There is simply no better way to enjoy the coastal beauty of the Treasure Coast, Florida than by boat. From the shimmering waters of the Indian River Lagoon to the lively marinas of Stuart and Fort Pierce, the area is built for the boating lifestyle.
But cruising works up an appetite! Fortunately, the Treasure Coast, encompassing Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River counties, is rich with waterfront restaurants designed for easy access. Our comprehensive guide to Dock ‘n’ Dine spots features top establishments with dedicated boat slips where you can pull right up, secure your vessel, and step ashore for a fantastic meal.
If you’re seeking fresh Florida seafood, a sunset cocktail, or casual dining with an unbeatable view, look no further. This is your essential resource for seamless, boat-friendly dining along the Treasure Coast.
The Treasure Coast’s Top Dock ‘n’ Dine Destinations
From Stuart to Vero Beach, here are the most popular spots offering convenient boat dockage for diners:
| Restaurant Name | Location | Signature Experience | Dockage Details |
| Sailor’s Return | Stuart (Sunset Bay Marina) | Upscale American fare, great steaks, and phenomenal sunset views. | Offers 930 feet of free courtesy dockage for diners. Perfect for larger vessels. |
| Crabby’s Dockside | Fort Pierce (City Marina) | Two stories of dining, specializing in fresh Florida Grouper and Bairdi Crab. | Docking available at the Fort Pierce City Marina (transient slips available). |
| Dolphin Bar & Shrimp House | Jensen Beach (Indian River) | Historic Polynesian-themed spot, famous for “Dolphin a la Dolphin” (mahi-mahi). | Easily accessible from the water with dockage for dining guests. |
| Cobb’s Landing | Fort Pierce (City Marina) | Casual, tropical atmosphere with fresh seafood, live music, and outdoor dining under a tiki. | Located at the Fort Pierce City Marina, close to transient slips. |
| Riverside Cafe | Vero Beach (Indian River) | Long-standing local favorite known for its lively, laid-back ambiance and delicious casual cuisine. | Easy boat access right on the water; a perfect mid-day stop in Indian River County. |
| Stuart Boathouse | Stuart (Downtown) | Elevated fish house cuisine in a comfortable, small-town atmosphere; popular for Sunday brunch. | Located centrally in downtown Stuart with dockage nearby. |
| Pirate’s Loft Restaurant | Port Salerno (Manatee Pocket) | Casual to gourmet dining at Pirate’s Cove Resort & Marina with a Caribbean flair. | Located in the protected Manatee Pocket with dockage available at the marina. |
| Little Jim Bait & Tackle | Fort Pierce (Causeway) | A true, historic “Old Florida” dive, offering simple food-truck-style bites, drinks, and bait. | Boaters can pull right up (or dinghy in) for a quick, casual stop. |
Essential Boater’s Etiquette for Dock ‘n’ Dine
To ensure your boat-friendly dining experience is smooth and enjoyable for everyone, keep these tips in mind:
Call Ahead for Dockage: Especially on weekends, transient boat slips can fill up fast. Always call the restaurant or marina office to confirm space and time limits for your vessel.
VHF Contact: For larger marinas like the Fort Pierce City Marina, use VHF Channels 16 or 17 to contact the dockmaster for assistance and slip assignment.
Dock Hand Gratuity: If a marina employee assists you with ropes and fenders, a small cash tip is customary and appreciated.
Be Mindful of Noise: While tied up, limit loud music and engine noise. The dock is part of the restaurant’s outdoor dining experience.
Short-Term Stay: Most restaurant-specific slips are for dining only, not overnight stays. Respect the time limits (often 2-3 hours) to allow other boaters to enjoy the service.
Conclusion: Seamless Cruising and Coastal Cuisine
The Treasure Coast, Florida stands out as a premier boating destination because it truly integrates the on-the-water experience with land-based fun. These Dock ‘n’ Dine destinations eliminate the hassle, allowing you to seamlessly transition from captain’s chair to dinner table.
Whether you’re exploring the historic charm of Fort Pierce, the fishing mecca of Port Salerno, or the vibrant downtown of Stuart, knowing where to find convenient waterfront dining with boat slips enhances your day trip. So chart your course, check the tides, and enjoy the perfect blend of cruising freedom and delicious coastal cuisine that the Treasure Coast has to offer!