Tucked along FL-26 in tiny Melrose, Blue Water Bay looks like a classic wood-paneled haunt, yet it hides a seafood buffet locals whisper about. Step inside and you are greeted by Gulf aromas, clinking glasses, and the promise of oysters, shrimp, and Southern comfort. It feels like stumbling into a coastal secret far from the beach. Come hungry, because this menu rewards curiosity and appetite alike.
The Legendary Seafood Buffet Night
You would never expect a humble wood-paneled room to host a seafood spread that steals the spotlight, but here it does. The buffet glows with crushed ice, shimmering oysters, peel-and-eat shrimp, and seasonal catches. Friendly staff keep trays refreshed, while the room hums with Friday-night excitement.
Grab a plate and circle slowly. You will spot crab legs, citrus wedges, spiced cocktail sauce, and house remoulade. Pace yourself because the hushpuppies and creamy slaw threaten to fill you before the second lap.
Locals swear the buffet is best early evening when seafood is popping hot. Pair with a crisp white or craft beer. Leave room for Key lime pie, trust me.
Fresh Oysters on the Half Shell
The oysters arrive glistening on crushed ice, briny and bright like a sea breeze trapped on a plate. You can dress them however you like, from classic mignonette to horseradish heat. A quick squeeze of lemon sets everything singing, crisp and clean.
Each shell feels like a tiny field trip to the coast, even though you are miles inland. The restaurant handles freshness with respect, shucking to order and keeping temperatures tight. Slurp them straight or pile on cocktail sauce for punch.
Order half dozen to start, then see how fast they disappear. They pair beautifully with a bubbly pour. If you prefer, ask your server about provenance and seasonal varieties.
Signature Shrimp and Grits
Comfort meets coastal in a steaming bowl that tastes like home and vacation all at once. The grits are stone-ground and slow-cooked until silky, holding buttery shrimp like clouds. A smoky gravy ties it together, with scallions cutting through richness.
You will notice balance in each bite: pepper warmth, sweet shrimp snap, and creamy corn. It is the dish you promise to split but then finish alone. A drizzle of hot sauce turns up the lights without overpowering the base.
Perfect for cooler evenings in Melrose, it nails the Southern soul you crave. Pair with a citrusy beer or iced tea. And yes, mop the bowl with a hushpuppy.
Crab Legs with Drawn Butter
Crab legs are the hands-on joy of this place, encouraging you to crack, dip, and grin. Steam billows when they hit the table, promising sweet meat and a butter bath. Lemon and Old Bay sit nearby, patient and ready.
You will hear the satisfying snap of shell yielding to tender treasure. The staff happily offers extra napkins and tools, no judgment for buttery fingers. Keep the butter warm so every bite stays lush and glossy.
Take your time, savor the rhythm, and do not forget a crisp salad between bites. The combo keeps palate fatigue far away. Bring friends, because this is a shareable celebration best enjoyed slowly.
Cedar Key Clam Chowder
This chowder tastes like Florida heritage in a bowl, creamy without being heavy. Cedar Key clams lend sweetness and a briny whisper that feels honest and direct. Chopped potatoes add comfort, while thyme and pepper keep it lively.
You will want to dunk a cracker, then another, because the broth clings perfectly. It is the starter that warms you for bigger seafood adventures. Ask for a half portion if you are working through the buffet.
On cooler nights, the chowder shines even brighter, a hug with steam. Pair it with a light lager or house white. Save the last spoonful for that buttery edge near the bowl.
Fried Green Tomatoes with Remoulade
Golden rounds arrive hot and whisper-crisp, the batter clinging to tart green tomatoes. Each bite pops with acidity and crunch, perfect for waking up your palate. The house remoulade brings smoky spice and a creamy finish.
You can order these as a shareable starter, but they vanish fast. Try layering a shrimp on top for a sneaky surf-and-turf bite. The contrast between cool sauce and hot tomato is addictive.
They pair nicely with a citrusy cocktail or sweet tea. If you love texture play, this plate is your playground. Napkins ready, because you will double-dip to chase that last crunchy corner.
Blackened Grouper Sandwich
The blackened grouper sandwich arrives with a peppery halo and a buttery bun. You can smell the spice bloom before the first bite, then the fish flakes easily. Lettuce and tomato cool everything down, while house sauce ties it together.
Fries ride shotgun, salty and crisp, begging for a dunk in remoulade. This is a lunch that turns into a long conversation at the table. Ask for extra lemon to brighten the edges and cut the heat.
Grouper is the star, meaty and clean, holding spice gracefully. It leaves you satisfied but not weighed down. Great with an afternoon beer or refreshing lemonade.
Low Country Boil Platter
Steaming shrimp tumble with corn, potatoes, and sausage in a platter that smells like a dock party. The seasoning hits first, then sweetness from corn and briny shrimp follows. You will want to roll up sleeves and dive in.
Each component is cooked just right, tender potatoes and snappy sausage. The lemon slices and butter cups add brightness and richness on demand. Share it family-style or guard it fiercely, your call.
This dish tastes like summer even in January, thanks to warmth and spice. Add a cold beer and extra napkins for the full experience. When the platter is cleared, you feel pleasantly sunlit inside.
Chef’s Special Catch of the Day
The catch changes with the market, which keeps things exciting and honest. You might see seared snapper with lemon butter or a grilled mahi with herbs. Ask your server for details and cooking recommendations that suit your taste.
