Quick: name the first three things you think of when you hear “Melbourne, FL.” Beaches and space launches, sure. Retirees, yes. But if your food-centric guesses start and end with chain restaurants, well … we’ve got some work to do.
Cadillac Cove
$ | (321) 421-7080 | WEBSITE
If beachside restaurants could have astrological signs, Cadillac Cove would be Leo. That’s because this Satellite Beach spot has two very distinct sides: a lively, come-as-you-are bar with burgers and happy hour deals, and a spacious dining area that’s serving some of the best and most satisfying comfort food in Melbourne. While the menu offers variety, you can count on a straightforward style of cooking that’s hearty without being fussy.
The service is typical of similar casual spots—friendly, but not annoyingly overbearing—but at Cadillac Cove, they sometimes even let people bring their own records and play them during karaoke nights. We also love that you can skip the full meal altogether and grab a stool at the tiki hut outside if you just want some of the neighborhood’s best cheese curds.
Malabar Mo’s Bar & Grill
$ | (321) 327-3118 | WEBSITE
Do you know what you’re doing this weekend? Us either. But the answer should be heading to Malabar Mo’s Bar & Grill, a lively and sometimes unpredictable spot in Melbourne that serves up great bar food with local flair. It’s run by a chef who greets guests personally, so it’s no surprise that something as simple as a perfectly cooked skirt steak or a flavorful scampi Mahi can make you forget any worries.
The exact service experience on any given visit might vary, but here’s our general advice: Go with the flow. There’ll likely be moments that are easy to appreciate, like the outstanding care from Jasmin(e) during your meal, amazing drinks that hit the spot, or a cheeky nod to the local vibe with live music that keeps things buzzing.
Ichabod’s Dockside Bar & Grille
$$ | (321) 952-9532 | WEBSITE
People (cough cough, food critics, cough cough) love to describe just about any waterfront spot with a few picnic tables and a kick-your-feet-up kind of vibe as a “dockside escape.” And that’s just what we’re about to do. Because Ichabod’s Dockside Bar & Grille, a Melbourne spot serving classic bar-and-grill fare, actually is a dockside escape. And it’s a hell of a good one.
The space is effortlessly rustic yet approachable, the pacing of the drinks and conversation feels natural, and the food stands out in Florida’s sea of seafood shacks. The meal kicks off with the clam chowder, a rockin’ dish that’s a local favorite, and then winds its way through apps like calamari and main courses that might include a charbroiled bourbon teriyaki burger or a Caesar salad.
The final touch is always the scenery, using a view that Mother Earth herself took a few million years to perfect.
Lou’s Blues Bar & Grill
$ | (321) 779-2299 | WEBSITE
It’s always been difficult to find any fault with Lou’s Blues Bar & Grill. The legendary beachfront location has been one of our highest-rated spots, but recent visits pushed it over the threshold—now, it’s the highest-rated bar and grill in Melbourne. The lively entertainment powerhouse recently got a makeover so fantastic you’d think it just left a bad relationship, and the food has ascended to near untouchable heights.
It’s serious—there’s a Mahi sandwich that’s perfectly grilled and served with blue cheese chips drizzled with balsamic glaze, but at the same time playful (in that same meal, the mango margarita comes in a souvenir cup that’s almost too fun to drink from). But more than anything, everything you eat will be satisfying and downright delicious.
Haru Sushi Bar & Grill
$$$ | (321) 725-6100 | WEBSITE
In the world of Melbourne sushi spots, few have mastered the formula of top-notch fish + lively atmosphere + attentive service like Haru Sushi Bar & Grill. We’ve been here in the early evening to sample toro sashimi specials at the sushi bar, reveling in a space that fulfills that middle ground between intimate dining and vibrant nightlife. We’ve stopped by for a spirited dinner full of Casanova rolls and live jazz in the second dining area.
And when we’ve been disappointed in sushi at other restaurants in the area, we’ve come here for a redo with the highly flavorful offerings and a glass of sake from the full bar. This is a multi-tool hangout that’s primed to be your spot for years to come.
Chumley’s Depot
$ | (321) 208-5766 | WEBSITE
Mention Chumley’s Depot to anybody who lives in Melbourne and their response will either be: “I’ve been dying to get over there,” or “You got the Marcus sauce wings, right?” Even a couple years after opening, it’s still a buzzy spot with equally buzzy wings. And those wings, with a generous coating of that signature Marcus sauce on top of crispy fried skin, are a good representation of the menu: straightforward and consistently delicious bar food that you can’t find anywhere else in the city.
