Tampa Bay can boast about being one of the fastest growing areas in the United States, but did you know they’re also home to a pretty remarkable food scene? Great seafood, new restaurants opening every day, and home to Florida’s oldest restaurant, Tampa Bay is worth checking out.

But sometimes, there is nothing better than taking a boat out and exploring a dine-in restaurant with a waterfront view. There are tons of Tampa Bay restaurants with boat docks, so you don’t have to worry about where to park your boat. (Phew.)

We reached out to the Wavve Community and crunched the numbers. Whether you like a laid-back beachside atmosphere or a bopping venue with live music, you can’t go wrong with any of these marine restaurants. Keep in mind that knowing where to go is only part of a great dock-and-dine experience. Having the right navigation will make sure you’re set to explore all the bay area has to offer. Check out how to choose a marine gps app if you’re just getting started.

Tampa Bay Restaurants with Boat Docks

Depending on where you plan to take your boat for the day, there’s a variety of dockside dining opportunities. Let’s take a look:

Tampa Bay’s West Shore Cuisine

1. Bahama Breeze

If you’ve ever been to a Bahama Breeze, you know that the beachy decor and tropical vibes can’t be beat. Now imagine it actually being on the water. This Bahama Breeze location is so much fun.

They serve generously portioned Caribbean entrees and fun, tropical cocktails. If you’re planning to boat near the Rock Point area, this is a fantastic place to enjoy a good meal.

The docks are free, and there’s space for 10 or so boats. It doesn’t get much easier.

3045 N Rocky Point Dr E, Tampa, FL 33607
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2. Hula Bay Club

This spot has delicious Hawaiin-style food. They’ve got burgers, tacos, and some of the best sushi in town!

You can park your boat, bring your cooler, and enjoy their poolside lounge for an incredible afternoon. As an added bonus, check out Duke’s Retired Surfer Bar, located underneath the restaurant. They have live music and happy hour specials.

This is a popular happy hour spot, and there are plenty of free spaces along the floating “L-shaped” dock.

5210 W Tyson Ave, Tampa, FL 33611
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3. Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro

If you’re looking to dock the boat, grab a bite, then explore some great waterfront views, then this is your place. Fresco’s is located right on the edge of the mainland at the newly renovated St. Pete Pier. It’s a bit more upscale, but the seafood and steaks are among the best in the city. The wrap-around deck is the perfect place for a date, or to celebrate, but make a reservation and come early. That way, you’ll beat the crowd and have a chance to walk out onto the pier before sunset. There’s a great rooftop tiki bar with tropical drinks and unbelievable views of the bay.

As you pull into the yacht basin, the best docking is located at the St. Pete Courtesy Docks. These are located directly next to the restaurant.

300 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
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Dine-In Options in Tampa Bay’s East Shore

4. Rick’s on the River

Located a mile or so upriver from Downtown Tampa is the infamous Rick’s on the River. Rick’s is known for its relaxed vibe, classic bar bites, and delicious seafood. It’s always a fun time and has live music daily! After you eat, head south down the river and go for a stroll around Curtis Hixon Park when you’re in the area and check out their events!

Access here is really easy, with large public docks and a popular boat ramp. There’s fuel, bait, and plenty of other boaters…what else could you ask for?

2305 N Willow Ave, Tampa, FL 33607
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5. Ulele

Another upscale option, this rustic-chic spot has delicious grill options and house-brewed beers. Famous for its Native American-inspired dishes, this has become one of the top restaurants on the Tampa Riverwalk. If you’re looking for a fancy night out, this is a great place to dine. Everything about this place is a vibe, including the Alice In Wonderland-themed garden. The wine list and deserts at Ulele are pretty stellar, but if you’re up for it, walk next door along the river to the equally hip Amatuer Works. There’s plenty of docking along both properties, so keep an eye out (and be patient).

