Dining on the Water in Jupiter, Tequesta, and Beyond

Story by: JAN NORRIS
Photography by: Elizabeth Palace

What’s not to love about Florida in February?

Eating on the water in style. Photos by Elizabeth Palace

There’s weather that looks like it was ordered by the local chamber of commerce. From the golf course to the Mounts Botanical Garden, it’s green all around with plants still in bloom. You can grow tomatoes on your porch in a bucket, they love winter in Florida, too.

And finally, it’s mild enough to sit outside for a meal and not feel like you’re eating in a sauna.

Take advantage of the waterfront places that your northern friends dream of as they’re shoveling the latest six inches from their driveways.

From land or sea, there are numerous choices for dining waterside from Port Salerno to the newest notable entry in Lake Park. Here’s a look at several.

For a casual afternoon bite, Two George’s in Port Salerno fills the bill. But don’t discount either them if you’re out late, the party’s still on till midnight. Dock and dine here if you choose. Outdoor covered seating is comfortable.

Tiki 52 in Tequesta is a good choice for family in warmer weather with a pool available. They swing on weekends, with live entertainment Thursday through Sunday. Seating is under an elaborate tiki hut, so outside temps are prevalent. Docking, and dockside seating are available. Lunch and dinner.

A cluster of waterfronts are all along A1A, the beach road in Jupiter, and its spinoff, Alternate A1A.

1000 North is known for the happy hour at the outdoor bar. A long dock is here for the bigger yachts and fishing boats. Upscale, and water views are best from the cocktail patio or window seats. Dinner only.

East of there are Jetty’s, U-Tiki, Topside at the

Beacon, The Beacon and Lucky Shuck, all in a row. Around the corner are Square Grouper and Guanabana’s.

Jetty’s is a solid long-timer sitting on Jupiter Inlet, and serves Sunday brunch and dinner, with a front and center view of the Jupiter lighthouse. It has a full menu with steaks and seafood, a large bar and outside seating. Docking available, and lots of fun action at the docks while you wait and you will in season.

U-Tiki Beach has a casual, lively vibe with a sandy path along the marina. A drink specialist, its sushi is a local favorite, and they do a popular brunch, along with lunch and dinner. Inside and outside dining.

Also on A1A, Topside at The Beacon, The Beacon and Lucky Shuck are all owned by the same company.

Topside is an upstairs cocktail bar, a spot to gather at sunset for killer atmosphere. The Beacon is more upscale seafood and steaks indoor dining, with Lucky Shuck a raw bar and favorite for oysters and gumbo, among others, with dining under a huge tiki hut. Open for a late-night bite Thursday to Saturday.

At Square Grouper, the focus is on drinks and the crowd, music and beach, not the food, though there is a solid yet limited menu. A locals’ favorite for meet-ups. Key West vibe with live music. (The video for the song “Five o’Clock Somewhere” was filmed here.) Outdoor seating on a sandy beach, limited seating under the tiki hut.

On a side canal sits Guanabanas. A garden-like lunch and brunch spot set among lush tropical plants under tiki huts switches to a vibrant crowd for dinner, with live music on the weekends. Their rum selection and mixologists are notable.

At Harborside Place in Jupiter, Tommy Bahamas restaurant overlooks the Intracoastal. With its iconic tropical vibe, expect appearances of coconut and pineapple, shrimp, crab and other tuna, and nut-crusted fresh catch. Indoor and patio seating for lunch and dinner. Docks available.

Palm Beach Gardens

On PGA Boulevard, The River House, Carmine’s, Waterway Cafe and Seasons 52 all offer marina and Intracoastal views at the bridge.

The River House has an American grill menu, with outdoor and inside seating and big views of the Intracoastal and the bridge, as well as a tiki hut for cocktails while you wait. Docking is nearby at the marina. Lunch, dinner and brunch are served.

Carmine’s offers two restaurants in the back of the market: The Trattoria, and a pizza spot next door. A large patio sits on the marina next to the docks. Italian specialties that attract families are served at brunch, lunch and dinner. Service is notable here.

Waterway Cafe was rebuilt last year, and updated the menu as well, featuring seafood, and steaks, American style. Floating bar on a dock for boaters and a tiki bar brings in happy hour patrons. Lunch and dinner hours.

Though a chain, Seasons 52 remains popular for its fresh food menu and extensive wine list. A view of the Intracoastal and bridge is best from the patio. Private dining/event spaces are available here.

On Singer Island, Ona Coastal Cuisine is open in the Marriott Resort and Spa. A chef-driven stylish restaurant offers creative takes on seafood for dinner, with a direct ocean view. Notable happy hour here.

The newest waterfront restaurant in the area is Seahawk Prime by David Burke. It’s directly on the marina at Lake Park on the ground floor of the Nautilus condo, and opened in January. Whimsical takes on the American steakhouse and seafood menu from the noted New York chef. An upscale sports and cigar bar opens directly next door this month, according to staff who spoke with us at presstime.