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    12A Buoy

    4.2 (1.3k reviews)
    ModerateSeafood, Wine Bars, Soup
    Closed Closed
    Updated 3 months ago

    12A Buoy Photos

    Business Info

    12A BUOY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - 12A Buoy

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    Tisha S.

    I visited 12a Buoy with high hopes because of the reviews. However, I don't know if I ordered the wrong things, but I didn't enjoy my meal. The oysters were Shelly and the fried shrimp with fries came out room temp. They servers were nice and the restaurant was clean.

    Poke bowl
    Dj L.

    Good food and vibes here at 12A Buoy! Came on a Saturday night and the wait time was about 30 minutes for a table. They have a nice patio so we sat outside. They do also have fans so it wasn't too bad! Service was really great. On top of everything! The poke bowl was really good, the fish was super fresh. Lots of great seafood options on the menu and even whole lobster specials.

    Lobster Club
    Pat B.

    I think this is my 4th review of one of my favorite seafood restaurants even after 12 years. And it still is. I only write this to offer suggestions as to how I think the lobster club can be made even better than it is. I had it today. Plenty of lobster. My suggestion is to change the roll to more of a potato-type roll. The brioche roll cracks apart and doesn't hold up. I always have to eat the sandwich with a knife and fork. Also, I wind up pulling out the unripened tomato slices...they are unappealing and have no taste. You cannot go wrong with smaller Compari tomatoes as they are always ripe and juicy. Just 2 cents from a frequent flyer at 12A. I recommend this place to anyone who enjoys fresh seafood.

    Bacon wrapped shrimp
    Pam H.

    We had a lovely lunch on the patio recently at 12A Buoy. We started with very affordable drinks (love this about the area!). My husband enjoyed a half dozen fresh oysters. I then had some delicious peel and eat shrimp which were perfectly seasoned. My husband has the bacon wrapped shrimp and the gravy with them was amazing. One of the highlights of lunch was being entertained by the resident cat, ghost. Overall, a great visit!

    Ahi tuna
    Valentina N.

    We came on a busy Saturday afternoon and even though the wait was about 45 minutes it was so worth it! The atmosphere here is so nice for even a more upscale restaurant. Indoors it's classic and boat esque while the outside is relaxing and very laid back, with fun sights like bar cats and lizards. The space is overall well put together and inviting. The service was friendly and quick always checking on us. The food was top tier, we ordered the bang bang shrimp (can't miss), ahi tuna, and fresh catch. Everything was absolutely scrumptious, and to finish off we had their iconic key lime pie! Definitely a must visit!

    Stone crabs
    Diane R.

    We went for dinner, short table wait. Jenna was our server she did a great job! We shared the calamari app, it was ok, a bit too much breading. Husb had the shrimp pasta, beautiful shrimp, the pasta was tasteless, salad was crisp, yummy ranch dressing.I had the blackened grouper with coleslaw and fries; the fries were great so crispy and fresh definitely a stand out. Casual place, good seafood.

    Maureen D.

    Amazingly fresh food! Excellent service, thank you Russell. Every dish was better than the last one! Without a doubt this is a diamond in the rough! We loved the rustic ambiance. So grateful this place was recommend. We most definitely will be back! I would post a picture of the oysters (from CT & MA) but we ate them to fast because they were that good!

    Grilled grouper and hericot verts green beans
    Richard C.

    Great fried shrimp and the BEST Key Lime pie I have ever eaten, and I grew up in Florida with a Key Lime tree in my back yard, and my mom made fantastic homemade Ket Lime pie. The pie is made on site, and they have a fantastic chocolate peanut butter pie as well. Also, a nice, laid back, relaxed atmosphere.

    Florida Lobster!
    Jojo j.