1810 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL 33602

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Clearwater/Dunedin Dining Spots

6. Frenchy’s Saltwater Cafe

Frenchy’s is a Tampa classic. There’s a couple of locations sprinkled around Clearwater Beach, and it’s always at the top of our list when hosting visitors from out of town.

This place screams Florida and is famous for its grouper sandwiches and island time atmosphere. It’s incredibly unique (and delicious) Florida food.

You can pick up something to go or stay in. Either way, it’s the perfect place to grab a quick bite. The docks are super easy to access and only cost $2 when you show your receipt. There’s dock staff out there to help tie up your boat and direct traffic. This dock is always busy, but the staff does a great job helping boaters navigate the slips.

419 Poinsettia Ave, Clearwater, FL 33767
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7. Bon Appetit Restaurant and Bar

If you’re looking for upscale dining and fresh seafood in the heart of downtown Dunedin, then this is the marina restaurant for you. Whether you’re celebrating an occasion or simply in the mood for elegant dining, this is a beautiful place to enjoy a four-course meal on the water. Dunedin is also famous for its art and street festivals. Be sure to stroll the blocks surrounding the area, you’re bound to run into something fun.

Slip space can be limited, but the floating docks are easy to navigate. Keep an eye on the wind as the water can get choppy in the Gulf. Be sure to use your Wavve Boating App to monitor the wind and tide swings like a pro.

148 Marina Plaza, Dunedin, FL 34698
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Best Restaurants in South Pinellas Beaches

8. Salt Rock Grill

Bustling with locals and good music, this is a great spot to enjoy grilled fish or steak. With dining tables and booths overlooking the Inter-coastal Waterway, the views are fantastic too! Music on the patio runs until 10pm…plenty late for boaters at the end of a sunny day.

Salt Rock takes its seafood seriously. They own their own fleet of fishing boats and serve their catch fresh daily. They also serve local stone crab (during season). When you’re cruising the intercoastal waterway, be sure to check this spot out.

19325 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores, FL 33785

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9. Sea Hags Bar and Grill

If American fare is what you’re looking for, Sea Hags offers delicious food and great service. Unique dishes include their chicken pot pie soup and shrimp pizza!

Sea Hags offers lots of docking and is found on the north end of Blind Pass. They’ve got live music, a waterside patio, and are pet friendly! They even have treats and water bowls for your furry friends. What else could you need?

9555 Blind Pass Rd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706

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Marina Restaurants in Tarpon Springs and Port Richey

10. Capt’n Jack’s Bar and Grill

Looking for surf ‘n’ turf, a clean bathroom, and some fuel for your boat? You’ve got to swing by Captn Jacks. The menu is packed with a variety of options, and everything is delicious.

They’ve got grouper sliders, fried calamari, and tons of grill options. Captn Jack’s Bar and Grill has an awesome laid-back, tropical vibe.

Next time you’re heading back from Anclote Island, park your boat at Jack’s dock and enjoy a great meal.

Restaurant docking is found at the northeast corner of the docks, up against the water-front patio & tiki bar.

21 Oscar Hill Rd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
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11. Miss Vicki’s on the River

Another place with a stellar reputation for good reason! They’ve got delicious sandwiches, fun cocktails, and an open-air grill.

The Florida-style food and atmosphere are fun and friendly. They’ve got live music and plenty of seating along the water!

1029 Baillies Bluff Road, Holiday, FL 34691
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12. Whiskey Joe’s Bar and Grill

Another tropical tiki bar option- and this one’s got two stories of views and amazing pizza! Another unique feature about this place is the man-made beach, lined with thatch palapas and laid-back chairs. Whiskey Joe’s is a kid-friendly, family favorite, and a perfect place for a day at the beach!

Nothing left to do but grab a seat in the sand, a cold drink, and enjoy the river views.

