NEW ENGLAND REGION
ROYAL RIVER GRILL HOUSE
Yarmouth, Maine
Set along the scenic Royal River in Yarmouth, Maine, Royal River Grill House specializes in wood-fired seafood and steaks. The restaurant serves dinner nightly and offers lunch Monday through Saturday, plus a lighter mid-day menu daily from 3 to 4 p.m. There are weekend breakfast and Sunday brunch options as well. Signature dishes include wood-grilled salmon, duck breast and kurobuta pork chop, along with a selection of woodfire-grilled steaks. Seafood offerings include halibut, pan-seared panko haddock and scallops au poivre. Note: the dock directly in front of the restaurant is private and does not provide customer docking.
THE OAR
New Shoreham, Rhode Island
Perched at the Boat Basin in New Harbor on Block Island, The Oar is a classic summer destination overlooking the Great Salt Pond. The restaurant follows the island tradition of leaving an oar to mark a visit, and a long wall of decorated oars traces visitors’ memories back decades. The Oar is renowned for frozen Block Island Mudslides but also serves a broad menu of American cuisine and seafood: clam chowder, New England lobster rolls and even a full sushi bar. With relaxed outdoor seating and waterfront views, it remains a popular spot to tie up and dine after a day on the water.
MATUNUCK OYSTER BAR
Wakefield, Rhode Island
Matunuck Oyster Bar sits on Potter Pond and offers both indoor and outdoor dining with direct views of its oyster beds. The menu highlights shellfish harvested on-site—raw oysters, clams, shrimp and lobster—alongside prepared shellfish dishes. The restaurant also provides hour-long tours of the Matunuck Oyster Farm, giving guests the chance to see where their seafood is grown and learn about local aquaculture practices.
CHART ROOM
Cataumet, Massachusetts
Housed in a converted New Jersey Central Railroad barge, the Chart Room serves fresh New England seafood with views of Red Brook Harbor on Cape Cod. Live piano music and generous outdoor seating create a lively atmosphere for sunset dinners. The Chart Room is especially noted for its lobster salad, and the menu also includes steamers, clam chowder, fish tacos, swordfish and scallops.
THE BLACK DOG TAVERN
Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
A Martha’s Vineyard staple since 1971, The Black Dog Tavern is famous for its iconic logo and souvenir shirts, but the food is equally well regarded. Situated at the head of Vineyard Haven Harbor, the tavern serves traditional favorites and local seafood—fried calamari, P.E.I. mussels and fried oysters—plus a full breakfast menu so diners can start the day with lobster benedict or a classic diner-style breakfast.
CLARKE COOKE HOUSE
Newport, Rhode Island
A hallmark of Newport’s waterfront dining, Clarke Cooke House offers a range of dining experiences across multiple venues, from a bistro café to a rooftop SkyBar and a seasonal sushi bar. Under Chef Ted Gidley’s direction, the restaurant blends Mediterranean influences with American coastal cuisine, attracting a crowd that appreciates both fine dining and historic harbor views.
SCHOONER LANDING
Damariscotta, Maine
Schooner Landing Marina in Damariscotta and Newcastle provides boaters with ample docking and slip options and features an on-site restaurant known for its regional seafood. The menu showcases Pemaquid oysters and mussels, lobster prepared in many styles—from rolls and stews to lobster quesadillas—plus a selection of burgers and sandwiches for those who prefer land-based fare.
