The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill in Cape Coral — Waterfront Icon Rebuilding for the Future

For years, The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill stood as one of Cape Coral’s most beloved waterfront dining destinations — a place known for open-air tiki vibes, cold drinks, casual coastal food, and unforgettable sunsets over the Caloosahatchee River. It wasn’t just a restaurant. It was a gathering place where locals met friends, visitors marked special moments, and boaters tied up to enjoy true Southwest Florida hospitality.

Although the original structure was lost to fire in 2024, plans are underway to rebuild this iconic riverfront destination and bring The Boathouse experience back to the Cape Coral Yacht Club waterfront.

A Cape Coral Landmark with Deep Waterfront Roots

The Boathouse earned its reputation by embracing everything people love about Florida’s coastal lifestyle. Positioned directly on the river, the restaurant offered panoramic water views, multiple outdoor seating levels, and easy boat access. Guests often arrived by car, golf cart, or boat — making it a hub for both land and water travelers.

Over the years, The Boathouse became known for its lively atmosphere, sunset crowds, live music events, and relaxed social energy. From weekday lunches to weekend celebrations, the restaurant served as a centerpiece of Cape Coral’s waterfront culture.

What Made The Boathouse Special

Visitors didn’t come just for the menu — they came for the experience. The Boathouse was especially known for:

  • Tiki-style outdoor dining with shaded seating and river breezes

  • Waterfront sunset views that became a nightly ritual for many guests

  • Casual seafood and grill favorites served in a relaxed environment

  • Dockside access for boaters exploring the Caloosahatchee River

  • Live music and entertainment that brought the community together

It was the kind of place where sandals were welcome, laughter was constant, and every meal felt like a mini vacation.

The Fire and the Path Forward

In late 2024, a devastating fire destroyed the original Boathouse structure. While the loss was deeply felt across Cape Coral, the response from the community was immediate and supportive. City leaders and restaurant operators worked together to secure a new long-term agreement that allows the Boathouse to be rebuilt at its original waterfront location.

The rebuild represents more than replacing a building — it symbolizes the return of a treasured community gathering space. Plans include updated facilities, modern safety features, and enhanced waterfront amenities, while preserving the open-air, tropical character that made the original Boathouse so popular.

What the Rebuild Means for Cape Coral

The Boathouse was never just another restaurant. It played a role in Cape Coral’s identity as a waterfront city. Families celebrated birthdays there. Tourists discovered the city’s charm there. Locals met friends after work there.

Its return will restore a familiar skyline along the Yacht Club waterfront and renew a social space that helped define Cape Coral’s coastal lifestyle.

Location Information

The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill (Rebuild Site)
📍 5819 Driftwood Parkway
Cape Coral, FL 33904
📞 (239) 945-2628

Marine Coordinates (Approximate):
📍 N 26.5417° | W 81.9503°

These coordinates guide boaters along the Caloosahatchee River toward the former Boathouse site near the Cape Coral Yacht Club waterfront.

A Sunset Tradition Waiting to Return

Before the fire, The Boathouse was widely known as one of the best places in Cape Coral to watch the sun dip below the horizon. Even now, people still gather along the waterfront promenade nearby, remembering evenings filled with live music, glowing skies, and clinking glasses.

When the new Boathouse opens its doors again, it will carry forward those traditions — blending familiar island charm with a fresh chapter of waterfront dining.

A Community Favorite Ready for Its Next Chapter

The story of The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill is one of resilience, community support, and the enduring appeal of waterfront living. As rebuilding continues, anticipation grows for the return of tiki umbrellas, dockside seating, and sunset dinners along the river.

For Cape Coral residents and Southwest Florida visitors alike, The Boathouse remains a symbol of what makes this region special: warm evenings, friendly faces, and unforgettable moments by the water.