Where To Dock, Dine, and Soak Up the Keys Vibe Like a Local
If you’ve spent any time exploring Key Largo by boat, you know there’s no shortage of beautiful water, great fishing spots, and tucked-away channels. But when hunger hits—or when you’re just craving a laid-back lunch with a cold drink and ocean breeze—nothing beats pulling up to a dockside restaurant and enjoying a meal just steps from your boat.
Over the years, I’ve pulled up to just about every restaurant dock in the Upper Keys. These days, whether I’m with clients, family, or old fishing buddies, there are a few spots I always recommend when someone asks, “Where should we eat on the water in Key Largo?”
Here are my picks for the best waterfront restaurants in Key Largo with dockage—places where the food’s good, the drinks are cold, and the vibe is 100% Florida Keys.
1. Snooks Bayside Restaurant & Grand Tiki
📍 99470 Overseas Hwy, MM 99.4 Bayside
Snooks is a favorite for sunset chasers—and for good reason. The dockage is easy to access from the bay, and the outdoor tiki setup makes you feel like you’ve stumbled onto a private island party.
I’ve docked here more times than I can count, often after a day of fishing with friends or showing properties to clients who want to get the real Keys experience. Their grilled mahi sandwich hits the spot every time, and when the sky starts lighting up in oranges and pinks over the Florida Bay, you’ll understand why Snooks is a must-stop.
Local tip: Arrive before 6 p.m. to catch the live music and get a good seat for the sunset.
2. Sundowners
📍 103900 Overseas Hwy, MM 104 Bayside
Sundowners is one of those iconic Keys restaurants that locals and visitors love equally. Whether you’re coming by boat or car, the experience is always solid. You can dock right out back and be at your table in minutes.
When I was younger, my family and I would pull up here after a day on the water. Now, I do the same with my kids—and sometimes clients too, especially those who are new to the Keys and need to know what a proper Keys seafood dinner feels like. You can’t go wrong with the conch chowder or the blackened dolphin.
Bonus points: They’ll cook your fresh catch if you bring it in. Just another reason to keep a rod on board.
3. Snappers Oceanfront Restaurant & Bar
📍 139 Seaside Ave, MM 94.5 Oceanside
Snappers has always had a funky charm to it. It’s laid-back, eclectic, and full of personality—like the Keys used to be before things got polished up. The dockage is on the oceanside, which makes it perfect if you’ve been diving the reef or heading in from a morning offshore.
Years ago, I remember pulling in after a long day lobstering and grabbing a table outside while still dripping wet. Nobody blinked an eye. That’s the kind of place Snappers is. Go for the cracked conch or the fish tacos, and don’t skip the Key lime pie. It’s a classic for a reason.
Dock smart: Oceanside docking is weather-dependent—keep an eye on the wind before you tie up.
4. Sol by the Sea at Playa Largo Resort
📍 97450 Overseas Hwy, MM 97 Bayside
If you’re in the mood for something upscale without losing the island feel, Sol by the Sea delivers. It’s located at Playa Largo Resort, but don’t let the resort setting fool you—it’s open to the public and very much boat-friendly.
We’ve brought clients here after showings who want to imagine their dream day in the Keys. Picture this: finish a morning showing canalfront homes, hop on the boat for a loop through the bay, then pull up to Sol for seafood paella and a cocktail with your toes in the sand.
The food here is thoughtfully crafted, and the view? It’s just about perfect. It’s the kind of place where you linger a little longer, just because you can.
Pro tip: Call ahead for dock space—especially on weekends.
Final Thoughts: Where the Water Meets the Welcome Mat
What makes these waterfront restaurants truly special isn’t just the views or the food—it’s the way they fit into the rhythm of life down here. Whether you’re a full-time Keys local or just learning the tides, pulling up to a dock and sharing a meal with people you care about is one of the best things we do.
And for those of you thinking about making Key Largo your home, these are the kinds of places that become part of your everyday—your lunch break, your family tradition, your Friday night go-to.
Want to know which neighborhoods make it easiest to boat to these restaurants? I’ve got a few favorites—and I’d be happy to take you for a tour. By land or by water.
Ready to live where lunch by boat is just part of the routine?
Let’s talk about what life could look like in Key Largo. I’ll bring the local knowledge—you bring the appetite.
85960 Overseas Hwy Suite 4