There’s something uniquely appealing about dining by the water. Docking your boat at a waterfront restaurant for a meal is a quintessential boating experience that blends the pleasures of boating with fine cuisine. This “dock and dine” culture has become a popular activity among boaters, offering a refreshing combination of adventure, relaxation, and delicious food. Whether you’re new to the dock-and-dine scene or a seasoned boater looking for tips to enhance your experience, this guide covers the essentials of waterside dining.
1. Choose the Right Location: Dock-Friendly Restaurants
Not all waterside restaurants are equipped to handle boats, so choosing the right dock-and-dine location is essential. Start by researching restaurants with a dedicated docking area for boats. Many marinas or waterfront properties offer public or private docks where boaters can temporarily moor while dining. Some key considerations include:
- Dock Size & Capacity: Ensure that the dock can accommodate your boat’s size and draft. Some restaurants may have small docks that are only suitable for smaller vessels, while others can handle larger yachts.
- Docking Fees: Some restaurants offer free docking for customers, while others may charge a fee. Typically, fees range from $10 to $50 per hour, depending on the location and services offered by the marina.
- Location Research: Apps like Dockwa, Marinas.com, and ActiveCaptain can help you find dock-and-dine spots, check user reviews, and even reserve docking space ahead of time.
- Marina Amenities: Some dockside restaurants have full-service marinas that offer fuel, water, and pump-out stations, making it a convenient pit stop for boaters.
Example:
Restaurant with Docking: The Boat House, a dock-and-dine restaurant in Disney Springs, Florida, offers a spacious dock that accommodates boats up to 50 feet in length, with free docking for restaurant guests. Keep in mind that it’s on the pricier side, with entrees ranging from $20 to $50.
2. Arrive Prepared: Docking Skills & Etiquette
Docking at a restaurant can be tricky, especially when dealing with crowded docks, changing tides, or limited space. Ensure you’re comfortable with docking your boat, especially in tight quarters. A few tips to remember:
- Practice Docking Maneuvers: Before attempting to dock at a busy restaurant, practice slow-speed handling and maneuvering in a calm environment. Familiarize yourself with reverse docking techniques and how to use spring lines for better control.
- Plan for Wind & Current: Always approach the dock into the wind or current to maintain control over your boat. Have crew members ready to assist with lines and fenders.
- Etiquette at the Dock: Be mindful of time limits at docks, especially if the restaurant is busy. After your meal, don’t linger too long at the dock unless it’s permitted. Leave the dock as quickly and safely as possible to allow others to dock.
3. Dress for the Occasion: Be Ready for Any Conditions
When planning to dock and dine, you need to be prepared for various conditions, including the weather, water spray, and even a change in dress code from boat casual to dining appropriate. Here are some tips:
- Bring a Change of Clothes: If you’re spending the day on the water before dining, pack a change of clothes in case you get wet or need something more presentable for a nicer restaurant. Many dock-and-dine locations are casual, but some may have a dress code.
- Sun Protection: Boating exposes you to long hours of sunlight, so be sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself. Keep your boating attire practical, but easily adaptable to a restaurant setting.
- Footwear: Deck shoes or non-marking shoes are perfect for the boat, but consider packing a pair of more appropriate shoes for dining. Some waterfront restaurants may frown upon overly casual or wet attire.
Example:
The Chart House in Annapolis, Maryland is a popular dock-and-dine location. While casual clothing is acceptable during the day, the evening setting might call for something a bit more formal. Prices at The Chart House range from $25 to $50 per entrée, so plan your attire to match the upscale environment.
4. Menu Matters: From Casual Bites to Gourmet Dining
Dock-and-dine restaurants offer a wide range of dining experiences, from casual seafood shacks to upscale gourmet establishments. Before you choose a spot, consider the type of dining experience you’re looking for. Here are the main categories:
- Casual & Family-Friendly: Many dock-and-dine spots are known for their laid-back vibe, offering dishes like burgers, fried fish, and lobster rolls. These spots are perfect for families or groups looking for a fun, low-key atmosphere.
- Upscale & Gourmet: Some dockside restaurants are renowned for their fine dining, with locally sourced seafood, curated wine lists, and waterfront views. These tend to be pricier but offer a more luxurious experience.
- Fresh Seafood: Given their proximity to the water, many dock-and-dine restaurants specialize in fresh seafood. Look for places that source their ingredients locally, offering everything from oysters and crab to freshly caught fish.
Price Range for Dining:
- Casual Dining: Expect to pay between $15 and $30 per person.
- Mid-range: For a mix of casual and gourmet, prices often range from $30 to $60 per person.
- Fine Dining: For an upscale experience, prices can soar between $60 and $100 or more per person, especially at renowned establishments.
Example:
The Lobster House in Cape May, New Jersey offers a casual, family-friendly dining experience with views of the harbor. Entrees range from $20 to $35, and you can dock your boat at their marina while you eat.
5. Check the Tides and Weather: Plan for Smooth Sailing
Dock-and-dine excursions require some planning around the weather and tides. Keep an eye on local forecasts to ensure a smooth experience:
- Tides: Some dockside restaurants have docks that can be difficult to access during low tide or if they’re in shallow water. Always check tide charts to ensure you won’t have trouble docking or departing. Apps like MyTideTimes or NOAA Tides & Currents can help you stay informed.
- Weather Conditions: Keep an eye on the weather forecast to avoid dining during heavy rain or storms. Storms can make docking tricky and dangerous, and nobody wants to get soaked on the way to dinner. Wind speeds, in particular, can affect your ability to dock smoothly.
- Restaurant Reservations: Some popular dock-and-dine locations require reservations, especially during peak seasons. Call ahead or use online platforms to ensure a table.
Example:
The River Café in Brooklyn, New York, sits on the East River with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. While it’s a high-end dining experience (with prices from $125 for a prix-fixe menu), tides and boat traffic on the East River can be tricky, so planning ahead is crucial.
Final Thoughts
Dock-and-dine is an ideal way to combine the pleasure of boating with a memorable meal by the water. By choosing the right location, mastering your docking skills, dressing appropriately, picking the perfect restaurant, and paying attention to tides and weather, you’ll ensure your waterside dining experience is smooth and enjoyable. Whether you’re docking for a casual bite or a gourmet meal, these tips will help you navigate your next dock-and-dine adventure with confidence. Bon appétit—and smooth sailing!
Happy Boating!
Share Dock and Dine Basics: 5 Tips for Waterside Dining with your friends and leave a comment below with your thoughts.
Read How to Use a Trolling Motor: A Complete Guide for Beginners until we meet in the next article.