50 Best American Restaurants near Ellenton

“We just moved down here from Michigan and let me tell ya...we were super happy with the food, service, and atmosphere! DEFINITELY OUR GO TO FOR EATS! Super excited your just down the road from us and the remodel looks FANTASTIC! We had the pleasure of meeting Andy the owner and just a really nice person! THANKS AGAIN FOR A GREAT EXPERIENCE!!!🙂“

“My wife and I came to the Ellenton area on our honeymoon. Her local family reccomended we check out Woodys River Roo. It was our first stop and the only repeat stop during our week down here. We went to "The Roo" on three separate occasions and loved each one. The food was great, the view of the manatee river was very nice, but the friendly hardworking staff was the cherry on top. They all really seemed to love each other and worked together like a well oiled machine. They made us feel right at home and made sure everything was just right. Bar tender Johnny, who I belive said had been employed there for 15 years, reccomended a lot of other great places to drink and dine in the area. They also have a gift shop and live entertainment from, music to trivia 7 days a week! 10 out of 10 would reccomend. My wife and I hope to be back sooner than later!“

“I love it , Country style🥰“

“Great staff ! Very friendly! I love the croissant, egg, sausage, and cheese sandwich. The food is delicious ☀️🌴🥰“

“With the crazy prices in the Bradenton Sarasota restaurant scene that usually runs $50 per person, Applebee’s is the most underrated best valued restaurant around. We just had Fiesta lime chicken and bourbon chicken and shrimp from the two for 25 menu with a six dollars up charge for the bourbon chicken and came with a free appetizer. My son got the appetizer trio as his main course with the Wonton Tacos, boneless buffalo chicken wings and pretzels with three dips. The Fiesta lime chicken came with a large breast and tons of cheese. The bourbon chicken was sizzling hot with a fantastic bed of grilled onions and mushrooms in a garlic sauce. Service was great with no waiting and a very attentive waitress who anticipated all of our needs. Add on top of that 3 one dollar margaritas from the July special and our entire bill was only $53. That let room for a solid tip. I know we went at lunchtime on the Fourth of July, but there was no wait, plenty of room, and a good conversational volume. This is a great kept secret.“

“Good staff. Clean restaurant. Good food. Waffle House.“

“First time there great atmosphere great service thanks to Kayleen great smile and can give you great advise on menu keep smiling??“

“El ambiente, la comida, la atención“

“We were out on a walk and O Bricks was recommended to us for a great dinner spot and it did NOT disappoint. The food was absolutely amazing, quick, fresh and delicious. Our service from Manny and Monique was even better!! Highly recommend, and we will definitely come back next time we are in the area.“

“My waiter Kirill S at the university location was very courteous and attentive. The lemon pepper wings although was small was quite tasty. I was alone and the bill was small so I tipped beyond the recommended amount. Great service and atmosphere.“

“Celebrated our wedding anniversary at Libby’s and this was the first time for my wife. We found the LWR location to be convenient, great atmosphere, with a broad menu! Portions were bordering on excessive! But we powered through some absolutely delicious food! The staff ensured we were well taken care! Carlos especially was outstanding and made sure we had a memorable and tasty anniversary dinner! She ordered the orange chicken I had the brisket burger with truffle fries You can be sure We’ll be back! Soon!! Thank you Libby’s and staff for a great evening!“

“We have always liked coming to Cracker Barrell. Food is always what you expect, good and comforting! Our server Casey went above and beyond today. She was a delight! She was very attentive without being overbearing. She made nice small talk without holding us up or dragging anything out.“

“56 of us stopped in for breakfast Saturday Feb 12th. They sat everyone immediately with no problems. The waitstaff was really fast , professional and attentive. Our server didn’t miss beat. Even with so many people ordering at the same time. I sat with a group of ten and everyone’s order was spot on and delicious. I highly recommend you visit Popis!“

“Nice to have a good restaurant in the area! Nikki was our server, she was so sweet and kind and ensured my allergies were noted! Manager brought out my food to ensure I knew it was made to order!

