6 Best Restaurants in Daytona Beach, Northeast Coast

Locals seem to flock to this trendy south Daytona eatery and lounge as much for the scene as for the food. The rotating menu emphasizes organic, locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, which owner–chef Clay Butters uses to create beef, seafood, and poultry dishes as appealing to the eye as the taste buds. Diners especially appreciate the chef's use of homegrown herbs and creative sauces in dishes such as Bahamian lobster sauté and natural grass-fed filet mignon, which can be enjoyed in the sleek dining room or in the garden, complete with a 20-foot lighted waterfall and fire pit.

Considering NASCAR fans' affinity for barbecue, it was only natural that this wildly popular Florida chain, which originated about an hour away in Orlando, would set up shop across the street from Daytona International Speedway. First-timers might want to try the Smokehouse 2X2, which lets you mix and match mouthwatering smoked meats, such as the 18-hour smoked brisket, pulled pork, and burnt ends. The Six-Shooter starts with a layer of baked cheese grits that's topped with pulled pork, coleslaw, jalapeños, and the signature sauce. For an outside-the-box side, consider trying the bacon-wrapped, cheese-stuffed jalapeños.

Don't be surprised if your server introduces herself as your cousin, though you've never seen her before in your life. The silly Southern hospitality is only one of the draws at this wildly popular waterfront restaurant specializing in mouthwatering plates of fresh seafood and other Southern favorites. Hot cinnamon rolls, hush puppies, baked beans, cheese grits, and slaw come with every entrée and can be a meal in themselves. Bring your appetite and your patience—a wait is practically guaranteed. Sunday brunch lures empty stomachs with made-to-order eggs and French toast, and a chocolate fountain.

This chophouse provides an upscale alternative to Daytona's more prevalent shorts-and-flip-flop joints. Steaks, especially the cuts named after race-car drivers, and mouthwatering sides (don't miss the potatoes Gruyère gratin) are the main attractions. The 22-ounce bone-in rib eye named after Tony Stewart is, appropriately, among the thickest, showing that these guys know their NASCAR. The popular Steak Earnhardt is a filet mignon over bordelaise crowned with lobster, Béarnaise (yes, it has two sauces), asparagus, and sliced mushroom. The lively dining room—done in dark wood with soft lighting and splashes of colorful artwork—is complemented by dramatic ocean views. An expansive wine list includes over 40 options by the glass. And don't let this restaurant chain's Ohio roots fool you—the Key lime pie is absolutely Florida-worthy.

This unassuming eatery across from the beach had a loyal following long before Food Network's Guy Fieri declared its signature appetizer, BBQ-smoked alligator ribs, "probably the best way I've ever had gator." Ocean-to-table seafood is the star here, and popular appetizers include local fish collars and seasonal fish cakes, though you'll want to save room for mains such as the filet-and-shrimp fondue. For dessert, Berries Biscuits-N-Bourbon combine seasonal berries with a bourbon glaze and homemade sweet-biscuit crumble.

Mexican street food is the specialty at this tiny, counter-service eatery in the downtown riverfront shopping district. The namesake tacos come with onion, cilantro, and lime, but for 50¢ more you can get an Americanized version with cheese. Fillings range from the familiar (chicken, steak, carnitas) to the less familiar (including beef tongue). Lines can get long during lunch hour, when surfers, college students, and the business crowd converge for fresh, tasty, and cheap eats. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, and a mariachi band performs every Friday night.