Tucked along the edge of Port Canaveral in Cape Canaveral, Florida, Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill has built a loyal following among locals and cruise travelers alike. With a 4.5-star rating from nearly 9,000 reviews, this nautical-themed spot is famous for fresh seafood, stunning harbor views, and one dish that keeps people talking: the coconut shrimp.
Whether you’re stopping in before boarding a cruise ship or just looking for a great meal by the water, Fishlips delivers big on flavor, atmosphere, and fun. Read on to discover everything that makes this Port Canaveral gem a must-visit destination.
Casual Dining by the Port
Perched right at 610 Glen Cheek Drive in Cape Canaveral, Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill sits close enough to the Port Canaveral cruise terminals that you can practically wave goodbye to the ships from your table. Since opening in the early 2000s, it has welcomed a steady stream of both locals and tourists looking for a laid-back seafood meal with a view that money can’t buy.
The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, so whether you want air conditioning or salty sea air, there’s a spot for you. The real showstopper is the upstairs sun deck with a tiki bar, where you can sip a cold drink while massive cruise liners glide past like floating cities.
That mix of casual vibes and spectacular scenery is exactly why so many guests come back again and again.
Operating hours run from 11 AM most weekdays, with Sunday brunch starting at 10 AM. Prices average around $30 per person, which feels fair given the quality and the unforgettable backdrop.
Call ahead at 321-784-4533 or check fishlipswaterfront.com for the latest specials and events.
Kicking Off with Appetizers
Few things set the tone for a great meal like a table full of shareable starters, and Fishlips absolutely nails this part of the experience. The conch fritters arrive golden and crackling, each bite delivering a pop of ocean flavor that tastes like it was pulled straight from the sea that morning.
Pass them around the table, because nobody should have to keep these to themselves.
Calamari is another crowd-pleaser here, with rings that are tender on the inside and satisfyingly crispy outside. But the bang bang shrimp tacos, mentioned enthusiastically in multiple guest reviews, steal the spotlight with their spicy-sweet sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp tucked into soft tortillas.
One reviewer even spotted dolphins swimming nearby while enjoying them on the outdoor patio, which honestly sounds like a perfect moment.
Deep-fried mushrooms are also worth ordering, according to regulars who swear by them as a hidden gem on the appetizer list. Starting your meal with a mix of two or three of these starters is a smart move, especially if you’re with a group.
The portions are generous enough to share without leaving anyone hungry before the main event arrives.
The Famous Coconut Shrimp
Ask almost anyone who has eaten at Fishlips what they ordered, and there’s a solid chance coconut shrimp comes up immediately. Priced around $16, the dish features jumbo shrimp coated in a thick layer of shredded coconut that fries up into a gorgeous golden crust.
The moment your teeth break through that shell, a warm tropical sweetness hits you that feels almost like a mini vacation in every bite.
The dipping sauce that comes alongside adds a tangy contrast, balancing the richness of the coconut coating with a bright, slightly citrusy kick. What makes this dish stand out from similar versions at other restaurants is the consistency, reviewers rave about it being perfectly cooked each time, never greasy or soggy.
That’s not an easy thing to pull off with fried seafood, and it says a lot about the kitchen’s attention to detail.
Pair the coconut shrimp with a harbor view and a tropical cocktail, and you’ve got yourself a Florida memory worth bragging about. It’s the kind of dish that earns its reputation honestly, through real flavor rather than clever marketing.
If you only order one thing at Fishlips, make it this one without hesitation.
Warming Up with Soups and Salads
Sometimes you want something warm and soothing before jumping into a full entree, and Fishlips has exactly that covered. The lobster bisque has earned genuine praise from guests, with one reviewer calling it amazing while raving about the seafood aroma that rises from the bowl the moment it lands on the table.
It’s thick, creamy, and rich in a way that feels like a warm hug on a breezy evening by the water.
Clam chowder is another standout, and it’s notable that a group of self-described Bostonians, who are notoriously hard to impress when it comes to chowder, gave it a thumbs up. That’s practically a gold medal in the soup world.
The chowder is hearty without being overwhelming, making it a great choice if you want something filling but still light enough to leave room for dessert.
Fresh salads round out this section of the menu nicely, using local produce to keep things crisp and seasonal. For lighter appetites or those who want a balanced meal, pairing a salad with a cup of bisque is a genuinely satisfying combination.
These options are especially popular on cooler Florida evenings when the outdoor breeze adds to the cozy feeling.
Hearty Seafood Plates That Deliver
The entree menu at Fishlips reads like a love letter to Florida’s coastal waters. Mahi mahi, snapper oscar, fish and chips, and coconut crusted grouper are among the stars of the show, each dish built around fresh catches that reflect what the region does best.
One reviewer raved that the fish and chips were amazing, while another praised the mahi tacos for their bold, well-seasoned flavor.
The coconut crusted grouper deserves special attention because it creates a satisfying thread of flavor that runs through the whole meal, echoing the famous coconut shrimp appetizer. The fish is tender and flaky with a subtle tropical note in the crust, and the kitchen’s ability to keep it moist while achieving that golden exterior shows real skill.
Blackening is available as a customization option for those who like a spicy, smoky edge to their seafood.
Portion sizes across the board are described as generous, which reviewers consistently appreciate given the price point. The crab-stuffed porterhouse mentioned by one enthusiastic guest sounds like an adventurous choice that bridges land and sea in a bold, satisfying way.
