(This story has been updated with new information.)
If you’re a local, you know it by heart. If you’re a vacationer, it’s simply tradition. And if you’ve just wandered off the beach, sun-soaked and barefoot, it’s the kind of place you naturally end up. Ocean Deck has been a part of Daytona Beach's rhythm, steady as the tides, for nearly 70 years.
And the iconic wood-planked beach bar further cemented its legendary status this week after the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards officially named Ocean Deck the best beach bar in the nation.
For Ocean Deck co-owner Matt Fuerst, earning the revered title is a testament to the consistency and dedication his team brings to the table.
“It goes back to hard work for us and our staff — how hard we work to make it a place that includes everyone, where everyone can have a good time," Fuerst said. "... We have a beach, we have live music — 14 acts a week, karaoke," making them one of the only family-friendly locations with such an extensive entertainment schedule and late hours.
Ocean Deck in Daytona Beach started as a hot dog stand
Perched right on the sand of the World’s Most Famous Beach, Ocean Deck originated as a humble hot dog stand in 1957, as The News-Journal previously reported, and has grown into Daytona’s best kept not-so-secret — a multi-level destination where flip flop-clad patrons fresh off the sand enjoy reggae beats, seafood bites and plastic cups filled with rum runners.
Loyal patrons-turned-owners Matt and his wife, Connie Fuerst, purchased the local fixture with business partners Ken Bots and Vernon Kuftic, who had long served as the restaurant's general managers, in 2012 after longtime owner Dick Keough, who bought the restaurant in 1980, planned for retirement.
Over the years, the no-reservations beachfront bar has continued to draw crowds of locals and tourists alike with its come-as-you-are vibe, whether dropping by the seat-yourself deck and lower-level bar or ultra-casual upstairs dining room.
"We really haven’t changed much in the restaurant (since taking over). We streamlined some operations, we built a second kitchen so we can execute our food faster," and expanded parking, Matt Fuerst explained. "... Our job now is to get people back. We always talk to people that (say) ‘Oh my gosh, I used to be there in the ‘80s or ‘90s or early 2000s' … A lot of people have shifted their lives with kids now that grew up at the Ocean Deck or grandkids, and we want to remind them that it's fun at 2 p.m. as well as it is at 2 a.m.”
Daytona Beach fixture Ocean Deck offers something for everyone
From party buckets, pitchers and frozen cocktails to draft and bottled beer, house wines and assorted shots, Ocean Deck’s drink menu runs the gamut, with half a dozen mocktails even making the list. Alongside its weekday happy hour, Ocean Deck diners can choose from dozens of island-inspired eats, from Caribbean coconut shrimp and Cajun mahi fish tacos to the Rasta Burger, slow-cooked ribs and classic Key lime pie.
Guests can catch local musicians and live bands at the restaurant daily until 1 a.m., when the kitchen closes, though Ocean Deck doesn’t call it a night until 2 a.m. — a rarity in Daytona’s dining scene that’s earned it a loyal late-night following.
“When we post on social media people are like 'I can't wait to get there,' and that kind of thing really hits home to us," Fuerst said. "We are a place that people want to be, and they feel great when they’re there. It's just an iconic location that can never be duplicated," he continued. "... A huge thank you for everyone's support, and we’ll continue to try to get better every day."
Ocean Deck is planning a "thank you" party on the beach in the near future with music, giveaways and more, Fuerst noted. Customers can follow Ocean Deck's Facebook page for updates.
Ocean Deck is located at 127 S. Ocean Ave. in Daytona Beach and is open 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. daily. For information, call 386-253-5224 or visit oceandeck.com.