7835 Bayview St, Port Richey, FL 34668
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Port Hudson and Hernando Beach

13. Inn on the Gulf Restaurant

If you’re in the Hudson area, this place has amazing food. Inn on the Gulf is another quality seafood experience…The Tampa Bay area sure does have a lot of them.

Enjoy the fresh seafood and then walk around the area. It’s a really cool place to explore. Inn on the Gulf is also a hotel, in case you want to make your trip a full weekend getaway. It’s also conveniently located beside the next restaurant on our list…

6330 Clark St #1385, Hudson, FL 34667

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14. Sam’s Beach Bar

Just south of the Inn on the Gulf Restaurant is Sam’s Beach Bar. Another excellent option for shrimp tacos and calamari in an open-air environment. The service is excellent, the food is delicious, and the live music is great! It’s a popular spot with locals who recommend the steam pots and huge “Sam”wiches.

Whether you’re checking out Sams or Inn on the Gulf (or both!) the best docking is found at the Hudson Beach Boat ramp. You’ll see the slips on the eastern side as you pass Skeleton Key Marina.

6325 Clark St, Hudson, FL 34667
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15. Ollie’s on the Beach

Ollie’s is the place where locals grab a cold one. It’s fun, the prices are great, and you can’t beat the dockside atmosphere. It’s a bit of a dive, but it’s got cheap beer, pub-grub, and karaoke…enough said.

6438 Clark St, Hudson, FL 34667
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Nature Coast Waterfront Restaurants

16. Charlie’s Seafood House Restaurant

This family-owned, casual restaurant is the perfect place to go for a fresh and delicious seafood bite. Located conveniently inside of Crystal River’s famous King’s Bay, all of the fish is locally sourced from the family-owned fish market next door. They’ve been serving fresh seafood for over 50 years! We’re big fans of the local grouper!

There’s a dockside boat launch situated between Charlie’s and the next place on our list. They’ve got fuel, ice cream, and open slips. Be sure to keep an eye out for manatees!

224 US-19, Crystal River, FL 34428

17. Cracker’s Bar & Grill

Located just west of Charlie’s Seafood House is Cracker’s, another long-standing favorite among locals in Crystal River. With a large, open patio large menu, you’re sure to find something for everyone. The atmosphere at Crackers is more relaxed than at Charlie’s, and we love the oversized deck.

Cracker’s also boasts its own dock for patrons, making it one of the easiest places to dock-and-dine in Crystal River.

502 NW 6th St, Crystal River, FL 34428
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18. Crump’s Landing

This place has an awesome reputation for a reason. Everything is delicious, the service is fantastic, and the prices can’t be beat. This restaurant is located at KC Crump on the River, which has a large man-made beach for the family to enjoy while dining and relaxing. If you’re looking for a fun place in Homosassa Springs, this is the one.

Bonus: Crump’s Landing is famously pet friendly…so be sure to bring your pup with you on the boat!

11210 W Halls River Rd, Homosassa, FL 34448

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19. The Freezer Tiki Bar

With plates of fresh shrimp, stone crab, and cheap drinks, this oversized tiki bar rounds out the list of our favorite dockside restaurants. The prices are great, the service is fast, and the atmosphere is tons of fun! In true Florida fashion, pets are welcome at this freshwater hideaway.

Dockings outback, next to the umbrella tables on the patio.

5590 S Boulevard Dr, Homosassa, FL 34448
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Try Any of These Spots For an Awesome Day (or Night) On Your Boat

No matter which option you choose, you can’t go wrong! There are so many amazing Tampa Bay restaurants with boat docks. The Tampa area is thriving with delicious dining options and fantastic boating opportunities.

If you’re visiting the Tampa Bay area, and want to check out some of these incredible water-front restaurants, download Wavve Boating for routes, reviews, and a community of boaters just like you (available on the Apple Store and Google Play ).  Wavve Boating allows you to connect, share, and explore our beautiful waterways. Together, we’re leading the future of marine navigation…all from the comfort of our phones – pretty cool right?