Chumley’s Depot isn’t just a one-hit wonder, though. It’s the rare hybrid of a bar that’s fun and reliable for any occasion—lively and welcoming, all at the same time.
Copper Chimney Grill And Bar
$ | (321) 499-4977 | WEBSITE
Copper Chimney Grill And Bar recently landed in Palm Bay, and it’s our pick for the best bar and grill in the Melbourne area right now. Highlights include devastatingly tasty nachos, perfectly made pretzel appetizers, and the frequently sold-out burgers—a masterful rendition of juicy, well-seasoned patties. The flavor-packed menu items, like the crispy French fries, authentic Indian dishes, and delicious Thai options, are equally worthwhile.
The cozy, lively location is decorated with neighborhood bar memorabilia that teeters on the edge of “way too much.” We’re talking pool tables, live band posters, trivia night boards, and a karaoke machine you can belt into for free. Eat inside at one of the spacious tables or head out when it isn’t too late, since the kitchen closes earlier than some would like.
The family-friendly spot, with its fun atmosphere and excellent service from staff like Keeley, makes it a great place for date nights or outings with kids, all while keeping the drinks full and the vibe welcoming.
Frigate’s Waterfront Bar & Grill – Melbourne
$$ | (321) 306-3800 | WEBSITE
It’s impossible to use restraint when talking about Frigate’s Waterfront Bar & Grill, a waterfront spot in Melbourne, Florida. Seriously, this review could just be a voice note of us shouting “Whole snapper! Blackened chicken mac n cheese!” and the rest of the menu items. But alas, we’ll control ourselves. Restraint is just not the natural response when dish after dish on the menu is so satisfying and checks all the boxes for a dream meal by the water. Nice fresh seafood?
Enter the whole snapper with its perfect preparation. Something hearty to comfort us? Hello, blackened chicken mac n cheese that many visitors get every single time. One does not casually discuss this restaurant in civilized conversation.
You loudly banter back and forth like overly passionate football fans at a tailgate, especially when sitting outdoors right on the river surrounded by palm trees, with fans for hot days and heaters for chilly evenings, all while enjoying the lively atmosphere and excellent service.
Sand on the Beach
$ | (321) 327-8951 | WEBSITE
When it comes to beachside dining, it’s hard to find a more casual spot than Sand on the Beach in Melbourne. After a day in the sun, it delivers the same stunning ocean views and beach-themed atmosphere that hit the spot for a relaxed family outing. Our go-to picks are the crafted cocktails, which are quite perfect, and the service, which is often praised as being on point. And no visit is complete without taking in that perfect weather from the patio.
Sand on the Beach is the spot for a casual meal after building sandcastles with the kids, or after strolling the shoreline to find the right seashell for that craft project. In both scenarios, you’ll feel right at home with the mix of sun-kissed families, flip-flop-wearing tourists, and laid-back locals soaking up the ambiance at one of the weathered wooden tables.
BB’s Beach Bar
$$ | (321) 984-0516 | WEBSITE
BB’s Beach Bar is Melbourne’s most beloved beachfront spot, and it’s been serving locals and visitors for years with its signature coastal charm. The concept is a celebration of Florida’s seaside lifestyle, and the food follows suit with dishes highlighting fresh ocean ingredients and casual staples. This is a laid-back haven for beach dining, and a place that never disappoints for a sunny day out. The menu stays true to its roots, but you’ll always find seafood and flavors native to the coast.
Think: perfectly crisp shrimp tacos and creamy burrata made with local dairy, ahi tuna tower from day-boat catches, and drinks that make quick work of the tropical-tasting mango margarita.
The Salty Fox
$ | (321) 425-5453 | WEBSITE
There are a ton of bar names you might recognize in Melbourne—but our top pick in the city right now comes from a downtown spot that’s only gotten better with time. The Salty Fox doesn’t do fancy cocktails, but we’ll forgive them, as they’ve perfected the laid-back-to-lively ratio on the atmosphere, resulting in a nice casual vibe. Plus, the ramen deserves its own fan club—this perfectly seasoned and simmered bowl is straight-up brimming with rich broth, tender noodles, and savory toppings.
In terms of service, it’s pretty friendly and knowledgeable, thanks to its excellent bartenders and the lack of pretension you find at other places. The Salty Fox also gets big bonus points for being able to grab a pudding shot and play pool or karaoke, all in one quaint and clean space.
