Best Dock-and-Dine Spots in Miami, Florida: Unique Waterfront Dining Experiences
Best Dock and Dine in Palm Beach: The Ultimate Waterfront Dining Experience
Looking to dock your yacht and dine in style? Miami, Florida offers one of the most dynamic waterfront dining scenes in the country, blending luxury, culture, and tropical charm. Whether you're sailing down the Miami River or cruising through Biscayne Bay, Miami's dock-and-dine restaurants welcome boaters with easy access, exceptional cuisine, and unbeatable views.
1. The Rusty Pelican
Location & Convenience:
Just minutes from Downtown Miami, Brickell, and Coconut Grove, The Rusty Pelican is easily accessible for city dwellers, event-goers, and travelers. With valet parking and a scenic drive over the Rickenbacker Causeway, it’s a must-visit for both lunch escapes and special occasions.
Ambiance:
Sophisticated yet vibrant, the Rusty Pelican offers contemporary elegance with coastal charm. Guests enjoy floor-to-ceiling bay views, an expansive outdoor terrace, and a modern interior perfect for brunches, date nights, and celebrations. Sunsets here are nothing short of magical.
What They Offer:
Eclectic Contemporary American Cuisine
Fresh, Locally Sourced Seafood
Signature Dishes:
Crab Cake
Chilean Sea Bass
The Rusty Pelican Special
Award-Winning Cocktails and curated wine list
Weekend Brunches, power lunches, and elegant dinners
Why Visitors Love It:
Known as the hottest destination for locals, celebrities, and tourists alike, the Rusty Pelican offers eclectic and impressive contemporary American cuisine and the freshest local seafood.
Hours:
Monday – Thursday
Lunch: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Dinner: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Friday
Lunch: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Dinner: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Saturday
Brunch: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Dinner: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sunday
Brunch: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Dinner: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
2. Garcia's Seafood Grille & Fish Market
Location & Convenience:
Situated along the Miami River, just minutes from Downtown Miami, Brickell, and Wynwood, Garcia’s is easily accessible by car or boat. With dockside dining and a laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect escape from the city bustle—without ever leaving town.
Ambiance:
Relaxed, rustic, and welcoming, Garcia’s offers open-air waterfront seating, a casual indoor dining room, and a fresh fish market on-site. It’s where locals gather, fishermen unload the catch of the day, and guests enjoy authentic Miami seafood culture with views of boats drifting by.
What They Offer:
Fresh, Daily-Caught Seafood
Local Favorites:
Stone Crabs
Yellow Rice
Tostones
Conch Fritters
Boat-to-Table Dining with no middleman
Full-Service Market for fresh fish to-go
Cold Beers & Classic Cocktails
Why Visitors Love It:
Family-owned and operated for over 50 years, Garcia's provides our community with the freshest and most delicious seafood. Located on the Miami River, customers can enjoy waterfront dining coming straight from our boats to their table.
Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
3. GG's Waterfront
Location & Convenience:
Conveniently situated on N. Ocean Drive, GG’s is just steps from Hollywood Beach Boardwalk and minutes from Downtown Hollywood and Hallandale Beach. Arrive by car or dock your boat—valet and boat slips make getting here easy for any kind of Florida traveler.
Ambiance:
Chic, modern, and scenic, GG’s blends upscale waterfront elegance with laid-back South Florida vibes. With indoor and open-air patio seating, it’s ideal for romantic dinners, business lunches, or happy hour with a view of the passing yachts.
What They Offer:
Fresh, Locally Sourced Seafood & Steaks
Signature Dishes:
Pow Pow Shrimp
Braised Beef Short Rib
Chilean Sea Bass
Cioppino
Raw Bar Selections & Shellfish Towers
Craft Cocktails & Extensive Wine List
Weekend Brunch & Daily Happy Hour
Why Visitors Love It:
At GG’s you’ll enjoy an amazing selection of locally sourced fish, fresh seafood, lobster and stone crabs, raw bar specialties, salads, sandwiches and superb steaks and chops grilled to perfection.
Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Happy Hour:
Monday – Friday | 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM (at bar only)
4. American Social - Miami, Florida
Location & Convenience:
Nestled in Miami’s bustling Brickell district, AmSo is steps away from high-rise living, waterfront parks, and popular hotels. With valet service, walkability, and waterfront views, it's a top pick for happy hour meetups, brunch, or nightlife in downtown Miami.
Ambiance:
Modern, energetic, and stylish, American Social blends sports bar excitement with urban lounge appeal. Indoor and outdoor riverside seating, dozens of TVs, upbeat music, and weekly events make it perfect for catching the game, hosting events, or late-night lounging.
What They Offer:
American Comfort Food with a Twist
Local Favorites:
AmSo Burger
Fried Chicken Sandwich
Eggs Benedict (Brunch)
Full Bar with Craft Cocktails, Beer Flights & Whiskey List
Social Hour specials and Late-Night Bites
Weekend Brunch with bottomless options
Why Visitors Love It:
Offer an exciting atmosphere and unmatched level of service, making AmSo the perfect spot for meeting up, hosting a party or catching a game.
Hours:
Monday – Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM
Thursday & Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Social Hour: Monday – Friday | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Late Night Menu: Sunday – Wednesday | 10:00 PM – Close
Brunch: Saturday & Sunday | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Holiday Hours
Thanksgiving: Closed
Christmas Eve: Closes at 8:00 PM
Christmas Day: Opens at Noon
