A Dining Adventure at Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar: World-Famous Shark Kabobs and Cruise Ship Views
I swung by Cape Canaveral to check out Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar, a hotspot known for its laid-back vibe, waterfront views, and a big ol’ shark sculpture pointing the way to its “World Famous Shark Kabobs.” This place has a lot of buzz, but does it live up to the hype? Here’s my honest take.
Atmosphere: A Slice of Tiki Paradise
As soon as you pull up to Grills, the island vibes hit you like a salty sea breeze. The exterior, complete with a Tiki-style design and a massive shark sculpture at the entrance, sets the tone. Inside, the island theme continues with wood accents, tropical décor, and bars both indoors and out.
The patio is where the magic happens, though. Perched on docks overlooking the water, it offers prime views of cruise ships, SpaceX boats, and sometimes even a Falcon booster across the way. During our visit, a cruise ship loomed over our table like a friendly giant, adding a touch of Cape Canaveral charm.
Food and Drinks: Almost Perfect
The menu at Grills is seafood-forward, with options that scream “fresh off the boat.” While I didn’t try the famed shark kabobs this time, I did go for the fresh fish sandwich, which lived up to its name—delicious and undeniably fresh. My dining companion opted for a classic burger, which they declared equally delicious.
But there’s one food faux pas that couldn’t be ignored: the potato chips. They arrived soggy and overwhelmed by dill juice thanks to a rogue pickle plopped on top. Pro tip: If you’re not a pickle fan, ask for it on the side—or skip it altogether unless soggy chips are your thing.
For dessert, our friendly server (more on them later) convinced us to try the peanut butter pie, a decadent treat with chocolate sauce and whipped cream that was worth every calorie.
Service: Bananas in the Best Way
Our server was a rockstar. They kept drinks flowing, answered our questions, and managed to sell us on dessert (well played). Their attention to detail was top-notch, and their cheerful attitude added to the overall experience.
The Extras: A Smoky Surprise and a Rocket Sighting
While the food and atmosphere were nearly perfect, one issue marred the patio experience: smoking is allowed. If you’re not into inhaling cigarette smoke with your seafood, the indoor seating might be a better option—or you can check out another waterfront spot nearby.
On the bright side, the patio does offer some unique perks. We were lucky enough to witness the SpaceX support vessel, Bob, heading out to sea in preparation for a rocket launch the next morning. It’s not every day you get dinner and a show, especially one featuring cutting-edge space tech.
Final Thoughts
Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience. From the tiki-inspired design to the incredible views of Cape Canaveral’s bustling port, it’s the kind of place that sticks with you. While the chips were a disappointment and the smoking policy is a bit of a bummer, the fresh fish sandwich, peanut butter pie, and overall vibe more than made up for it.
Recommendation: It’s a great choice for seafood lovers, boat watchers, and anyone looking for a taste of Cape Canaveral’s local charm. Just remember—ask for the pickle on the side. After all, even monkeys know to avoid soggy chips.
