We hunted down the ultimate beachside eats in US states—whether that means lobster rolls on a Maine dock, grouper sandwiches on a Florida pier, or fried walleye at a Minnesota lakeside shack.
No coastline? No problem. We’ve got legendary spots along the Great Lakes, hidden gems on Appalachian reservoirs, and even desert oases serving seafood so fresh you’ll swear you hear waves.
Flip-flops required. Pretentiousness banned. Here’s where to eat with your toes in the sand (or lake mud, or river rocks—we don’t judge).
1. The Hangout – Gulf Shores, Alabama
Sun-soaked paradise where families gather for seafood feasts while watching waves crash nearby. Kids build sandcastles as parents sip tropical drinks, creating perfect beach memories.
2. The Salmon Spot – Homer, Alaska
Rustic wooden deck overlooking the rugged Alaskan coastline. Fishermen deliver the day’s catch directly to the kitchen, ensuring unparalleled freshness in every bite.
3. The Beach at The Phoenician – Scottsdale, Arizona
Desert oasis where cacti meet cabanas. Guests lounge poolside enjoying southwestern-inspired dishes while misters cool the air against the backdrop of red mountains.
4. Crab Shack – Hot Springs, Arkansas
Weathered wooden dock extends into sparkling Lake Hamilton. Lanterns illuminate evening dinners as boats drift by and diners crack into perfectly seasoned local crawfish.
5. The Bungalow – Santa Monica, California
Bohemian paradise where Hollywood meets surf culture. Vintage furniture fills the patio where celebrities mingle with locals over craft cocktails and Pacific-inspired tapas.
6. The Shore Club – Denver, Colorado
Mountain-meets-maritime vibe along urban Sloan’s Lake. Fire pits warm diners sampling elevated comfort food while watching paddleboarders glide across sunset-painted waters.
7. Shell & Bones Oyster Bar – New Haven, Connecticut
Historic harbor location where colonial architecture meets modern cuisine. Sailboats bob gently outside expansive windows as oysters arrive on beds of ice.
8. Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats – Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Craft beer haven where sandy footprints are welcome. Brewery tanks gleam behind glass walls as beachgoers sample experimental brews paired with locally-sourced pub fare.
9. The Rusty Pelican – Key Biscayne, Florida
Glass-walled elegance floating above Biscayne Bay. Miami’s skyline twinkles at night while patrons savor fresh-caught snapper and stone crabs on the expansive deck.
10. The Crab Shack – Tybee Island, Georgia
Spanish moss drapes over this rambling dockside institution. Picnic tables covered in newspaper hold steaming seafood boils while alligators swim in nearby lagoons.
11. Duke’s Waikiki – Honolulu, Hawaii
Legendary surf hangout where barefoot diners watch wave riders. Tiki torches illuminate evening feasts of poke and kalua pork served steps from Waikiki’s famous break.
12. The Marina Grill – Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Alpine lake jewel nestled among evergreen mountains. Wooden boats dock beside the restaurant where elk burgers and local trout are served on the sprawling lakeside deck.
13. The Cove Restaurant – Waukegan, Illinois
Nostalgic Great Lakes charm with vintage sailing photographs lining wood-paneled walls. Picture windows frame Lake Michigan’s vastness as locals gather for Friday fish fries.
14. Schoop’s Hamburgers – Chesterton, Indiana
Retro diner just minutes from Indiana Dunes’ sandy shores. Beach-goers line up for crispy-edged smashed burgers and hand-dipped shakes after long days swimming.
15. Splash Seafood Bar & Grill – Davenport, Iowa
Mississippi River views dominate this downtown gem. Barges glide past floor-to-ceiling windows while midwestern diners experience coastal flavors in America’s heartland.
16. The Lake House – Lexington, Kentucky
Southern hospitality meets lakeside luxury. Bourbon flights accompany farm-to-table cuisine while rocking chairs on the wraparound porch offer peaceful water views.
17. The Blue Crab Restaurant and Oyster Bar – New Orleans, Louisiana
Creole paradise where cypress trees meet brackish waters. Jazz plays softly as generations of families gather for spicy boiled crawfish and buttery chargrilled oysters.
18. Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster Company – Freeport, Maine
Working harbor simplicity where lobstermen deliver daily catches. Picnic tables dot the wharf where red-shelled treasures are served with drawn butter and sea views.
19. Phillips Seafood – Ocean City, Maryland
Boardwalk institution where generations have gathered for signature crab cakes. Umbrella-topped tables offer Atlantic breezes while seagulls soar overhead and waves crash nearby.
