We have composed a menu with a focus on local seafood and produce. Chef Chip leads a talented team of chefs, who bring their own flair to the menu and help create nightly specials.

Our chief mixologist Cody designed a cocktail program based on fresh ingredients, local spirits and artisan tradition. He makes all syrups and shrubs in house for our craft cocktail program. We infuse tequila with local datil peppers for our spicy tequila and age a Manhattan cocktail for 3 months in old bourbon barrels. We feature local beers from breweries like Bold City, Intuition and Ancient City on draft. For the seltzer drinkers we recently added local Freshies®. An all-natural product made with Silver tequila, sparkling water, organic lime and agave.

Over the years, Vivian and Bernard, through winery visits and many tastings, have put together a sophisticated wine list. It boasts over 400 selections of wines from all over the world, including some very sought-after wines. Wine Spectator Magazine has recognized our wine list by awarding us a Wine award for fourteen consecutive years and the coveted “Best of” awards (the second highest distinction) since 2018. Our list features the well known, the obscure as well as many boutique wines. Where else in North Florida would you find a Grand Cru Burgundy, a Timorasso or a German Pinot? Only at Cap’s.

The pricing of our wine list is different from industry standard. As many restaurants double or triple the cost of wine, we add a nominal amount to the cost of most bottles, resulting in a menu price similar to what you would find in a wine shop. And remember our motto: “Only the first bottle is expensive.”

Wine List

Cocktail List

Dinner Menu

Lunch Menu

Kids & Dessert Menu

Waterfront

Some of the best views at Cap’s can be had along our famous waterfront deck. Live oaks pop up throughout the deck providing a natural canopy for the tables lining the river, offering the best sunsets in town. When it is hot and sunny we have sun sails throughout the restaurant to provide shade. While in colder months, heaters are added to ensure you stay warm during your meal. Cap’s has been voted best waterfront dining, seafood restaurant and outdoor dining multiple times in local papers and national travel publications. Most recently we made it to #9 of the 15 “Most Beautiful Restaurants in the U.S.” as chosen by Trips to Discover. Based on “the stunning views, pretty décor and of course, delicious menu items that make an amazing dining experience”. Check it out on https://www.tripstodiscover.com/beautiful-restaurants-united-states/

Inside Dining Room

The Waterfront isn’t the only spot in the restaurant to catch a view. Our intimate dining room has only eight tables, all with views of the water. Large panoramic windows provide stunning views, while you dine in the air conditioning. Perfect during the hotter times of year.

Pavilion

The covered pavilion provides protection from the weather without sacrificing ambiance. Ceiling fans circulate the air in hotter times and overhead heaters keep you warm in the winter. The pavilion has roll down screens to provide protection from sun, wind or rain and help keep the heat in when it’s cold. “It is always 72 degrees at Cap’s” even when the sun does not shine!

Be sure to check out our gallery for more pictures of the stunning views and amazing dishes being served daily at Cap’s on the Water.

Cap’s offers many places to experience the amazing waterfront. One of the favorite spots for locals is the Sunset Oyster Bar. This large island bar is in the back of the restaurant and offers the best bar views around. There is table seating on the water as well as in the oyster bar garden, reminiscent of a Moroccan patio. This area feels like “a resort within a resort” and has its own unique atmosphere. You find our Tiki Bar just as you walk in the restaurant. Looking out over our deck and pier you are in the middle of the action. Many patrons who sit down to have a drink while they wait, often stay for dinner. Last but not least, the owner’s favorite, our “Inside Bar with dimmed lights and an intimate atmosphere. A copper bar top lines the room showcasing our bourbon selection and bartenders ready for conversation. It’s where you see Cody making his signature cocktails and Bethany doling out her advice! It’s the spot for locals to sit at the bar or enjoy a quiet dinner in the Florida room. Remember, bars are not for kids or small children. It is also Florida law.

Waiting is also an experience

Our dock (or pier) is not technically a bar, but it is our main waiting area. It is worth mentioning, because it has unbeatable views and we offer full service. We know that there often is a wait, which is why we try to make the wait an enjoyable experience as well. Servers bring you a cocktail or, as we call it: a “docktail”, a glass of wine or a small bite while you wait for your table. So, sit down, relax and enjoy the view of the river while you wait.

