Restaurant #25 - in Holmes Beach

A local and visitor favorite, this restaurant is right on the beach.

Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe

4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL
(941) 778-0784
www.amibeachcafe.com


This is a great place to watch the sunset or even the sunrise. Order a breakfast, lunch or dinner at the counter and sit down and enjoy the beautiful views, a Drum Circle and regular entertainment. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.

Wine, beer and some specialty drinks are served from the tiki bar. Also has a nice little gift shop. Come visit from the beach or from the trolley. 



Happy Hour - none
Hours: Daily 7:30am - sunset


(Next: the Bearded Clam in Sarasota)

Restaurant # 24 - in Nokomis

This restaurant is a visitor and local favorite with views of the waterways in Nokomis.

Waterfrontoo Grill & Steakhouse

2205 N Tamiami Trl 

Nokomis, FL

(941) 918-4591

waterfrontoo.com/waterfrontoohome.html

Partnered with the Waterfront Restaurant in
Sarasota, this restaurant has lovely
views of the inner channels and
boats in Nokomis. The decor inside is
very tastefully done. A hidden gem.
The menu is a traditional family
steakhouse with a Greek flavor.
Outside dining is on a back open
air patio looking out at some great water
views.

Happy Hour: Daily 4pm-5:30pm
sunset special

Hours: T-Th & Su 4pm-9pm, F-Sa 4pm-10pm



(Next: Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe in Holmes Beach)

Restaurant #23 - in Anna Maria City

This is a very popular restaurant located almost at the north point of Anna Maria Island. 

The Sandbar Seafood & Spirits

100 Spring Avenue

Anna Maria, FL

(941) 778-0444

www.sandbar.groupersandwich.com

This restaurant is directly on the beach - practically in the sand. Many folks come from the beach to sit and have a drink or some food so the dress is varied from swimwear to casual clothing. It is always breezy, and there are many misting fans to cool off the area. 
This is another choice location for weddings. There is a nice remodeled dining area andgift shop. 

Serves lunch and dinner, small bites at the bar and a Sunday jazz brunch.

Happy Hour: none

Hours: Su-Th 11:30am-9pm, 

F-Sa11:30am-10pm


(Next: Waterfrontoo Restaurant in Nokomis)

Restaurant #22 in Osprey

The Bimini is a very nice looking restaurant overlooking the waterways of Casey Key.

Bimini Bar & Grill

576 Blackburn Point Rd.
Osprey FL
(941) 966-4816 
www.biminibarandgrill.com


Bimini Bar & Grill is a newer restaurant that is overlooking the intracoastal waters of Casey Key. It has a nice bar area downstairs with outdoor dining for happy hours and a large dining room upstairs with beautiful views.

Take-out is available. Serving lunch and dinner.

Downstairs Bar Area

Happy Hour: Daily 4pm-7pm at bar

Hours: T-Su 11am-9pm




(Next: Sandbar Seafood Restaurant in Anna Maria)

Upstairs Dining Area

Restaurant #21 on Longboat Key

Located at the north tip of Longboat Key, this restaurant is a favorite for many.

Moore's Stone Crab

800 Broadway Street Longboat Key, FL

(941) 383-1748

www.stonecrab.cc

Moore’s  Stone Crab was a pleasant surprise. There is a wrap-around porch with seating overlooking the waters toward Jewfish Key. Great views everywhere you look. Lots of bird activity and hermit crabs in the water as a well small fishing pier adjacent to the restaurant for fisherman. What more can one want? 

Serves lunch and dinner.

Happy Hour: Daily 4pm-6pm

Hours: Daily 11:30am-9:30pm

(Next: Bimini Bar & Grill in Osprey)

Restaurant # 20 on beautiful Longboat Key

It has been quite a while since I posted a new restaurant! This next one is on the Sarasota County side of Longboat Key. It is one of the only ones included that are part of a chain but its' unique setting makes it impossible not to include it!

The Chart House

201 Gulf of Mexico Dr  

Longboat Key, FL 

(941) 383-5593 

www.thechart-house.com

A beautiful lounge with couches and easy chairs make this restaurant as comfortable as having a happy hour in your living room. The view is spectacular from the many windows, especially when catching a sunset.  One can walk along the back looking over the mangroves and the bay for a special treat. Fisherman in the bay complete this picture. 
Serving dinner only and bar bites.