What remains constant is skillful execution and bright, seasonal sides. Vegetables arrive crisp-tender, sauces are balanced, and portions feel generous. It is the plate that rewards adventurous ordering and conversation with the kitchen.
Pair with a glass of chilled white, let the citrus and acidity sing. Then slow down, noticing how each bite shifts with temperature. This is where Blue Water Bay shows its finesse quietly.
Key Lime Pie Finale
Tart meets sweet in a slice that defines Florida dessert perfection. The custard is silky, bright, and balanced, with a crust that crunches softly. A dollop of whipped cream smooths the edges without muting the lime.
You take one polite forkful and immediately plan a second slice to go. The pie is chilled just right, making flavors pop and linger. Lime zest perfumes each bite with a sunny lift that feels celebratory.
Finish your meal with this and stroll out smiling. It pairs beautifully with coffee or a light cordial. If you skipped appetizers, you earned a second fork for sharing.
Cocktails at the Wood-Paneled Bar
The bar looks like a neighborhood secret, glowing amber against the wood-paneled room. You can choose a classic martini or a citrus-forward cocktail that loves seafood. Bartenders are friendly guides, steering you toward pairings that make flavors bloom.
Sip slowly and watch the dining room buzz while plates stream past. Happy chatter mixes with shaker sounds and clinking ice. It is the perfect pause between buffet rounds or before dessert.
If you like zero-proof options, just ask and they will craft something bright. Citrus, herbs, and fizz keep everything refreshing. Settle in and enjoy that small-town warmth wrapped around city-level execution.
Sunday Supper Atmosphere
Sunday evening at Blue Water Bay feels like a community table with extra gravy boats. Families share platters, friends trade bites, and the dining room unwinds gently. You can hear stories, laughter, and the clatter of satisfied forks.
The staff keeps things moving without rushing anyone out the door. Comfort rules, from soft lighting to familiar playlists and kindly check-ins. It is easy to linger after plates clear because conversation has momentum.
If you want restorative comfort, this is the hour to come. Order something braised or buttery and let the week fade. You will leave calm, full, and already plotting a return visit.
Takeout That Travels Well
Sometimes you want the feast at home, and takeout here respects that plan. Containers arrive snug and smart, keeping fried food crisp and sauces separate. Lemon wedges ride along, plus the utensils you inevitably forgot.
The menu translates well to travel, especially chowder, shrimp, and the grouper sandwich. Call ahead on busy nights to avoid the rush and long lines. Your car will smell like a beach party by the time you park.
Reheat gently if needed, then recreate the bar vibe with a drink. The flavors stay bright and satisfying even after a short drive. It is comfort, boxed carefully for your couch and movie.
Service With Local Heart
Hospitality comes naturally here, like neighbors taking care of neighbors. Servers offer honest suggestions and check back before you even realize you need something. Water glasses stay topped, and special requests land with an easy yes.
When the dining room fills, the team moves like a well-rehearsed band. You feel seen without being hovered over, which is rare and appreciated. It turns a good meal into a memorable evening with minimal fuss.
Ask about favorites and you might hear a personal story tied to a dish. That local pride flavors the experience as much as seasoning. You leave feeling connected, not just fed, and it lingers.
Budget-Friendly Weeknight Deals
Weeknights deliver strong value, perfect when you want seafood without a splurge. Portion sizes stay generous while specials rotate to keep choices lively. You can build a full meal with starter, entree, and dessert comfortably.
Ask about the latest promotions when you sit down or call ahead. Locals track deals and show up early to beat the rush. It feels good to enjoy quality seafood at prices that respect your week.
Pair specials with a house pour, then relax into the small-town rhythm. No need to hurry when service runs smooth and steady. You will leave satisfied and still have room in the budget.
Reservations and Prime Times
Peak hours bring a lively crowd that can surprise first-timers. If you are aiming for the buffet night or large groups, reserve ahead. A quick call secures your window and reduces wait uncertainty.
The dining room flows best just after opening and later in the evening. Mid-peak, expect a brief wait, made easier by the friendly bar. Staff keeps things organized so tables turn without rushing anyone.
Arrive a bit early if you like a quieter corner. Mention any accessibility needs and the team will accommodate. Planning helps you settle in faster and spend more time savoring.
Location, Parking, and Hours
Blue Water Bay sits at 319 FL-26 in Melrose, easy to spot on a relaxed drive. Parking is straightforward, with plenty of spaces for dinner and weekend visits. The building glows warmly at dusk, inviting you right in.
Hours run most days until 9 PM, with Friday and Saturday to 10 PM. Sunday closes at 9 PM, perfect for an earlier supper wind-down. Always check current hours if holidays are near or storms roll through.
Drop a pin at 29.709441, -82.0457 if you are mapping. The phone line is responsive for quick questions. It is a destination that feels conveniently tucked within small-town calm.
Community Favorite With History
This restaurant carries the feeling of a venerable haunt without fuss. Wood panels, framed memories, and familiar faces tell a story of steady hospitality. You sense tradition woven through the seafood and the service.
Regulars treat the place like a second living room with better cocktails. Newcomers quickly relax because the energy is welcoming and genuine. Reviews reflect that blend of quality, value, and local pride.
Ask staff about the early days and you might learn a fun anecdote. That history adds flavor you cannot duplicate with trends. It is a reliable anchor in a world that changes fast.