Whatever you pick, the kitchen’s commitment to freshness makes each plate feel worth every dollar spent.
Grabbing Sandwiches and Burgers
Not every meal needs to be a formal affair, and Fishlips gets that completely. The sandwich and burger section of the menu is built for people who want something hearty, handheld, and satisfying without overthinking it.
The mahi mahi sandwich is a standout, featuring grilled fish that’s fresh and flavorful, tucked between a soft bun with toppings that add just enough brightness to cut through the richness.
Burgers at Fishlips are no afterthought either. The Mac and cheese burger, mentioned by a reviewer who called it an interesting but decent choice, shows that the kitchen isn’t afraid to get creative with comfort food mashups.
Juicy patties, melty cheese, and creative toppings make these a solid pick for anyone in the group who prefers land-based proteins over seafood.
Sides like crispy fries and onion rings, which one guest specifically praised for their great texture and flavor, round out these meals perfectly. Eating outdoors with a sandwich in hand and the harbor breeze blowing through makes the whole experience feel effortlessly fun.
It’s the kind of casual, satisfying lunch that leaves you energized and ready to explore the rest of what Port Canaveral has to offer.
Sipping Cocktails and Beers
Fishlips takes its drink menu just as seriously as its food, and that’s saying something. The bar features a rotating selection of craft beers on tap, wines, and a cocktail list that leans into Florida’s tropical personality with enthusiasm.
Some cocktails even come in souvenir glasses, which is a fun bonus that gives you something to take home besides good memories.
The Lime in the Coconut is one of the more playfully named drinks on the menu, blending citrus and coconut in a way that feels perfectly on-brand for a place famous for its coconut shrimp. Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 PM, making it an excellent window to grab a seat on the outdoor deck and watch the cruise ships begin their evening departures.
Several reviewers mentioned that live music events take the atmosphere up another notch entirely.
Mocktails are also available for those skipping alcohol, and one reviewer specifically called them out as a highlight, which is a thoughtful touch that not every waterfront bar bothers with. Whether you’re sipping a citrusy cocktail or a cold local brew, doing it while watching boats drift past in the golden afternoon light is genuinely hard to beat.
The bar at Fishlips earns its own spotlight.
Indulging in Desserts
Ending a meal at Fishlips on a sweet note is practically a requirement, and the dessert menu makes it easy to follow through. Key lime pie is the Florida classic that shows up most often in guest conversations, and for good reason.
That tart, creamy filling against a buttery graham cracker crust is the kind of dessert that makes you pause mid-bite to appreciate how good it is.
Other house-made treats round out the dessert selection, and one reviewer described the challenge of choosing between options as genuinely difficult, which is a great problem to have. Sharing a dessert or two at the table after a big seafood meal is the move, letting everyone sample different flavors without committing to a full portion solo.
The communal nature of it fits perfectly with the relaxed, social vibe of the restaurant.
For a group that just spent the evening watching cruise ships and swapping stories, finishing with something sweet ties the whole experience together in the best way. Key lime pie in particular evokes Florida’s citrus heritage in every forkful, making it feel less like a dessert and more like a small celebration of the place you’re in.
Save room, because skipping dessert here would be a genuine mistake.
Relaxing on the Decks
One of the biggest draws at Fishlips isn’t even on the menu. It’s the view.
The multi-level setup gives diners a choice between a covered patio on the lower level and an open-air upstairs deck that puts you practically eye-level with the action on the water. On clear days, the sightlines stretch far enough to catch rocket launches from nearby Kennedy Space Center, which is the kind of bonus that you simply can’t plan for but absolutely love when it happens.
Cruise ships are the main attraction for most guests, and timing your visit around 3:30 PM on a Saturday or Sunday means you’ll likely catch at least one massive liner making its grand exit from the port. Multiple reviewers described the experience of watching ships glide by during dinner as genuinely magical, with the scale of the vessels creating a dramatic contrast against the open sky and calm water below.
Even without ships or rockets in view, the outdoor seating at Fishlips delivers. The gentle movement of smaller boats, the sound of water lapping at the docks, and Florida’s famously warm light in the late afternoon all combine to create an atmosphere that feels relaxed and alive at the same time.
Outdoor fans are available on hot days, which is a thoughtful touch.
Planning Your Visit: Tips for Getting There and Making the Most of It
Getting to Fishlips from Orlando takes roughly 45 minutes by car, making it an easy day trip or a smart pre-cruise stop. Head east on SR-528 toward Cape Canaveral, and you’ll find 610 Glen Cheek Drive right near the cruise terminals.
A free parking lot sits close to the entrance, so you won’t need to stress about finding a spot after the drive.
Evenings are widely considered the best time to visit, especially if you want to catch the golden light over the harbor and watch ships depart. That said, Sunday brunch starting at 10 AM has its own loyal fan base, with eggs Benedict and morning cocktails drawing early crowds.
Fishlips does not take reservations, so showing up during peak cruise season might mean a short wait, though multiple reviewers noted the wait was surprisingly manageable even during busy periods.
While you’re in the area, Jetty Park Beach is a short drive away and great for fishing, picnics, or watching rocket launches up close. Cocoa Beach Pier and Kennedy Space Center are also within easy reach, making Port Canaveral a full day’s worth of adventure.
Check fishlipswaterfront.com or call 321-784-4533 to confirm hours and any special events before heading out.