There are many wonderful places to eat on the island. Kathleen has been a restaurant reviewer for many years. These are her personal thoughts on various restaurants on the island. It's worth noting that Manatee County recently passed an ordinance that prohibits smoking in any establishment that also serves food. As a result, virtually all restaurants and bars are smoke free. This is great news if you're a non smoker. But if you are a smoker, be aware that you will be required to head outside to light up -- even at most bars. Some restaurants allow smoking on their decks or patios, inquire with the server.
Keep in mind that the island rolls up the sidewalks early. Many restaurants stop serving food at about 9 p.m. I've tried to indicate here what places serve later than that. Pizza delivery can be ordered from our favorite place Oma’s Pizza 778-0771 (try the Oma's Special). Solo's Pizza is great, but you must pick it up 778-8118. If you want pizza you know, there's a Domino’s Pizza, 778-6641.
$ Cheap (most main dishes under $10)
$$ Moderate (most main dishes between $10 and $20)
$$$ Expensive (main dishes peak around $25)
$$$$ Very expensive (main dishes $25+)
* One of our favorites
Café at the Beach – Manatee Public Beach
(Waterfront) The public beach offers all you can eat pancakes and sausage every morning until around noon, plus an assortment of other breakfast foods. They also do lunch and early dinner. The grouper sandwich is especially good, but be warned it’s big enough for two people. Typically they close around sunset. GREAT for kids. Bring their sandcastle gear and after they’ve finished pancakes or chicken tenders, they can go play in the sand while the adults linger over coffee in the morning, or glasses of wine in the evening. Beach attire is OK. $ breakfast/lunch
Island Creperie,
127 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 778-1011
The name says it all. Great crepes, including buckwheat crepes stuffed with just about anything for brunch. Excellent coffee. Not surprisingly, the menu leans toward French. It’s a nice start-the-day plan to have breakfast and then stroll on the beach or the bridge or do some shopping afterward. Breakfast/brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. $ breakfast/brunch.
* Gulf Drive Café
900 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach, 778-1919
(Waterfront) They have great Belgian waffles and terrific omelettes. You can sit on the back porch about 50 feet from the surf when the tide’s up. Also has good lunches, but the quality and service of everything other than breakfast has been a little off since new owners bought it last year. Look for coupons in the paper for two-for-one entrees. Casual attire. $ breakfast & lunch $$ dinner.
Peach’s
3240 East Bay Dr., Holmes Beach (near Walgreen’s), 779-0738
Peach’s is great for breakfast, plus they also serve a good lunch. No view, but good food and invariably friendly and quick service. They serve only breakfast and lunch, no dinner. Service stops around 2:30 p.m. Casual attire. $
* The Waterfront – 111 South Bay Blvd , Anna Maria, 778-1515
http://www.thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/
This place was recently refurbished following a fire that gutted the place, which is located across the street from the Anna Maria City Pier. One of our favorites for any meal on a nice day as you can sit on the porch and enjoy the weather and the view. Lovely breakfast entrees, including crab eggs benedict, good omelettes and crepes. Excellent mimosas for breakfast and brunch. $ breakfast/brunchLunch & Dinner (Casual)
Banana Cabana – 103 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach, 779-1930
Their macademia crusted group filet is worth heading down to Bradenton Beach. Service can be a little off at times. Look for coupons in the Islander – sometimes they give you a free beverage (e.g. a glass of wine or a beer) as part of an early bird special. Often has music at night. Casual. $$ lunch & dinner
* Mr. Bones – 3007 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 778-6614
This is a place for excellent ribs, but really everything is great. Pick up a beer from the coffin on your way into the dining room, which is decorated in African masks and a vague jungle motif. Everything is seasoned by a New Orleans trained chef to perfection, so goes their motto is "don't even ask" for salt, pepper or hot sauce. Good deals at lunch, which is served until 4 p.m. Dinner is available around 10 or 10:30 p.m. at night if they are busy, but call ahead after 9 p.m. See their menu for pickup orders. (We like the ribs so well, they catered one of the events for our wedding.) Casual. $ lunch $$ dinner
* The Beach House – 200 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 779-2222
http://groupersandwich.com
You can sit on the deck right on the Gulf, and usually there’s live music at night. Good for for casual fare and tasty margaritas. They usually have good fresh seafood entrees, and serve “turf” foods such as steaks, prime rib, etc. It’s a great place to watch the sunset. (We had our wedding reception on the deck here.) Casual. $ lunch $$ dinner
The Bridgetender Inn - 135 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, 778-4849
Located just off the historic pier in Bradenton Beach, this casual eatery has the usual menu stuff found on the restaurant, namely burgers, Caesar salad, grouper sandwich and the like. The food’s fine and the atmosphere and service are invariably pleasant. This is a good destination to explore the little shops on Bridge Street, or to head to eat aftera a day at Coquina Beach.. $
City Pier Restaurant – Anna Maria Island Pier, 100 S. Bay Blvd., 779-1697
http://pierjewelry.com/restaurant.php
The menu has the likes of peel and eat shrimp, grouper sandwiches, caesar salads, hearty seafood pastas, hamburgers and the like, plus a selection of beer and wine. At dinner, they serve steamer pots loaded with shrimp and shellfish, including crab, clams and mussels that’s hugely fun to eat. What’s really remarkable is the view, which is all around you in the glass enclosed dining room. It’s still pretty casual, and a great place to take kids. It’s a nice break for a beer, too. We sometimes just go for a drink, an appetizer and the view. Closes at 9 p.m. during the week, and at 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. $ lunch $$ dinner.
