Story & Atmosphere
Welcome to Backwaters, a hidden gem nestled along the gorgeous coastline, where every meal is an experience to savor. Known for its breathtaking views, Backwaters seamlessly merges delicious cuisine with an inviting atmosphere. Whether you dine indoors or choose a table on the porch with the gentle Gulf breeze upon you, the stunning surroundings elevate every bite.
This coastal restaurant shines bright with stellar reviews from both locals and visitors alike. Diners rave about the mouthwatering offerings, from expertly crafted crab cakes to succulent steaks that have left guests proclaiming them among the best they've ever had. For instance, Jake Royer highlights the crab cake as a standout dish, best relished as a platter to allow the flavors to truly shine, away from the distracting elements of bread.
The happy hour is a must-try, drawing crowds with enticing deals on fresh oysters—just 16 bucks for a dozen, as Julia Gaines noted. Coupled with well-mixed martinis and good company, it’s hard to find a better bargain in town. Each dish—from the calamari to the savory mini burgers—invites you to dive deeper into the fresh and bold flavors that Backwaters promises.
Service is a major highlight, consistently praised for attentiveness and warmth. Customers like Patrick Ault adore the friendly staff who know how to make a dining experience memorable, complementing the fantastic dishes with exceptional service. Whether it's Tonja keeping spirits high or Rick ensuring your drink is never empty, the team here makes all the difference.
The menu is crafted with care, offering a delightful range including seasonal vegetables that complement robust fish dishes like Mahi Mahi, expertly prepared for peak flavor as Barbara Snapp experienced. And if you're on the quest for something hearty, the perfectly cooked burgers and flavorful chicken nachos, as recommended by Kirstin Lutz, will not disappoint.
At Backwaters, not only will you enjoy delightful food; you’ll create lasting memories. The lively ambiance, combined with the rich flavors and stunning views, makes every visit special. Come for the food, stay for the views—but leave with a heart full of happy moments. Don’t miss this unforgettable dining experience!
“ Nice little coastal restaurant with a great view. The service is incredible! I thoroughly enjoyed my sandwich! I would recommend getting the crab cake as a platter instead. It think he bread robs the flavor of the crab cake. It was such a good crab cake! ”
“ I would definitely recommend coming to this restaurant. We went there for their happy hour for oysters and a dozen oysters was only $16. The oysters were fresh. The view was really nice. We also had some martinis that were good. If you just stick to the happy hour, you’ll be really happy with the deal you got and everything. I got two roses. That were a little bit more expensive. I didn’t think that the wine was really worthwhile. So next time I’ll just order something else and I’m sure I’ll be extremely happy. The service was really good brought us every sauce we wanted Overall if you want to get some oysters I would definitely recommend coming here to see this amazing view. You can watch people pulling out on these crazy jet skis it looks like Ferraris you have to go watch it. Also, while we were enjoying our oysters and our drinks, we did see a lot of wildlife such as stingrays, jumping out of the water and that was really cool. ”
“ Visited in June. It was our 2nd time. The steak was just as good 4 years later. Honestly, maybe the best strip that I've ever had. My wife enjoyed the crab cakes very much. Service was great. It's nice sitting outside and looking over the water. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone. The price point is nice as well. Thank you for the great food and memories. ”
“ The restaurant was fairly busy even though it was off season. We didn't sit outside because of seasonal allergies but were placed at a table with a view. My dining partner and I both ordered the Mahi Mahi with seasonal vegetables (carrots and green beans) and a baked potato. It was delicious. So delicious we want to go back. Tonja was our waitstaff and she was a hoot. She made the whole experience even more enjoyable despite the general loudness of the restaurant (not helped by the loud and rambunctious table next to us). We intend to return and ask for Tonja's table before we complete our business trip. ”
“ I had just arrived in Florida and was brought here by a local and was NOT disappointed. Our server was Jen, and she had a great sense of humor and was right on top of things. I ordered a burger, and my uncle ordered something else, but I can't recall what. The burger was cooked perfectly and was so full of flavor. We sat on the porch, and the Gulf was not more than 3 feet away. The views were amazing. I will absolutely return (just as soon as I can figure out how to get there from my house). ”