    My family and I were very happy to find this place. Delicious fresh fish and lobster! We had fresh tuna as an appetizer. For dinner we had black grouper, mine was a Parmesan mousse black grouper, my husband had a beautiful Florida lobster and my 4 year old had grilled grouper with yellow rice. It was all delicious! If you're in the area, this place is a must! Also, the hostess was very efficient and helpful. Our server Lily was very nice and helpful. She was very attentive to our table.

    Onion encrusted Mangrove snapper

    Yes' we'll be back! This little gem is tucked away in Fort pierce somewhere. We had to drive around with inadequate GPS directions. We tried the conch fritters which were good (a little better than) Ok. We also had the bacon wrapped shrimp on a grit cake that (a lot better than) really good. We split the onion crusted Mangrove snapper with broccolini and mushroom pilaf. We tackled the 2 appetizers before I took a picture but here's a picture of the snapper which was a nice thick piece that not only was fresh but tasty.

    Mini Snoop at the front door
    Dana M.

    I took a clients to lunch here at their request. I used Google maps to find them and it dumped me right in the middle of a parking lot near the water. To the right and rear or streets, in front of us was the water, into the left was a wall of bushes. I was about to call the clients and then I saw a little lightbulbs over the bushes. I would call this a hidden treasure. The decor is one step above dive bar fabulous. The staff were lovely. The food was great. One of the clients goes there every week for dinner. A very diverse crowd. He did say that there is a two hour wait on the weekends, something to keep in mind.

    Blackened scallops with a loaded baked potato (I think the mashed potatoes are better).

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    6 months ago

    The food is absolutely amazing. Service was good. It's a small spot so you might have to wait.

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    1 year ago

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    6 months ago

    Great food in a laid back, relaxing setting. I would go go there again and recommend it highly

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    2 years ago

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    7 months ago

    Food and service was very good. I don't eat seafood, but there was plenty of choices for me.

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    4 years ago

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    7 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    8 months ago

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    9 months ago

    Great place and in a good location too. The conch fritters are really good and the service was great as well

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    3 years ago

    Good food & service. Priced fairly. Not an ocean view but you can smell the water Right near marina in ft Pierce

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    8 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    10 months ago

    Best conch fritters ever! Food was pretty good too! Service could be a little more attentive! But we would go back.

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Good food, good service, and fun atmosphere. Have visited a few times and I've not been disappointed.

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    3 years ago

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    Page 2 of 33

    12A Buoy Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - 12A Buoy

    Is there a dog friendly area?

    Yes, there is outdoor seating.

    Are the outside tables socially distant from one another?

    When I was there a short time ago, I wouldn't say "socially distant" but plenty of distance between not to worry.

    Do they take reservations?

    No they do not

    Does 12A buoy have Maine Lobster dinners?

    All Florida lobsters...try the scallops, unbelievably tasty!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Island Beach Bar and Restaurant - Steak tacos

    Island Beach Bar and Restaurant

    4.2(144 reviews)
    2.2 mi
    $$

    Hidden gem for beach chair rentals! Spent the whole day at…read morethe most peaceful and serene beach thanks to Island beach bar. Brooke was really sweet and attentive, she set up our chairs and umbrellas and checked in with us and other guests throughout the day.

