Only boaters understand the unique joy of docking at a trendy, waterside restaurant and grabbing a bite. There are few greater pleasures than easing into a dock after a day of cruising and enjoying a delicious meal alfresco.
If you haven’t yet joined the dock and dine club, trust us when we say you’ll want to. To get you started, we’re revealing where to dock and dine across the U.S.
Stay tuned to discover some drool-worthy dock and dine restaurants near you!
The Best Places to Dock and Dine
Want to take your boat to dinner but aren’t exactly sure where to start? Below is a list of some of the best dock and dine restaurants in the country:
1. The Cannery in Newport Beach, California
This historic building first opened in the 1920s as a fish cannery. Since then, The Cannery has transformed into an elegant on-the-water dining experience offering creative cocktails, filet mignon, and a variety of seafood.
We recommend pulling up and docking for weekend brunch. Or you can explore the family-owned, downstairs speakeasy called Snug Bug.
2. Monty’s Raw Bar in Miami, Florida
Looking for a classic dock and dine experience? Monty’s Raw Bar in Coconut Grove can’t be beaten. This tiki-themed restaurant hosts the perfect environment for authentic bites and refreshing cocktails. From conch fritters to coconut shrimp to Baja fish tacos, this dock and dine joint takes seaside dining to a whole other level.
3. The Wharf in Washington, D.C.
The Wharf is hands down one of Washington D.C.’s most iconic dining locations. This expansive waterfront restaurant boasts a wide variety of fine dining, casual bite, and take-out options. Have a variety of palates on board? We’re confident there will be something scrumptious for everybody.
4. Barking Crab in Boston, Massachusetts
Dock-and-dine restaurants are hard to come by in Boston. Of course, the Barking Crab is a delicious exception.
Tucked away on the Fort Point Channel in South Boston, this popular seafood shack features open-air and indoor dining options that are both boatloads of fun. It has an extensive menu that includes all your fresh seafood favorites. However, be warned that dock space is limited, and you’ll likely have to reserve your spot ahead of time.
5. Moonrakers in Beaufort, North Carolina
This three-story restaurant is located in Beaufort’s historic district. Moonrakers celebrates local Carolina cuisine with a wide variety of seafood dishes, such as shrimp and grits and cornmeal-crusted oysters.
Wondering why we love it? Well, diners enjoy breathtaking views of the islands making up the Rachel Carson Reserve while simultaneously sipping on nautical-inspired cocktails. After dinner, we recommend heading to the string-lit rooftop bar for a nightcap.
6. Kiki’s Sandbar Bar & Grille in The Florida Keys
Located on Little Torch Key, Kiki’s Sandbar Bar & Grille has an extra-long pier with plenty of dockage to go around. For that reason, this spot is an ideal Keys beach bar. Guests are welcome to enjoy the local seafood favorites from both indoor and outdoor seating options.
7. Tide’s Tavern in Gig Harbor, Washington
On the hunt for tavern-style comfort food that you can access via boat? Tide’s Tavern is the spot for you.
Located on the shores of the downtown harbor, this dock and dine restaurant has some of the best water views in the region. Its no-fuss atmosphere is a massive draw for boaters, and the friendly staff will make anyone feel at home. And while there is plenty of local seafood on the menu, Tide’s is also a renowned burger joint that carnivores will love.
8. Alley Cat Oyster Bar in Cleveland, Ohio
This contemporary restaurant offers breathtaking views of the Cuyahoga River, which are enjoyed from its open-air dining area. However, Alley Cat Oyster Bar’s cuisine is still its biggest draw. The menu is jam-packed with plenty of oysters, mussels, clams, lobster, and fresh fish to go around.
Best Dine and Dock Restaurants in the U.S.
We hope this post gave you an idea of where to dock and dine in a city near you. However, with so many fantastic dock and dine restaurants to choose from, there are many more to check out.
If you need help planning your next dock and dine excursion, the boating experts at Discover Boating are here for you. We’ve helped hundreds of boaters plan epic water excursions, and we’d love to do the same for you. Check out our boating blog for more tips, tricks, and ideas for future on-the-water adventures!
