenue

Tampa, Florida 33611

The Hula Bay Club has a surf-centric vibe with nods to Olympic gold-medalist swimmer and surfer Duke Kahanamoku. Expect bamboo, leis and vintage surf décor. Located beside Tampa Harbour, near the Gandy Bridge, it’s part of Florida Marinas Clubs and diners can dock for free. 

Lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch are served. Menu items include sushi, Hawaiian fish sandwiches, a raw bar, BBQ pork, and fish and beef sliders as well as nachos, bowls and desserts like key lime pie and rum-soaked banana bread. You can always take dessert to go and enjoy it at your boat lift rental. Aloha!  

I.C. Sharks Seafood Market

10020 Gandy Boulevard N.

St. Petersburg, Florida 33702

I.C. Sharks has fresh local seafood and Maryland style steamed blue crabs from the Chesapeake Bay (kind of an Ocean City vibe in the Sunshine State). Pick up something to grill later at your private boat slip. 

Island Way Grill

Photo: Island Way Grill Facebook

20 Island Way

Clearwater, Florida 33767

Located near the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Island Way Grill is the perfect spot for sunset gazing in a laid-back setting. It’s open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. The docks are right out front and available on a first come/first served basis. Pull up and enjoy fresh Gulf seafood and hand-cut steaks cooked to order on an oak and citrus-fired open pit.

Jackson’s Bistro, Bar and Sushi

Photo: Jackson’s Bistro Facebook

601 S. Harbour Island Boulevard

Tampa, Florida 33602

Jackson’s Bistro overlooks the Tampa Riverwalk and Bayshore Boulevard. Dine inside or on the outdoor patio for sunset and skyline views. The menu features sushi, pasta, poke bowls, steak paella, sandwiches and wraps, as well as an extensive wine list. It’s about a block north of the boat dock

Rick’s on the River

2305 N. Willow Avenue

Tampa, Florida 33607

Located at a marina, Rick’s on the River overlooks the Hillsborough River. There’s an oyster bar, live music and a menu with a large selection of fish sandwiches, chicken wraps, Caribbean salads and burgers. Come by boat or Pirate Water Taxi. The marina can accommodate boats up to 50’. Docking is free while you’re dining.

Sea Critters Café

Photo: Sea Critter’s Facebook

2007 Pass-A-Grille Way

St. Pete Beach, Florida

At Sea Critters Café, you can catch a game on TV, enjoy a drink at Barracuda Bar or enjoy pasta, pulled pork sandwiches, chicken and locally caught seafood such as crab cakes, shrimp, salmon and grouper. There’s free docking for diners. The kids will have a blast feeding the catfish right from the dock.

The Dunedin Smokehouse

471 Main Street

Dunedin, Florida 34698

The Dunedin Smokehouse can be found in the charming section of old Dunedin. Craft beer, BBQ, live music and weekly events (plus, dogs are allowed on the patio) make this a great place to enjoy the day or evening. There are three floating docks at the City of Dunedin Marina, and it’s just a short walk through town.

The Getaway

Photo: The Getaway Facebook

13090 Gandy Boulevard N.

St. Petersburg, Florida 33702

Tiki bars and waterfront dining (right on the dock) make The Getaway a fun dining experience. Complete with sand, beach chairs and picnic-style tables, it brings a bit of the Caribbean to Tampa Bay. Menu items range from flatbread pizza and tacos to local fish, salads and sandwiches. Reserve a group dinner and bring your wedding party by boat to the secluded Hammocks at the Getaway section with its palm trees and swaying hammocks.

Hopefully you’ve found a few Tampa Bay area dock and dine restaurants to add to your boat drink (and eat) bucket list. You can also get it to go (many restaurants do dockside pick-up) and anchor out or enjoy it later at your nearby boat slip rental.