About This Food Place

The Island Waterfront Bar and Grill is a laid-back spot right on Merritt Island where you can enjoy casual dining with a mix of bar and grill vibes. They’re all about serving up local specialties alongside a good range of comfort food, including vegan and healthy options. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite, brunch, or a full dinner, the place offers something for everyone—from solo diners to families and groups. The atmosphere is lively but cozy, with outdoor seating, live music, karaoke, and plenty of space to relax. It’s easygoing and welcoming, with accessibility features and a solid selection of drinks, making it a good spot for any time of day.

Why People Come Here

  • People come here for the waterfront location on the Banana River, offering both covered deck seating and shaded tables in the sand for a relaxed dining experience.
  • This place is often chosen for its approachable price range and casual atmosphere that appeals primarily to locals rather than tourists.
  • People come here for the cold, reasonably priced drinks served by bartenders who engage with guests and create a welcoming environment at the bar.
  • This place is often selected for its combination of island-inspired and traditional dishes paired with crafted tropical cocktails.
  • People come here for opportunities to enjoy live music from local bands in a vibrant yet laid-back setting overlooking the water.
  • This place is commonly favored for easy accessibility by both car and boat, making it a convenient spot on the causeway for various visitors.

When & How to Enjoy This Place

The Island Waterfront Bar and Grill is ideal for relaxed lunches or lively dinners with friends and family, thanks to its casual, welcoming vibe. Solo diners will find comfort at the bar, enjoying quick bites or a cold drink while soaking in the waterfront views. Whether you’re in the mood for a laid-back meal or a longer evening with live music and dancing, this spot perfectly blends good food, great company, and a vibrant atmosphere for any occasion.

Reviews

Sonja Hawk

Sonja Hawk

5
⋅ Mar 11, 2026

I'm so in love with the coconut shrimp that I haven't tried anything else besides potato skins, which were also amazing. (The Pina colada dipping sauce is nearly drinkable.) My grown kids have tried several things, which were also very good. I always get the tutor tots, crispy with blackening season, and my daughter gets the sweet potato fries. Today, they're trying the Island Burger and the Philly cheesesteak. Bud light draft is only 3.25, bottles are 3.50. The view is fantastic, great 80s and 90s music. Seems like a spot where the locals hang out, for good reason! Berger is my favorite server, he's fun and funny, but Olivia is a close second. We drive an hour every other week for this awesome spot!

KeepTheCapeWeird

KeepTheCapeWeird

4
⋅ Mar 10, 2026

Great local (definitely more locals than tourists, which is usually a good thing) waterfront (thus the name) joint right in the 520 causeway. Accessible by car and boat, this no-frills dive bar (I can't vouch for the grill) sits right on the Banana River, with a covered deck and several shaded tables in the sand (there is inside dining as well, but it is usually empty and gives Purgatory vibes).

LAr Brown

LAr Brown

5
⋅ Mar 04, 2026

A great place for locals, possibly call it a dive bar, but, it is a wonderful place to sit and socialize! bartenders interact and speak with people. They serve very cold and very reasonably priced drink drinks. Service sometimes is a little slower at the tables, but, the bar service is awesome. The bartenders, Krista, Dara, Gary, Fed all do a great job behind the drinks and they’ll smile at ya making you want to come back! Try it and see if I’m wrong! One of the more unique things about The Island is that you can have the food cooked anyway you want. If you don’t want french fries and you want potato chip then, try their homemade potato chips. If you want an egg on your hamburger and it’s not on the menu, they’ll add an egg on the hamburger just for you. They are very accommodating. Give them a try I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!

Elizabeth De Haan

Elizabeth De Haan

5
⋅ Mar 02, 2026

This Tiki bar is a go-to spot. Crafted tropical daiquiris, delicious island-inspired and traditional dishes. The moment you step in, you're greeted by friendly staff. They always make you feel right at home. The ambiance is vibrant and laid-back, in the shade or in the sun. Live music from local bands are great. The stunning view of the Banana river perfectly complements the relaxed vibe. It's the perfect place to unwind and steep in the sun

Lisa Henson

Lisa Henson

5
⋅ Mar 01, 2026

We just finished eating at Island Bar & Grill! The staff were ALL very nice and we were checked on multiple times (yet not overwhelminging so) Run, don't walk & order the coconut shrimp!! Best we've ever had! The view is beautiful! We drove 50 miles from Edgewater and will definitely be back!

Shannon Finfrock

Shannon Finfrock

5
⋅ Jan 21, 2026

My daughter and I come here about once a month. We love the views and the food! There aren’t many places down here that actually season their crab legs! We go to town on them! The fact that it comes with 2 sides and only $26.95!! The grilled veggies are amazing! Their mozzarella sticks are to die for! We love a good cheese pull!! Our server today, was Kaelyn? I hope I’m correct on that. She was phenomenal! Super attentive and sweet! Every time we come here, it gets better and better. This will forever be our monthly go to spot for crab legs!

Sandy Beaty

Sandy Beaty

4
⋅ Jan 21, 2026

The waitress was really great just a little over worked or too many tables maybe. She tried really hard. Chicken buffalo potatoes were great. The meal on the other hand was cold. Sent it back and felt like they threw it on the grill and heated and sent it back. Fortunately for them we were full and on vacation. Would give it a second try. And hoped for netted

holaparc

holaparc

4
⋅ Dec 19, 2025

The food was good. I will probably go back and try a different plate next time. Make sure you try their chips. The service was excellent. Jesse helped me and he was very attentive. The drinks are good for the price but they are not strong at all. Make sure you ask for a float. Google will make you do a U-turn . So just make the right after the gas station . NOT before. The parking could be improved as when vehicles drive by , they cover you with gravel dust. Just make sure no one is driving by when you are trying to cross.

  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
  • Saturday
  • Sunday
  • 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
  • 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
  • 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
  • 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
  • 11:00 AM - 02:00 AM
  • 11:00 AM - 02:00 AM
  • 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Where This Food Place Lives

1891 E Merritt Island Cswy, Merritt Island, FL 32952, United States

+1 321-806-3661