One of the perks of living on the coast is that many restaurants offer dock and dining options. At Billy's Stone Crab, visitors can drive their boats right up to the restaurant's dock, "park" on the water, and enjoy a meal without having to ditch their boats. Here, visitors can enjoy a meal with a view of the Intracoastal Waterway. Let's look at a few tips for docking and dining in style, so you can impress your friends and family the next time you go out.
What is Dock and Dining?
Most people arrive at restaurants via a vehicle like a car, bus, truck, or taxi. In places where restaurants are located on the coast, many offer dock and dining options. But you may be asking, "What is a boat dock restaurant?" and "Is there a dock and dining near me?"
Dock and dining simply means that you can pull your boat right up to the dock beside a restaurant or eatery. This makes it easy to grab lunch or dinner and get right back out on the open water. Here, in South Florida, we're all about soaking up the sun, and we're here to make it easier for guests to enjoy a restaurant experience from the comfort of their boats.
Tips for Docking and Dining
Here are a few tips to take into consideration that will make your dock and dine experience relaxing and fun.
- Look up "dock and dine restaurants near me": Locals and visitors alike can benefit from doing a quick online search to determine which restaurants offer dock and dine services.
- Figure out the dock setup: Each dock setup is different, so it's wise to make sure the restaurant can accommodate your boat. It's also smart to look up which side of your boat will need to have the fenders and lines ready to be tied up.
- Avoid peak hours: Dock and dine spots are in high demand during the lunchtime and dinnertime rush. If you want to avoid crowds and want to ensure a spot, avoid docking and dining between the hours of 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm.
- Check for pricing: Some restaurants charge a fee for docking and dining, and many have a time limit for boats to dock. Check the restaurant's website or call ahead to determine the rules for docking and dining so you're prepared when you arrive.
- Pick a spot with a view: Dock and dine restaurants are located on the water, and most offer magnificent views. Ask your waiter or waitress for a table with a view so you can see your boat, the sunset, or the Intracoastal Waterway.
- Look out for dock and dine signs: Most restaurants that offer dock and dining have signage in place to help maneuver your boat to their docks. These signs also provide information about the appropriate dress code for their restaurants. If you want to be prepared, check online for parking information or ask locals for tips about how to drive your boat safely to the restaurant's dock.
- Bring a cooler: This pro tip is something that most people don't even think about until they get a doggy bag to enjoy the next day. Bring a cooler along with plenty of ice so you have a place to put your leftovers until you're ready to head home.
Dock and Dine at Billy's Stone Crab Today!
Docking and dining is something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetimes. No matter whether you're a local or a visitor, stop by Billy's Stone Crab to enjoy the freshest seafood that South Florida has to offer. Contact us to learn more about our dock and dine setup and make a reservation online to enjoy dinner with a view. We look forward to serving you.