Boat On Up for Your Dockside Carry-Out at These Restaurants in Florida!

Last Updated on April 25, 2020 by Marybeth

We’re still allowed to boat, right? As of publication the answer is yes (and in fact, oh hell yes!) How simple it is to social distance on your boat? Take the your partner-in-Covid. Everyone you’re sheltering with, come aboard, let’s boat on up for carry-out!

We’ve combed the internet and even made old-school contact by phone (so painful! I hate bothering busy workers!) to give you this list of restaurants still open and offering carry-out. Let’s do our part and support these industrious, persevering hospitality workers still grilling, frying, roasting and boxing up the meals we’ve been missing.

Please make note we do our best to stay up-to-date with current openings and closings, hours of operation and menu offerings, but in this volatile time things can change in a day. We recommend calling the restaurant you plan to visit to confirm. All on our list also offer curbside pick up, and many will deliver as well.

Beginning up north in Fernandina Beach, and going all the way down the Atlantic coast (we’ll list the Gulf coast next post) here is our list:

FERNANDINA BEACH / AMELIA ISLAND

Down Under Restaurant

96106 Wades Place, A1A Intracoastal Waterway, Fernandina Beach

904-310-6211

Lat Long 30.627890, -81.485300

Photo by Ken Moreslander, courtesy of Down Under Restaurant

Tucked away overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, and with a cool history – once a fish camp that sold bait, in the 50s – this location is one we will certainly visit and stay awhile to enjoy that view, when we can, but for now boat on up for your dinner from 4-7 p.m M-Sat and 11-6 on Sunday. Offering a different menu for each day, all meals feed 4 and some days you can buy a meal for 2 or 4. Check their Facebook page for current menu and pricing.

JACKSONVILLE / PONTE VEDRA BEACH

Barbara Jean’s on the Water

15 S. Roscoe Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach

904-280-7522

Lat Long 30.174981, -81.400727

Photo courtesy of Barbara Jean’s on the Water

Specializing in coastal southern cuisine, and overlooking in this tranquil setting on the Intracoastal Waterway, Barbara Jean’s is offering carry-out from their regular menu as well as some specials on certain days (Mac and Cheese Friday!) GALLONS of sweet tea, and ‘boat drinks,’ beer, and wine. Check their Instagram and Facebook for updates about the menu and hours.

Lulu’s Waterfront Grill

301 Roscoe Blvd. N., Ponte Vedra Beach

904-285-0139

Lat Long 30.210770, -81.409456

Photo courtesy of Lulu’s Waterfront Grille

Seafood-centric but offering burgers and tacos for those of you who don’t like seafood (? how can you not ?) with gourmet-level creativity, Lulu’s is open Mon-Sun 11 am- 8 pm. Consider ordering a 50 ml shot with your favorite mixer for $4 (if you’re not helm-ing the ship!) Visit their Facebook and Instagram for updates.

Palms Fish Camp

6359 Heckscher Dr., Jacksonville

904-240-1672

Lat Long 30.404450, -81.506580

Photo courtesy of Palms Fish Camp

Classic Florida fare with a large leaning towards fresh-off-the-boat seafood (pizzas, burgers and more for you land-lubbers) Palms Fish Camp will also include 64 oz growlers in your order if you so wish. Boat drinks from their frozen drinks machines are also on offer! Overlooking the St. Johns River, open for carry-out 11 am – 7 pm. Make sure to check their Facebook page for any updates.

Palm Valley Fish Camp

229 Roscoe Blvd. N., Ponte Vedra Beach

904-285-3200

Lat Long 30.210552, -81.408889

One of our favorite restaurants in the Ponte Vedra area – before the pandemic – when we’re visiting Robert’s daughter Angela, and we WILL be back! In the meantime let’s boat on up for true southern seafood, steak, chicken and more. Open for carry-out Mon 4-8:30, Tues-Sun 11 am-8:30 pm. Ask about their 50% off packaged wine and beer! Check their Instagram and Facebook for any updates regarding hours and menu choices.

Palm Valley Outdoors Bar & Grill

377 South Roscoe Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach

904-834-7183

Lat Long 30.133650, -81.385249

Photo courtesy of Palm Valley Outdoors Bar & Grill

Located just next to the 210 Palm Valley Bridge along the Intracoastal Waterway and with a newly painted facade that we can’t wait to see in person, Palm Valley Outdoors Bar & Grill is offering their full menu for pick up (check it out on their Facebook page here) and their retail, bait and kayak and SUP rentals are still open as well.

