“I actually work here but my opinion is unbiased. It is in the top two restaurants on Anna Maria Island and possibly the west coast of Florida. Hand crafted drinks and food are outstanding. Come early for lunch and dinner because it’s not a well kept secret that this is the best of the best.“
“Great views of the beach. There was even a large turtle that sauntered across the patio. Beware of your seat selection. Anything near the edge of the roof is going to be in the sun as the afternoon progresses. A little on the pricey side. Valet parking is "complimentary".“
“A casual and cool place to go if your staying on AMI. Food is pretty good for being at the end of a pier, we love that they offer a vegetarian burger along side some great seafood items. Live music is nearly also on, so grab a beer and sit down for an hour of great views and good times“
“Great atmosphere and alot of fun for the family eating out on the outside deck on the pier! Plenty of wildlife to watch and great views! Kids enjoyed the fish and chips and burger. Wife and I had the amberjack and mahi mahi! Both excellent with great flavor rice and loved the mango cups. Rey friendly waitress and great overall experience. Not terribly pricey either for seafood! We will be back.Parking: Hard to find parking so make sure to eat on the earlier side or park down the street a bit. Not a bad walk and great area. If you get lucky, you can get a spot in the lot.Kid-friendliness: Kids loved the pier!“
“What a beautiful day to sit outside, listen to live music, and have a great dinner! The tacos were really tasty and my beer was ice cold. The best part of our entire visit was our server, Tianna! She went above and beyond to make sure we had a pleasant experience. She was very busy, but gave great service, suggestions, and was always smiling. We will definitely be coming back to ask for her!“
“One of my favorite breakfast spots in Longboat Key is Harry’s Continental Kitchen. The servers are so friendly, and the ambiance is always inviting. It's a nice touch when you see the owner greeting guests. The food is amazing; whenever we visit Longboat Key, this place is our go-to for breakfast. Plus, they have a gluten-free option, which is a big plus.Dietary restrictions: “They offer gluten-free bread as an option for those with gluten allergies”.“
“Always bring my friends and family here to share the funky, key west Cortez experience. Dockside seating at tiki bar..seat yourself. Grab a dolphin or sunset cruise here, or a handmade necklace and a blackened grouper sandwich. Waitresses are a bit more patient after season slows down. This place is generally laid ba k and has live tines. Bring back the all you can eat crab special! LOVE swordfish grill and Tiki. Not sure if I'd dine here because of my anaphylaxis but my people really love it!“
“I wanted to be able to give a higher rating as the food, the location and overall vibe here is amazing. An art deco culinary experience in one of the most serene settings in Florida. However, the service staff, in particular our server was beyond terrible. A foul attitude and no professional server skills whatsoever. From the fact that she never asked my wife and I if we wanted another drink, to not giving us a kids menu even though we came with our 18 month old.The restaurant has a beautiful waterfront walkway and so my wife and I went to take pictures. Instead of understanding that this is common for guests to do, our server thought we were leaving entirely and chased us down. Why don’t toy worry if we have enough to drink or are ordering dessert instead of thinking we were just leaving.To the management, you need to address a cancer to your business with servers like this. Just terrible and if we’re do go back I worked refuse to be served by this amateur with a terrible attitude and no ability to understand what professional hospitality means.“
“So great I almost don't want to tell you about it ... This perfect little oceanside spot is the place people dream of in colder states when closing their eyes and wishing to be in Florida ... to sit at a turquoise blue table, under an umbrella, cold beer with a perfect grouper sandwich in hand, watching the pelicans and boats come and go. Delightful.“
“The food is sooo fresh and delicious that it's worth the wait! Every time I go to Bradenton, I insist that I have to eat here. The clam strip are so tender and huge!! I always liked clam strips, but Starfish has spoiled me that I can't eat them anywhere else but here!!“
“We were on vacation looking for fresh seafood to grill. That's just what we got. Amazingly fresh. We got the mahi mahi and the snapper cooked both with some butter and onion. That's all it needed being as it was so fresh. Definitely worth bookmarking. Please like my review?“
Seafood • $$
“First time I ever went there and I have no complaints. Everything was from the service to the food, which was great. My family from Michigan came down wanted oysters, and i suggested this restaurant they never stopped raving how good the oysters and their food were. Thank you, Anna Maria Oyster Bar, for making part of their visit worth talking about. ??“
“My son is in the Air Force. We are from Central PA, but he is currently stationed in SD, and seafood options for him aren't of the best quality. A couple months ago I accidentally stumbled upon TopSail Steamer Pots on FB and saved the page. His 23rd birthday was this past week and I chose to send him a pot shipped via Fedex. It was scheduled to arrive Friday, so he could cook it Saturday for lunch. It arrived on time. He was extremely excited and happy to receive it. I ordered the pot to serve 4-6 (for 3 hungry airmen). It was more than enough. He said it was really good, and he's a seafood boil snob. He told me it was very fresh seafood. Thank you TopSail Steamer for making my son and a few of his fellow land-locked airmen happy this weekend with some quality seafood. (Picture is half of the food left from what was sent)“
