Beaches
Harbour Ridge & The Nearby Beaches Of Hutchinson Island
Hutchinson Island is a narrow barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway (Indian River). The Island is one of the greatest nesting areas in the continental United States for endangered and threatened sea turtles. Loggerhead and leatherback turtles fill Hutchinson Island beaches with hundreds of thousands of turtle eggs each summer when they come ashore to lay their eggs. It is quite a sight to see the baby turtles scurrying back to the ocean when they are old enough.
The southern half of Hutchinson Island is not as developed with condos and there is easy access at many points to the beach from A1A. As far as the eye can see, both north and south, the beach is deserted except for the occasional walker, runner or surf caster. If you’re looking to get away from the crowds of Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Daytona Beach, to bring a blanket, chair, book and have some solitude, Hutchinson Island is the place to go. Hutchinson Island is accessed at three different points, one in Fort Pierce and causeways in both Jensen Beach and Stuart.
Bathtub Beach, known locally as “The Bathtub”, gets its name from the shallow worm rock reef about 100 yards offshore that serves as a breakwater for waves. At low tide, the area is virtually wave less and serves as a perfect wading area for families with young children.
Around the reef and the two other reefs beyond are a kaleidoscope of neon colored fish. This area is a snorkel diver’s playground. People are warned not to walk on the live rocks, since it will kill the worm rock colony.
Tony & Kathy’s Favorite Restaurant Guide
Harbour Ridge Is Surrounded By Many Excellent Restaurants! These are our “picks for season 2014” based on quality, preparation of food, atmosphere, service and wine list. If you have a favorite that we haven’t included, please let us know. Most restaurants accept reservations – in season, they are a must!
| Restaurant | Information | Description |
| 11 Maple Street | 3224 NE Maple Avenue Jensen Beach, FL 34957 (772) 334-7714 >> website |
King of the restaurant scene. Zagat’s says its #1 and we agree. Delicious “small plate” menu. Old Florida atmosphere. Dine on Thursday nights and enjoy a “Jensen Beach Street Fair”. Reservations. are a must – Ask for Margie & tell her Tony sent you! |
| Riverwalk Cafe & Oyster Bar | 201 SW St Lucie Avenue Stuart, FL 34994 (772) 221-1511 website |
The Best In Downtown Stuart, this cozy restaurant with a super Key West ambiance is a perfect choice for lunch or dinner. Excellent food & wine. Hemmingway must have watered here, you will enjoy it too! Great menu, wine & beer. Limited seating, reservations are a must |
| The Gafford | 47 SW Flagler Avenue Stuart, FL 34994 (772) 221-9517 >> website |
A prize in Stuart. Farm to table, exciting appetizers and entrees, full bar. Happening happy hour! Reservations a must! |
| Pietro’s On The Ocean | 10900 S Ocean Dr Jensen Beach, FL 34957 (772) 237-5461 website |
Open for lunch/dinner – Spectacular ocean view. Chicken, chops, steak & seafood – bit of a drive from Harbour Ridge but worth the trip. Great Tiki Bar & menu. Full bar. Reservations are a must to dine inside. |
| LouRonzo’s | 301 S Colorado Avenue Stuart, FL 34994 (772) 287-3334 >> website |
New York Italian Bistro in our area & one of our favorites. Located in Old Stuart. Marie is your hostess and limited parking is provided next door. Reservations available. |
| Courtine’s | 514 N Dixie Highway Stuart, FL 34994 (772) 692-3662 >> website |
A quintessential “road house” that you will want to visit. Great appetizers, fish, chops, steaks & try the jambalaya! Always good. Party room, full bar, reservations a must. |
| Ian’s Tropical Grill | 2875 SE Ocean Boulevard Stuart, FL 34996 (772) 334-4563 website |
A Rio rave in Martin County! Great fresh fish, great wine, and very enjoyable. Reservations are a must – very popular – $$$ |
| Courtyard Grill | 11970 Dixie Highway Hobe Sound, FL 33455 (772) 546-2900 website |