TOP OVERALL IN REGION
The Oar, New Shoreham, RI
Matunuck Oyster Bar, Wakefield, RI
Chart Room, Cataumet, MA
Clarke Cooke House, Newport, RI
Abel’s Lobster, Mt. Desert, ME
TOP FAMILY RESTAURANT IN REGION
The Oar, New Shoreham, RI
Chart Room, Cataumet, MA
The Black Dog Tavern, Vineyard Haven, MA
Clarke Cooke House, Newport, RI
Finz, Salem, MA and Islesford Dock, Islesford, ME
TOP LOCATION FOR DATE NIGHT
Clarke Cooke House, Newport, RI
The Oar, New Shoreham, RI
Chart Room, Cataumet, MA
Royal River Grill House, Yarmouth, ME
CRU, Nantucket, MA
TOP LOCATION BASED ON QUALITY OF FOOD
Matunuck Oyster Bar, Wakefield, RI
Clarke Cooke House, Newport, RI
Chart Room, Cataumet, MA
Royal River Grill House, Yarmouth, ME
The Back Eddy, Westport, MA
TOP LOCATION BASED ON VALUE
Chart Room, Cataumet, MA
Schooner Landing, Damariscotta, ME
Royal River Grill House, Yarmouth, ME
McSeagulls Restaurant, Boothbay Harbor, ME
Barking Crab, Boston, MA
TOP RESTAURANT BASED ON LOCATION
The Oar, New Shoreham, RI
Chart Room, Cataumet, MA
Clarke Cooke House, Newport, RI
The Seafood Shanty, Edgartown, MA
Five Islands Lobster Company, Georgetown, ME
TRI-STATE REGION
ABBOTT’S LOBSTER IN THE ROUGH
Noank, Connecticut
Abbott’s is a long-running local favorite with a history of serving hot lobster rolls and full lobster dinners. For decades, locals and visitors alike have lined up early for opening day to enjoy lobster options that range in size. The menu includes lobster rolls in multiple sizes, plus classic seaside preparations for whole lobster dinners.
THE CLAM BAR AT BRIDGE MARINE
Bayville, New York
This family-friendly clam bar welcomes boats with a 160-foot floating dock and a launch service for diners. The clams come from Oyster Bay and are served raw, steamed, baked or fried. The menu also features oysters, seafood platters like snow or king crab legs, and more casual fare—burgers and pizza—to satisfy younger guests.
CLAUDIO’S RESTAURANT
Greenport, New York
Claudio’s traces its roots to the mid-19th century and preserves maritime heritage in both atmosphere and menu. The Victorian-era bar remains a centerpiece, and the restaurant continues to serve classic seafood and waterfront fare. Boaters can use on-site dockage at a modest per-foot rate for short visits.
DOCKSIDE AT DAUNTLESS
Essex, Connecticut
Located at Safe Harbor Dauntless and adjacent to a historic shipyard, Dockside at Dauntless serves lunch and dinner daily during the season with indoor and outdoor seating. Menu highlights include honey lemon salmon with golden raisins and a captain’s platter of fried shrimp, scallops and cod. The Dockside lobster roll and house onion rings are popular, casual options for boaters.
DOG WATCH CAFE
Stonington, Connecticut
Overlooking Stonington Harbor and Dodson Boatyard, Dog Watch Cafe has a relaxed, family-oriented vibe with an ice cream tent in summer. The menu ranges from build-your-own burgers for kids to gourmet options like brisket grilled cheese and truffled scallop risotto. The seared tuna served over Asian noodles with cusabi drizzle is a local favorite.
FRESH SALT
Old Saybrook, Connecticut
At Saybrook Point Resort & Marina, Fresh Salt commits to local sourcing and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a full raw bar and seasonal specialties. The restaurant accommodates boaters with transient slips and offers takeout for those who prefer to dine aboard. Menu highlights include lobster pot pie, Moroccan lamb tagine and a range of classic coastal dishes.
FORD’S
Noank, Connecticut
Built on a site long associated with boating services, Ford’s began as a lobster shack and has expanded into a popular waterfront restaurant and takeout spot. The menu features lobster in many inventive forms—from lobster avocado grilled cheese to lobster risotto—and fan favorites like the Bisque Bomb, a sandwich smothered in creamy lobster bisque.
MARKER 37
Chester, Connecticut
Located at Chester Point Marina on the Connecticut River, Marker 37 offers contemporary waterfront dining. The menu blends coastal soups and seafood—such as New England clam chowder and sea scallops casino—with global influences, including flatbreads and tacos. Boaters can call ahead for transient slips.