Atmosphere is pleasant, nice and clean! Food is pretty good as well, what I expected for the chain!“

“Great food. Good customer service. Good prices“

“great food like grandma and grandpa made it, great prices and friendly staff.“

“Man was a big fan of Ruth Chris on 41 use to go there several times a month until the quality of the food took a nose dive i ordered the stuffed chicken and it was undercooked big time they sent it back for it to come back a second time time still pink in the inside and everyone knows that’s a big no no for chicken and that was just one of many different incidents that turned me away from that particular location.well I’ve going to the new location in Lakewood ranch and boi I tell yeah they reminded me of the good days again chicken cooked to perfection crispy juicy and just down right delicious 😋, crab cakes ribeye and the spicy shrimp perfectly prepared and served every time and I’ve been to this location about 15 times or so haven’t been to the 41 location in years and I hope there doing better over there but I for sure won’t ever find out personally because I’m going to this one every time 🫡“

“On 08-03-2025 I ate at the Sonny's restaurant at 631 67th St Cir E in Bradenton, FL. This is a family-style BBQ restaurant with a very comfortable and welcoming ambiance. I arrived for dinner and was promptly seated. I had their Big Deal Turkey on a bun with fries, a side order of baked beans, and an unsweet tea. My food arrived in a timely manner and was cooked properly. It came exactly as I ordered it and was very tasty. A variety of sauces were available, and I selected the Sweet sauce. My server during my visit was Danielle. She was very efficient, kept my tea glass filled, and responded to any and all requests I had. I have had Danielle for a server several times before, and I consistently receive superior service from her. She is always friendly and courteous and takes a genuine interest in her customers, making sure that they have a positive dining experience. She is a credit and an asset to the business. I recommend this restaurant and will be returning there again to eat.“

“We had the loveliest meal for lunch at EggTown. There were so many delicious options on the menu to choose from. It was a hard choice! We are sad to have only found this place on the last day of our trip. We would have definitely gone back. Lovely friendly owners too. Highly recommend!“

“I finally discovered a little slice of Hungarian paradise in Florida! From authentic wines and refreshing Hungarian beer to perfectly seasoned dishes and heavenly desserts, every bite and sip feels like home. Truly unforgettable!“

“Food was great,but...The napkins were the worst smelling napkins I've ever come across,they literally smelled like a hospital gown“

“The food and service did not disappoint. My wife had the mahi tuna salad. It was excellent and crunchy as described on the menu I had scallops. They were perfectly cooked and very tender. Service was very good. Everything arrived timely hot, and the waiter did not hover have eaten at hundreds of restaurants and this is one of the better onesnot exceptionally expensive and in a mall but quite good food and service and I highly recommend.“

“Really Good prices? Great quality of food. Cheapest breakfast in Bradenton, omelets, breakfast sandwiches! Everything bagel 🥯 Asiago bagel White wheat or rye toast for sandwiches!Bacon sausage or ham egg and cheese 🧀 Great variety of hotdogs& deli sandwiches!I Come and join us for breakfast monday through friday! 7:30 to 10:30 10:30 to 3:00 lunch! Saturday 9:00 to 3::00 lunch!“

“5 🌟 every time we come. Staff respectfully remembers us is definitely a plus especially the way the world is spinning. Thank you for a great experience from day one!!“

“It’s such a fun place to go! Food is great! Our bartender Mackenzie was AWESOME!!!“

“I’m so happy to have found Post! Went for the first time tonight to celebrate me and my husbands anniversary and we had a wonderful experience! When we were seated we were welcomed with a complimentary glass of champagne. They made our night feel extra special and the food was delicious! To top if off, they even gave us a complimentary slice of mouthwatering cheesecake! Thank you, Post! We can’t wait to come back! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“nice quaint atmosphere great food a lot to from on the menu would recommend it“

