With miles of coastline, the world’s best sunsets, and a vibrant local food scene, there’s no better way to experience St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay dining than by boat. This comprehensive guide highlights the top five boat-accessible waterfront restaurants—complete with detailed dock information, must-order dishes, happy hour specials, live entertainment, and insider boating tips.
Whether you’re cruising the Intracoastal Waterway, fishing offshore, or just looking for an unforgettable waterside meal, here’s your ultimate resource for docking and dining in style.
1. Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille
📍 Location: 610 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (St. Pete Pier)
🚤 Boat Accessibility:
Dock your boat at the public courtesy slips located directly behind Doc Ford’s on the iconic St. Pete Pier. Slip spaces are available first-come, first-served, and monitored on VHF channel 16.
🍽️ Culinary Highlights:
Inspired by novelist Randy Wayne White’s legendary character, Doc Ford’s blends Caribbean flavor with classic Floridian seafood. Menu standouts include:
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Signature Yucatan Shrimp (peel-and-eat shrimp sautéed in spicy butter sauce)
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Blackened Grouper Sandwich (voted among Tampa Bay’s best)
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Authentic Cuban Sandwich
🥂 Special Events & Happy Hour:
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Daily Happy Hour: 3–6 PM with discounted rum cocktails and appetizers.
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Live Music: Friday and Saturday evenings, featuring local musicians on the open-air deck.
🛟 Insider Boating Tip:
Plan to arrive early on weekends to secure a slip, especially during busy sunset hours.
➡️ Learn more at Doc Ford’s official site
2. The Getaway
📍 Location: 13090 Gandy Blvd N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
🚤 Boat Accessibility:
The Getaway Marina boasts over 30 dedicated slips, easily accommodating boats of various sizes. This marina offers convenient access, allowing boaters to dock and walk right into the venue.
🍽️ Culinary Highlights:
A tropical beach-bar paradise, The Getaway is known for its casual vibe and fresh coastal cuisine:
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Fresh Fish Tacos and Island-style Ceviche
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The Tiki Hurricane Cocktail (local favorite)
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House-made Guacamole & Chips
🥂 Special Events & Happy Hour:
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Sunset Happy Hour: Monday–Thursday (3–6 PM) with $2 off drafts and signature cocktails.
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Weekend Acoustic Sessions: Live music enhances the tropical ambiance.
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Weekly Yoga Sessions: Sunday sunset yoga classes on the sandy “beach” area.
🛟 Insider Boating Tip:
This spot fills quickly on sunny weekends—arrive before noon or plan to anchor nearby and paddleboard to shore (rentals available).
3. Billy’s Stone Crab & Seafood
REMOVED DUE TO REQUEST BY BUSINESS
4. Circles Waterfront Restaurant
📍 Location: 1212 Apollo Beach Blvd, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
🚤 Boat Accessibility:
Located at the Lands End Marina, Circles offers dedicated slips reserved specifically for dining guests. The marina also features a fuel dock—perfect for topping off your tanks after a meal.
🍽️ Culinary Highlights:
Circles Waterfront Restaurant brings upscale dining to a picturesque marina setting:
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Lobster Ravioli & Seafood Risotto
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Blackened Mahi-Mahi served with mango salsa
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Signature Cocktails (don’t miss the Blood Orange Basil Margarita)
🥂 Special Events & Happy Hour:
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Cruise-In Sundays: Complimentary slip docking when you spend $50+.
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Live Jazz Brunch: Every Sunday from 10 AM–2 PM.
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Regular Prix-Fixe Wine Dinners: Pairing high-quality dishes with fine wines.
🛟 Insider Boating Tip:
Make docking stress-free by radioing ahead via VHF 16—staff can often assist with slip assignments and dock lines.
➡️ Check out Circles Waterfront
5. The Island Grille & Raw Bar
📍 Location: 210 Madonna Blvd, Tierra Verde, FL 33715
🚤 Boat Accessibility:
Located alongside Marker 39 Marina, The Island Grille has ample dock slips for boaters. Remember, it’s in a slow-speed manatee zone, so approach gently.
🍽️ Culinary Highlights:
Embracing casual island-style dining with a focus on fresh seafood and fun, laid-back vibes:
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Raw Bar featuring Fresh Gulf Oysters and Shrimp Cocktail
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Tiki Classics: Fish sandwiches, coconut shrimp, and chilled seafood platters
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Island-themed craft cocktails and local beers on tap
🥂 Special Events & Happy Hour:
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Weekend Live Music: Local bands set the lively tropical atmosphere.
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Daily Drink Specials: Ask about rotating cocktail deals and draft specials.
🛟 Insider Boating Tip:
Watch the tides—shallower waters near Tierra Verde require a mindful approach at low tide.
➡️ Visit The Island Grille online
⚓ Honorable Mention: Crabby’s on the Pass (Reopening Winter 2025)
📍 Location: 12754 Kingfish Dr, Treasure Island, FL 33706
Crabby’s on the Pass— world famous for its sprawling waterfront decks overlooking John’s Pass—is temporarily closed due to hurricane damage but slated to reopen by Winter 2025. Known historically for live music, legendary fish frys, and excellent dock access, Crabby’s promises to return better than ever. Keep an eye on their social media for updates.
🛥️ Essential Boating & Docking Tips for Tampa Bay & St. Pete:
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Slip Reservations: Many waterfront restaurants operate docks on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving early or calling ahead is advised, especially on weekends.
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Docking Gear: Carry extra fenders and lines—floating docks are common, and tidal changes can shift your boat.
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VHF Communication: Monitor VHF channel 16 for marina or dockmaster assistance.
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Wake Zones & Manatees: Observe slow-speed zones, especially around Tierra Verde, Apollo Beach, and Intracoastal areas to protect local marine life and maintain good boating etiquette.
Ready to plan your perfect waterfront dining experience by boat? Don’t miss our interactive map, additional details, and insider tips at our full blog post here:
