What’s the only thing better than enjoying a night out at a waterfront restaurant? Pulling up to enjoy that great meal and wonderful atmosphere in your own boat.
Boat ownership makes possible many charms. The ability to cruise the waterfront, arriving at your favorite restaurant in style, is perhaps one of the greatest of these charms. After all, who wouldn’t enjoy that?
Across freshwater and salt, spanning the East, West and Gulf Coasts, the United States is blessed by many great places to dock dine and indulge. What follows are a few favorites—along with some proven tips to help you make the most of the experience.
Tide’s Tavern. Gig Harbor Washington.
Tide’s Tavern has been a Gig Harbor staple since 1973. The tavern is so committed to catering to boaters that it provides its nautical address on the website (47° 19’ 45” N/122° 34’ 42”). Tide’s is a fun place that claims to offer “the greatest house-made food and the finest beverages in the western hemisphere, but only to persons over 21 years of age.”
Barnacle Bud’s. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Barnacle Bud’s is a waterfront seafood restaurant that’s been serving the Midwest for more than 25 years. Open seasonally from March through October, the atmosphere and food of the place transport visitors to someplace coastal. You can visit by car or boat.
The Loading Dock. Grafton, Illinois
Located on the shores of the Mississippi River, the Loading Dock has grown from one of St. Louis’ best-kept secrets into a destination. Featuring outdoor, waterfront dining, and live music, the Loading Dock has overnight accommodation and even hosts private events and a monthly flea market.
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Calhoun’s Tiki Hut. Lenoir City, Tennessee
The Lenoir City location of Calhoun’s Tiki Hut is located in one of Tennessee’s largest marinas, just above the Fort Loudon Dam. The waterfront Tiki Hut not only serves up great Tennessee barbeque, but hosts a lively atmosphere, plenty of cold drinks, and live entertainment on the deck.
Prime. Huntington, New York
Prime is an American Kitchen and Bar located on the waterfront of Huntington Harbor on the northern shore of Long Island. The restaurant’s multi-level waterfront design is stunning. So too is its culinary execution. A fine dining affair, Prime’s wine list spans more than 1,000 bottles.
The Oar. Block Island, Rhode Island
A Block Island institution, the Oar overlooks the Great Salt Pond. Located in the Boat Basin in New Harbor, the Oar features a great sushi bar alongside New England classics such as clam chowder and lobster rolls. It’s a great place to experience a good meal and some beautiful sights.
Bluewater Waterfront Grill. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
Bluewater Waterfront Grill is home to amazing food and panoramic views. Its menu and location—on the Intracoastal Waterway—both give credence to the restaurant’s commitment to “from sea to plate.”
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Red’s Ice House. Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina
Red’s Ice House, located on the shores of Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, is a great place to have a cold beer while enjoying fresh, local seafood. The atmosphere and the food combine to perfectly showcase what makes the Lowcountry such a wonderful part of the world.
Square Grouper. Jupiter, Florida
Located on the shores of Jupiter Inlet, the Square Grouper combines waterfront dining, cold beverages, and an active live music scene. With an extensive beer list and lengthy drink menu, this is a great place to enjoy a good meal while taking in a beautiful part of the world.
Doc’s Oyster Bar and Grill. Valparaiso, Florida
Sitting on the shores of Tom’s Bayou in the Florida Panhandle, Doc’s Oyster Bar and Grill features a full bar, craft beer, oysters and a menu full of great seafood options-- peel and eat shrimp, gumbo, seafood platters, and of course plenty of oysters.
Lorelei. Islamorada, Florida
Few places make it as easy to “dock, dine and indulge” as the Florida Keys. The Lorelei, an Islamorada icon, is not only waterfront—you can dock your boat and walk right in—but it also features a beachfront Cabana bar. The food is good, the drinks are cold and the atmosphere is unlike anything you’re likely to have experienced before.
How to Dock, Dine and Indulge Like a Pro:
1. Plan for a designated captain.
If you plan to enjoy an adult beverage or two, make a plan for a sober driver.
2. Bring your docking supplies.
Don’t forget your dock lines and enders. Sure, most waterfront restaurants have their own, and you are likely not to need to use
yours, but these are always good to have on the boat.
3. Call ahead.
Make a reservation for dinner, but also make sure they’ll have space for your boat at the dock.
4. Prepare for adventure.
After dinner sunset cruise? Dessert at the sand bar? Taking in the waterfront after dark? Pack your cooler, bring a blanket or jackets in case it gets cold, make sure your navigation lights are in good order. Bring everything you need to keep the party rolling, should you choose to do so.