    Ambiance: Beachfront restaurant (well, sort of beachfront as…read morea Beach in this area is closed off for a major rebuilding process) it's your typical surfer, beachcomber, swimmer type restaurant that you'll find in most oceanfront areas. Weatherford wood walls, outside tables under an awning. Inside tables are also available, although, why anyone would choose an inside table when you have a front row seat to the ocean is beyond me. Interestingly,, they have a few swing tables that you can rock back-and-forth while you eat. Not sure how many people will choose those "moving'" tables but, they're an interesting idea nonetheless. Service: I was provided with my choice of table. (I chose the swinging tables (I just had to try The experience of swinging while eating - which was actually pretty pleasant).I was seated immediately upon my arrival. My server whose name was Cynthia whose name tag said Helga (don't ask) served me quickly and with a smile. She came by several times to check on my needs but was never an overpowering presence. Couldn't ask for anything more with a server. Be warned, (which my server by the way did warn me about.), They charge an automatic 18% gratuity on the bill. Not a problem in my case as a service was excellent. The food: I ordered the mushroom and brie omelette. It came with a side of potatoes and I requested a biscuit. The was your typical omelette the plus being the tomatoes were super fresh but could've had more brie. If potatoes were combined with peppers and onions and we're nice and crispy of friends just the way they should be). Unfortunately they were out of biscuits (even though they have a biscuits and gravy dish). How you run out of SKU Ott's on a Saturday morning is beyond me. My tea was your standard black tea (they did not have steamed milk) served with honey. Interestingly, they didn't have a decent size cup so I was provided with 2 cups and two teabags. The bottom line: As with all my reviews, my (Customer so what) would I return? This restaurant is not in my top 10 but, if the beach was reopened and I wanted an oceanfront dining experience this could be a pretty good place to visit. The service was excellent. The food pretty good and the atmosphere great.

    Photos
    Island Beach Bar and Restaurant
    Island Beach Bar and Restaurant - Mani tacos

    Mani tacos

    Island Beach Bar and Restaurant - The view from rm 17

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    The view from rm 17

    Casa Pasta - Bolognese

    Casa Pasta

    4.5(212 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$$

    Amazing food and service!!! Best Italian I have found in Florida!!! Home made pasta and sauce…read moreand extensive menus. Must try!!

    From the moment we walked into Casa Pasta, we were welcomed with such warmth--staff opened the…read moredoor, greeted us right away, and made us feel genuinely appreciated both on arrival and when we left. That level of hospitality never dropped throughout the night. It truly felt like the entire team was working together to create the best possible experience, from quickly clearing empty plates to refilling water and even adding freshly grated parmesan without us having to ask. We started with the Carpaccio di Manzo, and it set the tone for the entire meal. The truffle oil tied the dish together perfectly--rich, balanced, and absolutely delicious. For our mains, we ordered the Pappardelle di Limone with shrimp and the Fettuccine ai Frutti di Mare in pomodoro sauce. Both were phenomenal. The lemon cream sauce on the pappardelle was to die for--bright, smooth, and incredibly flavorful--while the seafood fettuccine was just as impressive. Honestly, this might have been the best pasta I've had in my life. Our waitress, Sophia, was phenomenal. She was incredibly attentive, sweet, and knowledgeable about the menu. She answered all of our questions with ease and helped guide us through our indecisiveness, which made the experience even more enjoyable. For drinks, my sister had a non-alcoholic wine and I had a Malbec--both were delicious. Before dessert, we also enjoyed a cappuccino and a single espresso, which were the perfect way to wind down the meal. We ended with the Torta di Ricotta e Pistacchio, and it was just as memorable as everything before it. The texture was perfect--spoon cut right through it effortlessly--and the dulce de leche sauce complemented it beautifully. I genuinely can't get over how good the food was, paired with such friendly and attentive service. Casa Pasta exceeded expectations in every way. I'll definitely be back.