A Hobe Sound & Jupiter Island haunt. Owner Chef Raffael prepares excellent but rich entrees. Don’t miss his Pompano Almondine. Full Bar, good wine list and reservations are a must. |
| Bonefish Grille | US Highway 1 Stuart, FL 34994 (772) 288-4388 website |
Upscale, casual and popular seafood. Appetizers are terrific. Full crowded bar, extensive wine list. Reservations are a must – open seating in the bar! |
| La Casa Bella | 512 SW 3rd Street Stuart, FL 34994 (772) 223-0077 website |
Chef owned & family operated. Excellent Italian straight from Staten Island. Be willing to wait reservations for 6 or more. |
| Pietro’s On The River | 8735 S Ocean Drive Jensen Beach, FL 34957 (772) 229-7575 website |
Fantastic Sunset Dining! Located at the Island Dunes Country Club on South Ocean Drive on Hutchinson Island, dinner reservations are a must. The beautiful setting is complimented by wonderful culinary treats. |
| Renato’s Italian Ristorante | 3720 SE Ocean Boulevard Stuart, FL 34996 (772) 219-9600 website |
Chef Owner and wife Josephine preside over a quality Italian restaurant with a nice wine list and attentive service. Outside tables for smokers. Always good. Reservations available. |
| Peter’s Steakhouse | 3200 NE Maple Avenue Jensen Beach, FL 34957 (772) 225-2516 website |
It is not the Palm but the steaks, chops and trimmings are good. Wine/beer Kathy allows one visit per season! Res. |
| Benihana | 3602 SE Ocean Blvd Stuart, FL 34996 (772) 286-0740 website |
Traditional Japanese-style hibachi steakhouses. No surprises, fun to experience every once in a while. |
| Nino’s | US Highway 1 Stuart, FL 34994 (772) 340-3800 |
Good Italian nest to Toojay’s in the Regency Plaza. Full var & Pizzeria area too! Reservations are a must for dinner – bit noisy but delicious. |
| Osceola Street Café | 26 SW Osceola Street Stuart, FL 34994 (772) 283-6116 |
Old Stuart Happening Spot – Dinner served Wednesday through Saturday with live entertainment on weekends. Open daily for breakfast & lunch – (best turkey club sandwich ever), with Sunday brunch. If you like breakfast, best bagels and freshest ingredients. Great coffee, it is a must! |
| Ristorante Claretta | 1315 SW Martin Highway Palm City, FL 34990 (772) 219-9940 |
Palm City’s finest restaurant. Clara and family bring their Northern Italian charm & cuisine to delight her patrons. You will see many HR friends frequenting this charmingly decorated establishment. Wine & beer. Reservations are a must. |
| Seven Orchids | 2621 SE Ocean Boulevard Stuart, FL 34996 (772) 781-7717 |
Upscale Asian restaurant offering fine dining, casual ambiance, and delicious food. Wine and beer, a refreshing change for Stuart. Reservations available. |
| Cornerstone Bistro | 848 SE Becker Road Port Saint Lucie, FL 34984 (772) 785-5220 |
Best restaurant within a 4 miles of HR. The décor and open kitchen concept are inviting. Extensive and nice menu, half pates are great for those not wishing to over indulge! full bar, reservations. |
| Lola’s Seafood Eatery | 860 SW Federal Highway Stuart, FL 34994 (772) 219-3340 962 St Lucie West Boulevard Port Saint Lucie, FL 34986 (772) 871-5533 |
Now With 2 Locations – Fresh seafood daily from New Bedford, MA. Cute and totally delicious. When you need a quick lunch, dinner or take out – you will not be disappointed. Beer/Wine/Tropical Drinks – Great food, not fine dining. Limited seating – 1st come |
| Palm City Grill | 3208 SW Martin Downs Blvd Palm City, FL 34990 (772) 220-4745 |
Palm City’s version of “Cheers”, where everybody knows your name. HR hang out. Great value. Full bar. |
| Manero’s | 2851 SW High Meadow Ave Palm City, FL 34990 (772) 220-3011 |
Tony Manero won the US Open at Baltusrol, 1936. Active bar for a steak or a Betsy Hepburn zoloberger. |
| The Black Marlin | 53 SW Osceola St. Stuart, FL 34994 (772) 286-3126 |
A “neighborhood bar” in Old Stuart Plus excellent fish, Pub grub. Nightly specials. Full bar. |
| Bone Fish Mac’s | 662 SE Becker Rd Port Saint Lucie, FL 34984 (772) 334-6227 |
