Nestled along the Atlantic coastline in Vero Beach, Florida, the Ocean Grill stands as a beloved landmark, drawing visitors with its breathtaking ocean views, unique architecture, and exceptional cuisine. For over eight decades, this iconic restaurant has been more than just a place to dine—it's a living piece of history, blending eccentric design, family tradition, and fresh coastal flavors.
The Eccentric Vision of Waldo Sexton
The story begins in 1941, when colorful entrepreneur Waldo Sexton constructed the building that houses Ocean Grill. Known as a "treasure hunter," Sexton salvaged materials from across Europe and Florida, incorporating pecky cypress, mahogany, stained glass windows, flamboyant chandeliers, Highwaymen paintings, and nautical artifacts into the design. The result? An eclectic space that feels like stepping aboard an old ship—complete with a gentle slope toward the ocean.
Even today, the interior was surprising. As third-generation chef Joey Replogle notes, "Once in a while I might see something I haven’t seen in a long time. And it feels like being on a ship because it slopes down toward the ocean." Sexton's flair is unmistakable: "You can’t build like this anymore."
During World War II, the building briefly served as an officers' club for a nearby naval air base. Post-war, it evolved into the restaurant we know today, perched precariously over the waves—a location that has weathered storms but remains resilient.
A Family Tradition Spanning Generations
In the 1960s, Joey Replogle's grandfather moved his family from Wisconsin to Vero Beach, captivated by Sexton's extraordinary building. With experience running a steakhouse back north, he leased the restaurant in 1965 and brought cherished recipes that endure today.
Classics like the blue cheese spread, Coquilles St. Jacques, and roast duckling with orange-sherry sauce remain "barely altered, or not altered at all, in 60 years." Joey's mother, hailing from Maryland, influenced the crab cakes, transforming them into a "celebration of crab" with minimal fillers.
Now, as the guiding force in the kitchen, Joey carries the weight—and pride—of this third-generation legacy. "It’s family tradition—wanting to make them proud," he says.
Cuisine Rooted in Tradition and the Sea
Ocean Grill's menu honors its Midwestern steakhouse roots while embracing Florida's bountiful seafood. Daily specials feature what's fresh and local fish prepared broiled with dill sauce, grilled, deep-fried, or Cajun-style. The Cajun grouper is a personal favorite of Chef Joey.
These timeless dishes, paired with the restaurant's maritime setting, create an unforgettable dining experience—consistent quality that has made Ocean Grill a Vero Beach institution.
Weathering the Storms
Perched directly over the ocean, Ocean Grill naturally raises questions about hurricanes. "People always ask if we’re nervous when a storm comes," Joey admits. "The answer is we take our precautions, and just like everybody else, we hope it doesn’t make landfall."
Through decades of tempests, including major erosion in the 1970s and 1980s, the restaurant has endured—thanks to engineering ingenuity, beach renourishment efforts, and sheer determination.
Why Ocean Grill Endures
In a world of fleeting trends, Ocean Grill remains a Vero Beach tradition: a place where history, family, and the sea converge. Whether you're savoring a heirloom recipe, admiring Sexton's curiosities, or gazing at the Atlantic horizon, a visit here is timeless.
If you're in Vero Beach, make Ocean Grill a must—it's not just dinner; it's a slice of Florida's soul.
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