Big Deck Bar & Grill

Big Deck Bar & Grill is a colorful and lively establishment located in the very heart of Cedar Key, a small but incredibly atmospheric town on the Gulf of Mexico coast in the USA. This place is the quintessence of relaxed Florida-style leisure: simple but tasty food, wooden furniture, and a casual atmosphere.

The main feature of the bar, as the name implies, is its huge open deck. It serves as an ideal viewing platform offering picturesque views of the water and the town's main street. There is no pretentiousness or strict dress code here; it is a place where tourists and locals mix into one lively crowd.

The establishment is popular due to a combination of excellent location, regular musical performances, and a wide selection of drinks. It is not just a food outlet, but a real social hub of Dock Street, where you can feel the pulse of resort life.

To book a table for a large group or check the schedule of evening musical performances, you can use the contact details below. The establishment is located in the very center of the tourist zone, so finding it will not be difficult.

The main reason people come to Big Deck Bar & Grill is for the open-air dining experience. Be sure to try the local seafood the region is famous for, especially the clam chowder or fresh shrimp. Ordering food and drinks here becomes part of the relaxation: you can watch street life and the water while waiting for your order.

In the evenings, the bar transforms into a concert venue. Visitors can listen to live music performed by local bands, creating a unique background for dinner. It is a great place to dance or simply tap your foot to the beat of rock, country, or blues rhythms.

In addition, the location is ideal for nature watching and people watching. From the open terrace, you can often see dolphins playing in the bay waters or pelicans awaiting a catch near fishing boats. This is a wonderful spot to watch the sunset with a glass of cold drink in hand, taking memorable photos.

The attraction is located on the main tourist artery of the town — Dock Street. Since Cedar Key is a very compact town, if you are staying in one of the local hotels or guest houses, it is easiest to walk to the bar. A walk from most accommodation places will take no more than 10–15 minutes and will allow you to enjoy coastal views.

There is no public transport in the usual sense (buses or metro) here. If you arrived by car, aim for the end of State Road 24. Note that parking directly on Dock Street can be difficult on weekends and holidays; in this case, it is better to leave the car on neighboring streets (for example, on 1st Street or 2nd Street) and walk a couple of blocks.

Although "Big Deck Bar & Grill" is a modern tourist attraction, the building itself and the location are imbued with the spirit of "Old Florida". The establishment is located in a historic district where fishing docks and warehouses were traditionally located. The architecture of the building with spacious wooden decks harkens back to times when the town's life depended entirely on the catch and maritime trade.

An interesting feature is the resilience of the local infrastructure to the elements. The structures located over the water on Dock Street have repeatedly been hit by tropical storms and hurricanes, but have been restored by locals every time, preserving their authentic, slightly shabby charm. Big Deck continues this tradition, remaining a place where the history of the local community intertwines with carefree relaxation.

Moreover, this place is famous for supporting local musical culture. The bar's stage has become a venue for many local performers playing country, blues, and rock, making it an important point on the cultural map of the coast.

A full visit to "Big Deck Bar & Grill" usually takes from 1.5 to 2 hours. This time is enough to have a leisurely lunch or dinner, enjoying local delicacies, and drink a couple of cocktails while admiring the view of the Gulf of Mexico.

If you happen to arrive on an evening with live music, which is not uncommon here, the visit can stretch for the entire evening. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly crowd encourage you to stay longer, watching the sunset and listening to performances by local bands.

The establishment's opening hours may vary depending on the season and weather conditions, as a significant part of the seating is outdoors. Typically, the bar opens its doors around lunch, at about 11:00, and operates until late at night.

On weekdays, the kitchen and bar usually serve guests until 21:00–22:00, however on Friday and Saturday, especially with live music, the fun can last until midnight. We recommend checking the current schedule for the day in advance if you plan a late visit.

Exploring the surroundings of Dock Street will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this unique fishing town. Literally within a few steps of each other are colorful bars, restaurants with the freshest seafood, and historic buildings that create a cohesive architectural style over the water.