101726 OceanGrill JoshuaKodis 001 — PHOTO BY JOSHUA KODIS

Hours & Address: Lunch, Mon-Sat, 11:30-2; Dinner, Daily, 5; Sun, 3:30
1050 Beachland Blvd, Vero Beach 32963 | Phone: (772)-231-5409

What and Where: For six decades, this restaurant – poised precariously over the beach (and at times, the ocean) at Sexton Plaza – has been synonymous with our very special seaside community. If you haven’t dined at “The Grill,” you haven’t been to Vero.

Ambiance/Atmosphere: Eccentric old Florida vibe a la Waldo Sexton.

Must-Try Dishes: It’s stone crab season! (The claws seemed a bit smallish this year, but ohhh that taste!) It’s also the time of year for when the pompano are running along our coast. The Grill’s simple preparation is perfect.

Adult Beverages: Very good bar; decent wine selection.

Reservations: Only for parties of 5 or more.

Price: $$ – $$$

Rating: Four stars

Overall Verdict: Each October, the Ocean Grill undergoes its annual spook-tacular transformation. And if you don’t make it during Halloween month, there’s always Christmas – when the Grill turns itself into as much of the quintessential Vero holiday experience as the Ocean Drive Christmas parade. With the best oceanfront views in Vero – and good food combined with great servers – our only quibble is the lengthy wait to be seated. If only they would let parties of two or four make reservations. There’s got to be a better way than keeping local fans waiting an hour or more.