“We recently visited Lazy Lobster in Longboat Key, Florida, with a group of friends. It was my first time there, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Unfortunately, the staff didn't seem as friendly as I've experienced in other places. Additionally, our food took quite a while to be ready. However, despite these initial setbacks, the food was truly outstanding, and the drinks were equally impressive. The unexpected quality of the food definitely made up for any shortcomings in service. I was pleasantly surprised by the delicious flavors, especially considering the restaurant's unassuming appearance. I was also pleased to find that they offer gluten-free options, which is always a plus. Compared to other restaurants in Longboat Key, Lazy Lobster is reasonably priced. Overall, I would recommend giving it a try, especially if you're a seafood lover looking for a tasty meal at a decent price.Dietary restrictions: “They offer gluten-free option just ask the server”.“
“The Feast had a good selection of local beers to start with. Appetizers and main course selections were a mix of land and sea. The caprese salad was great, and the baby back ribs were truly "fall off the bone". The place is small, so reservations are highly recommended. I would eat here again.“
“Must have been an off night. We heard the bacon wrapped scallops were good and fresh. We ordered them and unfortunately they were small and dry. Everyone else at the table tried different burgers. They were good and the portions were very generous.“
“I'm from Ohio. My uncle, when he lived in Florida, loved this restaurant. He would take me there. Even though he has passed when I'm in Florida, I stop in for memories and the best tasting Ruben Sandwich that I've ever tasted. Service is always great also.“
“Beautiful restaurant on the pier with stunning water/bridge views. Great service, delicious food! There are shore birds who patrol for food scraps and I commend the staff for trying to keep them at bay. If you would be bothered by them, eat inside. We didn't mind.Parking: The chances of parking near the restaurant are slim. Drop handicap persons off as you will probably have to find parking in town or a side street. Be prepared to walk. Better yet, Uber.“
“Can’t say enough about the wonderful time we had here! Sat at a table in the sand near the dock and loved it! Our waitress was so friendly and nice and the food was excellent! We took our son and his wife & 3 children and they all agreed it was the best time! We’ll be back!“
“Brad is the best!! He’s always so friendly and attentive! Hallie is so sweet and is always smiling! We just love them!!Kid-friendliness: We bring our kids in all the time and everyone is so welcoming and kind to them! They love the Mac and cheese and chicken tenders!!“
“A Pleasurable Dining Experience at R.J. Gator’s Restaurant in Bradenton, FL Rating: 4 out of 5 stars We just went to visit to R.J. Gator’s Restaurant in Bradenton, FL and it was an overall pleasurable dining experience. From the moment we stepped in, I was captivated by the restaurant’s neat and inviting atmosphere, accompanied by an awesome menu that delighted my taste buds. R.J.’s has done an exceptional job in creating a welcoming environment. The restaurant was clean, and the tastefully neat decor contributed to a cozy and comfortable ambiance. I found myself instantly relaxed and ready to enjoy a fantastic meal. Speaking of the menu, R.J.’s certainly knows how to impress. The array of options available was remarkable, showcasing a diverse range of culinary delights. I was delighted to find both familiar favorites and unique dishes that piqued my curiosity. Each bite I took was a testament to the chef’s skill and dedication, as the food was undeniably yummy. In addition to the delectable flavors, Gator’s also excelled in providing reasonable prices and generous portions. I felt that the value for money was excellent, and the portion sizes were more than satisfactory. It was evident that R. J.’s takes pride in ensuring their customers are satisfied both in terms of taste and quantity. While my experience was largely positive, I did encounter a minor setback with the service. The waitress seemed slightly inattentive during my visit, which occasionally required me to seek her attention multiple times. However, this did not overshadow the overall excellence of the restaurant. In conclusion, Gator’s Restaurant in Bradenton, FL offers a delightful dining experience. The neat atmosphere, awesome menu, and delicious food combine to create a memorable visit. Despite a minor issue with the service, I wholeheartedly recommend here for anyone seeking a satisfying meal in a cozy setting!!“
“I was visiting Bradenton last weekend with some friends and it was recommended to us, to have dinner at Cortez Kitchen. I had the Braised short ribs dinner and it was amazing. I also had the calamari which was properly seasoned and lightly battered. The Key lime cheesecake delicious. We had small children and the staff was supper accommodating. The food the service and atmosphere awesome! I give the Cortez Kitchen ????“
