Bluewater Grill sits right on Avalon Bay with an outdoor patio that overlooks the water—you can watch boats come and go while you eat. It’s a casual seafood spot, the kind of place where you show up in your island clothes and no one blinks. The menu leans on fresh fish and sustainable catches, along with New American standards like steaks and salads. Their cioppino is solid, and the fish tacos are the kind you’ll think about after you leave the island.

The real draw for traveling with a dog is the outdoor seating situation. The patio is genuinely dog-friendly, and the restaurant staff treats dogs like they’re regular customers—which, honestly, they probably are on an island where a lot of visitors bring their dogs. They’ll bring out water bowls without you asking and usually have treats on hand. Your dog gets to hang out right there with you while you eat, with the bay as the backdrop. It’s a low-key vibe, nothing fussy or pretentious. If your dog is comfortable around other diners and can handle being on a leash in a restaurant setting, they’ll do fine here.

The harbor setting is genuinely nice without feeling forced. You’re not paying for some manufactured Instagram moment—you’re just eating decent food in a location that happens to have good water views. On a warm day, it’s a pleasant way to spend a lunch or dinner hour. Avalon’s downtown is walkable, so you could grab a table here after exploring nearby shops or beaches. Just keep in mind this is a popular spot during peak island season, so if you’re arriving on a crowded weekend ferry, you might wait for a table.