Da Giorgio Ristorante, 5702 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 779-0221
http://www.dagiorgio.net/Very nice, rather upscale northern Italian fare. The interior is lovely and rather romantic and the food is excellent. Among their specialities is roasted rack of lamb, and shrimp sauteed with white wine, capers and lemon served over a bed of spinach. The tuna carpaccio is excellent. Very nice wine list. A good romantic dinner place. $$$ dinner
Duffy’s – 5808 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 778-2501
This is THE famous place to eat on the island, now at a new location. Great burgers, terrific bean soup and cold beer. Locals ask for a cheeseburger “all the way,” which means tomato, onion, lettuce, pickle and mayonaise. (The hamburgers are actually made out of ground steak.) It’s good, and a must-do Island stop. Casual or beach attire, shoes required. $
Hurricane Hanks –5346 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach (in the shopping plaza)
This is a casual, fun eatery whose locale in the local strip mall belies the fact that it’s one of the few places on the island to get a halfway decent martini. The menu is interesting, and a bit more than the standard Caesar salad/grouper sandwich/hamburger fare, with especially nice salads and consistently good daily specials with an exotic touch. (Example: jerk pork with black beans and pecan-crusted halibut with pineapple/mango salsa). Since the food is good, the place tends to be very busy in the evening so don’t be surprised if there’s a wait. The staff is friendly, bordering on good natured sassy. It’s a good place to go for just a beer at the bar. The place also doubles as a sports bar when big games are on TV $ lunch $$ dinner.
* Island Creperie, 127 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 778-1011
Known for its crepes by day, this little restaurant turns into a traditional French bistro at by night. It's a taste of Paris, right on the island. The chef here does such a good job that it’s sometimes hard to get a table, so be sure to call ahead for reservations. The fare is classic French, with well executed favorites such as coq au vin, poulet moutarde and beef bougonion coupled with a nice, reasonably priced wine list. Small and intimate, it’s a lovely end to a day in paradise. One of the places we eat first on a return to the island. Dinner served until 9 p.m., closed Sunday nights. $$ dinner
The Mar Vista, 760 Broadway (off Gulf of Mexico Dr) Longboat Key 383-2391
Just over the bridge on Longboat Key, the Mar Vista sits on the bay. You can access the restaurant by car or boat, and docking is available if you decide to visit by boat. The interior of the restaurant offers "old Florida charm", make sure you sign a dollar bill and staple it to the walls or ceiling! You can also dine on their outside deck. We are fond of their "steamer pots", a pot filled with steamed mussels, clams, potatoes, etc. They also offer entrees, fish, burgers, salads, etc. $ lunch/dinner
* Old Hamburg Schnitzel Haus –3246 East Bay Drive, 779-1320
One of true favorites. The place is decorated with mismatched wooden dining room sets of the kind you’d find at grandmother’s house. This sturdy décor offers hearty home style German cuisine and excellent German beers on tap. The owners are a lovely German couple; he works the dining roomm and mans the beer taps, while she cooks. They usually offer a special menu on Fridays; pork knuckle night is always a sellout. It's wise to make reservations that night, especially during season. They serve until about 9:30 p.m., but call to check their hours and if they are open as they go on holiday at least three or four weeks a year. No lunch, dinner only. $$
Oma’s Pizza –201 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, 778-0771
This family-run pizza place has been around for something like 40 years. No frills décor once you get past the vaguely Greek/Rome theme, but great, fresh pizzas and you can call for pickup. So casual, we don’t even know if you need shoes. (Across from the Beach House.) Serves until midnight most nights. They'll deliver but tell them upfront that you're paying with a credit card if you don't have cash. $
Rod & Reel Pier –875 North Shore Drive, Anna Maria
Watch people fish and eat a fish sandwich. This is a very casual, paper plate service style place at the end of the historic pier. The food’s food, the regulars cheerful and the whole place a bit offbeat. Has a small bar that is popular with salty locals. They also do breakfast. $
Rotton Ralph’s – 902 South Bay Blvd., Anna Maria Yacht Basin, 778-3953
http://www.rottenralphs.com/
Nice location in a marina in Anna Maria, but a hard one to recommmend. The food and service go through roller coaster-like streaks of inconsistency. One visit, they used tilapia instead of grouper on our sandwich. A year later, we had the best grouper sandwich we ever tasted. So good that we went back the next week with friends; the same sandwich could be generously referred to as mediocre. Service can be slow as a glacier, or prompt and friendly. On the positive side, it's always fun to relax with a drink and watch the boats come and go... Look for coupons/specials in the Island papers; they often have 2-for-1 deals.