“My husband and I recently had the pleasure if dining at Sophie’s, in Saks Fifth Avenue in Sarasota. What an amazing experience. The decor both inside and outside so chic. We had Matty as our waitress. She was spot on with top notch service and a wonderful personality. We started with a bread basket of assorted toppings, delicious. He had the Tai chicken. Well prepared and perfect with seasoning. I had on of the best burger ever. Cooked and seasoned perfectly at medium rare with tasty fries. The manager checked on us several times, a nice touch you don’t see anymore. If you happen to be in the area at the mall, I highly recommend this restaurant. You will not be disappointed. We will be back.“

“The happy hour there is fantastic. Most of their appetizers are half off. They are the size of a meal.our favorite app are the chicken tenders. We upgrade from fries to onion rings for an extra $2. It's well worth it. Their onion rings are a beer batter variety an really good. Their pizzas are also half off during happy hour. They are Gourmet pizza and really good as well.“

“My sisters and I had lunch here and we were very happy with everything. Staff was extremely nice, the portion of the food was plenty and tasted great. Prices were really good too. We will definitely return to this restaurant.“

“From Roger’s energetic greeting, to Tara’s enthusiastic attention to detail and service, it was a great experience! This place is immaculate (thank Anthony who scrubs booths and tables like an operating room) and happy. Great food and generous portions which equals a good value. The pancakes are a meal by themselves! We eat out every day and this is a wonderful place for breakfast/lunch. Check it out!“

“We had an amazing brunch yesterday! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was rustic and inviting. Our waitress, Beth, was absolutely wonderful—so attentive and cheerful, she really made our experience special! Now, let’s talk about the food! I ordered the fried green tomatoes BLT, and it was fantastic! The combination was delightfully crunchy and packed with flavor. My friends tried a variety of dishes: the BBQ pork baked potato was a hit, truly hearty and satisfying. The shrimp basket was crispy and perfectly cooked, while the BBQ sliders were a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. One of our friends had the fried grouper, which looked delicious and was perfectly seasoned. Oh, and we can’t forget about the Bloody Marys! They were the perfect complement to our meal, refreshing and robust with just the right kick! All in all, this brunch experience was a blast! Great food, awesome service, and a cozy vibe. I can’t wait to go back! 🍽️🥂✨ #BrunchGoals #RoadKillIYKYK #AmazingEats #ThankYouBeth“

“It had been a few years since visiting this location. Staff was attentive, food was great.“

“Was there tonight when my family and I witnessed an incident in the parking lot. Management was quick to rush in as well and even gave a discount on our bill bc we jumped up to assist when we saw what happened. We’ve always had great food and service there and tonight was no exception. Well done!“

“First place we stopped on our trip was a gem! Amazing food, wonderful service! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“Fresh flowers and living plants add charm and freshness to the ambience. The establishment is very clean and colorful. The food is fresh veggies, grains, and superfoods.Lots of Vegetarian option. Service was great Dante and Josh were friendly and genuinely nice. 5 ⭐️“

“Zachary was absolutely truly professional. My wife visited on a Tuesday night, the place was semi busy for an early dinner. Great attention to detail from the hostess to the service. No management is it but I did them present and overlooking the restaurant. We enjoyed the 131 Maniac at the beginning and what a great way to start the dinner. We ordered the grilled artichokes, ribs, wedge salad, and prime rib sandwich. Loved every bite.“

“My wife and I came for dinner. The New Age Flatbread was AWESOME. Crust was amazing.. Shrimp Cocktail Great! and Osso Bucco was to die for! The meat fell off the bone and melted in you mouth. Kirby was our server and was just terrific.. She was friendly and very attentive.“

“prime rib special was delicious. reservations were at 6:15. it was so loud in the restaurant we couldn't talk to our friends at the table next time, I'm eating outside Then a couple came in with a southeastern guide dog who laid down by my leg I really didn't appreciate this since I am not a dog lover and it is an expensive place to eat.“

“I had a wonderful experience at Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant and truly enjoyed my visit. From the moment I arrived, the combination of the beautiful waterfront setting, welcoming atmosphere, and attentive service made a great first impression. It’s a perfect place to relax, enjoy a meal, and take in the surroundings.