Happy Hour: Daily 4:30pm-6:30pm in bar/lounge

Hours: Su-Th 4:30pm-9pm, F-Sa 4:30pm-10pm 

#19 Restaurant in downtown Bradenton

The Riverwalk in Bradenton has become a wonderful location for many restaurants. 

Pier 22
1200 1st Avenue West
Bradenton, FL. 
(941) 748-8087 
www.pier22dining.com

This is an historical building, dating back to 1878. There are beautiful views of the Manatee River along the bridge. The riverwalk is nearby. Nice patio area to sit and view the birds and boats.  Sophisticated but casual dining with ballrooms available. Serving lunch, dinner and small bites. A Sunday brunch is off ered.

Happy Hour: Daily 3pm-7pm 

Hours: M-Th 11:30am-10pm, F-Sa 11:30am-11pm, Su 11am-10pm

(Next: The Charthouse in Longboat Key)

Restaurant #18 in Sarasota

This restaurant happens to be one of my favorites for many reasons including the wonderful food presentation and ambiance! The beauty of the decor is also a special treat.

The Table Creekside

5365 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, Fl.
(941) 366-7950
www.tablesrq.com

One of the area’s more elegant restaurants by the owners of the Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar. One can sit inside or outside with a
wonderful view of the creek. There are birds galore as well as an Osprey nest, ibis, eagles and even manatees.
 


Great decor with whites and blues combined with light woodwork and clean lines. Serving dinner only -  with a global cuisine. A Sunday brunch is also offered.
 



Happy Hour: Daily 4pm-6:30pm in bar

Hours: Su-Th 4pm-10pm, F-Sa 4pm-10:30pm

 

(Next: Pier 22 in Bradenton)

Restaurant # 17 - in Palmetto

In Palmetto, right on the water at the business 41 bridge, this restaurant is part of the Regatta Pointe Marina.

The Riverhouse Reef & Grill

995 Riverside Dr
Palmetto, Fl
(741) 729-0616
www.riverhousereef.com








This location, which sits at the end of a long pier, is one of the most beautiful settings for a restaurant. There is a wonderful little tram to bring you down the pier to help with that walk if you want it. The dining room brings the outdoors in by opening up completely to the waterfront for fabulous views and
sunsets. Serving lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch and bar bites.

Happy Hour: Daily 3pm-7pm

Hours: Su-Th 11:30am-9pm, F-Sa 11:30am-10pm


(Next: The Table Creekside in Sarasota)

Restaurant #16 in Sarasota

This is a fun  and lively place right on the intercoastal channel by Stickney Point Bridge.  

The Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill

1500 Stickney Point Rd., Sarasota, FL.
(941) 921-6200
www.boatyardwaterfrontgrill.com

The Boatyard is one of those comfortable relaxed places that brings the outdoors inside with the open views. There is entertainment several times a week as well as friendly staff. Lots of seating options either indoors or outdoors. There is always water activity in birds or boating!
Serving lunch and dinner.

Happy Hour: Daily 2pm-6pm in bar
 
Hours: M-Th 11:30am-9pm, F-Sa
11:30am-10pm, Su12pm-9pm


(Next: the Riverhouse Reef & Grill in Palmetto)

Restaurant #15 in Cortez

Cortez is one of the only remaining fishing villages in the area. It has many fine seafood restaurants.

Starfish Co Seafood Restaurant & Market

12306 46th Ave W
Cortez, FL
(941) 794-1243
www.starfishcompany.com 

The Starfish Co Restaurant has true fishing
village charm. The seafood is caught by local fisherman. It is a self-serve order menu and then a wait amongst the wonderful views of the boats and birds and other activity. There is also a seafood market. Simple old Florida pleasant surroundings. Serving beer and wine only.

Happy Hour: none

Hours: T-Sa 11:30am-8pm, 
Su-M 11:30am-3pm


(Next:  the Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill in Sarasota)

Restaurant #14 in South Venice

Take a drive on the wild side with this restaurant adventure!

