Best Dock-and-Dine Spots in Fort Lauderdale, Florida: The Ultimate Waterfront Dining Experience
Best Dock and Dine in Palm Beach: The Ultimate Waterfront Dining Experience
Looking to dock your yacht and dine in style? Fort Lauderdale, Florida is a top spot for waterfront dining with easy boat access. Known as the “Venice of America,” it’s packed with great dock-and-dine restaurants that blend coastal charm with gourmet flavors.
1. 15th Street Fisheries
Location & Convenience:
Set directly on the Intracoastal Waterway, this prime spot offers boat-friendly access, valet parking, and easy reach from the beach, city, and marina. Whether you're arriving by car or by water taxi, it's a seamless addition to any Fort Lauderdale itinerary.
Ambiance:
With two distinct dining experiences—upstairs fine dining and casual dockside seating—guests can enjoy everything from romantic dinners to laid-back lunches in a vibrant nautical atmosphere. Watch mega-yachts glide by, feed the giant tarpon, and take in the best waterfront views in South Florida.
What They Offer:
Fresh, Locally Sourced Seafood served daily
Dockside Favorites: Sandwiches, seafood platters, and cold drinks
Indoor & Outdoor Seating with marina views
Full Bar featuring craft cocktails and local brews
Why Visitors Love It:
The Fisheries is situated inside the city's most famous nautical landmark, Lauderdale Marina, and offers the freshest seafood featuring the best waterway views in South Florida, both upstairs for dinner and all day at Fisheries Dockside.
Local Favorites:
Red Snapper in sweet & spicy coconut red Thai curry sauce
Hours:
Open Daily | Monday – Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
2. The Coconuts - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Location & Convenience:
Perfectly positioned on Seabreeze Boulevard, Coconuts is easily accessible from Fort Lauderdale's beachfront hotels, downtown, and marinas. With dockage for boaters and dog-friendly outdoor seating, it’s one of the city’s most convenient and casual spots for high-quality coastal cuisine.
Ambiance:
Casual, fun, and coastal-chic, Coconuts blends relaxed beach vibes with elevated service. Expect friendly staff, breezy dockside seating, and a welcoming space that’s just as fitting for a family brunch as it is for a sunset dinner with friends
What They Offer:
Fresh Seafood & Creative Comfort Food
Local Favorites:
Salmon Crab Cakes
Lobster Roll
Crab Claws
Full Bar with craft cocktails, wine, and beer
Pet-Friendly Patio and waterside tables
Boat Docking available
Why Visitors Love It:
Provide an upscale dining experience in a casual setting, you can raft your boat at our dock or bring your dog on a leash, even your mother-in-law will enjoy; where the atmosphere is fun, relaxed, and the food is great.
Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday Brunch & Dinner: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
3. Shooters Waterfront
Location & Convenience:
Just off NE 32nd Ave near Oakland Park Blvd, Shooters is easily accessible by car or boat. With dockside access, valet parking, and proximity to Fort Lauderdale Beach, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxing meal with a view—whether you’re arriving by land or sea.
Ambiance:
Shooters blends chic coastal elegance with casual comfort. Enjoy open-air patios, vibrant outdoor bars, live music, and waterfront sunsets that elevate every visit—from weekday lunches to weekend brunch parties.
What They Offer:
Fresh Florida Seafood & Steakhouse Favorites
Signature Dishes:
Coconut Shrimp
Crab Cake
Lobster Roll
Lamb Chops
Weekend Brunch with Waterfront Views
Craft Cocktails & Full Bar
Live Music & Special Events year-round
Why Visitors Love It:
Since 1982, Shooters Waterfront has been the quintessential destination for dockside views, fresh seafood, weekend brunch, and of course, a calendar full of not-to-be-missed events.
Hours:
Brunch
Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Lunch
Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Dinner
Sunday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Friday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Happy Hour
Monday – Friday: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
4. Boatyard - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Location & Convenience:
Just minutes from Port Everglades, downtown Fort Lauderdale, and the city’s yachting marinas, Boatyard offers valet parking, dock-and-dine access, and easy reach by car or boat. Perfect for locals, visitors, and pre-cruise diners seeking a vibrant waterfront spot.
Ambiance:
From sunrise breakfasts to sunset dinners, Benny’s captures the essence of laid-Sleek, modern, and nautically inspired, Boatyard features indoor-outdoor seating, sunset-lit patios, and open-air bars. Whether you're enjoying brunch, happy hour, or a romantic dinner, the ambiance blends sophistication with breezy marina-side energy.
What They Offer:
Seafood-Centric, Seasonal Cuisine
Local Favorites:
Tuna Tacos
Fresh Fish Sandwich
Mahi Mahi
Grouper Piccata
Chef's Specials with fresh, local catches
Full Bar & Craft Cocktails
Brunch, Lunch & Dinner menus with shareable options
Why Visitors Love It:
Where the locals convene and tourists visit for the atmosphere and cuisine, Boatyard offers an elevated coastal culinary experience. The seafood-centric menu serves locally sourced, fresh daily catches, a seasonal rotation of chef’s specials, and staple dishes that are made to share or indulge in solo.
Hours:
Pier Location
Sunday – Thursday: 7 AM – 9 PM
Friday – Saturday: 7 AM – 10 PM
Oceanwalk Location
Monday – Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
