7 Best Dockside Restaurants on the East Coast

When boating along the East Coast, nothing beats pulling up to a dockside restaurant, enjoying a meal, and taking in the coastal views. The East Coast is dotted with seafood shacks, fine dining spots, and casual eateries that offer not just delicious food but also the convenience of docking your boat right at their doorstep. Here’s a list of the 7 best dockside restaurants on the East Coast, offering everything from fresh seafood to stunning waterside views.

1. The Boat House Waterfront Dining – Tiverton, Rhode Island

  • Cuisine: Seafood, American
  • Price Range: $$ – $$$
  • Vibe: Casual Upscale
  • Dock Specs: Public dock space available, accommodates boats up to 60 feet

Located in Rhode Island’s stunning Sakonnet River, The Boat House Waterfront Dining offers a picturesque setting perfect for boaters. Known for its fresh, locally sourced seafood and creative New England-inspired dishes, it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the coastal atmosphere. Try their famous Lobster Bisque or Pan-Seared Scallops for a taste of the local flavor.

What to Try:

  • Lobster Bisque ($12)
  • Local Clams Linguine ($28)
  • Seasonal cocktails ($12-14)

2. Safe Harbor Bluewater – Hampton, Virginia

  • Cuisine: Seafood, Southern comfort food
  • Price Range: $$ – $$$
  • Vibe: Nautical and laid-back
  • Dock Specs: Full-service marina with transient slips

For boaters in the Hampton area, Safe Harbor Bluewater is a gem of a marina restaurant. It offers stunning marina views and a relaxed dining atmosphere. The menu is packed with Southern favorites, including Crab Cakes and Fried Oysters, with a focus on fresh seafood. The marina provides top-notch docking services, making it a great pit stop for a meal before heading out for more adventure.

What to Try:

  • Crab Cake Sandwich ($17)
  • Seared Tuna with Wasabi Cream Sauce ($25)
  • She-crab soup ($10)

3. The Wharf – Alexandria, Virginia

  • Cuisine: Seafood, American
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Vibe: Elegant and historic
  • Dock Specs: Dockage available with limited slips for smaller boats

Located in Old Town Alexandria, The Wharf is a historic seafood restaurant known for its classic charm and cozy, upscale vibe. Boaters can dock along the nearby marina and enjoy dishes like Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes and Steamed Mussels. The restaurant is set in a 1790’s warehouse, offering a sense of history along with its culinary excellence.

What to Try:

  • Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes ($36)
  • Steamed Mussels in Garlic White Wine Sauce ($14)
  • Virginia Oysters on the Half Shell ($18)

4. Gurney’s Montauk Yacht Club & Resort – Montauk, New York

  • Cuisine: Seafood, Contemporary American
  • Price Range: $$$$
  • Vibe: Luxurious, resort-style
  • Dock Specs: Full-service marina, slips available for yachts up to 180 feet

For those exploring Long Island, Gurney’s Montauk Yacht Club & Resort offers a luxurious dining experience right on the water. This spot is ideal for boaters who want to dock their yacht, enjoy high-end seafood, and maybe spend the night at the resort. The restaurant serves up sophisticated dishes like Grilled Local Swordfish and East Coast Oysters.

What to Try:

  • Grilled Local Swordfish ($40)
  • Montauk Lobster Roll ($36)
  • East Coast Oysters ($20 per dozen)

5. The Crab Claw – St. Michaels, Maryland

  • Cuisine: Seafood, Maryland-style
  • Price Range: $$ – $$$
  • Vibe: Casual, family-friendly
  • Dock Specs: Ample dock space, can accommodate boats up to 100 feet

The Crab Claw is a legendary Maryland eatery offering traditional Chesapeake Bay seafood dishes. It’s a must-stop for boaters cruising along the Chesapeake Bay. With outdoor seating right by the water, this restaurant is famous for its steamed crabs, crab cakes, and fried seafood platters. It’s perfect for families and casual dining.

What to Try:

  • Steamed Maryland Blue Crabs (Market price, usually $35-50 per dozen)
  • Crab Cakes ($24)
  • Soft Shell Crab Sandwich ($18)

6. Bahrs Landing – Highlands, New Jersey

  • Cuisine: Seafood, Classic American
  • Price Range: $$ – $$$
  • Vibe: Classic, nautical
  • Dock Specs: Private docking space for patrons

Situated along Sandy Hook Bay, Bahrs Landing has been a fixture for boaters since 1917. This classic restaurant offers everything from fried clams to fresh lobster, all served with a side of waterfront views. It’s a great place to dock and dine after a day on the Atlantic, and their famous Lobster Pie is a must-try.

What to Try:

  • Lobster Pie ($38)
  • Clam Chowder ($9)
  • Fried Clams ($22)

7. The Rusty Rudder – Dewey Beach, Delaware

  • Cuisine: Seafood, American
  • Price Range: $$ – $$$
  • Vibe: Beachy, lively
  • Dock Specs: Private dock space available for boaters

For boaters cruising along the Delaware coast, The Rusty Rudder offers a vibrant and beachy atmosphere right on Rehoboth Bay. Known for its fun, laid-back vibe and great live music during the summer, this spot is perfect for grabbing a drink, enjoying seafood, and taking in the sunset. The Rusty Rudder specializes in fresh, local seafood and creative cocktails.

What to Try:

Docking Tips for Boaters

Many of these restaurants offer transient dock slips, meaning you can dock for a few hours while you dine. Be sure to call ahead or check the restaurant’s website to ensure a slip is available, especially during busy weekends. Additionally, consider weather conditions and tide schedules, as some docks are more accessible at certain times of the day.

Final Thoughts

The East Coast offers a rich array of dockside dining experiences, whether you’re in the mood for casual crab picking in Maryland or a refined meal in Montauk. These restaurants not only provide the best of local seafood and culinary creativity but also offer the convenience of docking right by the dining area. So, pack up your boat and set sail for a memorable dockside meal!

Happy Boating!

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