Whether you arrive by boat, bicycle, or flip-flops, these are the spots where the seafood is fresh, the views are better, and summer tastes exactly right.
Summer in Vero Beach means one thing above all else: eating close to the water. There's something about the salt air drifting off the Atlantic, or the gentle lap of the Indian River against a dock, that makes even a simple fish taco feel like a celebration.
This season, we're rounding up the best waterside dining spots across Indian River County, from laid-back shacks to longtime local legends.
1. Ocean Grill Iconic seafood · Oceanfront · Est. 1941
The grande dame of Ocean Drive dining. Perched right on the dunes, the views are spectacular and the red snapper is as good as it's ever been. A proper sit-down dinner here feels like a Vero rite of passage. Reservations are strongly recommended on weekends. For parties under four, show up at the back bar around 4 p.m., you'll be seated by 5:30.
2. Seaside Grill Casual shack · Literally oceanside · Hidden gem
A genuinely tiny spot that punches well above its weight. The coconut shrimp has developed a cult following among locals, and the Tuesday taco special is worth planning your week around. Hours run on the early side for a beach spot, so check before you go and don't arrive too late.
3. Waldo's Restaurant Lively beach bar · Live music · Historic Driftwood Resort
Behind the storied Driftwood Resort, Waldo's brings the kind of beachy, anything-goes atmosphere that summer was made for. Pool access, direct beach views, and live music on weekends. Order the conch fritters and the Manhattan chowder, skip the combo sampler.
4. Mulligan's Beach House All-day dining · Tiki bar · Ocean views
Open from 7 a.m. daily, one of the only spots where you can watch the sunrise over the Atlantic with eggs benedict in hand, then return that evening for frozen cocktails and live music under the tiki awning. Ask about the current happy hour. Put your name on the list when it's busy and explore the nearby shops while you wait.
On the Indian River, Vero Beach
5. Riverside Cafe Riverfront · Boat-friendly dock · Great happy hour
Cross the bridge to the river side of the island and you'll find one of Vero's best-kept secrets. You can literally dock your boat here. The bam bam shrimp, fish tacos, and sunset views are outstanding. Sit on the back deck and watch the boats come and go, you can even feed the catfish off the dock.
Up the Coast, Sebastian
6. Squid Lips Old Florida classic · Pier seating · Live music
A true Florida institution on Indian River Drive. Pier seating over the water, dolphins occasionally drifting by, live music most nights, and grouper sandwiches priced like it's still 2015. Sit on the pier for the full experience, the fish and chips are consistently excellent.
7. Sebastian Saltwater Marina Restaurant Riverfront marina · Exceptional seafood · Great service
Earns consistent raves for its fried grouper, generous portions, and attentive service. Sits directly on the Indian River with beautiful outside seating. Always request a table outside, the view makes the meal.
8. Blackfins at Captain Hiram's Resort Raw bar · Live music · Resort atmosphere
The raw bar is the star here, fresh shrimp on ice with Old Bay is reason enough to make the drive north. Trivia Tuesdays, live music most evenings, and a full resort atmosphere make it a great option for groups. Open for breakfast from 8 a.m., making it a perfect start to a day on the water.
My name is Ava Cook and I am a Freshman at Florida Southern College in Lakeland FL. I am currently a B.F.A musical theatre major with a minor in Business Administration. I love reading, singing, acting, dancing, and writing. My favorite part about Vero Beach and Indian River County as a whole is how close the community is. Vero Vine is important to me as it allows me to do my part it bringing the community together also, sharing events, small businesses, and other local happenings. If you have any questions or any recommendations for me, my email is always open [email protected].
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