Valet Parking

Valet parking is mandatory and complimentary, courtesy of A1A Valet Parking. By doing so, we make the most efficient use of our parking lot. Your car is safer when handled by professional valets, resulting in less damages. The parking lot is under 24-hour camera surveillance for added protection. As responsible business owners in a residential neighborhood, we want to keep both our neighbors and customers happy. So, drive right up to the entrance and let us handle the parking.

Maximum Capacity

When we are at maximum capacity (as per the St Johns County fire code), there is not a vacant seat in the house. We have to temporarily close our parking lot and ask you to wait in your car until space frees up. We also do not want to overrun our restaurant, because that ruins the experience for the guest. As spaces free up, we let guests back in again in an orderly manner. We apologize for that inconvenience, but we do have staff in the parking lot at those times to answer questions, manage the line, and assist with adding your name to the waitlist or to join your party inside. We also highly recommend carpooling as a means to help accommodate for more parking and shorter lines. At these times stay with your car in line and the staff will get inside at soon as there is more room. Once inside, we do have service on our dock while you wait for your table and enjoy the view of the river.

Cap’s on the Water is located on the Tolomato river 3 miles north of the Usina Bridge at Mi 773. A 90ft ft. dock provides slips to roughly 6 boats. While it remains mostly open for dinner services, spots can be limited during our weekend lunches. Arrive early or hang back on one of the popular sandbars until spaces open up. “Docktail” servers working the main dock, if able, are also available to send boaters out with take out orders and cocktails. Pull up, order a couple items for lunch togo, some Goombay Smashs or Margaritas, and head back out.

Cap’s on the Water was established in 1980 when it was purchased by Steven Knight and Bob Lazarra. They bought the location from Mrs. Prepaul, who had been running the restaurant under the name Prepaul’s Fish Camp since the 1940’s. Bob then sold the restaurant to Bernard and Vivian de Raad and their partner Jack Walsh in 1999. Over the past 23 years Bernard and Vivian have made many memories and created a family with their staff all while turning this former fish camp into the busiest and best restaurant in St Johns County. GM Brian, AGM Blais, and Chef Chip lead a long tenured and dedicated management team, as well as many other hard working staff members ensuring the best experience possible for all our guests. Welcome to Cap’s on the Water.

No Reservations

We do not take reservations. The reason being is that a large part of our seating is outdoors. Since we still cannot predict the weather it is impossible to honor reservations if the weather changes.

Please be mindful of others when there is a wait

When we are busy the demand for our tables far exceeds our availability. This will result in a wait. When this happens, we are asking you to be mindful of the people waiting, who are eager to sit down and enjoy the Cap’s experience as well. We are not asking you to hurry, but not to occupy the table longer than necessary.

To Go Orders

To go orders can placed by calling our main line at (904)824-8794 Listen to the prompt on the answering service to connect to the host stand. Orders can be picked up at the inside bar. Boaters can also place orders with our Docktail servers when available. To go orders are not taken during the busy times of service. As such we recommend placing them early.

Large Parties

We do limit the amount of large parties that we accept in a night. Large parties are required to remain on one check and will have an automatic gratuity added. All parties over 15 need to go through bookings by emailing us at capsonthewater@gmail.com. Too many large parties can disrupt the flow of our restaurant and put extra strain on our kitchen, jeopardizing the experience for other guests. The majority of our tables are built for six people. We have a handful that can seat eight and only three that seat twelve. We will have to split or even send away any parties larger than that based on the current wait list.

Service Animals

We accommodate trained ADA service animals, but we are not considered a “dog-friendly” restaurant. All service animals are required to remain at the guests feet near their chair or under their table. There is a lot of foot traffic (including small children). Adding dogs to that mix is a liability for us and the dog’s owner. So please refrain from bringing your dogs to Cap’s.

For our hours and directions please visit our contact page.

Why not take some Cap’s home with you?

We are offering two different t-shirt styles. (Current stock is in red or blue.) As well as a mixture of ball caps. Purchases can made at the host stand or through your server or bartender. Stock can be limited at times

Cap’s on the Water also offers gift cards. A perfect gift for anytime of the year. Gift cards can be purchased at the host stand or over the phone by calling the main line, which is linked at the top of the page, and waiting for the prompt to connect to the host stand. If the hosts are unavailable leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.