Cruise into some of the Southeast's best waterfront bars and restaurants, where the views are as memorable as the food.

There are few better ways to end a day on the water than pulling up to a dock, tying off the lines, and ordering a cold drink while the sun sinks below the horizon. Across the Southeast, waterfront restaurants and dockside bars have become destinations in their own right. Whether you're making a weekend run, planning a longer coastal adventure, or simply looking for your next lunch stop by boat, these local favorites deliver everything from laid-back tiki vibes to upscale waterfront dining.

North Carolina

Lake Norman

Blue Parrot Grill in Mooresville is a longtime favorite for boaters exploring North Carolina's largest lake, Lake Norman. Known for its tropical atmosphere, live music, frozen cocktails, and expansive deck overlooking the water, it's the perfect stop after a day of cruising. And for a more upscale dining experience, the North Harbor Club is a popular waterfront restaurant serving lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch with boat docking available.

Wrightsville Beach & Wilmington

Few places capture the coastal Carolina vibe quite like Dockside Restaurant in Wilmington, where fresh local seafood, outdoor seating, and front-row marina views make it a staple. Nearby, The Sailfish in Wrightsville Beach offers elevated seafood dishes, craft cocktails, and an inviting waterfront patio that's especially popular at sunset.

Beaufort

Beaufort pairs perfectly with this standout dining option: Moonrakers. Located directly on the waterfront overlooking Taylor's Creek, Moonrakers is a state-of-the-art, upper-casual, restaurant located in the Historical District that highlights coastal cuisine and elevated experiences (literally) with rooftop dining. Try and catch a glimpse of wild horses grazing across the water, or take in art in the beautiful Concorde Gallery downstairs, all while you enjoy local oysters, shrimp, or a handcrafted cocktail.

Surf City

At Sears Landing Grill & Boat Docks, arriving by boat is half the fun. Casual seafood, waterfront seating, and transient dockage make it an easy stop while cruising Topsail Island.

Outer Banks

The Outer Banks offer a variety of waterfront experiences:

The Village Table & Tavern is Duck’s newest waterfront bar for summery drinks, live music, and legendary OBX sunsets. This place combines upscale coastal cuisine with panoramic sound views. villagetableandtavern.com
Sunset Grille & Raw Bar in Currituck is an award-winning dining spot known for fresh oysters, seafood towers, and spectacular evening sunsets. fishbonessunsetgrille.com
Blue Crab Tavern in Kill Devil Hills is an ideal place to grab drinks, as the “spacious outdoor gazebo, decks and beer garden under 200 year live oaks provides an unrivaled view of Kitty Hawk Bay and its breathtaking sunsets.” seabbaticals.com
Looking for something lighter? Freshfit Cafe in Nag’s Head offers healthy bowls, smoothies, wraps, and salads for boaters wanting a break from fried seafood. obxfreshfitcafe.com

South Carolina

South Carolina's waterfront dining scene ranges from Lowcountry classics to lively marina hangouts.

Skull Creek Boathouse on Hilton Head Island remains one of the state's iconic dock-and-dine destinations. With its sprawling outdoor deck, fresh seafood, sushi, and legendary sunset views over Skull Creek, it's hard to beat.

In the Myrtle Beach area, Boardwalk Billy's serves seafood, burgers, and frozen drinks overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, with live music to enhance the down-to-earth vibes. Just upstream, Greg Norman Australian Grille offers to bring you straight to a dock outside of Sydney with a more refined experience with premium steaks, seafood, and some of the best bourbon and wine selection in North Myrtle Beach.

Georgia

Savannah's riverfront is filled with history, and its dining scene reflects the city's Southern hospitality. Vic's on the River pairs historic architecture with elevated Southern cuisine overlooking the Savannah River. vicsontheriver.com

Just steps away, River House Seafood serves classic Lowcountry favorites in one of the city's oldest riverfront buildings. savannahriverhouse.com

For something completely different, The Wyld has become a favorite among locals and visiting boaters alike. Located along the marshes outside downtown, it offers oysters, seafood, cocktails, and one of the most scenic sunset settings along Georgia's coast. thewylddockbar.com

Florida

Florida may have more dock-and-dine options than anywhere else in the Southeast, with choices ranging from tiki bars to upscale waterfront restaurants.

Fort Lauderdale favorites include Coconuts, known for its famous Scoobies, Intracoastal views, and Be Nice attitude. At Pirate Republic Seafood & Grill, visiting yachts often line the docks just outside the patio.

Near Miami, Rusty Pelican has long been one of South Florida's premier waterfront dining destinations for celebrities and locals alike, offering sweeping skyline views alongside fresh seafood and expertly crafted cocktails.

In Pompano Beach, Lola's on the Water delivers relaxed waterfront dining that's perfect for a leisurely afternoon cruise — what one customer called “feels like a mini European escape right on the water.”

For Atlantic Coast boaters, Captain Jax Dockhouse in Jacksonville offers casual dockside dining and live entertainment, while the award-winning Ocean Deck Restaurant & Beach Bar in Daytona Beach has been serving boaters, surfers, and beachgoers for decades with live music and oceanfront energy.

Dockside Spotlight: St. Augustine

Few boating destinations blend history and nightlife quite like St. Augustine. After tying up downtown, you'll find plenty of places within walking distance to enjoy a drink or a bite, and luckily we’ve got some first-rated recommendations to share, directly from the Southeast Scuttlebutt team who have boots on the ground!

Meehan's Irish Pub sits along the waterfront and offers Irish favorites, seafood, and excellent views of Matanzas Bay from its upstairs patio.

For handcrafted cocktails with a sophisticated atmosphere, Tini Martini Bar has become a downtown favorite.

Wine lovers should make time for Sangrias Wine & Tapas Bar, where the shaded outdoor patio, Spanish-inspired small plates, and live music create one of the city's most relaxing settings.

Just around the corner, Milltop Tavern has been entertaining visitors for decades with live music, cold drinks, and one of St. Augustine's liveliest outdoor courtyards. If you're looking for a true local hangout, St. George Tavern serves classic pub fare and plenty of pints in a cozy Irish-style atmosphere.

Rounding out the list are Boat Drinks, a colorful tropical-themed stop perfect for frozen cocktails after a day on the water, and Auggie's Draft Room, offering an impressive selection of craft beers for those wanting to sample local and regional brews.

Dock, Dine & Unwind

Meehan's Irish Pub sits along the waterfront and offers Irish favorites, seafood, and excellent views of Matanzas Bay from its upstairs patio.

For handcrafted cocktails with a sophisticated atmosphere, Tini Martini Bar has become a downtown favorite.

Wine lovers should make time for Sangrias Wine & Tapas Bar, where the shaded outdoor patio, Spanish-inspired small plates, and live music create one of the city's most relaxing settings.

Rounding out the list are Boat Drinks, a colorful tropical-themed stop perfect for frozen cocktails after a day on the water, and Auggie's Draft Room, offering an impressive selection of craft beers for those wanting to sample local and regional brews.

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