“Absolutely wonderful customer service. Patrick, Esther and Kelly went above and beyond to take care of some lost and wayward out of towners. We even had a golf cart called for us to go to our destination afterwards, driven by Bridget who took the scenic route!This is the kind of customer service that was much needed after a hectic day. Above and beyond is an understatement.“
“Quite a nice surprise, we stopped in for dinner and most everything surpassed our expectations. It's not the most impressive dining room, but that's the only negative I can give. First the drinks came and they were enormous from the mixed drinks to the wine pours, delicious as well! Next we ordered a variety from seafood, pork chops, and Chicken Parm... each one was enough for four meals and they were as good or better than any Italian restaurants I've been to in the area. Seafood was extremely fresh and after eating to capacity, it still went home in a FULL half sheet pan!! Pork chop was equally gigantic and both tender and juicy with great flavor. the chicken parm was two large (as big as the plate) cutlets that were perfectly cooked and served with just the right amount of sauce and cheese. We were never rushed and enjoyed everything. This will definitely be a favorite for when we have a big appetite and the urge for some NJ/NY style Italian feast. The price was more than reasonable, considering the number of meals we will eventually get from the dinner! Give it a try...“
“Coolest place to dock your boat. One stop set up. Baitstore eating and docking. Harvey is a cool dude. Stop in and ask for him. Super nice and helpful. We tore the trout up. Best fishing weekend. Made it easy with being able to use a private boat ramp and park your trailer and truck at the marina.“
“We are in town visiting family and came here. I was a bit disappointed in the food.We hadAjillo fillet (very good)Thai nugs (skip these)Pecan grouperThai grouper (this was a specual)CuippinoChips and ranch (very good)Corn muffins. (Very good)The Ajillo was tender and cooked well. The Thai seasoning was really goodSkip the nugs as they were over cooked and chewy. Not great.Thai grouper as the special was really good. Probably the best dish we had.The cuipinno was fine but the class were over cooked. Too bad.The pecan grouper was good. The asparagus was overcooked so it wasn't great. The grouper was awesome tho.The service was great and friendly.“
Fine Dining • $$$
“We went in early December on a weeknight, we made a reservation, it turned out. It wasn’t really that busy, about half full perhaps. We were seated immediately at an intimate table near the window in the far room room. Very quaint dining room. Formal. Our waiter was very attentive. We got a bottle of wine. It was a small kitchen out in the dining room, where they would prepare Caesar salad and some flambé dishes. My wife’s cousin recommended this place, the duck was highly recommended, I had it, and it was absolutely delicious. After dinner, we went upstairs to the separate dessert room and got a great presentation on the desserts that they had that night. I had the Keylime pie. It was delicious. A little Baileys on the rocks has a nightcap.“
Bar & Grill • $
“An absolutely wonderful experience! Very good food at a reasonable price, superb service, live music, and all this in a beautiful atmosphere right on the water. In addition, staff and management went above and beyond to troubleshoot an issue (fully mine, not theirs) with professionalism, kindness, and courtesy! Highly “
“I was at this restaurant years ago, had a fabulous meal. Was pleasantly surprised at all the upgrades done here. I had a grouper sandwich and macsato wine. Both were delicious. The hostess and wait staff were very friendly and prompt. Excellent atmosphere.“
“Vibe was definitely awesome. Our server was extremely busy and did not make it to our table enough and I had an issue with my dish, but he was really friendly and apologetic. They took it off my bill because I was unable to eat it. So they accommodated considering, which was appreciated. The rest of the table enjoyed the food and I still tipped well. Timing just threw things off. I'd definitely still go back next time I'm on the island!“
“Superb Margarita at the bar while we waited for our table (though the Mojito was a bit too sweet). Great service (especially at the bar). Food was good too... caeser salad and bbq shrimps to start, followed by snapper creole and grouper catch of the day mains. Though they did bring the mains out before we'd finished the starters (a pet hate of mine). Good selection of beers. Great waterside setting (we enjoyed a lovely sunset). Overall a really nice dining experience.“
“The atmosphere was a fun and exciting . The salad wasn't wonderful, but everything else was amazing. I would recommend going with the burger for the seafood sampler platter. It was a little pricey, but not terrible.Parking: If you're lucky enough you can get a free parking spot on your street, Otherwise it's sixteen dollars an hour in the parking lot.“
“Excellent food, friendly staff, roof top deck with elevator accessParking: Parking in hotel lot free when dining at the bistro, just see parking attendantWheelchair accessibility: Elevator to dining and roof top deck. Crowded table area but can get out to open air deck with gulf view“
“It was fine.For a restaurant on an island near the sea, I would expect more variety in seafood dishes. The taste of the protein was good, I would expect an improvement in the presentation of the companions, the phenomenal service, the person in charge of the bar is great. It is a cozy place. The place has a lot of potential.The baguette [bread] is delicious. ?“