HR hang out. Great value. Full bar. |
| Restaurant | Information | Description |
| Evo Italian In Tequesta |
(561) 745-2444 | In Tequesta and a bit of a drive but worth it. Home style cooking & freshest ingredients. All reviews are 5 stars and our dinner was too!. |
| Spoto’s Oyster Bar In Palm Beach Gardens |
(561) 776-9448 | Fresh fish & shell fish at moderate prices. Causal setting and friendly service. Best steaks too! A happening place – full bar, great for lunch or dinner |
| Capital Grill In Palm Beach Gardens |
(954) 446-2000 | Ultimate private dining experience – Steakhouse & more! Premiere menu and wine selection. Reservations are needed. |
| Season’s 52 In Palm Beach Gardens |
(561) 625-5852 | All entrees from a flatbread pizza to fillet mignon are under 475 calories including desserts! Live piano music. Reservations needed |
| Brio In Palm Beach Gardens |
(954) 622-0491 | An Italian Grill with a Tuscan feel. Always dependably good — located in the Palm Beach Gardens Mall – great place for lunch after shopping or dinner. Reservations are needed for dinner. |
| Carmine’s In Palm Beach Gardens |
(561) 624-1141 | While you are there, a visit to their gourmet market is a MUST! Prepared foods, fresh fish, fabulous meats, chicken, sandwiches, wine, desserts – you name it! Reservations needed |
| Café L’Europe Palm Beach |
(954) 655-4020 | Grand Dame of the Palm Beach scene & always rated #1. Definitely the best for that very special occasion.. |
| Café Boulud In Palm Beach |
(561) 655-6060 | Chef Boulud after mastering NYC is doing the same in PB. Pricey but delicious. Dine dining at its best. Superb wine list. |
| Michael R McCarty Palm Beach |
(561) 659-1899 | The Scene for Continental Cuisine, comfort food with gourmet touches. Casual dining in PB & not to $$$! |
| Echo In Palm Beach |
(561) 802-4222 | PB hot-spot. Pan-Asian fare contemporary atmosphere. Stylish & happening. Not to be missed if you are in PB. Reservations are required. |
| The Flagler Steakhouse Palm Beach |
(561) 659-8488 | In the Breaker’s Golf Clubhouse, best prime steak we’ve had in Florida. Tasteful and expensive but worth it. Must have reservations – great outdoor dining on the porch! |
| Taboo In Palm Beach |
(561) 835-3500 | Memories galore — Tony & I dated and visited the original Taboo while engaged. We cannot walk “the Avenue” without stopping in for a “shaboola”, (old PB for a mixed drink). The original owner could flip a glass of water without spilling a drop – a trick he learned from my Uncle George! Through the years – Taboo Is Always A Happening Spot! |
| Chez Jean-Pierre Palm Beach |
(561) 833-1171 | “Unpretentious Palm Beach French Charmer” Great food especially Sea Bass & Dover Sole. Very consistent! |
| Trevini In Palm Beach |
(561) 833-3883 | Upscale Italian in the PB Esplanade at the East end of Worth Avenue. |
| City Cellar Palm Beach – City Place |
(561) 366-0071 | Located in City Place, eclectic American fare & full bar. Perect for lunch before a “matinee” — at the Kravis Center of course! |
| Bellagio In Palm Beach – City Place |
(561) 833-1171 | In City Place, beside the fountain plaza. Casual atmosphere with great Italian cuisine. |
| Capital Grill Fort Lauderdale |
(954) 446-2000 | Advertised as the ultimate private dining experience and it was! Menu selection & wine list are done to perfection. A “Special Wine List” contains many rare offerings but not necessarily more expensive. Reservations always! |
| The Forge In Miami |
(305) 538-8533 | One of Miami’s oldest & best. If you like “21” in NYC, you will like The Forge. Exceptional wine list & menu. |
| Joe’s Stone Crab Miami |
(305) 673-0365 | Miami’s best for Stone Crabs & seafood! |
| Le Tub Saloon In Hollywood |
(954) 921-9425 | Cute casual atmosphere on the Intra-Coastal Waterway. Known as The Hamburger Heaven, you will be served a great hamburger that is so large, you will not be able to finish. Eclectically build & decorated by you host – it is interesting. |