Best waterfront restaurants in Flagler County? Here are 10 of my favorites
Whether Flagler Beach is a vacation destination or the place you get to call home, it’s fair to say that the lively, family-friendly beach town holds some of the best waterfront restaurants for tourists and locals alike looking to enjoy dinner with a view.
From charming, French-inspired bistros to fast-casual sandwich shops and rooftop seafood staples, here are 10 of my favorite waterfront restaurants — my golden hour go-tos — that are worth visiting in the Flagler Beach, Palm Coast area.
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Golden Lion Café
501 N. Ocean Shore Blvd., Flagler Beach; 386-439-3004, goldenlioncafe.com
Boasting over 30 years of success in Flagler Beach, Golden Lion Café is the quintessential beachfront restaurant that checks every box, from its live entertainment and beach bar happy hours, to its picturesque rooftop dining, easy-going vacation-like vibe and lengthy selection of fresh seafood plates. The eatery’s menu varies from burgers, sandwiches and seafood tacos to salads, soups and raw bar selections.
Golden Lion Café is undoubtedly known for its beloved fish and chips — a classic and massively-portioned go-to, served with fries and house-made coleslaw, though several other selections include the Alaskan snow crab clusters; fresh chowder of the day; beer battered fish sandwich — an Alaskan pollock fillet served on a toasted ciabatta roll; and pesto-grilled shrimp tacos — layered with spinach, pesto marinated and grilled shrimp, fire roasted red peppers, goat cheese and sweet balsamic reduction.
Beach Front Grille
2444 S. Ocean Shore Blvd., Flagler Beach; 386-693-4839, Facebook.com/beachfrontgrille
The Beach Front Grille is your classic, ultra-casual beach front restaurant — one that has character, feeling worn in and well-loved; one packed with locals known by name when they walk through its doors. Whether grabbing a seat at one of the eatery’s many high tops or over at the wooden bar, this beloved neighborhood grill is an instinctual first choice for a waterfront burger and cold beer on the weekend.
Beach Front Grille’s menu varies from quesadillas, wraps, sandwiches and pizza to salads, seafood and more, with several options including the black and blue burger — a rich, slightly smoky blackened burger layered with melted blue cheese crumbles, Swiss cheese and Applewood smoked bacon; the bourbon-glazed scallop dinner; pastrami melt; sweet and savory citrus Thai shrimp wrap; and the fried calamari — my favorite of its kind in the area.
Dolce De Leche Café
909 N. Ocean Shore Blvd., Flagler Beach; 386-338-3490, dulcelechecafe.com
Perhaps the most underrated restaurant on this list is Flagler’s Dolce De Leche Café. Don’t let this hidden gem’s quaint size fool you, as it boasts an enormous menu of boldly flavored, reasonable priced, authentic Latin dishes. The cozy, spirited little spot holds only a handful of indoor seats and outdoor picnic tables overlooking the Atlantic, and offers both pickup and delivery.
Dolce De Leche Café’s menu offers a variety of breakfast selections, as well as Mexican, Puerto Rican and Cuban plates ranging from the Ropa Vieja — a zesty, tender and mouth-watering shredded braised beef platter, dripping with flavor and served with a side of rice and fried plantains; and the skirt steak; to the chorizo and eggs; the roast pork platter; and the hearty meat, cheese and pickle layered traditional Cuban sandwich. The eatery also offers a variety of grab-and-go, homemade desserts, pastries and Cuban coffee, among other beverages.
Next Door Beach Bistro
509 N. Ocean Shore Blvd., Flagler Beach; 386-338-3506, nextdoorbeachbistro.com
Next Door Beach Bistro, a place I have and continue to bring friends and family when in town, is a local favorite that seems to outdo itself with every visit. The inviting, French-influenced bistro showcases an open, airy atmosphere radiating with charm — a place you can dress things up for a special occasion or keep it casual without thinking twice. Whether enjoying a meal in the eatery’s boho-esque, ivory dining room or having a glass of wine on the beachfront patio, the fairly new — yet already popular — eatery seems to consistently hit the nail on the head with its ambiance, service and cuisine.
Next Door Beach Bistro’s menu of "casual coastal cuisine" ranges from the duck confit and fries — slow cooked duck leg, truffle parmesan fries, grand Marnier sauce and green salad; the ham, cheese and béchamel-layered croque monsieur; the layered and toasted filet mignon sandwich; and the thoughtfully-seasoned, half roast chicken — served with creamed mashed potatoes, fluffy sausage and celery stuffing, buttered green beans and au jus.
Beach Belly Bob’s Sandwich Shop
1842 S. Ocean Shore Blvd., Flagler Beach; 386-693-5000, Facebook.com/beachbellybob
Beach Belly Bob's is the convenient, fresh-off-the-beach go-to that every bustling beach town needs. The petite, checkered-floor sandwich shop — warm, welcoming and family-owned — assembles a wide array of made-to-order handhelds I, like many, can't wait to sink my teeth into, layered with blackened fish, slow-smoked meats, fresh veggies and everything in between. Whether grabbing your sandwich to-go or enjoying it beachside at one of the popular shop's few outdoor tables, I find it's best to place orders ahead of time online — especially larger orders.
The beachy eatery offers a packed menu of layered, grilled and cheesy options including the Politician — fried bologna, tomatoes, melted cheddar, parmesan garlic sauce and sweet jalapeno cabbage relish on ciabatta; the Atomic Beach Bash — the eatery's take on a muffuletta, layered with capicola, grilled ham, salami, pepperoni, roast beef, provolone and Bob's "atomic mix" and parmesan roasted garlic peppercorn sauce; and the seasoned-to-perfection chicken sambuca — a layering of cracker-crumbed and cooked sliced chicken breast, cooked prosciutto, mushrooms, and spinach, sautéed in marsala gravy.