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Boat ownership makes possible many charms. The ability to cruise the waterfront, arriving at your favorite restaurant in style, is perhaps one of the greatest of these charms. After all, who wouldn’t enjoy that?
Across freshwater and salt, spanning the East, West and Gulf Coasts, the United States is blessed by many great places to dock dine and indulge. What follows are a few favorites—along with some proven tips to help you make the most of the experience.
Tide’s Tavern. Gig Harbor Washington.
Tide’s Tavern has been a Gig Harbor staple since 1973. The tavern is so committed to catering to boaters that it provides its nautical address on the website (47° 19’ 45” N/122° 34’ 42”). Tide’s is a fun place that claims to offer “the greatest house-made food and the finest beverages in the western hemisphere, but only to persons over 21 years of age.”
Barnacle Bud’s. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Barnacle Bud’s is a waterfront seafood restaurant that’s been serving the Midwest for more than 25 years. Open seasonally from March through October, the atmosphere and food of the place transport visitors to someplace coastal. You can visit by car or boat.
The Loading Dock. Grafton, Illinois
Located on the shores of the Mississippi River, the Loading Dock has grown from one of St. Louis’ best-kept secrets into a destination. Featuring outdoor, waterfront dining, and live music, the Loading Dock has overnight accommodation and even hosts private events and a monthly flea market.
Calhoun’s Tiki Hut. Lenoir City, Tennessee
The Lenoir City location of Calhoun’s Tiki Hut is located in one of Tennessee’s largest marinas, just above the Fort Loudon Dam. The waterfront Tiki Hut not only serves up great Tennessee barbeque, but hosts a lively atmosphere, plenty of cold drinks, and live entertainment on the deck.
Prime. Huntington, New York
Prime is an American Kitchen and Bar located on the waterfront of Huntington Harbor on the northern shore of Long Island. The restaurant’s multi-level waterfront design is stunning. So too is its culinary execution. A fine dining affair, Prime’s wine list spans more than 1,000 bottles.
The Oar. Block Island, Rhode Island
A Block Island institution, the Oar overlooks the Great Salt Pond. Located in the Boat Basin in New Harbor, the Oar features a great sushi bar alongside New England classics such as clam chowder and lobster rolls. It’s a great place to experience a good meal and some beautiful sights.
Bluewater Waterfront Grill. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
Bluewater Waterfront Grill is home to amazing food and panoramic views. Its menu and location—on the Intracoastal Waterway—both give credence to the restaurant’s commitment to “from sea to plate.”
Red’s Ice House. Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina
Red’s Ice House, located on the shores of Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, is a great place to have a cold beer while enjoying fresh, local seafood. The atmosphere and the food combine to perfectly showcase what makes the Lowcountry such a wonderful part of the world.
Square Grouper. Jupiter, Florida
Located on the shores of Jupiter Inlet, the Square Grouper combines waterfront dining, cold beverages, and an active live music scene. With an extensive beer list and lengthy drink menu, this is a great place to enjoy a good meal while taking in a beautiful part of the world.
Doc’s Oyster Bar and Grill. Valparaiso, Florida
Sitting on the shores of Tom’s Bayou in the Florida Panhandle, Doc’s Oyster Bar and Grill features a full bar, craft beer, oysters and a menu full of great seafood options-- peel and eat shrimp, gumbo, seafood platters, and of course plenty of oysters.
Lorelei. Islamorada, Florida
Few places make it as easy to “dock, dine and indulge” as the Florida Keys. The Lorelei, an Islamorada icon, is not only waterfront—you can dock your boat and walk right in—but it also features a beachfront Cabana bar. The food is good, the drinks are cold and the atmosphere is unlike anything you’re likely to have experienced before.
How to Dock, Dine and Indulge Like a Pro:
1. Plan for a designated captain.
If you plan to enjoy an adult beverage or two, make a plan for a sober driver.
2. Bring your docking supplies.
Don’t forget your dock lines and enders. Sure, most waterfront restaurants have their own, and you are likely not to need to use
yours, but these are always good to have on the boat.
3. Call ahead.
Make a reservation for dinner, but also make sure they’ll have space for your boat at the dock.
4. Prepare for adventure.
After dinner sunset cruise? Dessert at the sand bar? Taking in the waterfront after dark? Pack your cooler, bring a blanket or jackets in case it gets cold, make sure your navigation lights are in good order. Bring everything you need to keep the party rolling, should you choose to do so.
Back to Blue Life
