Help! There are 10 of us gals (penpals)plus 2 guys meeting up after a cruise. We want a restaurant on the water with outside dining for the 2 smokers.(not me!)We don't want a stuffy place; it should be fun, but the food should be a bit better than just burgers and fish sandwiches. I've heard of two places, the 15th St Fisheries and the Bimini Boaatyard. Any comments on these or other suggestions? Many thanks!

Both of these places are nice. If you aren't staying over Bimini Boatyard is a little closer to the cruise terminal. Of the two we usually enjoy Bimini Boatyard more, but that is just a personal observation.

I really like 15th St. Fisheries, but there is no outside dining here-just inside with water views.Food here can be expensive. I've also eaten at Bimini,but can't remember if there is outside dining. Bimini is more casual than 15th. If you have time you could all take the water taxi up to Shooters-this is a great spot for outside dining.

jd - Bimini definitely has outside dining. Forgot about Shooters. We have had some fun meals there while dining outside. Casablanca Cafe has treated us well over the years and while not directly on the water, it is just across the street from the beach with water views and people watching.

I'd much prefer 15th Street Fisheries to Bimini Boatyard, although it is inside -- we once had a group of 10 or 12 on a screen (or was it glass?) porch extension right in the middle of the back. Maybe you could reserve that.

I think of Bimini Boatyard as more for drinks and light snacks than a good meal, but it is a fun place and can easily handle your crowd.

Hi, Linda! How about Charlies Crab? I love their outdoor deck especially @ sunset. Although a few here have suggested 15th St. Fisheries, we do not like it there & ,as someone pointed out, there is no outdoor dining area there. Maybe it was just an "off night" when we were there. Service was painfully slow, food was bad & there was way too much attitude!! We have been going to Charlie's Crab for years & always return for at least one dinner whenever we are in Ft. Lauderdale.

We ate at Bimini Boatyards last year and it was considerably more upscale than we'd expected, meaning the food selection and quality was really good. They specialized in fish (surprise). I forget what I ordered but it was beautifully prepared. I remember the salads and desserts were really nice too. A very special evening.

Do you know if Shooter's is a chain? Seems I remember one in Tampa. It was pretty wild, though.

Yes, Shooters is a chain. They are in Ft. Lauderdale and Miami. I'm sure there are others all over.

Just want to let you know that Florida has a new law and there is NO SMOKING in restaurants anymore. The bar is supposed to be totally separate from the restaurant with it's own entrance. Just wanted to let you know in case they think they can just hop over to the bar to have a smoke. I'm sorry smokers are inconvenienced, but I hate having to walk through a bar to get to my table for dinner and have to tolerate the smoke (I can only hold my breath for so long...LOL) And if I have a cold, it's 20 times worse.

Any of the suggested restaurants should be very good for your get-together, just make sure you have reservations in advance for that many people.

Heartburn, I am aware! In total agreement, too. I've been a full-time musician for over 20 years and have suffered the consequences. I'm working with the SmokeFree Louisville campaign now. Last time we were in California it was awesome being able to go out and dance, drink, etc w/out smoke.