    Photos
    Casa Pasta - Inside dining area

    Inside dining area

    Casa Pasta - Croissant from the buffet

    Croissant from the buffet

    Casa Pasta - Peach mimosa

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    Peach mimosa

    Square Grouper Tiki Bar - Grilled Pluck it Chicken Sandwich w/fries - very good

    Square Grouper Tiki Bar

    3.5(234 reviews)
    2.2 mi
    $$

    After a nice ride down A1A, I arrived in Fort Pierce shortly after 11am and decided to get a bite…read moreto eat. I found this place via Yelp and here's my honest opinion. I really like the location. It's located on the water, technically on the inlet, next to Jetty Park. The views of the water is gorgeous - it's a deep aqua color, and I always enjoy watching boats navigate through inlets. The place has a tropical Tiki Hut vibe with palm trees and sand surrounding umbrella covered tables. There's also seating at the bar under the "Tike Hut". Service is at the bar. Instructions and a QR code (which downloads their menu) are provided on a board in front of the bar. So after a quick look at the menu I stepped up to the bar where I was greeted by a friendly employee. I ordered their Smoked Fish Dip ($14.00) and a Shiner Bock ($4.25). She brought me my bottle of Shiner Bock (no drafts at this place) along with a small electronic buzzer device that she told me to take back with me to my table, and when my order was ready it would notify me. It was practically no time after I sat down and my electronic device notified me that my order was ready. Again, service is at the bar - this time pickup was at the far end of the bar. You give the employee the electronic buzzer and the employee gives you your order. I found the Smoked Fish Dip very good. It consisted of a blend of wild caught Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo, Whitefish, and Whiting. It was served with freshly fried corn tortilla chips, red onions, tomatoes, and ¡alapeños. To be honest, I'm not a big fan of fried corn tortillas with any kind of smoked fish dip, and would have much preferred plain saltines instead. But no biggie. Note, there's a sign out front notifying everyone that: * 21+ for admission * No dogs * No kids * No babies (No kidding) I'm not sure of the reasoning behind these rules, but it's important to know before arriving with the family and your favorite 4 legged fur baby. The location, the food, and the friendly atmosphere gets 4 stars from me.

    My family and I visited Square Grouper on Saturday, May 2, in the afternoon, around 1:30-2:00 PM. I…read morewas with my elderly parents, who are in their 80s, and our two small dogs, a Maltese and a Chihuahua, both around 10 lbs. One of them is my seizure alert dog. Upon arrival, we were questioned about the dogs in a way that felt inappropriate. I was asked whether they were service animals, and when I confirmed that one was, I was further questioned about my medical condition, which made me extremely uncomfortable. We were eventually allowed in. I was unaware of the dog policy and was not informed that dogs were not allowed, these people don't even allow children I later saw (not family friendly). I rejoined my parents and we sat at a table off to the side, away from other guests, as we are always mindful that not everyone is comfortable around dogs. I ordered drinks and food at the bar, then stepped away briefly to use the restroom. The bartender (Olivia) was dismissive and made me wait a long time to order, not very inviting. When I returned, a manager approached our table in an aggressive and confrontational manner and insisted that we leave, claiming the dogs were barking. This was not accurate, neither of the dogs barked. We were shocked by the way the situation was handled, especially because there was no attempt to speak to us calmly or respectfully. It was a bit savage, something we aren't used to. When I asked what we should do since we had already ordered, I was rudely told the food would be packed up and brought outside. I went to the bar to cancel the order instead and asked for the manager's name, but the bartender refused to provide it. The manager then came to the bar and confronted me in a rude and dismissive tone. When I tried to calmly address the issue, he became even more confrontational and started to laugh, extremely unprofessional and disrespectful - trying to instigate the situation even more. I told him I would not lower myself to his level of communication and that the situation lacked basic customer service. After that, his behavior became even more aggressive. As we prepared to leave, the manager stood by the entrance watching us in a way to try to intimidate us, then followed closely behind us as we exited. Again, I was with my elderly parents, no respect and again, savage low-class behavior. The situation could have been handled with courtesy, professionalism, and respect. Instead, we were made to feel embarrassed, unwelcome, and intimidated. I did research on this restaurant and found that a blind veteran and his service dog were attacked and there was a big lawsuit just 2 years prior. The door guy attacked and injured one of our veterans, blind, over a service dog policy is disturbing. I hope that whoever reads this, decides not to come to this establishment, there are several reviews of how rude the workers are and it's unacceptable that the owner allows ratchid behavior. Read all the negative comments, this place is terrible!!!

    Photos
    Square Grouper Tiki Bar - Drinks by the water

    Drinks by the water

    Square Grouper Tiki Bar
    Square Grouper Tiki Bar - Outside

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    Outside

    12A Buoy - seafood - Updated September 2026

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