Despite the abundance of restaurants along A1A within walking distance of our hotel, we decided to explore the alternatives as well. We selected Shooters Waterfront Café because of its location on the Intercoastal Waterway (ICW), and we were looking forward to watching the boats maneuvering along the ICW as we dined. The experience was a disappointing one. The first problem was finding a place to park. We initially pulled into a lot across the street and then saw that it was for "El Mar" customers only. We were in the process of leaving the lot when an attendant hurried over and told us we could park there anyway—for $10. Since we had passed a couple of lots about a block and a half away that cost $5, we politely said, "No, thanks."

He got very nasty at that point and said he’d better not see us even pulling into his lot to turn around. His attitude was not the start of a perfect evening. We ended up having to park at a lot a couple of blocks from the restaurant since the others were full, but we don’t mind walking anyway. Once in the restaurant, we managed to get a seat on the outdoor patio that was right on the ICW, so we were thrilled. Unfortunately, the views we had anticipated seeing were non-existent. Several big boats were docked right beside the patio, blocking the view of the ICW.

We decided to have some appetizers, which looked interesting on the menu, and some drinks. The appetizers were pricey for what you got, but they were good. We had the spicy clam dip, which was served with a mini-loaf of bread, and cost $12.95. The serving size wasn’t large to begin with, and there were several empty clam shells. Our spinach, bacon, and onion dip was served with chips and cost $9.50. Again, it was good, but not a large portion. House wine was $6.50 a glass, and beer was $4.75. We each had two drinks, and the bill came to $47.81.

The ladies restroom came with a "guardian," who sat in a chair and apparently expected to be tipped although she wasn’t doing anything that I could see even remotely resembled a "service." The only positive thing I can say about our experience at Shooters is that the waitress who waited on our table was very good. Should you want to go in spite of this review, the hours are 11:30am until 10pm Sundays through Thursdays, and 11:30am until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.