top of page
BottomsUpAdventureLogo.png

The Best Seafood Restaurants to Visit After a Boat Tour

shrimp on a serving board for dinner

After a refreshing day out on the water—whether it’s one of our family fishing tours, an unforgettable bachelorette boat party, or a relaxing sunset boat ride—nothing satisfies quite like a delicious seafood meal. As someone who’s spent years captaining private boat tours through Fort Lauderdale’s waterways, I’ve developed a solid list of local seafood favorites that pair perfectly with a day on the water.


In this guide, I’ll share my personal recommendations for the best seafood restaurants to visit after your boat tour. These spots offer fresh catches, laid-back vibes, and scenic waterfront views that help you extend your ocean-themed experience well into the evening.


1. 15th Street Fisheries

Located right on the Intracoastal Waterway, 15th Street Fisheries is a Fort Lauderdale classic. It’s one of those places I often recommend to guests after a sunset boat ride or family fishing tour because it captures the essence of waterside dining. You can dock your boat and walk straight up to the restaurant—a big perk if you’re heading out on a private charter with us.


They’re known for fresh seafood, especially the mahi mahi tacos and grilled swordfish. Kids love feeding the massive tarpon off the dock, and the upstairs dining area offers one of the best waterfront views in the city. It’s perfect for both casual and romantic dining.


2. Southport Raw Bar

If you’re craving something no-frills and local, Southport Raw Bar hits the spot. It’s been a Fort Lauderdale staple since 1973 and is just a short ride from many marina docks. Their oyster selection is top-notch, and the peel-and-eat shrimp? Unbeatable after a hot day on the water.


Many of our bachelorette boat party guests stop here afterward to wind down and enjoy cold drinks, fresh seafood, and live music on the patio. There’s a reason locals love this place—it’s authentic, unfussy, and always delivers.


3. Coconuts

Coconuts is another fan favorite among guests on our sunset boat rides or sandbar cruises. It’s situated right across from the Bahia Mar Marina, making it extremely accessible if you're hopping off a boat tour. This open-air restaurant serves elevated coastal fare in a casual setting.


I always recommend their “Scoobies”—garlic and butter-drenched blue crab claws that melt in your mouth. Pair them with a tropical cocktail and watch the boats glide by. If you’re looking for a true “dock and dine” Fort Lauderdale experience, Coconuts delivers.


4. Billy’s Stone Crab

During stone crab season (October through May), Billy’s Stone Crab is the place to be. Located in nearby Hollywood, it’s worth the short drive or ride down the Intracoastal after your boat tour. The stone crabs here are incredibly fresh, and the restaurant sits right on the water with panoramic views of passing yachts.


It’s a great pick if you want a slightly upscale dinner after a family fishing tour or if your bachelorette boat party crew wants to dress up and go all-out for the evening. Their key lime pie is legendary—don’t skip dessert.


5. Boatyard

Boatyard offers the perfect balance between upscale ambiance and relaxed South Florida style. The menu focuses on fresh, locally sourced seafood, and the restaurant is right on the Intracoastal with beautiful dockside seating.


This is one of my go-to spots when guests ask where to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion after a private boat tour. The blackened swordfish and yellowtail snapper are both solid choices, and their raw bar is packed with variety. Plus, they have valet boat docking—ideal if you’re continuing your day straight from the water.


6. 3030 Ocean

For a more refined dining experience, 3030 Ocean at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort is an excellent choice. This is where you go if you’re looking for a gourmet seafood meal after a romantic sunset boat ride or an intimate celebration.


The menu changes with the season, but you can always expect creative seafood dishes crafted with precision. It’s elegant, quiet, and ideal for couples or small groups looking to wind down after a memorable day on the water.


7. Blue Moon Fish Co.

Tucked away in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Blue Moon Fish Co. is well worth the detour. With waterfront seating overlooking the Intracoastal, it offers an upscale yet welcoming vibe. You can arrive by boat or car, and either way, the service is exceptional.


This restaurant is known for its inventive seafood presentations, extensive wine list, and beautiful brunch options. It’s a hit with both locals and tourists, especially after a scenic tour with us. I often hear rave reviews from guests who opt to end their day here after one of our family fishing tours.


8. Kaluz

Kaluz is a stylish, modern American restaurant with strong seafood offerings and unbeatable waterside ambiance. Located right on the Intracoastal Waterway, it’s perfect for people-watching and boat-watching as the sun goes down.


Their sesame-seared tuna and lobster risotto are personal favorites, and the open design lets the sea breeze drift through while you dine. It’s a fantastic stop for groups coming off a bachelorette boat party who want to keep the celebration going without sacrificing taste and style.


9. Rustic Inn Crabhouse

Craving crab legs, garlic butter, and a bit of fun? The Rustic Inn Crabhouse has been serving Florida-style seafood for decades and has become a true local icon. Guests love pounding on the tables with wooden mallets while cracking open their famous garlic blue crabs.

It’s casual, loud, and unforgettable. Many families who book our family fishing tours head here afterward for a playful, kid-friendly meal. Bring your appetite—you’ll need it.


10. Sea Watch on the Ocean

If you want oceanfront dining with breathtaking views, Sea Watch on the Ocean in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a can’t-miss. Perched just steps from the beach, it’s ideal for those who want to soak in one last sunset after a day of cruising the Intracoastal.


The seafood menu is broad—grilled mahi, seafood linguine, and fresh catches prepared to perfection. It's peaceful, scenic, and one of my top suggestions for a wind-down meal after a sunset cruise.

Bonus Tip: Catch & Cook Options

For those of you joining us on family fishing tours, you might be wondering what to do with your fresh catch. Several restaurants in the area offer “catch and cook” services—meaning you bring in your cleaned fish, and they’ll prepare it just how you like it.


Restaurants like Kelly’s Landing and Tarks of Dania Beach are known for their willingness to cook your catch, especially local species like snapper or mahi mahi. Ask your captain (me!) during your tour, and I’ll point you to the best places.


Plan the Perfect Day on Water and Land

What I love most about Fort Lauderdale is how seamlessly our on-water and off-water experiences blend together. You can spend your afternoon sipping champagne on a bachelorette boat party, reeling in a fish with your kids during a family fishing tour, or cruising into golden hour on one of our sunset boat rides—and then dock your boat and walk right into one of the best seafood restaurants in the state.


Every tour we offer at 954 Boat Tours is designed to make your day on the water memorable. But it’s the post-tour experiences—like enjoying a fresh seafood feast by candlelight—that make it unforgettable.


Ready to Set Sail?

Let me personally invite you to explore Fort Lauderdale the way it was meant to be experienced—from the water. Whether you're planning a romantic sunset cruise, a lively bachelorette boat party, or a relaxing day of family fishing tours, 954 Boat Tours has a custom adventure for every guest.


Book your unforgettable boat tour today at https://www.954boattours.com—and don’t forget to ask us for a dinner recommendation when you step off the dock. We’ve got plenty more where that came from.

Comments


bottom of page