The Sandbar – 100 Spring Avenue, Anna Maria, 778-0444
A historic old restaurant with an eat-on deck set right on the beach. They usually have a ‘Guess the Sunset Time’ competition each night and the person closest to the time of sunset wins a bottle of champagne. It’s owned by the same people as the Beach House but slightly more expensive although just as casual. They have inside dining in a historic room built in the 1920s. The deck recently underwent a large renovation, with great results, but has made it as popular as ever. There are no reservations taken for the deck, so it's first come, first serve and can be as long as a 45-minute wait during season. (They do take reservations for tables inside; if you dine there, take a sweater, the AC is cranked to keep the place cooled to arctic temperatures.) The food is OK, typically well executed but not spectacular. It's a bit pricey for what you get. We recommend the chowder and their sandwiches, or stick with simple surf and turf. We do like to hang out on the deck for a sunset cocktail. Good destination for a beach walk. (Just head north and you’ll hit in about a mile.) They also have live music many evenings. Casual or beach attire, shoes required so bring them with if you’re getting there via beach. You'll need shoes to go inside to use the bathroom. $$ lunch $$$ dinner
Sharky’s - 2519 Gulf Dr. N., Bradenton Beach,
http://www.sharkysseagrill.com/
Another good place on the island for “surf and turf” style fare, (think: steak and lobster, for instance), and good pasta entrees. It's furnished in that nautical, hardwood decor that you're more likely to find on the Eastern seaboard than on the island. Always inquire about the daily grilled specials, they’re typically very good. Has a full bar, and usually offers happy hour specials from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Open from 4 p.m. to midnight, although they stop serving food around 11 p.m. They often have karoake at night in the bar, frequented by regulars. $$ dinner
Skinny’s – 3901 Gulf Drive across from the Manatee Public Beach
This is Duffy’s old location at the corner of Manatee Avenue near the public beach. This small, weathered open-air shack of a restaurant serve good burgers and sandwiches. Locals contend the burgers aren't as good as Duffy's, but we like them both. Beach attire OK but shoes required. $
* Solo’s Pizza & Subs –3244 East Bay Drive, (near Walgreen’s)
We think all the food on Solo's short menu is good here but the pizza is great. There’s also cold beer, darts and a pool table plus loads of TVs for watching a sports game. It’s also one of the few places that serves food until midnight on the island. They don't deliver, but pizza can be ordered for takeout. The "Solo's Special" is one of our staple foods on the island. Very casual. $ lunch & dinner
Subway - 3232 East Bay Drive, (near Walgreen’s)
This is the local outpost of the national chain, and the only “fast food” restaurant on the island. Recently had a deal on two foot-long subs for $9 after 5:30 p.m. Serves until 10 p.m. $
*The Sun House – 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 782-1122
http://www.thesunhouserestaurant.com/
For something a little different, try the The Sun House Restaurant. It focuses on “Floribbean” fusion cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood, award-winning salsas along with tangy sauces, seasonings and marinades which derive from the Caribbean and Latin America. The jerked meats and seafood are excellent as is the spicy “rasta pasta” and the “drunken shrimp” appetizer. In good weather, you can sit on the second-floor deck with an outstanding view of the Gulf. It’s located within the Bridgewalk hotel development. Open from around 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily but call for specific hours. For couples they have a unique two-person “prix fixe” meal option that includes three courses accompanied by a bottle of wine for $70. $-$$ lunch $$-$$$ dinner
* The Waterfront – 111 South Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 778-1515
This place was recently refurbished following a fire that gutted the place, which is located across the street from the Anna Maria City Pier. They’ve done an excellent job and revamped the menu to include excellent beers and wine from around the world, plus thoughtfully crafted and elegant food, all served within view of the historic pier on the island’s north end. This has become one of our favorites on the island for any meal on a nice day as you can sit on the porch and enjoy the weather and the view. The wait staff is especially good. The crab caesar salad is a standout. Note that they close at 9 p.m. sharp for dinner. $ breakfast/lunch $$ dinner http://www.thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/