20. The Boathouse Restaurant – Port Huron, Michigan
Maritime heritage celebrated through nautical artifacts and massive windows overlooking Lake Huron. Great Lakes whitefish arrives perfectly seared as freighters pass through narrow straits.
21. Pier 500 – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Urban lakeside retreat where city dwellers escape. Fire tables warm evening gatherings as kayakers paddle by and craft beer flows alongside hearty midwestern fare.
22. The Shed Barbeque & Blues Joint – Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Gulf Coast character in a ramshackle building minutes from white sand beaches. Blues guitarists play soulful tunes while smoke rises from pits full of slow-cooking ribs.
23. The Boat Club Restaurant – Flathead Lake, Montana
Timber-framed elegance where wilderness meets refinement. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame snow-capped mountains as bison steaks and huckleberry desserts celebrate Montana’s bounty.
24. The Lazy Dog – Las Vegas, Nevada
Desert mirage where poolside cabanas offer respite from casino chaos. Frozen cocktails and light fare arrive as guests dangle feet in crystal waters.
25. The Beach Plum – Hampton Beach, New Hampshire
New England simplicity in a weathered shoreline building. Lobster rolls overflow with sweet meat as Atlantic waves provide a constant soundtrack just steps away.
26. Boat House – Cape May, New Jersey
Victorian seaside elegance with striped awnings and harbor views. Families celebrate special occasions over fresh scallops as sailboats drift past historic lighthouse waters.
27. Bluewater Grill – Santa Fe, New Mexico
Desert surprise where southwestern flavors meet fresh seafood. Adobe walls and chile ristras frame the patio where high desert sunsets illuminate riverside dinners.
28. The Palm – Montauk, New York
Hamptons sophistication where Wall Street meets surf culture. Celebrity sightings are common on the weathered deck where steaks and lobsters arrive for power lunches.
29. Oceanic Restaurant – Morehead City, North Carolina
Southern coastal tradition where rocking chairs line the porch. Hushpuppies arrive piping hot alongside fresh-caught Carolina shrimp as pelicans dive into crystal waters below.
30. The Toasted Frog – Fargo, North Dakota
Riverside revelation in unexpected North Dakota. Craft cocktails complement wood-fired pizzas as Red River views provide urban oasis in America’s northern plains.
31. The Blue Rose Café – Tulsa, Oklahoma
Riverside retreat where Oklahoma’s red earth meets flowing waters. Outdoor stages host local musicians while comfort food satisfies hungry patrons watching sunset over the Arkansas River.
32. The Waterfront Seafood Grill – Newport, Oregon
Pacific Northwest perfection where fishing boats deliver daily catches. Massive windows frame crashing waves while Dungeness crab and local wine showcase Oregon’s coastal bounty.
33. The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar – Newport, Rhode Island
Maritime elegance where America’s Cup history surrounds diners. Yacht owners mingle with tourists over champagne and raw bar selections in this historic harbor institution.
34. The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Lowcountry legend built on stilts over marshy waters. Paper plates hold peel-and-eat shrimp while ceiling fans stir humid air and egrets wade through surrounding salt marshes.
35. Marina Grill – Chattanooga, Tennessee
Southern riverfront charm beneath Lookout Mountain’s shadow. Tennessee whiskey flights accompany elevated Southern classics while riverboats glide past historic downtown views.
36. The Saltwater Grill – Corpus Christi, Texas
Gulf Coast grandeur where everything’s bigger—including seafood platters. Sunset-facing windows frame harbor views while Texas-sized margaritas complement fresh red snapper.
37. J&G Grill – Park City, Utah
Mountain lake marvel where snow-capped peaks reflect in crystal waters. Après-ski crowds gather around fire pits enjoying alpine-inspired cuisine and craft cocktails.
38. Harbor Side Seafood – Burlington, Vermont
Lake Champlain gem showcasing Vermont’s surprising seafood scene. Farm-to-table philosophy extends to freshwater catches served with local maple accents and craft beer pairings.
39. Waterman’s Surfside Grille – Virginia Beach, Virginia
Boardwalk institution where surfboards decorate walls and orange crushes flow freely. Multi-generational families return yearly for crab cakes and front-row Atlantic views.
40. Anthony’s HomePort – Seattle, Washington
Pacific Northwest icon where ferry boats glide past floor-to-ceiling windows. Cedar-planked salmon and Dungeness crab showcase Seattle’s maritime bounty against Puget Sound backdrops.
41. Lakefront Brewery – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Industrial-chic beer hall along Milwaukee’s river. Giant pretzels and beer cheese accompany award-winning brews while tour groups cheer and polka bands play weekend sets.