Sand Dollar Restaurant & Marina

9716 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville

904-251-2449

Lat Long 30.397636, -81.434239

Photo by J. More courtesy of Sandollar Restaurant & Marina

The Sandollar Restaurant has gorgeous views of the St. Johns River and is located just down the street from the Mayport Ferry (a fun jaunt in itself!) Offering their full menu and all bar drinks for take out, Sandollar is also partnering with Anheiser Busch for a Budweiser Pay it Forward Rebate. You can save $5 on your take out order via rebate. Details on Sandollar’s Facebook page.

VILANO BEACH

Aunt Kate’s

612 Euclid Ave., St. Augustine (Vilano Beach)

904-829-1105

Lat Long 29.949929, -81.309014

You’ll wind your way through a shady residential neighborhood (when arriving by car or by foot) to find Aunt Kate’s charming spot overlooking the Tolomato River in Vilano Beach (even though the official address says St. Augustine, I’m not sure why.) A must-visit (they’ve been in business for over 100 years!) when you can actually sit at this table, but for now order from Aunt Kate’s carry-out menu of sandwiches; salads; entrees of seafood, meatloaf and steak; kid’s menu available as well. Visit Aunt Kate’s Facebook and Instagram for menu details and updates.

Cap’s on the Water

4325 Myrtle St., St. Augustine (Vilano Beach)

904-819-8190 and 904-824-5800

Lat Long 29.955481, -81.311963

Photo courtesy of Caps on the Water

With three phone lines open to better serve you, Caps is here for you boaters. Open Mon-Fri 4-8, Sat 1-8 and Sun 1-6 offering family-style meals and daily specials. I found a heartwarming (and tear-producing, for me, to be honest) article written about them and their leadership in tough times, written by Carol Anderson of @ the intersection of learning and performance blog. Visit Caps via their Instagram and Facebook for more info and updates.

PALM COAST

Captain’s BBQ

5862 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast

386-597-2888

Lat Long 29.616136, -81.203363

Photo courtesy of Captain’s BBQ

Set in an 8 acre tranquil park overlooking the Matanzas River/Intracoastal Waterway – Bing’s Landing – Captain’s BBQ serves true southern BBQ slow-cooked on their special wood burning smoker. You can pull your boat up at the park’s boat ramp and walk just steps to Captain’s to pick up your to-go order. Check their Facebook for hours, menu, and updates.

FLAGLER BEACH

Hidden Treasure Raw Bar & Grill

820 Moody Lane, Flagler Beach

386-693-5082

Lat Long 29.478994, -81.135814

Photo courtesy of Hidden Treasure Raw Bar & Grill

Offering their full menu (excluding oysters) and BOGO gift cards – buy $100, get $50 FREE! – Hidden Treasure shouldn’t remain in hiding (I just had to say that…) In full view on the Matanzas River under the Rt. 100 bridge you can boat on up and get your to-go order from their giant menu. The only problem you may have is making a decision, there are sooo many choices from seafood to wings to burgers to steamers to fried platters… you get the picture! Visit their Facebook page to stay up to date on specials and more.

ORMOND BEACH

RiverGrille on the Tomoka

950 US 1, Ormond Beach

386-615-2004

Lat Long 29.304486, -81.094038

Photo courtesy of RiverGrille on the Tomoka

This serene setting is the perfect place to boat up for pick up (should we make that into a hashtag? #boatupforpickup!) The Tomoka River branches off from the Intracoastal Waterway – the Halifax, at this point – and winds its lovely way down to RiverGrille. Right now you can order daily specials with several choices at great prices, visit RiverGrille’s Facebook page for details, and check out their Instagram for more beautiful photos like this one! Hours are Mon-Sat 11:30-8, Sun 12-7.

PORT ORANGE

Hidden Treasure Tiki Bar & Grill

5993 S. Ridgewood Ave., Port Orange

386-756-9565

Lat Long 29.105632, -81.971557

We visited before the pandemic, and we’ll be back!