Snook Haven Restaurant & Fish Camp

5000 East Venice Avenue
Venice, FL
(941) 485-7221
www.snookhaven.com
 
With a natural rustic setting on the Myakka River and beautiful views from the decks, this restaurant and camp is well off the beaten path, which makes it an adventure just driving out to it. It’s history goes from smugglers in prohibition to a local watering hole and finally to a Florida landmark. Prices were very reasonable. It is co-owned with Sharky’s on the Pier.






Happy Hour: none

Hours: Daily 11:30am-8pm




(Next: Starfish Co Seafood Restaurant & Market in Cortez)

Restaurant #13 in Anna Maria

Delicious food and beautiful views bring us to this restaurant in Anna Maria.

Waterfront Restaurant

111 South Bay Blvd. Anna Maria, FL
(941) 778-1515
www.thewaterfrontrestaurant.net
 
This restaurant has one of the best views of the bay with the pier in the distance. With fans and misters, one can sit out on the deck at any time. There is a micro-brewery and wine bar in the dining room along with an incredible fish tank. Serving lunch and dinner.

Happy Hour: Daily at bar 4:30pm-6:30pm

Hours: Su-Th 11:30am-9pm, F-Sa 11:30am-10pm


(Next: Snook Haven in Venice)

Restaurant #12 in Osprey

We are back in Sarasota County in the town of Osprey with this wonderful gem. It is adjacent to Historic Spanish Pointe, the 30 acre historical, archaeological and environmental museum on Little Sarasota Bay.

Spanish Pointe Restaurant & Pub

135 Bayview Dr. Osprey, FL 34229
(941) 966-5746
www.spanishpointe.com

Quaint, very old Florida feel to this unique establishment. Relax while looking across the water to Casey Key and the south end of Siesta Key. Fish and birds abound. Manatee and dolphin also have been spotted. Fantastic sunsets on the Sarasota Intercoastal Waterway of Little Sarasota Bay. There is plenty of dock space for boats.
They serve lunch and dinner.

 

Happy Hour: Daily 3pm-6pm

Hours: Daily 11am-9:30pm

View of Little Sarasota Bay

(Next: Waterfront Restaurant in Anna Maria)

Restaurant #11 in Palmetto

 

Bella Mia Grill

102 Riviera Dunes Way
Palmetto, FL
(941) 479-7827
www.bellamiagrill.com

Back patio view

On the Manatee River, this restaurant
resides in the Riviera Dunes Marina.
It overlooks views of the boats and birds. A wonderful old building with old country Italian decorated dining rooms and murals on the walls. A lovely patio is available for outdoor dining.

Happy Hour: Daily 2pm-6:30pm

Hours: T-Th 11:30am-10pm, F-Sa 12pm-11pm, Su 12pm-9pm



 (Next: Spanish Pointe Restaurant & Pub in Osprey)

Beautiful view of the interior bar area

Restaurant #10 on Lido Key

This restaurant is a casual, relaxing and non-assuming boaters stop! 

New Pass Baithouse & Grill

1505 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, Fl
(941) 388-3050
www.newpassgrill.com

View looking out to new pass bridge and Longboat Key

Located by the bridge to Mote Aquarium, this restaurant is known as “Sarasota’s Best Kept Secret”, with “the coldest beer and best burgers in town”. The murals on the buildings are the work of late local artist Kip Akerman. The existing building dates from 1982 after the bridge was built. Great views of the pass and intercoastal waters along the bridge with lots of boating activity. Fisherman come for the live bait shop. Self serve menu of breakfast and lunch. Serves wine and beer only.

Happy Hour: none
Hours: Daily 7am-5pm

(Next: Bella Mia Grill in Palmetto)

Restaurant #9 in Bradenton

With a spectacular 3-point view of the Manatee River, this restaurant has something for everyone to enjoy. 

Tarpon Pointe Grill

801 Riverside Dr E
Bradenton, Fl
(941) 746-8700
www.tarponpointegrill.com 

A unique riverfront experience with two thatched tiki huts and regular entertainment. Boat docks for boaters, birds and dolphins and even manatees are some of the special sights to be seen. There is even sand for the kids to play in. 
A picturesque old Florida feel. 


Happy Hour: Daily 11am-7pm

Hours: Su-Th 11am-10pm, 
F-Sa 11am-12am


(Next: New Pass Bar & Grill in Lido Key)