PRIME
Stamford, Connecticut
Opened in 2016, Prime brings waterfront dining with glass walls for expansive water views, outdoor deck seating and a cabana bar. The menu combines sushi, seafood and steaks, and a weekday prix fixe “power lunch” provides efficient options for business diners.
RED 36
Mystic, Connecticut
Sited on the Mystic River just inside the railroad bridge, Red 36 features a window wall that opens in summer, linking indoor seating with outdoor bars and lounges. Seasonal menus vary but typically include New England favorites—clam chowder and beer-battered cod—alongside creative dishes like ahi tuna poke bowls and grilled Mexican corn.
TRES PALMS
Babylon, New York
Inspired by coastal surf culture, Tres Palms serves lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch on Long Island’s Great South Bay. Boaters can tie up and enjoy casual fare from guacamole and wings to a Tuesday lobster bake special that pairs lobster with baked clams, crab cake and corn-on-the-cob.
TOP OVERALL IN REGION
Tres Palms, Babylon, NY
Ford’s Lobster Restaurant, Noank, CT
Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough, Noank, CT
Claudio’s, Greenport, NY
Dog Watch Cafe, Stonington, CT
TOP FAMILY RESTAURANT IN REGION
Tres Palms, Babylon, NY
Ford’s Lobster Restaurant, Noank, CT
Claudio’s Restaurant, Greenport, NY
Red 36, Mystic, CT
Dog Watch Cafe, Stonington, CT and Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough, Noank, CT
TOP LOCATION FOR DATE NIGHT
Red 36, Mystic, CT
Prime, Stamford, CT
Dog Watch Cafe, Stonington, CT
Breakwater, Stonington, CT
Fresh Salt, Old Saybrook, CT
TOP LOCATION BASED ON QUALITY OF FOOD
Dog Watch Cafe, Stonington, CT
Fresh Salt, Old Saybrook, CT
Prime, Stamford, CT
Dockside at Dauntless, Essex, CT
Red 36, Mystic, CT
TOP LOCATION BASED ON VALUE
Tres Palms, Babylon, NY
The Clam Bar at Bridge Marina, Bayville, NY
Dockside at Dauntless, Essex, CT
Crab Shell, Stamford, CT
Shanks Waterfront Dining, Clinton, NY
TOP RESTAURANT BASED ON LOCATION
Red 36, Mystic, CT
Marker 37, Chester, CT
Dog Watch Cafe, Stonington, CT
Breakwater, Stonington, CT
Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood, Rowayton, CT
MID-ATLANTIC REGION
CRAB CLAW
St. Michaels, Maryland
The Crab Claw celebrates Chesapeake Bay classics, especially steamed Maryland blue crabs. With indoor dining and dockside seating overlooking the harbor, the menu includes samplers with crab cake, shrimp, oysters and fried clams, plus heartier options such as a full pound of king crab legs. Lighter selections like backfin crabmeat with seasonal fruit round out the offerings.
BRIDGES RESTAURANT
Grasonville, Maryland
Located on the Kent Narrows, Bridges offers complimentary slips for diners and a menu of salads, pizzas, sandwiches and entrees. The signature lump crab cake pairs with sweet corn hash and sautéed green beans, and live music on weekend nights makes it a lively waterfront destination. Overnight dockage is available for a modest fee for those who wish to linger.
CARROLL’S CREEK CAFE
Annapolis, Maryland
Named for an early American patriot, Carroll’s Creek Cafe applies New American techniques to local bay seafood. Dishes like baked oysters with horseradish and bacon or herb-encrusted rockfish with risotto and lump crab reflect a blend of regional ingredients and contemporary preparations. Regular visitors can join the frequent diner club for rewards.
CHICK’S OYSTER BAR
Virginia Beach, Virginia
A lively spot since 1998, Chick’s serves seafood, drinks and live music with extended weekend hours. Happy hour specials and signature crab cakes make it a popular choice, while flavored frozen drinks known as Chick’s Crush add a festive touch.