Beach Bistro – 6600 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 778-6444
http://www.beachbistro.com/
by far the most expensive place on the island. The Beach Bistro’s chef has won numerous awards for his menu featuring updated Floribbean meets classic French training. It's all high-end fare with a lean toward luxury; for instance, there's a "Death by Foie Gras" appetizer. This is a lovely, elegant room, and a bit more formal than anywhere else on the island. But we have some issues with this place. Too many tables are pushed into the dining so that in most cases, you're sitting only a few inches away from the next table. At times, this can be fun, but if you're spending $350 for an anniversary dinner, you ought to be able to have a private conversation. Also, tables are set so that the one half of a tables gets to take in the extraordinary view of the beach offered by a wall of windows; the other half of the table has it to their back. The wine list is wildly overpriced. But the chef does have talent, and it shows in the dishes. It's definitely worth trying if you're a gourmand.
So if you do go, consider bringing a special bottle or two and paying the corking fee. Try to go around sunset, and make reservations, they’re strongly advised. Ask for a table in the middle of the room. There’s also a bar if you just want to try the bar menu, but there's no view. Main plates range from $25 to $40. Outstanding wine list. Smart casual to dressy attire. $$$$ Expensive,
The Colony – 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key
http://www.colonybeachresort.com/colony_Dining_info.html
This is actually down on Longboat Key in the Colony resort. The newly refurbished Monkey Room offers seating indoor or out. It’s a great restaurant, a bit formal and a bit pricey but invariably worth it. It’s a good place to take the family for a special meal. There might be a jacket required dress code on certain occasions. Reservations recommended. Dressy. $$$$ lunch & dinner
The Columbia – 411 St. Armand’s circle, Longboat Key, 388-3987
http://www.columbiarestaurant.com/sarasota.aspIf you’re heading into Sarasota or just curious about the upscale shopping area St. Armand’s Circle (about 25 minute-drive south on Longboat Key), be sure to check out the absolutely wonderful Cuban food at this institution. Try the deceptively simple 1905 salad, the paella and any of the fresh seafood specials. There’s dancing on weekend nights. Smart casual, dressier at night. $$ lunch $$$-$$$$ dinner
Sign of the Mermaid – 9707 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria
(toward north end of the island), 778-9399
When Kat was growing up here, it was still somebody’s house. Then, it was a daycare. Now, it’s an eclectic, charming and rather romantic restaurant settled into this old frame beach house that focuses on inventive formal cuisine. There’s lots of French classic influence here, with lots of roasted or braised meats served with sauce. While we really like this place, the kitchen can have a heavy hand with sauces, so always ask for them on the side to avoid your filet swimming in Bernaise. Portions are just ridiculously large, so you may want to share a main dish. They have a nice hand-picked wine list. Rather romantic. Smart casual to dressy. $$$ dinner only
Cortez Kitchen – 4628 119th St. West, Cortez, 798-9404
Over the Cortez Bridge in Cortez village and it’s right on the water. We haven’t been there since the new owners took over, but they used to have live comedy on Wednesday nights and usually had live music on weekends. Early reports are that the food is still good. With access to the local fishermen in Cortez, it’s worth checking out for fresh fish, shrimp, crab and bay scallops. $ lunch/dinner
D.Coy Ducks – 5410 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach (in the shopping center), 778-5888
D Coy Ducks is a small family owned pub that is the only place on the island where you can smoke and drink, following a new law in Manatee County that prohibits smoking in establishments that serve food . We don't smoke, so we don't ever go there as it's like stepping into an asphyxiation tank. However, if you smoke and you really want to find a place where you can smoke without having to stand outside, then check this place out. They often have live bands on Friday and Saturday nights. Monday nights they usually have a dominoes tournament. Also has a couple of good pool tables. $
|
