There’s a particular kind of satisfaction in pulling up to a restaurant by boat, tying off at the dock, and walking straight to a table with waterfront views. No parking. No traffic. Just the boat, the water, and whatever’s on the menu.
South Florida — and Fort Lauderdale in particular — does dock and dine better than almost anywhere in the country. The Intracoastal Waterway, the New River, and Port Everglades all connect directly to some of the region’s best waterfront restaurants. This guide covers the Fort Lauderdale and broader South Florida dock-and-dine scene. For Miami-specific spots, see our separate Miami dock and dine guide.
15th Street Fisheries is the one Fort Lauderdale dock-and-dine you can’t skip. Located inside Lauderdale Marina on the 15th Street Causeway, it’s been a local institution for decades — and for good reason.
Pull up to the dock, and you’re immediately above the tarpon tank — a genuine Fort Lauderdale attraction where giant tarpon circle beneath the restaurant and take hand-fed fish from staff. It’s unexpected, a little wild, and genuinely fun to watch. The restaurant itself is two-level, with indoor and outdoor seating, and the menu runs toward classic South Florida seafood: grouper, snapper, stone crab in season, and chowder that regulars swear by.
Boat dockage is available while you dine. Call ahead on weekends — the dock fills up.
Best for: Families, first-timers, groups that want a classic Fort Lauderdale experience
Cuisine: Seafood, South Florida classics
Dockage: Yes, complimentary with dining
Shooters Waterfront sits right on the Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal at East Oakland Park Boulevard. It’s been a Fort Lauderdale happy hour institution since the 1980s, and it’s still one of the best spots on the water for a casual afternoon that turns into an evening.
The outdoor deck is the draw — long, open, and directly over the Intracoastal. Boat traffic is steady, the sunsets are good, and the drinks are strong. The food is a full bar menu: burgers, sandwiches, fish tacos, and a raw bar that’s solid without being pretentious.
Pull up to the dock on the water side. Dockage is available for dining guests, and the dock master is usually easy to work with. This is a casual stop, not a fine dining experience — dress accordingly and plan on spending a few hours.
Best for: Groups, happy hour, casual afternoon dining
Cuisine: American bar food, raw bar, cocktails
Dockage: Yes
Boatyard on Southwest 3rd Avenue is Fort Lauderdale’s answer to upscale waterfront dining with boat-in access. It’s a newer restaurant by Fort Lauderdale standards, but it’s already earned a reputation for solid food, a well-designed space, and a dock that can accommodate larger vessels.
The menu is modern American with a nautical lean — fresh fish, quality steaks, and an extensive cocktail list. The interior is designed around the boating theme without being kitschy about it. Arrive by boat and the dock staff will help you tie off. Call ahead for larger vessels or weekend reservations.
Best for: Date nights, celebrations, business dinners that start on the water
Cuisine: Modern American, fresh seafood
Dockage: Yes, call ahead for larger boats
For a truly Fort Lauderdale experience, Grille 66 at Pier Sixty-Six Hotel and Marina is hard to beat. The location on the New River puts you in the heart of Fort Lauderdale’s marine corridor — surrounded by mega-yachts, the bustling marina, and some of the most storied South Florida boating history.
The food is fine dining: prime cuts, fresh local seafood, and a wine list that matches the setting. It’s a step up in price and formality, but the experience justifies it. The dock at Pier Sixty-Six can handle larger vessels and the marina staff is professional.
Best for: Special occasions, anniversaries, business entertaining
Cuisine: Fine dining, steaks, seafood
Dockage: Full marina, transient slips available
If you’re cruising the New River through downtown Fort Lauderdale, The Riverside Hotel’s waterfront bar on Las Olas is a natural stop. The hotel sits at the edge of the Las Olas entertainment district — moor up, grab a drink at the outdoor bar, and walk Las Olas if the group wants to stretch out.
It’s more of a cocktail-and-appetizers stop than a full dinner destination, but it’s a classic Fort Lauderdale moment: tied to a dock on the river, watching the city go by with a cold drink in hand.
Best for: Quick stops, cocktail hour, groups that want to explore Las Olas
Dockage: Limited, check ahead
For charters heading north from Fort Lauderdale, the Waterstone Resort in Boca Raton sits right on the Intracoastal near the Boca Inlet. The marina bar and restaurant welcome transient boaters, and the location near Lake Boca makes it a natural mid-cruise stop for groups that anchor at the inlet and want to end with food and drinks.
The menu is casual-upscale waterfront fare — nothing unexpected, but solid and consistent. The setting is the draw: Boca Inlet just to the east, calm Intracoastal water, and usually a good breeze in the afternoon.
A Fort Lauderdale boat charter built around dock-and-dine stops is one of the best ways to experience the city. Let the Intracoastal be your road and the restaurant docks be your parking.
Browse boats and book your charter at BoatSitterUS. Tell us your preferred dining stop and we’ll help you plan a route that gets you there and back with time to spare.