FOXY’S HARBOR GRILLE
St. Michaels, Maryland
Foxy’s is known for steamed seafood, house-made crab cakes and an extensive selection of frozen drinks and craft beers. The patio is first-come, first-served, and sharing-style appetizers like seafood nachos and fried local oysters are crowd-pleasers. Entrees include regionally inspired items like rockfish imperial with lump crab.
HARBOR VIEW
Cape May, New Jersey
Harbor View Restaurant opened to complement Harbor View Marina and offers indoor and deck dining with panoramic views of Cape May Harbor. The deck menu features hand-rolled sushi, Yuengling-battered seafood and creative flatbreads, while the indoor kitchen serves a broader selection of seafood and steak entrées.
THE LOBSTER HOUSE
Cape May, New Jersey
With its own fishing fleet, fish market and takeout shop, The Lobster House delivers exceptionally fresh seafood. Diners can choose among multiple dining rooms with harbor views and enjoy extensive shellfish platters. A signature offering is the Schooner Dinner, which combines lobster, clams, scallops, shrimp and mussels.
ROBERT MORRIS INN
Oxford, Maryland
Dating back to 1710, the Robert Morris Inn blends historic charm with Chesapeake-inspired modern British cuisine. Menus include regional specialties such as spiced blue catfish tacos and surf-and-turf preparations featuring local fish topped with crab imperial.
WATERMAN’S CRABHOUSE
Rock Hall, Maryland
Originating as a seafood market, Waterman’s has evolved into an award-winning restaurant with a boat-to-table focus. Deep-water slips, live weekend entertainment and a waterfront deck make it popular with boaters. Favorites include steamed Maryland blue crabs, crab soups and inventive crab-based sandwiches.
TOP OVERALL IN REGION
The Lobster House, Cape May, NJ
Chick’s Oyster Bar, Virginia Beach, VA
Waterman’s Crabhouse, Rock Hall, MD
Hook at Harvey, Cape Charles, VA
Cantler’s, Annapolis, MD
TOP FAMILY RESTAURANT IN REGION
Harbor View Restaurant, Cape May, NJ
Waterman’s Crabhouse, Rock Hall, MD
Crab Claw, St. Michaels, MD
Tides Inn, Irvington, VA
Cantler’s, Annapolis, MD and Bridges, Grasonville, MD
TOP LOCATION FOR DATE NIGHT
Robert Morris Inn, Oxford, MD
Bridges, Grasonville, MD
Crab Claw, St. Michaels, MD
Foxy’s Harbor Grille, St. Michaels, MD
Surfing Pig, Wildwood, NJ
TOP LOCATION BASED ON QUALITY OF FOOD
The Lobster House, Cape May, NJ
Crab Claw, St. Michaels, MD
Carroll’s Creek Cafe, Annapolis, MD
Harbor View Restaurant, Cape May, NJ
Hook at Harvey, Cape Charles, VA
TOP LOCATION BASED ON VALUE
The Lobster House, Cape May, NJ
Chick’s Oyster Bar, Virginia Beach, VA
Bridges, Grasonville, MD
Cantler’s, Annapolis, MD
Surfrider, Norfolk, VA
TOP RESTAURANT BASED ON LOCATION
Bridges Restaurant, Grasonville, MD
Harbor View, Cape May, NJ
Crab Claw, St. Michaels, MD
The Porch on Long Creek, Virginia Beach, VA
Chick’s Oyster Bar, Virginia Beach, VA and Cantler’s, Annapolis, MD
MarineMax proudly sponsors Soundings’ Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Dock & Dine. Congratulations to all winners. If you plan to visit these top waterfront restaurants, consider stopping by a local MarineMax location while cruising in the area.
Lobster House, Cape May, NJ: MarineMax Island Marine Center, Ocean View, NJ
Tres Palms, Babylon, NY: MarineMax Huntington, Huntington, NY
The Oar, New Shoreham, RI: MarineMax Wakefield, Wakefield, RI
This article was originally published in the July 2022 issue.