Guilty Pleasures: Indulge in the Most Decadent Dishes in Indian River County
Indian River County is a haven for food lovers, offering a feast of irresistible dishes to satisfy any craving. From savory creations bursting with flavor to rich, decadent desserts, this area is a culinary treasure trove. Whether you’re a foodie on the hunt for your next indulgent escape or simply treating yourself to something special, get ready to experience the unforgettable guilty pleasures that make dining here truly extraordinary.
Now, let’s dive in and explore the indulgent dishes I enjoyed while writing this article!
The Crab Stop of Vero Beach – Vero Beach, FL
First stop on this indulgent tour is The Crab Stop of Vero Beach, where your seafood dreams come true! Owners Ellis and Brandy Buckner have created a haven for crustacean lovers, serving up generous portions of king crab, snow crab, peel-and-eat shrimp, scallops, crawfish, fried shrimp, garlic red potatoes, sliced sausage, and garlic eggs—all coated in their secret spice blend and drenched in rich garlic butter. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water, but the real thrill is diving into the ULTIMATE FEAST. With a platter featuring king crab legs, lobster tails, snow crab clusters, peel n eat shrimp, scallops, 1 pound of potatoes, and corn coblets, this is indulgence at its finest. Don’t forget your “crab eat’n” clothes—this is a deliciously messy adventure, worth every bite!
Crab Stop of Vero Beach
Address: 89 Royal Palm Pointe, Vero Beach, FL 32960
Phone: (772) 257-5221
Pepper & Salt BBQ – Vero Beach, FL
Next up on this indulgent journey is Vero Beach’s beloved Central Texas BBQ spot, Pepper & Salt BBQ. Known for their perfectly smoked brisket, and their occasional special—the MONSTER BEEF RIB—it’s a showstopper. Think “Brisket on a Stick,” with meat so tender it practically falls off the bone, rich with marbled fat that melts in your mouth. Owners John and Heather Chianis bring the best of Texas BBQ to town, slow-smoking meats for over 15 hours and seasoning them simply with “Pepper & Salt”. This rib is pure indulgence and worth the wait in line to snag one before they sell out!
Pepper & Salt
Address: 308 Old Dixie Hwy, Vero Beach, FL 32962
Phone: (772) 257-5726
Sebastian Sandwich Shack – Sebastian, FL
Continuing our indulgent tour, we head to Sebastian Sandwich Shack, tucked away in the back of River Park Plaza. While it may be a bit off the beaten path, this spot is well worth the short drive from Vero Beach, especially for burger lovers. Their menu offers a variety of American classics, but the true standout is their colossal creation, the “MOTHER OF ALL BURGERS,” lovingly called The MOAB. This towering masterpiece is not for the faint of heart—or appetite! My attempt to conquer it a few years ago ended in defeat, but for those bold enough to try, it’s an unforgettable challenge. With ample parking, cozy indoor seating, and a colorful outdoor patio, Sebastian Sandwich Shack offers the perfect setting to dive into this epic burger indulgence.
Sebastian Sandwich Shack and Grill
Address: 482 US-1, Sebastian, FL 32958
Phone: (772) 589-4133
Sweet Desires Dessert Lounge – Vero Beach, FL
The indulgence continues at Sweet Desires Dessert Lounge in Vero Beach, where guilty pleasures take center stage. Owned by local entrepreneur Brandy Buckner, this chic spot is the ultimate destination for pairing decadent desserts with signature cocktails. The standout treat? The Velvet Lush Chocolate Ganache Cake—a rich, velvety masterpiece that’s every chocoholic’s dream. The lounge’s stylish atmosphere invites you to dress up and unwind. Whether you’re there for a sweet escape or to sample their savory offerings, Sweet Desires Dessert Lounge is a must-visit for an indulgent night out.
Sweet Desires Dessert Lounge
Address: 44 Royal Palm Pointe, Vero Beach, FL 32960
Phone: (772) 217-8789
The Wave Kitchen & Bar – Vero Beach, FL
The final stop on this indulgent tour is The Wave Kitchen & Bar at Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa, owned by Gloria and Emilio Estefan. This tropical escape delivers an exquisite dining experience, offering the perfect getaway without the need to venture far from home. The highlight of this stop is their Seafood Paella, a show-stopping dish brimming with fresh seafood, saffron-infused rice, and bold flavors that transport your taste buds straight to the coast of Spain. This vibrant dish, featured on our foodie show Holy Grail Eats a few years ago, is a true testament to their culinary excellence. Whether you choose to dine indoors or outdoors on the pool patio, every detail of this experience—from the lush tropical setting to the unforgettable cuisine—makes The Wave Kitchen & Bar a must-visit destination for indulgence.
The Wave Kitchen & Bar
Address: 3244 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963
Phone: (772) 410-0100
