Review: Dining at waterfront restaurant in marina is like being on staycation in paradise

Lucie Regensdorf
·3 min read

Have you ever needed a vacation but couldn’t get away? We Treasure Coast residents are very lucky to live in a tropical paradise others love to visit. We have water, beaches, boating and sunshine — so why should we ever leave home?

When I crave a getaway, I try to find a restaurant that will take me there. Being on the water is definitely a plus.

Skippers Cove Bar & Grill in Fort Pierce is that kind of place. It has a “life is good” kind of vibe, which is definitely how I want to feel on vacation. The tropical-styled, shoreside restaurant has taken over the space previously occupied by Harborcove Seafood Bar & Grill at The Safe Harbor Harbortown Marina.

All things food: New restaurants, reviews, inspections & best bets

At Skippers Cove Bar & Grill in Fort Pierce, all dining is al fresco, but the bar and dining area are undercover and cooled by fans.
At Skippers Cove Bar & Grill in Fort Pierce, all dining is al fresco, but the bar and dining area are undercover and cooled by fans.

To get to the restaurant, you have to meander through the marina. Pause midway and buy a yacht, if you wish; otherwise, follow the “restaurant” signs to the cheerful, brightly painted building at the end.

All dining is al fresco with vibrant-colored, high-top tables and stools on the deck under light blue umbrellas. The bar and dining area are undercover and cooled by fans.

The marina is filled with beautiful sail and motor yachts that stimulated our fantasies of a boating vacation. As we walked to the restaurant, we commented on the heat, but once seated we were comfortable. Two glasses of water filled with ice and served immediately were appreciated, as were the icy cold glasses into which our cold white wine was served. A nice touch.

The lunch menu was large with appetizers such as wings, nachos, jerk shrimp and tuna eggrolls. Rounding out the entrée portion of the menu were fish and chips, scallops, mussels, New York strip steak, teriyaki tuna bowl, salads, sandwiches, sliders, tacos and quesadillas — just to name a few.

We started our lunch with fried mushrooms ($8). Lightly hand-breaded button mushrooms were fried and served hot with a side of ranch-style dressing. A perfect start.

At Skippers Cove Bar & Grill in Fort Pierce, the six pieces of coconut shrimp were coated in breading and coconut flakes and then deep fried. The rich, sweet dipping sauce was a combination of orange marmalade and Grand Marnier.
At Skippers Cove Bar & Grill in Fort Pierce, the six pieces of coconut shrimp were coated in breading and coconut flakes and then deep fried. The rich, sweet dipping sauce was a combination of orange marmalade and Grand Marnier.

My lunch companion ordered the coconut shrimp platter ($25), which was excellent. There is nothing more tropical and vacation-like than coconut. The six pieces of large shrimp were coated in breading and coconut flakes and then deep fried. The dipping sauce — a combination of orange marmalade and Grand Marnier — was rich, sweet and a perfect accompaniment to the crispy shrimp. Sweet potato fries harmonized with the other flavors on her plate.

I ordered avocado mahi ($24), which our waitress, Christina, said was her favorite item on the menu. It might be mine too. The dish was a beautifully grilled piece of tender, flaky fish over black beans and rice and topped with pico de gallo and one-half of an avocado. The textures and flavors were direct and perfect. The fresh avocado was perfectly ripe and lent a creaminess to each bite of fish without competing for attention as guacamole would. A lemon or lime wedge would have been a good addition served as a garnish and flavor enhancer.

Take a drive (or a boat) to Skippers Cove Bar & Grill for a taste of a getaway and waterfront vacation. This great little spot is served by very friendly folks who are calmly but efficiently helpful. The waitress knew the menu well and the food was served quick and hot.

Sit on the patio and gaze at the boats and the beautiful Indian River Lagoon while sipping a cold tropical drink. The menu is full of goodies to nibble while listening to music nightly and weekend days. Life is good on vacation.

Skippers Cove Bar & Grill

Lucie Regensdorf dines anonymously at the expense of TCPalm for #WhatToDoIn772. Contact her at Lucie@theloveofcooking.com

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Review: Skippers Cove Bar & Grill in Fort Pierce is in marina