We might not live on the coast but we sure can pretend! DFW surprisingly has some great waterfront restaurants that’ll transport you straight to the beach, so here’s our 101 to the best in the metroplex!
Updated July 2024
Augie’s Sunset Cafe
Find this low-key cafe and dive bar on the marina at Eagle Mountain Lake! Augie’s is known for its no-frills menu with classic bar eats, like burgers, sandwiches, fried fish baskets, wings, fried pickles, and more. They also have amazing happy hour deals like $3 Grab a seat on the patio under the string lights to watch the sunset after a long day at the lake!
Fort Worth | Directions
Flying Fish
Near The Sound at Cypress Waters, this casual spot on North Lake is your go-to for fresh seafood and a huge patio. Their massive menu features catfish, lobster, shrimp, oysters, gumbo, and even gator! Favorites include the lobster roll, catfish po boy, and chicken sandwich, but if you've an adventurous eater try the pescado frito.
Coppell | Directions
Hemmingway's Possum Kingdom
Enjoy gorgeous views of Possum Kingdom Lake from this adorable patio! Hemmingway’s is a bit more upscale than other lakeside spots on this list, making it the perfect spot for date night, dinner with friends, or even a family outing. You’ll find lots of entertainment here too, like live music on weekends, two bars, games, and even a play area for kids!
Graford | Directions
HG Sply Co. Fort Worth
Did you know this Dallas classic has a waterfront location in Fort Worth?! Overlooking the Trinity River, HG is serving up clean American fare, like chips and queso, salads, burgers, and their signature bowls. Don’t skip on something to sip either, like a frozen mule, cucumber smash, or fresh mocktails. Their brunch and happy hours are our go-to's, best enjoyed on the patio!
Fort Worth | Directions
Hula Hut Little Elm
Find this little slice of paradise on Lake Lewisville, serving Tex-Mex with a Hawaiian twist! The extensive menu includes everything from Pu Pu Platters and seafood dishes to tacos and enchiladas – there’s truly something for everyone. The cocktails match the space perfectly, giving all the tiki vibes. It has the perfect kitschy, laid-back energy you’d find at most tiki bars, too!
Little Elm | Directions
Pacific Table
For a date night that blows all the rest out of the water, head to this classy seafood spot! Featuring modern decor, a large patio, and views of Lake Carolyn, Pacific Table is great day or night. Their menu is an eclectic, elevated mix of Pacific Northwest dishes, like raw or fried oysters that are flown in daily, clam chowder, waldorf salad, grilled salmon, and even an array of high quality steaks and sushi!
Irving | Directions
Primos Tex-Mex Grille
There’s nothing better than a margarita, live music, and a patio! This casual grill overlooks Lake Ray Hubbard, serving up over 100 Tex-Mex dishes ranging from tacos and fajitas to massive combo plates. Check out their daily deals too, like taco Tuesday, carne asada Friday, and weekday happy hour from 3pm to 6pm.
Garland | Directions
Quince
Ranked the #1 rooftop in the world, the famous Quince rooftop originated in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and is now riverside in DFW! The stunning restaurant is sleek and modern, with checked floors, sparkling chandeliers, and massive windows plus a patio with views of the Trinity River. On the menu, you'll find a mix of global dishes, ranging from sushi and oysters to sandwiches and pasta. Their cocktails are tequila-focused, just one sip will transport you to San Miguel! (Featured header image)
Fort Worth | Directions
Rockin' S Bar & Grill
Find this lakefront restaurant at four locations around DFW: Grapevine and Flower Mound on Lake Grapevine, in Frisco on Lake Lewisville, and in Granbury on Lake Granbury! At all four locations, you’ll find ample outdoor seating, lounge chairs to relax in, delicious, scratch-made food, and frequent live music!
Multiple locations | See locations
Rodeo Goat
When it comes to over-the-top burgers, it ain't this spots first rodeo. On the water at The Sound, Rodeo Goat serves up insane craft burgers in crazy combinations! Try flavors like the Chaca Oaxaca, made with chorizo, pico, queso, and Tabasco mayo, the Sugar Burger, made with candied bacon, grilled peaches, carmelized onions and jalapeno jam, or the Lucy Burger made with Irish whiskey cheddar and blackberry compote. There's truly something for everyone, complete with a great Texas beer list.
