Off-the-Grid Waterfront Spots for Post-Adventure Libations

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a cold brew or some fresh seafood at a dockside tiki bar after a day of paddling. It’s even better when that spot is out in the boonies, away from civilization, and the waitstaff doesn’t care if you’re a little sweaty, if your butt is still wet, or if you’re a little crusty from sunscreen and saltwater. 

As many paddlers will understand, some of the best places to access the water are pretty far off the grid. You drive to what feels like the end of the earth and you have no cell phone reception for the last few miles before you reach the launch. During your paddle the scenery is stunning and the wildlife doesn’t disappoint. Being immersed in nature and feeling like you’re a world away from civilization is just what your soul was craving. 

But even though your soul is full, your stomach is empty. You’re craving a softshell crab sandwich and a cold beer. Unfortunately, being so far off the grid can limit your options for grabbing a meal, so we’ve rounded up some of the best off-the-grid waterfront bars and restaurants that are near some remote boat ramps and beautiful paddling options. 

Captain E’s Hurricane Grill & Tiki Bar

📍Saxis, VA

Spend your day paddling the water trails of Saxis, Virginia and end with a meal or a cocktail at Captain E’s Hurricane Grill. This waterfront joint is nearly 16 miles off Route 13, with the last 4 miles across a causeway through the marsh. Virginia Water Trails has some excellent suggested paddling routes and there are even a few beaches within the Saxis Wildlife Management Area you can explore. The Saxis boat ramp is practically in the restaurant’s parking area - highly convenient! 

Goose Creek Pit & Pub

📍Rumbley, MD

If you like Saxis, you’ll find a similar vibe in Rumbley, Maryland! The Rumbley boat ramp provides paddling access to lots of marsh creeks and some cool sand bars and beaches. Just like Saxis, the Goose Creek Pit & Pub is essentially a tiki bar right next door to the boat ramp! Learn more about paddling this region of the Chesapeake here.

Bull Lips Dock Bar

📍Quantico, MD

As you head further up the Chesapeake, there’s another waterfront establishment located near the mouth of the Wicomico River called Bull Lips Dock Bar. Under the same management as The Red Roost (a nearby eatery that’s also out in the boonies but not on the water), this little spot is super convenient if you plan to paddle out of the Clara Road launch. Nearby Shiles Creek is a beautiful spot for tranquility and wildlife sightings, and Bull Lips is just down the road from the launch. If coming from the south, be sure to ride the Whitehaven Ferry across the river!

Suicide Bridge Restaurant

📍Hurlock, MD

Along Cabin Creek, a tributary of the Choptank River in northern Dorchester County, you’ll find a waterfront dining experience that’s really off the beaten path. Suicide Bridge Restaurant is located about 8 miles from the closest highway, and while it may not have the most inviting name, the staff and setting are very inviting. If you’ve spent the day paddling or hiking, you’ll definitely want to skip the white tablecloth dining room indoors, and head straight to the outdoor tiki bar. Cold brews, fruity cocktails, and fresh seafood are available while you enjoy the sunset over the marina and the creek.

Old Salty’s

📍Fishing Creek, MD

Travel even further away from Route 50 and head 25 miles south of Cambridge. The cell phone reception is spotty at best and you’ll really feel like you’re driving to the end of the earth as you head towards Hooper’s Island. The marsh creeks around Taylor’s Island can easily be accessed from the Smithville boat ramp. If paddling is not your style, the trail at Robinson Neck Preserve is beautiful, but can be buggy. The scenery in the whole region is definitely worth the drive. At times, you’ll feel like you’ve driven into the past by 50-100 years! 

After spending the day out in the wilderness, drive a few more miles south to Old Salty’s. Fresh, local seafood is regularly on the menu, since you’re right in the heart of Chesapeake country. 

Buddy’s on the Bay Lowe’s Wharf

📍Sherwood, MD

Talbot County can sometimes feel like a whole labyrinth of waterways as it’s sandwiched between the Miles, Tred Avon, and Choptank Rivers, and many smaller creeks and tributaries. Tilghman Island is located 25 miles away from Route 50 and feels like the end of the earth by the time you get there. And while Tilghman has a few restaurants, the tiny village of Sherwood just before you reach Tilghman is home to Buddy’s on the Bay Lowe’s Wharf. With sweeping views of the Chesapeake, this bayfront tiki bar has the perfect beachy vibe for your post-paddle meal. 

Sunset Cafe

📍Chesapeake City, MD

The address of Sunset Cafe might be Chesapeake City, but it’s a good 5 miles outside of town, making it feel like it’s off the grid. If you plan to paddle anywhere along the Bohemia River, like from the Bohemia River bridge, this hole-in-the-wall is a great spot for a cocktail and a sunset. Sunset Cafe is located within a boatyard and marina and is usually frequented by boaters, but there is a small amount of parking if you’re arriving by car. 

JP's on the Wharf

📍Bowers Beach, DE

The town of Bowers Beach is starting to put itself on the paddling map, but that doesn’t mean it’s losing its off-the-grid charm! Bowers Bayside Bait & Kayak Rentals offers both rentals and occasional guided tours on the Delaware Bay and the St. Jones River. If you’re bringing your own paddlecraft, you can launch from the Bowers boat ramp. And when you’re ready to kick back and have a bite to eat after your paddle, you won’t even have to move your car, since JP’s on the Wharf is next door to the boat ramp, with a waterfront deck for dining.

Harbor’s End Seafood Restaurant

📍Greenbackville, VA

Directly across Virginia’s Eastern Shore from Saxis and Captain E’s is another waterfront seafood spot, 11 miles off the highway on Chincoteague Bay. This is Harbor’s End Seafood Restaurant. For those looking to paddle the stunning Swans Gut Creek and the marsh creeks near the Chincoteague causeway, Harbor’s End offers that off-the-grid, salty post-paddle vibe. Harbor’s End also shares a parking lot with the Greenbackville boat ramp which is super convenient. Be sure to call ahead to confirm their operating hours, as they can fluctuate! 

To find every kayak launch, boat ramp, hiking trail, beach, bike path, and fishing pier across the Delmarva Peninsula, use our handy interactive locator maps and trail search engines.