Rick's Cafe Boatyard, Indianapolis

When thinking of the country's best waterfront restaurants, many people probably think of destinations in Hawaii, California, and Florida. In fact, one of them is right outside Indianapolis. Rick's Cafe Boatyard has been named 1 of the 100 Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants by both OpenTable and Restaurant News. Its wraparound deck boasts dozens of tables, at any of which guests enjoy panoramic views of Eagle Creek Reservoir and the sailboats anchored in the restaurant's 100 boat slips.

This setting is just part of what has earned Rick's a spot among the Indy A-List's five most romantic restaurants every year since 2007. Inside, there are two banquet rooms—the Diamond Room with exposed, vaulted ceilings reminiscent of a ship's hull and the Pearl Room. In the main dining room, there are potted palms with coastal vibes, where diners can listen to live jazz shows on weekends and a variety of music on other nights.

Of course, Rick's wouldn't be so popular if it was serving mediocre food. Guests would do well to start their meal with the award-winning Maryland crab cakes and to try the Atlantic salmon roulades, which are rolled in spinach and boursin cheese before they're cooked in a wood-burning oven. Though rooted in fresh seafood, the menu is surprisingly extensive and also includes steaks, chops, sandwiches, and wood-fired pizzas.