Poll - Where is the Best Place to Eat & Watch Cruise Ships Sail Away

[ahain]

Looking for recommendations for the combined best place to eat AND best place to watch cruise ships sail away at Port Canaveral. I've heard of Grills, Fishlips & Rusty's, but would love to hear the pros & cons for each - or others if there's someplace even better!
Thanks in advance!

 

[Weedy]

Best view is Milliken’s Reef.
Not my favorite place to eat. But the ship usually leaves 4:00-4:30 so we have a drink and watch the ship leave and then go get dinner elsewhere.



On the weekends they have a band and there is a big sandy area where the kids can play.

 

[dcassetta]

Pack a picnic and watch from Jetty Park!

 

[ahain]

Best view is Milliken’s Reef.
Not my favorite place to eat. But the ship usually leaves 4:00-4:30 so we have a drink and watch the ship leave and then go get dinner elsewhere.

View attachment 282383 View attachment 282385

On the weekends they have a band and there is a big sandy area where the kids can play.

View attachment 282388

So do they have "bar food" - Burgers, appetizers, etc?

 

[mmouse37]

We usually go to Grill's but have also been to Rusty's and Fishlips. Out of those 3 I would compare them equally. They all have the same view of the ships coming down the channel and I think the food is comparable to each other.

MJ

 

[Weedy]

So do they have "bar food" - Burgers, appetizers, etc?

http://millikensreef.com/menu/

 

[slindamood]

We have tried Grill's, Fishlips and Rusty's and prefer Rusty's. The horn generally sounds at that point and we can sit right next to the rail. I like their grilled fish specials.

 

[Otimon]

A big vote for Grills here.

 

[DCLCrazy64622]

None of these. Jetty park for sure is far better.

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

I'm a Millkens Reef fan, don't like the food at the other 3. Nice atmosphere, good food and the closest area to see the ships.

 

[jkburns]

If I may:

I strongly prefer Deck 11, starboard side.

 

[ahain]

If I may:

I strongly prefer Deck 11, starboard side.

Good point!

 

[volfan1978]

My family really liked Fishlips. I had the coconut shrimp and it was probably my favorite non-Palo meal of the entire vacation. Wifey liked the fish n chips, and the kids menu is reasonably priced.

 

[lds0191]

Isn't there a $15.00 charge to get to Jetty Park?

 

[dcassetta]

Isn't there a $15.00 charge to get to Jetty Park?

There is a $15 parking fee. But, I would guess the restaurants don't let people sit on the patio for free, so less than a restaurant meal.

 

[phinz]

http://millikensreef.com/menu/

We really enjoy Milliken's Reef.

 

[Weedy]

There is a $15 parking fee. But, I would guess the restaurants don't let people sit on the patio for free, so less than a restaurant meal.

There is a public boat ramp right before the entrance of Jetty Park. Nice area, restrooms no charge.

 

[lds0191]

There is a public boat ramp right before the entrance of Jetty Park. Nice area, restrooms no charge.

View attachment 282615

I had no idea. Thanks for the info! Btw, there is a small area (nothing fancy) next to Milligan's with a couple of benches/tables where you can sit and watch the ships leave.There is also a place to park.

 

[Capt_BJ]

if you ask 100 locals you will find 25 votes for each of Mil', Fishlips, Rusty's and Grills.* They are more alike than different. Mil' is the most expensive and western most. Grills is the most eastern and you may be in the shadow of a ship at terminal one. I prefer Grills food but it is subjective .... none of these is 'bad', nor is any outstanding.

when they have it I like to have lionfish .... it is an invasive species and Grills supports efforts to eradicate by purchasing lionfish caught and serving .... it is very tasty and perfectly safe to eat.

http://www.grillsseafood.com/lionfish-invasion/

cleaned and cooked whole with an oriental glaze the meat falls off the bones. Served as an app' or a meal ... when available

p.s. because of its western location you won't see much of a ship leaving terminal one from Millikan's ..... from T-1 a ship will turn around 'right there' (middle turning basin) and proceed east out of the port. For ships at T-1, Grills has the best view . . .

* footnote: amend to say 100 locals who have actually eaten at ANYPLACE in the port and to that I'd add: many have eaten at ONE place and that became their favorite .... what you want to find is 100 who've eaten at all 4 (and there are actually more than 4 places as well ..... complications abound!!)

 

[phinz]

* footnote: amend to say 100 locals who have actually eaten at ANYPLACE in the port and to that I'd add: many have eaten at ONE place and that became their favorite .... what you want to find is 100 who've eaten at all 4 (and there are actually more than 4 places as well ..... complications abound!!)

Given my druthers, I'll eat at Seafood Atlantic every time (and I've eaten at all the majors, plus Seafood Atlantic). They may not offer a spectacular view of the ships leaving, but the food is the best I've found, or was last time I stayed in PC. Unfortunately, they appear to have gone to lunch only, W-Su, so have a great meal there, then wander down to one of the others for drinks and sailaway.