Cypress Waters | Directions
Sammy’s On The Lake
This casual bar and grill serves Tex-Mex and fresh seafood at the Lakeview Marina on Eagle Mountain Lake. The space is no-frills, with colorful seating, a covered patio, and sports memorabilia lining the walls. There's pretty much something happening every day of the week, whether it be happy hour, food specials, or live music. We love to go in the evening to watch the boats come in and the sun set over the lake!
Fort Worth | Directions
Sneaky Pete’s
After a long day of tubing, boating, and swimming on Lake Lewisville, continue the fun at this laid back waterfront spot! Take a dip in the pool, play a few games of sand volleyball, and listen to nightly live music on the massive patio. If you work up an appetite having fun, enjoy American grub like burgers, salads, fried seafood baskets, and more. Plus, they offer tons of drink deals like $5 shots, happy hour, and more.
Lewisville | Directions
The Boathouse on Lavon
A little further outside of the city, you’ll find Lake Lavon, which is home to The Boathouse on Lavon, a floating restaurant and club! Their simple menu features frozen margs, burgers, sandwiches, flatbreads, and nachos that are perfect to share with friends. They also host frequent events like free concerts, poker nights, and more on the deck!
Wylie | Directions
The Lakehouse Fort Worth
Enjoy burgers, brews, and views of Eagle Mountain Lake on the dock near Harbor One Marina! This rustic spot features a wraparound patio, pool tables, and plenty of TVs to catch a sports game. The menu features classics like burgers, tacos, wings, seafood, and fried foods galore. They also serve brunch, and have a massive bar menu too!
Fort Worth | Directions
Suburban Yacht Club
Soak up all the Key West vibes at a coastal cantina on The Boardwalk at Granite Park! Suburban Yacht Club is a true oasis in the ‘burbs, with a colorful interior, breezy patio, and plants throughout. To eat, enjoy coastal bites like ceviche, shrimp tacos, fried fish sandwiches, and more. Wash it all down with a tropical drink – it’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right?!
Plano | Directions
The Lakehouse Las Colinas
Take a luxe daycation or a staycation to the Omni at Las Colinas! Their waterfront restaurant and lounge features a resort-style pool and poolside cabanas, with a full menu and poolside service. Book a room at the hotel for a mini vacay, or you can purchase day passes on Resort Pass for just $30!
Las Colinas | Directions
The Point on Lake Worth
A staple on Lake Worth, The Point gives all the old-school lakehouse vibes -- the space reminds us of the show Ozark, from the friendly staff to the laid-back setting! Dive into classic American fare, like burgers, catfish, fried chicken, and just about any fried side you can think of, from pickles to okra. The well-stocked bar offers great prices on drinks, and if you get there early you may get waterfront seating!
Fort Worth | Directions
The Shack at Joe Pool
Grab a bite at this floating restaurant on Lynn Creek Marina on the gorgeous Joe Pool Lake! This lively spot is known for its fresh seafood and comfort food, along with a healthy serving of live music. The space features a turf area outside, indoor-outdoor dining spaces with a covered patio, and 180-degree views of the lake. As a bonus, you may see some critters like fish, ducks, and more. You can even drive your boat up to the restaurant and park it on the courtesy dock -- nothing better than front-row parking!
Grand Prairie | Directions
Union Bear Brewing Co.
For a West Coast feel, hop on over to Union Bear, a locally-owned brewpub on The Boardwalk at Granite Park! Explore their list of award-winning beers like UB Mexican Lager, Amber Lager, No Coast IPA, and more. Their brews are best enjoyed on the huge patio, but if you love them, you can even take a growler home! Plus, snack on brewery bites like queso, pretzels, brisket fries, flatbreads, and more.
Plano | Directions
Woodshed Smokehouse
You've probably heard of Woodshed Smokehouse's owned, Tim Love, the iconic Fort Worth chef and restauranteur! Specializing in Western cuisine, he calls this spot his "homage to all things grilled, roasted, and slow cooked". More casual than some of his other concepts, the barbecue spot features over a dozen smoked meats, classic BBQ fixings, a huge patio, views of the Trinity River, and live music!
Fort Worth | Directions