Tucked into this safe little pocket of Rose Bay, off of the Halifax River, this Hidden Treasure is actually more hidden than the others! Same offers and menu as the above-mentioned Hidden Treasure: full, giant menu (excluding oysters) and same BOGO offer for gift cards – buy $100 and get $50 FREE! Make sure to check out their Facebook page to stay updated.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH

Outriggers Tiki Bar & Grille

200 Boatyard St., New Smyrna Beach

386-428-6888

Lat Long 29.032510, -80.913254


Photo courtesy of Outriggers Tiki Bar & Grille

“The Rigg” as it fondly calls itself (and now we do, too!) has views of the Indian River (Intracoastal), Chicken Island, and the beautiful South Causeway Bridge arching beyond. From 12-8 every day you can order starters, handhelds, salads, main entrees, family meal offerings, take-and-bake, sides, kid’s choices, beer, wine, and your favorite barrel strength cocktail doubles (I think I could use one of those right about now!) Visit both their Instagram and Facebook pages for more details.

PORT CANAVERAL

Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar

500 Glen Cheek Dr., Port Canaveral

321-868-2226

Lat Long 28.409354, -80.612826

Photo courtesy of Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki BAr

We’re guessing that at this moment there aren’t massive cruise ships gliding back and forth in this harbor, making it even easier for you boaters to ease your way up to Grills for some delicious carry-out. From 11-8 daily, order online at ChowNow (link on their Facebook page) or call. You can also order your favorite Grills drinks to go, 32 oz (approx. five drinks without ice) with your meal. Check out their Instagram as well for some beautiful food pics.

COCOA BEACH

Island Time Restaurant & Marina

400 West Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach

321-613-4852

Lat Long 28.357988, -80.612144

You won’t be able to sit up here and enjoy this view – yet – but boat on up for carry out!

Island Time hasn’t been around for a very long time, but from the day they opened they had it all figured out. Fun, colorful, great service, delicious food. Now offering dockside pick up with various specials on different days. Wacky Wing Weekend, Taco Tuesday, Wings and Beer, and more. Visit their Facebook page for more details. Cool photos on Instagram as well!

MELBOURNE

Grills Riverside Melbourne

6075 N US Highway 1

321-242-8999

Lat Long 28.210376, -80.662815

One of our favorite restaurants, especially to take out-of-town guests, for the festive atmosphere, live music, that view, and the fresh amazing food. For now though pull on up in your boat and pick up your dockside order. Call or order online with ChowNow (link on their Facebook page.) Open 11-8 daily. Visit their Instagram to see photos of all their restaurants (we just found out they have one in Orlando as well!)

SEBASTIAN

Capt Hirams Resort

1580 US Highway 1, Sebastian

772-581-6171

Lat Long 27.823138, -80.472102


Just a small portion of the ‘compound’ that is Capt Hirams! So many places to sit, mostly by the water, also inside, various bars, music stages; much to enjoy and explore when we’re able!

The perfect place to “play where you stay,” Capt Hirams offers a variety of accommodations as well as the fun waterfront activities of the marina from boat rentals to kayaking to eco tours of Pelican Island. For today, call in your order between 11-7 for their daily specials (today, as I’m writing this, it’s a New England Family Fish Fry, for example.) Visit their Facebook page and their Instagram stories for menus and updates.

Mulligan’s Beach House

806 Indian River Dr., Sebastian

772-918-4844

Lat Long 27.810917, -80.463890

Family-owned Mulligan’s Beach House, in business for over 20 years, has seven locations around Florida, and Sebastian, Vero Beach, and Jensen Beach remain open for carry-out. Mulligan’s Sebastian is on the Indian River/Intracoastal Waterway, so boat on up during the hours of 11:30-8. Make sure to visit their Facebook and Instagram for more details.

JENSEN BEACH

Conchy Joe’s

3945 NE Indian River Dr., Jensen Beach

772-334-1130

Lat Long 27.252941, -80.228121

I took this photo some years ago, hopefully it still looks the same… anyway the party is around back overlooking the water!

Order every day from 12-8 either online or by phone, then cruise up dockside for pick up! 1/2 price frozen drinks with a purchase of food, free kids meal with the purchase of an entree or handheld. The carry-out menu is pretty substantial, offering appetizers, handhelds, salads, entrees and desserts. Conchy Joe’s has been in business since 1979 and we can say firsthand their food is consistently delicious. The vibe in the restaurant is cool too, when we can go back and actually sit down! Visit Conchy’s Facebook for updates and instructions on how to order online, and also their Instagram.

