What about taking them to the wonderful Sunday Brunch Buffet at the Colony on the beach. It's a huge step above most buffets -- very "gourmet" and fresh and wonderful. Dinner there would be well out of the price range, and while brunch isn't cheap at least it's all inclusive, even the mimosas or champagne (or do you just get one, I forget?)

Another waterfront favorite with plenty of al fresco tables on a dockside patio, Dry Dock Waterfront Grill is beloved among the boat crowd, too. It's known for great grouper sandwiches, lobster tacos, and a divine key lime pie. Panoramic views of Sarasota Bay are the cherry on top.

With a deck overhanging the water and panoramic views from its upstairs dining room impeded only by shady palm fronds, it's hard to beat Dry Dock for…

Named one of the “100 Most Scenic Restaurants in America for 2019” by OpenTable, Dry Dock occupies a prime spot at the Boathouse marina on Longboat Key, providing panoramic views of Sarasota Bay. Open daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m. for lunch and dinner, popular menu items include the grouper sandwich (Florida Gulf red grouper on brioche bun), lobster rolls (two lobster rolls mixed with celery, onion, lettuce, tomato and mayo served on buttered New England frankfurter split rolls) and the Boathouse Burger (half pound U.S.D.A.-certified choice angus chuck on brioche bun).

412 Gulf Of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key; 941-383-0102, drydockwaterfrontgrill.com. Dry Dock Waterfront Grill is at 412 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, overlooking Sarasota Bay. I first declared my love for Dry Dock's grouper sandwich, publicly at least, with a column in 2015: "...Dry Dock might just serve the best grouper sandwich in Southwest Florida. Seriously, think about that the next time you are entertaining out-of-towners." So, yeah, about eight months after my review ran, Dry Dock was sold.

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill provides plenty for every seafood enthusiast, from grouper and scallops to crabs and giant gulf shrimp. As its name indicates, Waterfront Grill also offers spectacular views; while they’re magnificent for everyone, they’re notable for people traveling from far-flung, landlocked areas. Previous visitors have said that, besides outstanding cuisine and a fantastic setting, the staff was educated and helpful, and everything appeared to work well together.

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill is an award-winning eatery that has rightfully earned its place as one of the top seafood restaurants in the Sunshine State. It has recently been voted as a top 15 seafood restaurant in Florida, certifying that you’re bound to have a good meal before you even walk through the door. Begin your meal with their tantalizing take on Oysters Rockefeller or indulge in their hearty Seafood Chowder, both crafted with the freshest ingredients available.

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill in Longboat Key is an alluring destination for its views alone, as the tranquil surrounding of this casual waterfront restaurant is hard to top. Nestled on Sarasota Bay, not only is this a picturesque place to soak up the sunshine but the fresh seafood options are a treat for the taste buds. Known to have some of the best grouper sandwiches on Florida’s West Coast, you can also delight at the yellowfin tuna and salmon dinners.

412 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key | 941.383.0102 | drydockwaterfrontgrill.com. Established in 1989, Dry Dock is a highly acclaimed restaurant located in Longboat Key, renowned nationwide for its exceptional dining experience. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Sarasota Bay, the restaurant offers guests a choice between umbrella tables and open-air covered seating, as well as a cozy indoor dining area complete with a welcoming bar.

Dry Dock has won OpenTable Awards in 2019, 2020, and 2022, and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Al Fresco Restaurants in America, one of the 100 Best Most Scenic Restaurants in America, and one of the Best 100 Restaurants for Outdoor Dining. Needless to say, if you are looking for a romantic waterfront restaurant, look no further than Dry Dock Waterfront Grill. Their Maine lobster tails are a favorite with tourists and locals alike.

For casual Longboat Key waterfront dining on Sarasota Bay, Dry Dock Waterfront Grill features an array of seafood including Maine lobster tails, grouper sandwich, steaks, and other satisfying entrees. Dine indoors or ask for a seat on the patio with front and center water views, and watch the sun dip into the evening light. And if you’re arriving by boat, Dry Dock offers three wet slips along Zwick’s channel on Marker 6.

One of Longboat Key’s most beloved dining spots, Dry Dock Waterfront Grill offers an exceptional waterfront dining experience. Known for its fresh seafood, this casual yet refined restaurant is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. With its scenic views and boat access, Dry Dock is an ideal spot to enjoy dishes such as grouper sandwiches and lobster tails while enjoying Sarasota Bay's beauty.

Located at 412 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Dry Dock Waterfront Grill offers a quintessential Florida dining experience. This waterfront restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, known for its fresh seafood and laid-back atmosphere. Guests can enjoy dishes such as grouper sandwiches, lobster rolls, and the popular shrimp and grits while taking in stunning views of Sarasota Bay.

