Dining in Vero Beach

[Paul in CT]

We recently stayed at VB DVC for a couple of nights in early August and found a new (for us) and excellent restaurant in Vero Beach called the Riverside Cafe. It is a seafood restaurant and has a great view of the sunset. In fact, at sunset they ring a bell and everyone "slows down" to watch it. Apparently, this is a tradition in Key West and they try to continue it here. The bell was broken the evening we were there, but we had an outstanding view through the windows.

More importantly, the food was excellent, especially the Conch fritters appetizer (better than Olivia's ) I had the grouper, my DW had the crab cakes and our friends had the Mahi Mahi. We tried the Key Lime pie. It was OK, but I don't think it was really Key Lime. They also had live entertainment and a bar, but we chose to dine in the other room where it was quieter since we wanted to talk to our friends who had recently moved to the area.

We also dined at Capt. Hiram's again. It it a fun experience with tables by the water, but no A/C. That was tough for me, but no one else seemed to mind. There were quite a few "senior citizens" dancing up a storm to live 3 person group right next to us. I think this place has a real local clientele. While we were dining a boat arrived to drop off a wedding party for their reception.

The Green Cabin Room at VB DVC is still one of our favorite places to have a drink out on the "porch" with the sound of waves crashing in the distance. The bugs weren't too bad.

BTW, there's a terrific WalMart Supercenter just a few miles north of Capt. Hiram's. We picked up some supplies for our 1 BR after dinner.

 

[PamOKW]

Thanks for the suggestions, Paul. I recently read a review of the Riverside Cafe and it sounded interesting. Glad to hear a first-hand report.

 

[Dean]

Thanks for posting, haven't tried it. Your info about Conch fritters brings up a funny story. We were there a few years ago and too my mon and step father to Jack Baker's Lobster Shanty. We just dropped them off and came back later and picked them up. My mom kept mispronouncing the conch fritters in a most funny and provacative way that would make South Carolina fans proud. We still laugh about that at least every few months.

 

[Paul in CT]

Pam, we will definitely try the Riverside Cafe again on our next visit to OKW. We missed the Black Pearl this time because we wanted to try a new place, but that one is also a favorite.

We had only one meal at VB DVC this time - breakfast at Shutters. The Mickey waffle was great, but don't try the corned beef hash. I think they got it from a can. It was awful.

Dean, I can only guess how your Mom pronounces "Conch Fritters". LOL