The location is one of the biggest highlights. Dining near the water creates a peaceful and enjoyable atmosphere that makes the experience feel special compared to a regular restaurant. The views, comfortable seating, and overall environment make it a great choice for a casual meal, a special occasion, or spending quality time with friends and family.

The food was excellent, with fresh ingredients, great presentation, and flavors that showed attention to detail. The menu had a nice variety of options, making it easy for different preferences to find something enjoyable. Every dish I tried was prepared with care, and the portions were satisfying. The drinks were also well made and complemented the meal perfectly.

The service was another strong point. The staff were friendly, professional, and attentive throughout my visit. They made sure everything was going smoothly while still allowing us to enjoy our time without feeling rushed. Their positive attitude added a lot to the overall experience.

The restaurant itself was clean, comfortable, and well maintained. The relaxing atmosphere, quality food, and excellent customer service made this a memorable visit. Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant is definitely a place I would recommend to anyone looking for great food, a beautiful setting, and a dining experience worth coming back for. I look forward to visiting again in the future.“

“Absolutely amazing experience today! Delicious food and cocktails! Thank you Danielle for exceptional service. You made my day“

“Well it finally happened to me,
(Again lol) at Applebees, Stacey and I went for some $.50 boneless wings,(MMMMM) we ordered 10 each and split a fry,
The bill was $40. Plus $, I went back to my email ( I used to love Applebees, still like), anyway the 10 wings were to be $5, it was 13.99 x 2 now add a fry and 1 soft drink, what should have been around $20, the killer was our server saw my email when we were ordering and never said that price for online ordering and pick up. I think I really should have spoke up but once I found the fine print, I just said for get it and it was over &50 with the tip.
Dear Applebees we used to come at least twice a month for years for $6.99 burger Monday right around the corner from our house, the little things are what customers like and remember,
if I’d known I would have had a much nice meal for the same money, instead of the wings for almost 3 x the price I read. Come on big companies.
Note!
Fact; Sometimes you want to go

Where everybody knows your name,
and they're always glad you came.
You wanna be where you can see,
our troubles are all the same
You wanna be where everybody knows Your name.
Cheers,
people if you think I’m responsible, please tell me if you agree tell them.“

“We had a delicious meal here. Homemade mozzarella balls, garlic knots and bolognese tagliatelle were very good. But the bomb was the Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich. So
Glad our waitress recommended it and the Philly native owner brought the perfect recipe.“

“Heather, at the River Club Grill & Bar, served us the best buffalo wings this side of buffalo! They are really the best, in Sarasota/Bradenton! Meaty, saucy, and cooked perfectly! Do not change a thing 😊 The beef nachos were delicious too! Great service and affordable eats. Can't wait for our next visit!“

“food is awesome, service is friendly, highly recommend!“

“Why 25 characters? Good food!“

“Hi this is the first time I had wrote a review on a restaurant because it's totally worthy it's the best pizza in Manatee County hands down fantastic homemade dough real quality mozzarella brick oven beautiful it's worth driving 30 miles for in my opinion University and whitfield's Sarasota 👍“

“The best chicken I have ever eaten in my life. Wife and I will definitely eat there again. Highly recommended“

“We've been coming to first watch once a week for 3 years and last week we had the pleasure of having Alyssa as our server. everyone is always great and friendly but Alyssa was hands down the best server we've ever had. The food came out fast and she anticipated all sorts of things for my one year old that made the experience so much better. the food is great and better at this location than any other and the servers are all fantastic.“

“Stayed in and ate here on a Tuesday night. I just got a salad and came out quick. The place really got busy, and Paul could hardly keep up. They really need a second person for these busy times as there was always someone waiting at the counter or on their food.Ate here again and pizza was very fast!“