Italian, Latin American and Amish and Mennonite eateries are also popular here, thanks in part to many residents' ties to these communities. For Italian cuisine, travelers recommend Dolce Italia, Cafe Baci and Mozzarella Fella. Eateries like the Peruvian-inspired Selva Grill and the Puerto Rican-influenced Sofrito Mama's are considered must-visit spots for Latin American dishes.

Regulars know Dry Dock and recommend it for the casual bayfront dining, locally sourced seafood, and craft cocktails. The decor inside is fishermen chic, with taxidermy fish mounted on the walls, nautical-themed items adorning shelves, and photos of guys with their big catch of the day hung proudly around the room. But the windows along Sarasota Bay are the best decor of all.

Do yourself a favor, and make reservations before heading to Dry Dock Waterfront Grill!. This place is no hidden gem, and is among the most popular Longboat Key restaurants for a memorable dinner. The view and the decor of the indoor dining room make for the perfect ambiance, whether you're having a romantic date night or spending the evening out with family or friends.

Recently named one of the “100 Most Scenic Restaurants in America for 2019” by OpenTable, Dry Dock is tucked away at the Boathouse marina. Offering second story dining area as well as dockside patio seating, it's best known for fresh seafood dishes such as the grouper sandwich and grouper tacos — and don't forget about the daily happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m.

The Dry Dock features a beautiful open-air roof over a portion of the bay front outdoor dining area. Guests can enjoy outdoor dining year-round as the roof provides protection from wind, rain and sun. The roof features twelve skylights providing natural filtered light for the covered outdoor dining area while providing protection from the hot Florida sun.

This dock and dine location is situated at the southern end of Longboat Key, next to an actual working dry dock. The Dry Dock Waterfront Grill offers beautiful views of Sarasota Bay, where you can watch pelicans and dolphins frolicking in the bay while enjoying a casual lunch or dinner. The restaurant offers slips to dock your boat and two dining levels.

If you’re seeking a truly unique waterfront dining experience, visit Dry Dock Waterfront Grill. This establishment has been named among the 100 most scenic restaurants in America and the 100 best al fresco restaurants in America!. Once you walk in, you’ll be greeted by a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere and treated like royalty by the friendly staff.

Renowned by locals as having the tastiest grouper sandwich and hamburgers in town, this casual waterfront dining haven’s view is just as good as the food. Choose between outdoor dining, where the warm Sarasota Bay breezes add ambiance or opt for the interior sections, where you can enjoy the view only obstructed by a few shady coconut palm branches.

Situated right by the water, this full-service bar and restaurant offer outdoor seating and American bar food with the freshest seafood. Offering lunch and dinner, this restaurant is casual with the finest views of the Gulf Coast. Popular with locals and visitors to Longboat, Dry Dock is voted one of the most scenic restaurants and diner’s choices.

Stop by Dry Dock Waterfront Grill for one of the best views of the Sarasota waters, making it an ideal spot for a sunset dinner. The quality of the food and drinks here is unmatched – the menu is full of delicious options with seafood-forward options and scrumptious pasta dishes. Don’t miss out on their world-famous lobster roll either!

Also on Longboat Key is Dry Dock Waterfront Grill, with its panoramic Sarasota Bay views from the second-story dining room. The domestic grouper sandwich on a kaiser roll is the house specialty, and the lobster bisque is as requested as the crab-and-corn chowder. Arrive by boat to Zwick’s Channel at Marker 6 and kick back.

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill is a wonderful seafood restaurant that is strategically situated along the Gulf of Mexico Drive at the south end of Longboat Key. This is a casual Bayfront eatery that specializes in preparing and serving sustainable seafood delicacies. It has an excellent dockside patio and a fish-themed décor.

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill is best known for its beautiful atmosphere, gorgeous views and exceptional food. With awards including: Top 100 Best Al Fresco Restaurants in America, Top 100 Best Most Scenic Restaurants in America and Top 100 Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining. 412 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key FL 34228

Grouper sandwiches at Big Water Fish Market in Sarasota are something that this restaurant knows backward and forwards. The “grouper grill” sandwich is an icon, being voted as the best grouper sandwich in Florida in 2016!. Either blackened, fried, or grilled, this sandwich is served with tomato tartar sauce and lettuce.

412 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228Phone: 941-383-0102 Visit Website. A post shared by DryDock Waterfront Grill (@drydockwaterfrontgrill). Just over the John Ringling Parkway bridge from the Sarasota’s Lido Shores neighborhood into Longboat Key is a great seafood restaurant called Dry Dock Waterfront Grill.

