If your idea of the perfect Florida date night includes water views, boats drifting by, and a menu that leans beachy without feeling kitschy, Tiki Docks should be on your radar. Located about an hour from Orlando, this waterfront restaurant sits on the Intracoastal Waterway rather than directly on the beach, which gives it a calm coastal energy that works especially well for couples.
It's a drive away from Orlando, but I place it among my favorite Central Florida waterfront restaurants.
A Florida Waterfront Restaurant on the Intracoastal
Tiki Docks Port Orange is positioned along the Intracoastal, next to a marina where boats come and go. That setting alone sets it apart from many Central Florida spots. You still get the salt-air, coastal feeling, but with steady water views instead of crashing waves and crowded beach access. When we first walked in, I immediately felt at home. As a Florida native, it is in my DNA that I must be near the water every few weeks or I get antsy.
This location also marks the brand’s first outpost on Florida’s nearby Atlantic coast, expanding from its Tampa Bay origins. I have long included Tiki Docks among the fun tiki bars and tropical spots in Tampa Bay. The result feels intentional and well-suited to Port Orange’s laid-back waterfront scene.
Two Levels and Prime Water Views
The building itself is part of the experience. Tiki Docks features a two-level layout with bars and dining tables on both floors, so there is no bad seat in the house. We opted for the upstairs level, which delivers a rooftop-style perspective overlooking the water, the bridge, and the marina below.
It is ideal people watching and soaking in the Florida evening as boats glide past. And the bars have TVs for monitoring any sports event that might be on your radar.
Beachy Drinks
One of the biggest date-night wins here is the drink menu. These are not afterthoughts, and a big focal point to lean into the beach bar vibes.
My husband and I were pleased to see a variety of mocktail options, but fear not if you want the full strength there are plenty of special beverages with a variety of spirits. The mango margarita mocktail is served frozen and blended, sweet and refreshing, with a Tajín rim that adds balance and a little bite.
The painkiller mocktail leans into classic tiki flavors, blending coconut and citrus and finished with a light dusting of nutmeg. It is exactly the kind of drink you want when you are pretending you have nowhere else to be. Mocktails run about $8.50, full strength drinks are about $15-$16.
Seafood and Beachy Eats
The menu focuses on beach and Florida flavors. You're not coming here for unfortable cuisine, but rather the vibes and the location. Overall, my husband and I were satisfied with our meals (not blown away, but it certainly scratched an itch).
The grouper tacos featured well-cooked fish that was clearly the highlight of the dish. The tacos themselves were slightly smaller than expected and dressed generously, but the quality of the grouper carried it. The rice and beans on the side were a bit watery, though still a decent complement, especially if you are keeping an eye on protein and fiber balance.
The mojo pork dinner was generous and satisfying, making it a solid choice if you are hungry after the drive up from Orlando. Most entrees are around $20 – $30.
Comfort Food Desserts
Dessert sealed the experience. The strawberry pie cake immediately caught our attention by name alone, and it delivered. Light, moist strawberry cake layered with strawberry frosting is topped with a glossy strawberry pie-style glaze. The flavor instantly brought back memories of homemade strawberry pies, the kind made in my grandmother’s kitchen.
It is sweet, nostalgic, and easy to share, which makes it a strong finish for a date night. Desserts are produced by Mike's Pies and are about $8.95 per slice.
A Beachy Waterfront Date Night Near Orlando
Tiki Docks Port Orange is not a traditional tiki bar, and that is part of its appeal. The vibe is more tiki beach style, relaxed, coastal, and designed around the water rather than themed décor. For couples looking to mix up their usual Orlando date night routine, or if you find yourself in the area, this waterfront restaurant makes the drive feel purposeful.
Tiki Docks – Port Orange
Address: 3633 S Ridgewood Ave, Port Orange, FL 32129
- HAPPY HOUR, Monday – Friday, 3:00pm – 6:00pm ($2 off wells, wines, cocktails and draft beer, plus $2.00 OFF ALL entrees)
- Shuck It Wednesday, ALL DAY LONG, specials on fresh oysters