Dolphin Bar & Shrimp House

1401 NE Indian River Dr., Jensen Beach

772-781-5236

Lat Long 27.22553, -80.209713

Photo courtesy of Dolphin Bar & Shrimp House

Built by the famous classic movie star, Frances Langford, in the 1960s and later bought and rebuilt by a man who visited her resort as a teenager (it’s a cool story, read more here) the Dolphin Bar & Shrimp House has long offered travelers and locals a unique place to dine with outstanding views and gracious hospitality. Order from the take out menu online or call, then motor or paddle on up from 12-8. Right now you can get a free bottle of wine with a food purchase of $50, $5 frozen drinks with any food purchase. Visit their Facebook and Instagram pages for more details and more deals!

STUART

Sailor’s Return

625 SW Anchorage Way, Stuart

772-872-7250

Lat Long 27.201308, -80.258152

Photo courtesy of Sailor’s Return

Come back when you’re able to stay awhile to experience this gorgeous, spacious restaurant with two bars and the view of the St. Lucie River and the Roosevelt Bridge. From 11:30-8 daily order from Sailor’s Return’s carry-out menu offering appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrees totaling $30 or more. 1/2 price bottles of wine and $7 frozen rum runners or margaritas all day every day with the purchase of food. Check out their Facebook page for updates and info on gift card promos, also their Instagram.

The Twisted Tuna

4290 SE Salerno Rd., Stuart

772-600-7239

Lat Long 27.146664, -80.195434

The largest family owned and operated waterfront restaurant in Martin County, The Twisted Tuna doesn’t have that huge restaurant feel. With many seating options (when we’re able to again), bright, contemporary vibe, the sunny view of the Manatee Pocket in Port Salerno, and all the giant boats to make you envious, you’re going to want to boat on up for carry-out and make note to come back and spend time in the (hopefully very near) future. Choose from small pizzas, burgers, tacos, to-go beers starting at $3, and more, with the option of ordering fresh sushi on the weekends. Check their Facebook and Instagram for more details.

JUPITER

1000 North

1000 North US Highway 1, Jupiter

561-570-1000

Lat Long 26.946062, -80.084982

Photo courtesy of 1000 North

First of all, take a look at this place! While we normally gravitate toward small and cozy, I’m putting this on the bucket list for when we can sit and dine, because, wow! Their menu isn’t quite the typical take-out, either. Today’s special, as I’m writing this, is Hamachi Ceviche and Dover Sole to name a couple. 25% off their wine list, craft cocktails for five, and more. “Sweeping” (perfect adjective; I’m going to borrow that one) views of the Jupiter Inlet and the Jupiter Lighthouse add to the magnificence of this waterfront boat-on-up restaurant. Visit their Facebook, Instagram and website (click their name above) for the daily menu and more info.

HOLLYWOOD

Billy’s Stone Crab

400 North Ocean Dr., Hollywood

954-923-2300

Lat Long 26.014686, -80.117325

Photo courtesy of Billy’s Stone Crab

Working with stone crabs for over 35 years, Billy is the expert. That also explains how he got the domain crabs.com. And get this – not only can you order for dockside pickup, you can also order stone crabs online for nationwide delivery! I couldn’t quite tell if the full menu is on offer for dockside and curbside pick up and delivery (Billy. Help me out here.) And it was too late for me to call (I want to get this published while all the info I’ve gathered is fresh) but you can call, or go on the Postmates App and figure it out. Visit Billy’s Facebook and Instagram and see what you can find out.

Admittedly we cobbled this together in a bit of an unusual, for us, rush job. With the stay-at-home orders and all the scary news (we keep saying we’re going to try to stay away from, for at least part of the day) we’ve had heavy hearts for the hospitality industry. Two of my three children were working for restaurants. My third is still delivering for Amazon (and I’m getting grayer by the minute.) I know everyone who is reading our blog is affected.So please bear with us if we’ve forgotten anyone – and let us know! – or made any errors. I particularly struggled with the lat long thing; me for whom words speak to my soul but numbers numb my brain. And as I plotted the damned things, then double-checked them, some were totally not where they were supposed to be. All this to say we hope this list helps encourage you boaters to get out there, enjoy the fresh air and that hopeful feeling that just being in nature brings. And make a plan to boat on up and enjoy a carry-out meal, supporting the people who have worked so hard to make our beloved state what it was – and will be, again.

2 Comments

  1. Thanks for sharing my post on Caps on the Water….

    1. Thank you Carol for the heartfelt article! During these times especially we all need (and want!) to help those who have been at the forefront of making our great state what it is, for visitors and locals alike.

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