A tropical dining experience on the water, with good food, drinks and atmosphere is sometimes hard to find, even in Florida. But, in Deerfield Beach, The Cove Restaurant provides all of these things and more for locals and visitors.
For 30 years, The Cove, just west of the Intracoastal off Hillsboro Boulevard, has offered its guests dining on the intracoastal. Over the last few years and through two closings due to hurricane damage, The Cove now presents a renovated look and many traits that keep its customers returning weekly. Featuring both an inside dining room, an outside covered eating space and multiple bars, The Cove provides the perfect setting for whatever the mood.
“On the weekends, people love to sit outside on the water and watch the parade of boats,” said Denise Buzzelli, Project and Special Events Coordinator who has been with the restaurant for 13 years.
The restaurant is completely glassed in, so dining inside feels as though you are sitting outside. The ceiling is filled with hanging baskets of lush plants, and the dark wood interior creates a tropical setting. Happy hour at The Cove is a major Deerfield happening, where on Friday after work, you can barely find a parking space. Chef Bill Osgood, who has been creating the menus at The Cove for 18 years, said, “You see people walking from Federal Hwy just to get to Friday’s happy hour.” For the special hour, which actually runs Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Osgood makes an array of “munchies,” he explains, such as chicken wings and other pick-up foods. Drinks are two for one during this time. Music is an important part of The Cove, as they have live music every night.
On my recent visit to The Cove, I was lucky enough to try many of the new favorites that Osgood has brought to the menu. He said, “We sell a lot of the seared tuna appetizer, and the chalupa chicken pasta is my favorite, so I brought both and a few others.” He did bring out many other dishes from the kitchen, and one was more delicious than the next. The hot crab and cheese dip, creamy and full of fresh crab, was the personal recipe of co-owner Susan Agnew who started the restaurant with Ken Gulden. Osgood was asked to make the recipe for the restaurant because “so many people loved it,” he said.
Osgood was right, the chalupa chicken pasta was wonderful and the portion was large enough to either share, or take home for leftovers. It was something I will order when I return for my next meal. It had just the right amount of spice, and was flavorful in a very light cream sauce.
Other delightful appetizers were the tuna tacos, with smoked watermelon inside and the crab cakes that Osgood finishes with a red pepper puree. The menu is varied and offers both a selection of fresh seafood and meat dishes. For lunch, The Cove offers sandwiches and some smaller seafood dishes. Wonderful salads and a raw bar selection are offered throughout the day and night, and there is a large wine selection with many choices offered by the glass.
The Cove offers delicious food and a wonderful local atmosphere right on the water. The staff, many of whom have been with the restaurant for over 15 years, are proud to welcome guests to dine, relax, listen to music, have a drink and most of all enjoy.

By Lisa Cohen