Captain’s BBQ
5862 N. Ocean Shore Blvd., Palm Coast; 386-597-2888, captainsbbq.com
Captain’s BBQ is undoubtedly some of the best barbecue I’ve had thus far in the Sunshine State. The award-winning local gem sits on the water, tucked away amid the Hammock’s greenery, and feels reminiscent of some of my most treasured family-style eateries I once enjoyed down South. The laid-back restaurant’s no-fuss approach invites customers to place their order at the counter, seat themselves at an indoor booth or sunroom table and wait for their meal to be called over the speakers for pickup. And while its sparkling views will surely lure you in, its Southern-style cuisine will keep you coming back.
Captain’s BBQ slow cooks its meats and sides in a wood-burning smoker, offering an indulgent menu of homemade sandwiches, burgers, desserts and sides, ranging from the smoked St. Louis ribs; and Captain’s combo sampler — a juicy plate packed with my choice of rich, slow-smoked and sliced beef brisket, pulled pork, mac n’ cheese and smoked “baked” beans; to the pulled pork, brisket and turkey sliders; the smoked turkey sandwich — toasted brioche layered with tender turkey, tangy Cajun mayo and coleslaw; and a range of heavenly, homemade cheesecakes.
Tortugas Florida Kitchen and Bar
608 S. Ocean Shore Blvd., Flagler Beach; 386-439-0098, tortugasflorida.com
Tortuga’s Florida Kitchen and Bar feels like the all-American, casual beachfront spot you frequent when on vacation, looking to enjoy some live entertainment, a laid-back dinner or happy hour special. The fun, family-friendly spot boasts one of the beach’s most breathtaking views at its second-story bar and dining space, while also offering a vast selection of South Florida- and Caribbean-inspired dishes.
The restaurant’s menu includes a plethora of stacked handhelds, seafood dishes and salads including the Joe Russell’s Classic Burger — half a pound of Tortuga’s grilled, custom blended beef, layered with lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles and bacon (for an extra $2.50); the sweet and spicy chicken sandwich; fried shrimp; and the fresh catch tacos — a light yet tangy layering of blackened fresh fish (redfish during my recent visit), shredded cabbage, pico de gallo and creamy island Baja sauce.
Break-Awayz at the Beach
819 N. Ocean Shore Blvd., Flagler Beach; 386-439-7700, break-awayz.com
Whether watching your favorite team at one of its many indoor TVs or kicking back and enjoying the sand between your toes at its outdoor picnic tables, Break-Awayz at the Beach is a laid-back, beachfront eatery you can rely on for a promising selection of craft beers, cocktails and fresh "fusion-style" eats. This decade-old favorite’s intimate, light-strung patio overlooks the Atlantic and makes for the perfect casual date night or weekend lunch with friends, offering a 3-6 p.m. happy hour Monday-Friday.
Break-Awayz certainly doesn’t limit itself when it comes to menu offerings, providing a diverse selection of flatbreads, seafood dishes, shareable platters, burgers and more. Options range from the conch fritters; tuna poke nachos; and pesto chicken flatbread; to the Flagler Bites — 10-ounce wild-caught mahi grilled and tossed with Cajun blackening seasoning and served with siracha aioli; the homemade fish dip-stuffed portobello; and, a personal favorite, the prosciutto rolls — roasted red peppers and goat cheese wrapped in sliced prosciutto and layered with basil, parmesan, balsamic reduction and a signature red sauce.
Oceanside Beach Bar & Grill
1848 S. Ocean Shore Blvd., Flagler Beach; 386-439-6345, oceansideflagler.com
Oceanside Beach Bar & Grill is a no-brainer, any-occasion go-to in the Flagler area. The homey, family-owned eatery opened its doors over a decade ago and has since gained a loyal following for its seven-days-a-week breakfast, lunch and dinner variety and scenic, oceanfront dining at both its outdoor patio and rooftop deck. The eatery's thoughtfully-curated menu features a touch of culinary inspiration from across the globe, combining an array of community-requested favorites with decades-old family recipes.
Several popular items include, a personal favorite, the chicken Johnny — a layering of chicken tenders, American and Swiss cheese, shredded lettuce, tomatoes and mayonnaise wrapped in a grilled pita; the bacon and BBQ layered Biker Burger; the stuffed French toast; shrimp n’ grits; chicken fajita tacos; and baked Greek spaghetti. Whether booking your next private event, stopping in for a cocktail or enjoying a Sunday brunch with family, Oceanside certainly provides “oceans of flavor” and a little something for everyone in your party.
Turtle Shack Café
2123 N. Ocean Shore Blvd., Flagler Beach; 386-693-4851, turtleshackfb.com
This self-described “small place” with a “big reputation” has been a local Flagler favorite since its opening nearly 13 years ago, notoriously packed with visitors looking for a spot at the bar or bite of one of the shack’s award-winning burgers. The rustic, turquoise eatery embraces its ultra-casual, beachy location with a cozy, nautical interior and dog-friendly beachfront patio.
The eatery’s menu, inspired by a combination of fresh ingredients and “creative thinking,” is not only abound with fresh, wild-caught seafood but showcases a wide variety of unique appetizers, stacked sandwiches, soups and more. Options range from the bacon bleu chips — homemade potato chips topped with bacon, blue cheese sauce and a balsamic glaze; and the handmade, fried or sautéed pierogis; to the Shack Stack burger; the Caribbean jerk sea scallops; and the 10-ounce blackened redfish with mango salsa — a recent special accompanied by rice, black beans and fried plantains.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: 10 best waterfront restaurants in Flagler Beach, Palm Coast area
