The restaurants in the Stuart area are sure to delight your palate with their mouthwatering offerings. Locals and discerning food enthusiasts have the inside scoop on the best culinary treasures and exclusive dining discounts. Don’t miss the chance to explore these delightful and budget-friendly Stuart restaurants in person; your taste buds will thank you!
The Sailor's Return Happy Hour
Sailor's Return is where the north and south forks of the St. Lucie River converge. Enjoy riverfront sunsets and views of Sunset Bay Marina. The historic Old Roosevelt Bridge waits for its next "draw" within just a few feet of the canopied bandstand, dance floor, and bar.
With a formal dining area for more intimate dinners and the inside bar's ambiance, Sailor's Returns' fantastic upbeat atmosphere is a great way to spend the evening or a spectacular afternoon. Great live music Happy Hour at both bars from 3:30 pm -7 pm with $5 drink specials and delicious appetizers for under $8. My favorite is the gourmet flatbread of the day, with locally famous Mrs. Peter's Smokehouse fish dip!
Conchy Joe's
Enjoy live music, a waterfront bar, and a restaurant at Conchy Joe's Seafood in Jensen Beach. Located directly on the Indian River Lagoon, there's lots to love. Listen to the sounds of local musicians Thursday through Monday while enjoying homemade, delicious conch chowder, calamari, raw bar, or delicious fresh-caught (never frozen) fish. The full-service menu also includes salads and burgers. The wood-burning grill gives a special flavor to filet mignon, NY strip, and chicken dishes.
With "old Florida" charm and atmosphere, enjoy the most exotic of island drinks too! The happy hour menu and drinks are available daily from 3-6 pm for significant savings. With an extensive kid's menu, bring the entire family for a great time.
Jan's Place
There are many Stuart area restaurants to choose from. Just across from the Indian River Lagoon, Jan's Place is an old slice of Americana. Jan's has delicious breakfasts with a great atmosphere and juicy handmade burgers. The portions are enormous! Jan's is in Jensen Beach, where pineapples were grown in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. By the early 1900s, John Laurence Jensen shipped over a million boxes of delicious fruit every June through July. The town of Jensen Beach was born, and the "Pineapple Capitol of the World" became its tag.
Basil Garden of Palm City
The best Thai cuisine on the Treasure Coast, Basil Garden in Palm City, offers a complete Thai menu, so the options are many. Located just over the Old Palm City Bridge on the right, Lucky (owner) will help you choose if you have too many choices. She and her staff can create unique dishes for everyone's palate. Basil Garden has the best peanut sauce I've ever eaten. The cucumber sauce is my personal favorite. Dessert is an extra special treat.
Dolphin Bar and Shrimp House - A Little Background - The Story Behind the Story
The Dolphin Bar and Shrimp House have terrific happy hour discounts on drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and a spectacular view. It's also home to a fantastic story. Many years ago, I had the good fortune of caring for Ralph Evinrude (yes, that Evinrude). I was a Respiratory Therapist, and he was charming and delightful. He taught me how to view life's shortcomings with acceptance and love.
He married movie star and WWII entertainer Francis Langford in 1955, and they settled on the St. Lucie River, just off Palmer St at the north end of Sewall's Point (now Langford's Landing). It was close to his Evinrude motor testing facilities. On the Indian River Lagoon, they built the restaurant and called it Francis Langford's Outrigger Resort. There were even rooms to rent on the lagoon. For many years, it's been a local treasure with great food, beautiful views, and a shrine to his bride.
The great works Francis Langford so dedicatedly gave to her country during the war years are apparent. Singing in Bob Hope's USO shows and starring in over 35 movies, she became an icon. She was just as sweet in real life as she looks here.
Although the name Frances Langford's Outrigger is now gone from the marquis, you'll see Ralph and Frances's history at the Dolphin. See their sweet love affair, or visit the exhibit of her works at the Elliott Museum on Hutchinson Island. With an expansive restaurant, several bars, and great views of the Indian River Lagoon, happy hour drinks and appetizers are a local favorite. The Dolphin also provides delicious catering with a pleasant and professional wait staff.
2 Georges Bar & Grille
Nestled in the Manatee Pocket, a protected cove in the fishing village of Port Salerno, 2 Georges Bar & Grille bustles with nightlife, live entertainment daily, and discounts. Happy hour from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm includes money off on mixed drinks, special house wine, beer deals, and $5 "bar bites."
Florentino's
Stuart area restaurant discounts are all over the menu at Florentino's Italian Restaurant in Stuart. With savory Italian aromas seeping into the dining room from the kitchen, my mouth starts watering when I walk through the door. The best chop steak and fries in the county are whipped up by Tino (owner and chef). He also makes the best clams linguine (I like the angel hair) in a white sauce you've ever had. Daily 2-for-1 specials abound on this complete menu.
Fujiama Hibachi
Authentic Japanese cuisine that's fresh, healthy, and delicious, it's always a performance. Excellent scallops, filet mignon, sushi, shrimp, and more, with great chefs to dazzle everyone on table-side Hibachi grills with three locations to choose from Stuart, Vero Beach, and Melbourne.
Watch the very end! I wasn't expecting that!
The Black Marlin
Located in the center of downtown Stuart, The Black Marlin has $5, $6, and $7 appetizers and two-for-one drinks from 4 pm to 6 pm Mon-Sat. It's a delicious reason to stop in. The menu includes Bam Bam shrimp, grilled portabella caprese, and fried calamari, among other great dishes. Enjoy a warm, inviting atmosphere and great food with downtown Stuart at your fingertips. Shop, take in a play at the Lyric Theatre, or perhaps a stroll down the boardwalk on the St. Lucie River. All are just steps away.
Diamond Tearoom and Bistro
For a unique experience, check out the Diamond Tea Room and Bistro. Terry outdoes herself with a killer menu if you plan a baby shower, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, birthday, or engagement party. From Boston lobster cakes to risotto funghi, there's deliciousness throughout the menu.
They offer chicken pot pie, Queen Margaretta flatbread, gazpacho, salmon, and lots more. Terry's soups, salads and chowders, stews, and amazing desserts help round out a complete menu. Terry's high tea and lecture series is a delight. Catering (including private catering) is available as well. Located on A1A in Stuart, it's easily accessible and a real treat.
11 Maple Street
Locally known for offering the finest, most delicious cuisines, 11 Maple Street is a Jensen Beach icon. Their famous elk tenderloin, pan-fried Caicos conch, and wood-grilled Spanish octopus are delicious. The rare seared Wahoo sushi comes with quail egg salad and date jalapeno salsa.
For more information on these beautiful restaurants and others, contact Mona Leonard at www.monaleonard.com, your Treasure Coast Insider blogger, or call 772-530-6131.