![Boat parking at The Crow’s Nest in Venice [Photo: Lauren Jackson]](/sites/default/files/styles/popular_stories_teaser/public/2023-import/The-Crow%2527s-Nest-cropped__OPT.jpg.webp?itok=ycs37M-O)
Anchor and Eat: Best Boat-Up Restaurants
Take a food break at some favorite local dining spots on the water with plenty of room to dock your vessel and chow down
Take a food break at some favorite local dining spots on the water with plenty of room to dock your vessel and chow down
The greatest draw to enjoying a sunny vacation in beautiful Sarasota County is our endless coastline and proximity to the water. The best way to maximize your exposure to “Vitamin Sea” is exploring the area via the intracoastal waterway - think of it as our inland boat highway. In between speeding through the waves, and swimming on the sandbars, you’re sure to work up an appetite. No need to lug around a big cooler when you can conveniently pull right up to a boat-friendly restaurants outfitted with accessible docks for you and your family to make landfall. Keep scrolling for our top spots to come ashore for concessions.
Pop’s Sunset Grill
If you’re near Casey Key and Nokomis Beach, head over to marker 10 and dock at Pop’s Sunset Grill for Floridian fare and Tiki charm. This historic property has been host to some form of fish camp or restaurant since the 1940’s.
Evie’s Spanish Point
Head south to Osprey for a relaxing day at Evie’s Spanish Point. With two separate docks, there is plenty of room for you and all of your friends to meet on the water for cold drinks and tasty treats. Head down after 4 p.m. for a chance to watch next-door neighbors, Sarasota Scullers Rowing Club load their boats into the water and glide across the channel. Or, spend a day exploring one of Florida’s most archeologically-significant ancient properties, Merchant Logo Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' Historic Spanish Point Campus.
Dockside Waterfront Grill
This Venice staple has been a local favorite since workers broke ground on the Fisherman’s Wharf Marina property in 1950. Voted a top local seafood joint over the last two years by newspapers and online publications like Yelp, it’s safe to say the food at Dockside Waterfront Grill is as impressive as the views of the Intracoastal Waterway from the Tiki hut covering.
Shore Longboat Key
The original Shore location on St. Armands Circle is an expression of a mid-century, al-fresco eatery. Having opened a second location tucked away on the quiet shores of Longboat Key, this elevated waterfront restaurant coincides with a coastal-chic feel and boasts creative recipes along with local favorites and craft cocktails to enjoy before walking back out to the dock to check out the many Sheepshead fish feeding in a green glow of the night lights.
Marina Jack
Marina Jack is the perfect downtown Sarasota stop for the weary boater to fill up their tummy tanks AND their gas tanks. One of the most popular spots to grab gas during a boating excursion, Marina Jack is a great place to grab some food for all occasions. Get fancy in the Marina Jack Dining Room, switch to a Tommy Bahama shirt for the Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill, or keep the flip-flops on for the Deep Six Lounge & Piano Bar before heading back out into the Gulf.
Crow’s Nest Marina, Tavern & Restaurant
Pull up and tie a knot to rock up to the Crow’s Nest for gorgeous views of the Venice Inlet, beach and its bordering jetties. The upstairs restaurant features a more sophisticated vibe if you’re cruising in style. If you’re looking for something a little more laid-back, pop into the downstairs tavern, for arguably one of the best burgers on the water.
Dry Dock Waterfront Grill
Dry Dock Waterfront Grill is an awesome spot to pull up and relax near Longboat Key. Their expansive menu items are paralleled only by their incredible views of Sarasota Bay. You can even see the Ca’ D’Zan at The Ringling, where John and Mable Ringling - of Ringling Brother’s Circus fame - lived in the 1920s.
O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill
O’Leary’s is an especially fun and unique stop for boaters looking to dock for lunch, dinner or casual drinks in the type of waterfront haunt almost everyone expects in Florida. Glistening bay views, barstools and benches scattered across sand, and, of course, a Tiki bar. Get your grouper fix from this menu.
The Old Salty Dog
Though many visitors may be more acquainted with the Siesta Key location in Siesta Village, the local restaurant chain also has a waterfront location on City Island of Lido Key. The Old Salty Dog provides a fun, pub-style vibe with a tiki bar atmosphere – think the Florida Keys with a British twist. Sip on a tropical frozen cocktail or local beer while watching boats travel under the New Pass Bridge to grab bait and tackle from New Pass Grill & Bait Shop, a great local spot to grab a refreshment and breakfast sandwich before a full day out on the water.
No Boat? No Problem!
While you can get to any of these spots by land, the best way to live like a local is to get there by sea. In case you didn’t bring your vessel with you during on vacation, here’s some trustworthy places around the county to rent a ride for a fun-filled, food-filled day on the water!