Where to Eat During the Palm Beach Boat Show

If you're going to the Palm Beach International Boat Show, you've surely heard of how many concessions stands and satellite bars that'll be there during the day — but you also know the show's only open until 7pm (5pm on Sunday). Whether you're in for a drive or heading back to your hotel, you might be looking for something else, and you're in luck: the neighborhood around Palm Harbor Marina has a number of highly-rated local favorites. We've compiled a few, from closest to farthest:

Power Lunch at the Ben

Dining at The Ben is upscale and comfortably local, infused with inspiration, representing the social city center of West Palm and the time-honor spirit of sharing. The more formal dining option, Proper Grit, offers a sophisticated dining experience within The Ben Hotel, highlighted by its wonderful ambiance and majestic atmosphere. Guests appreciate the impeccable service and delicious food, with standout dishes like the salmon Wellington and bacon maple cornbread.

Hours

Until 11pm most nights.

Cuisine

Upscale surf and turf.

Location

251 N Narcissus Ave First Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Phone

+1(561) 461-0040

Bocao

Just a block or two away you'll find a mix of Dominican and standard American fare, from picaderas to ribeye steak, with a casual, beachy atmosphere.

Batch New Southern Kitchen and Tap

A couple of blocks southwest, Batch is loved for southern faves with a twist— brisket sandwiches, peaches and burrata, classic ribs, and bourbon-maple salmon. The décor has an easygoing industrial vibe, with exposed lights, chalkboards, old tap barrels, and wood-and-iron accents.

Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar

Just south, it's what is says on the tin — and they do those things well, with an especially vast library of tequilas. The atmosphere is probably best described as quirky, but not overbearing, with colorful lights that aren't too bright and Mexico-inspired decor that never crosses the line into tacky.

Fern

You'll have to head west a bit, toward the West Palm Beach train station, to get to this quirky New American joint with a locally-produced and farm-to-table guarantee and and a spacious walled patio. There's plenty of seafood on the menu, but also a surprising amount of wagyu beef (a full ribeye steak is far and away their priciest offering).

Pura Vida Miami

Just down the corner, locals like the (actually) good health food and friendly staff, and the ambience is unique, with a laid-back coastal vibe: whitewashed clapboard and brick, jute rugs, rattan accents, and wisteria hanging from the ceiling. Wraps, bowls, and smoothies are king, and raw ahi tuna and salmon are popular.

If you dare to head south, north, or east, it's worth noting that you'll run into malls with largely chain restaurants, dense residential zones with few options, and golf clubs and their associated hotels, respectively — though The Breakers is well-known enough that you may want to brave the crowds (and lack of reservations) for the Seafood Bar, overlooking the ocean.