Outdoor dining feels right at home in Clay County. With waterfront views, shaded patios, and community events that turn mealtime into an experience, enjoying a meal outside is less about the season and more about the setting. Whether you’re planning a relaxed lunch, a sunset dinner, or a casual evening with live music, Clay County offers a mix of outdoor dining options that work year-round for locals and visitors alike.
From waterfront tiki bars to cozy patios and open-air markets, these spots invite you to pull up a chair and enjoy Clay County’s outdoor atmosphere!
The Tumeric Kitchen (Green Cove Springs)
The Tumeric Kitchen expanded its footprint with the addition of a patio bar, giving diners a fresh way to enjoy its thoughtfully prepared Indian cuisine outdoors. The menu highlights fragrant biryanis, curries, tandoori specialties, and classic favorites like samosas and naan, all crafted with care and attention to detail.
Outdoor seating pairs naturally with the restaurant’s bold flavors, and the menu offers something for everyone, including vegetarian options, a kids’ menu, and a lunch menu. Finish your meal outside with traditional desserts like kulfi or pudding for a satisfying end to a relaxed patio dining experience.
Whitey’s Fish Camp (Fleming Island)
A Fleming Island landmark since 1963, Whitey’s Fish Camp is a go-to for waterfront dining with personality. Set beside a scenic waterway connected to Doctors Lake, the outdoor seating offers front-row views of boats drifting by and the easygoing energy of life on the water.
The menu is extensive, ranging from classic seafood platters to hearty pastas and steaks, with favorites like the Fish Camp Boil and Stuffed Flounder standing out. On weekends, the Tiki Bar comes alive with live music from 4 PM to 8 PM, adding a lively soundtrack to evenings spent dining outdoors.
Sunset Tiki Bar (Fleming Island)
Located at the Doctors Lake Marina, Sunset Tiki Bar delivers exactly what its name promises—great food, live music, and spectacular sunset views. From Thursday through Sunday, a rotating lineup of food trucks serves up diverse options, making each visit a little different.
With live musicians setting the tone and open-air seating overlooking the water, this is a popular spot for dinner with a view. The tropical vibe, combined with the marina backdrop, makes Sunset Tiki Bar a favorite for casual outdoor dining that still feels like an event.
Golf Club Restaurants (Multiple Locations)
You don’t need a tee time to enjoy the dining at Clay County’s golf clubs. These restaurants offer outdoor seating with scenic views, making them inviting spots for lunch or dinner, even if you’ve never picked up a club.
- Hibernia Pub (Fleming Island Golf Club) overlooks the 10th tee and serves Irish-inspired fare in a relaxed setting, with outdoor seating that keeps you close to the action on the course.
- The Pub at Magnolia Point (Magnolia Point Golf & Country Club) features a scratch-made menu and shaded awnings, making outdoor dining comfortable even on warmer days.
- Talons Restaurant (Eagle Harbor Golf Club) offers patio seating with views of the greens, working just as well for a post-round meal as it does for a casual evening out.
Metro Diner (Orange Park)
Metro Diner brings classic comfort food outdoors with covered patio seating equipped with ceiling fans to keep things comfortable. Known for big portions and bold flavors, the menu spans breakfast all day, fried chicken, club sandwiches, and other diner staples that appeal to all ages.
It’s a dependable choice when you want familiar favorites served in a laid-back outdoor setting, especially for families looking for plenty of options.
Food Truck Friday (Green Cove Springs)
Held at Spring Park along the St. Johns River on the first Friday of the month, Food Truck Friday is one of Clay County’s most popular outdoor dining experiences. This family-friendly event brings together a rotating lineup of food trucks, live music from Northeast Florida bands, and a scenic riverfront setting.
Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and coolers, making it easy to enjoy dinner outdoors at their own pace. Pets are welcome, and the relaxed atmosphere turns mealtime into a social event for the whole family!
Orange Park Farmers’ Market (Orange Park)
On the first and third Sunday of the month (excluding March and October), Town Hall Park hosts the Orange Park Farmers’ Market. With more than 75 vendors, shaded green space, and a welcoming community vibe, it’s an easy place to spend a morning or early afternoon outdoors.
Food trucks and local vendors offer lunch options ranging from pizza and international street food to sweet treats like churros and lemonade. Live entertainment adds to the experience, making this market another great way to enjoy outdoor dining in Clay County.
Enjoy Outdoor Dining in Clay County
Outdoor dining in Clay County comes in many forms, from waterfront restaurants and shaded patios to golf course views and lively community events. Whether you’re planning a casual lunch, an evening by the water, or a weekend outing built around food and fresh air, there’s no shortage of inviting places to dine outside!
Pull up a chair, try something new, and enjoy Clay County’s outdoor dining scene—one patio, picnic table, or waterfront view at a time.