Vero Beach bars on the water are where salty breezes meet cold drinks and unforgettable sunsets.
Along the Treasure Coast, there’s something magical about sipping a cocktail just steps from the shore. The sound of waves. The scent of the ocean. The kind of chill vibe only Florida knows how to deliver.
This article explores the 10 best spots to raise a glass by the water in Vero Beach. Some are elegant. Others are as laid-back as a beach chair in the sand. But they all serve up atmosphere, views, and great drinks.
Waldo’s Restaurant & Bar
Waldo’s feels like a throwback in the best way possible.
This rustic bar inside the Driftwood Resort has been serving up drinks with a view since the 1930s. The vibe is funky and weathered.
There, it’s all about good times. Local bands often take the stage for live music, and the drinks are strong and simple. Think rum punch, frozen daiquiris, and cold draft beers.
It’s lively, unpretentious, and soaked in character. A must-visit for those who like their bars with stories and salty air.
📍 Find Waldo’s Restaurant at 3150 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach
Ocean Grill
Elegant and historic, Ocean Grill is where old Florida serves the current generation with an unforgettable experience.
The bar here feels like a ship’s cabin built on dark woods, brass accents, and floor-to-ceiling views of the Atlantic. It’s classy, quiet, and just a bit romantic.
Cocktails are classic. Martinis. Manhattans. Old fashioneds made right. Pair your drink with oysters or a wedge salad while you soak in the timeless vibe. If you’re looking for quaint bars in Vero Beach, this is a good pick.
It’s a place for special evenings. Or just when you want to treat yourself to the good stuff.
📍 Find Ocean Grill at 1050 Beachland Blvd, Vero Beach
Mulligan’s Beach House
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For pure beachside fun, Mulligan’s delivers.
It’s casual and loud – everything some people think a Florida beach bar should be. With both indoor and outdoor seating, you can feel the sand nearby no matter where you sit.
The bar pours generously. Expect beachy cocktails, ice-cold beers, and a menu stacked with comfort food. The vibe? Flip-flops, sunglasses, and a bucket of wings.
Live music, sports, and families mix easily here. It’s a place where everyone’s welcome, and the view never disappoints.
📍 Find Mulligan’s Beach House at 1025 Beachland Blvd, Vero Beach
Citrus Grillhouse
Citrus Grillhouse brings a touch of Europe to the oceanfront.
The food leans Mediterranean, but the bar holds its own. It’s lively, stylish, and boasts one of the best verandas in town.
The drink list is full of sophisticated sips. Think limoncello cocktails, boutique wines, and aperitifs that match the sea breeze.
While it’s known as a restaurant, the bar is a destination in itself. Show up for a pre-dinner drink. Stay for the ambiance. Leave feeling like you’ve been somewhere special.
📍 Find Citrus Grillhouse at 1050 Easter Lily Lane, Vero Beach
Riverside Cafe
Lively and local, Riverside Cafe is a riverfront favorite.
Tucked along the Indian River, it’s got four bars, outdoor seating, and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. It’s where boaters pull up and folks linger over brunch or drinks as the sun sets.
Draft beers come ice cold from chilled lines. Signature cocktails are simple but satisfying. The place buzzes during sunset, so arrive early for a prime view.
Live music is often part of the scene. And when the light hits the river just right? It’s magic.
📍 Find Riverside Cafe at 3341 Bridge Plaza Dr, Vero Beach
Heaton’s
Heaton’s is coastal Florida cool done right.
Located at the Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel, it’s just steps from the sand. The retractable roof means you’re covered come sun or shower. Fire pits add a cozy glow after dark.
The vibe is upscale yet unpretentious. The bar turns out tropical cocktails and fresh takes on classics. Think cucumber gin coolers or spicy jalapeño margaritas.
Live music is a regular feature. So are happy hour deals. And when the breeze rolls in, there’s no better seat than one facing the Atlantic.
📍 Find Heaton’s at Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa at 3500 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach
Cobalt Restaurant
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Cobalt is a polished gem on the Vero Beach oceanfront.
Located within the same hotel as Heaton’s, it one of the highest rated restaurants in Vero Beach and brings a more refined bar experience. The decor is modern, with glass walls framing endless ocean views.
The cocktail list is inventive and ever-changing. Bartenders here are pros. From blood orange martinis to elderflower spritzes, everything is made with care.
Patio fire pits create a warm glow come sunset. Sit outside, sip something smooth, and let the horizon pull your stress away.
📍 Find Cobalt Restaurant at 3500 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach
Wave Kitchen & Bar
Chic and breezy, Wave Kitchen & Bar sits inside the Costa d’Este Beach Resort.
It’s got a clean, modern design and ocean views that make your cocktail taste even better. Locals come here for the quality drinks. Visitors come for the vibe.
Craft cocktails shine, most of which are made with fresh, local ingredients. Bartenders mix and muddle with care. The wine list is equally impressive.
It’s upscale but not snobby. Great for dates, meetups, or a quiet solo sip as the waves roll in.
📍 Find Wave Kitchen & Bar at 3244 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach
Tiki/Patio Bar at Vero Beach Yacht Club
This one’s for members and their guests, but it deserves a mention.
Set at the Vero Beach Yacht Club, the Tiki/Patio Bar boasts million-dollar views of the Indian River Lagoon and marina. It’s quiet, breezy, and beautifully positioned for a peaceful drink by the water.
Full lunch and dinner menus are available, and the open-air design makes it feel like part of the landscape. It’s exclusive, sure — but if you get the invite, don’t say no.
This bar brings a dose of coastal luxury to your everyday.
📍 Find the Vero Beach Yacht Club at 3601 Rio Vista Blvd, Vero Beach
Cheers to the Coast
From sun-drenched patios to cozy nautical lounges, Vero Beach bars on the water offer a coastal experience that’s impossible to replicate inland.
So whether you’re sipping a mojito at sunset or raising a glass with friends by the river, these bars remind us of what matters most: great company, gorgeous views, and a drink in hand.