Located on the southern end of Longboat Key, The Dry Dock Waterfront Grill is a casual restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes, as well as burgers, salads, and sandwiches. You can also enjoy a drink at the outdoor tiki bar while taking in the beautiful view of the bay.

412 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key; 941-383-0102; DryDockWaterfrontGrill.com. We Live Where You Vacation: Dry Dock provides a serene spot that makes you say, “I can’t believe I live here.” The must-get while drinking dockside?. Prince Edward Islands Mussels ($19) served with a citrus butter sauce.

The view, the family-friendly atmosphere, and the food from the Dry Dock Waterfront Grill is what keep locals and visitors alike coming back. This is a “must visit” when vacationing on Longboat Key. Children seem to really love coming here, and the calamari is a hit with all the little ones.

From red snapper to grouper, stone crabs and jumbo gulf shrimp, Dry Dock Waterfront Grill specializes in locally caught seafood. As its name implies, this spot offers breathtaking views too. The restaurant is right on Sarasota Bay, with huge windows inside and a large dockside patio.

412 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228 | Website | $$. Dry Dock is a casual and hip restaurant just over the bridge that takes you from Lido Key to Longboat Key. There’s a beautiful open-air patio with string lights for dining outside, as well as an upstairs dining room.

Indoor and outdoor dining on their deck overlooking Sarasota Bay is available at this tasty establishment. The restaurant has a great character as it was transformed from a boat storage barn. Their selection of fresh seafood, meats, and soups are all delicious options there.

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill is known for its location on Sarasota Bay and grouper sandwich. The restaurant offers casual dining experience on the water, and even welcomes customers sitting outside to bring their dogs. Just make sure you bring a carrier in case it’s needed.

Dry Dock Waterfront is located just a 15 minute drive over the bridge from Sarasota in Longboat Key!. If looking for Al Fresco waterfront dining head to one of the most scenic restaurants in America!. Dry dock prides themselves on using fresh ingredients and seafood.

Located on Longboat Key is the luxurious Dry Dock Waterfront Grill with their beautiful dining room area. In the daytime, you can look out their expansive windows and see their breathtaking waterfront view. Longboat Ky water is gorgeously blue and crystal clear!

Pop’s Sunset Grill is famous for its Floridian fare and tiki charm. Boaters can find this charming restaurant near Casey Key and Nokomis Beach at Marker 10. This restaurant is well-loved by tourists and locals for the casual atmosphere and beautiful water views.

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill is one of the most beautiful Sarasota waterfront restaurants. Located in Longboat Key, just 15-20 minutes from downtown. Since their outdoor dining area is right on the water, they offer incredible water views of Sarasota Bay.

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill is the perfect combination of casual yet elegant. At this bayfront eatery, you’ll find a wide array of seafood, steak, pasta, and more. They even have tables and chairs located outside directly next to the docks.

Beautiful restaurant with great gluten free options and full gluten free menu. There aren’t any gluten free buns, but there were plenty of other non sandwich options (including tacos). We sat upstairs and had the most beautiful view.

The Dry Dock Waterfront Grill on Longboat Key is renowned for its grouper preparations and also serves excellent steaks for those preferring turf over surf. With its location right on the water, you can even arrive by boat!

412 Gulf of Mexico DriveLongboat Key, FL 34228(941) 383-0102. This eatery is near St. Armands Circle, overlooking Sarasota Bay. It’s one of the best places to eat in Longboat Key for its superb seafood plates.

The Dry Dock Waterfront Grill is a beautiful spot overlooking Sarasota Bay and known for local fresh grouper and red snapper. https://www.opentable.com/r/drydock-waterfront-grill-longboat-key

For more al fresco-style dining in Longboat Key, the Dry Dock Waterfront Grill is the perfect place. They combine beautiful views with fresh dining. You’ll be dining as you overlook the bay.

is a quintessential Longboat Key gem for those seeking laid-back vibes and fresh flavors. Nestled along Sarasota Bay, this casual waterfront restaurant combines a relaxed atmosphere with a

Wade Tatangelo of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune breaks down the 10 Best Waterfront Restaurants in Sarasota. If you're looking for an amazing dining destination, read Wade's article below...

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill was also recommended to us in this area as well and they have a nicer dining room if you’re wanting a fancier evening. Who doesn’t love waterfront restaurants?

Located in Longboat Key, Dry Dock Waterfront Grill, an award-winning Al Fresco restaurant, is known to have some of the best grouper sandwiches on Florida’s West Coast.

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill invites you to pull up in your boat for a casual seafood experience at this newly expanded family-friendly restaurant and marina.

Just what you want in a grouper sandwich: a thick, flaky grouper fillet, blackened and served on a soft roll with a side of French fries.

Dry Dock (LBK, I don't care for the place but my wife HAS to have a lobster roll from there)