Coconuts is a highly popular and well-regarded waterfront dining destination located near the famous Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
What Makes it Unique
Coconuts is celebrated for providing an upscale dining experience in a casual, quintessential South Florida setting.
- Waterfront Location and Views: It offers expansive, uninterrupted views of the Intracoastal Waterway (New River Sound), making it an ideal spot to watch boats and the sunset. The restaurant provides dockage, allowing patrons to arrive by boat and “raft” at their dock.
- Casual Vibe: Despite the high-quality dining, the atmosphere is fun, relaxed, and famously dog-friendly (leashed pets are welcome on the patio). The company’s motto, “Be nice,” is widely displayed and contributes to the welcoming environment.
- Focus on Local and Fresh Seafood: The menu emphasizes fresh seafood and Floribbean fare.
History
Coconuts is operated by the Be Nice Restaurant Group. While the restaurant at this location was owned by restaurateur and musician John Day at one point, it was taken over and revitalized in 2006 by Elliot Wolf and Merv Jonota. They sought to create a unique dining spot that would appeal to locals, breaking away from the typical tourist fare of waterfront dining.
Customer Feedback
Customer feedback consistently highlights:
- Exceptional Food Quality: Dishes are often described as fresh, delicious, and “on point.”
- Great Atmosphere: The casual, fun vibe and the stunning waterfront views are major draws.
- Popularity: The restaurant is known to have a wait, especially during peak times and since they do not accept reservations.
- Friendly Service: The staff is frequently described as friendly, attentive, and living up to the “Be nice” motto.
Highlight Menu Items
Coconuts is best known for its seafood, with several dishes achieving legendary status:
- Scoobies: A highly recommended appetizer of blue-crab claws marinated in a flavorful sauce of butter, garlic, and chili, often served with bread for soaking up the sauce.
- Lobster Roll: Often cited as one of the best in the area, served New England style.
- Coconut Shrimp Platter: A popular choice featuring golden shrimp with a crispy coconut coating.
- Fish Tacos and the Local Fish of the Day (available grilled or blackened) are local favorites.
- Jambalaya: A Caribbean-spiced version with chicken, shrimp, and andouille sausage.
- Dessert: The Key Lime Pie and Coconut Cheesecake are particularly popular.
- Brunch: Sunday brunch is available and features items like various Benedicts and the “Moo and Cluck” sandwich.
Significant Events
Coconuts and its sister restaurant, G&B Oyster Bar, host their annual Oyster Fest, a popular local event that features unlimited access to oyster and food stations, drinks, and live music.
Given its prime location on the Intracoastal, Coconuts is also a fantastic vantage point for major Fort Lauderdale events that take place on the water, most notably the annual Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade.
Location and Contact Information
