Being a couple of weeks post Milton we thought we'd make our rounds by boat to see which of our local favorites are open and to verify the condition of their docks. Frankly, it's quite amazing that any are in business with destruction of this years hurricane season (Helene's 6-7 foot storm surge, and Milton's 100mph wind gusts)!
Please patronize your local favorites as soon, and as often as possible. We all know the difficulties associated with running a restaurant in the best of times and as all these establishments are on prime real estate we want to be sure as many as possible come back to their former glory!
Please patronize your local favorites as soon, and as often as possible. We all know the difficulties associated with running a restaurant in the best of times and as all these establishments are on prime real estate we want to be sure as many as possible come back to their former glory!
Manatee River
Woody's River Roo
Open - Full Menu- Docks: Woody's is open for business with a full menu and their regular hours. With the main docks and interior docks in good condition boaters are welcome. The only damages that remain are on the docks on the east side (up river) that haven't been used extensively.
Whiskey Joes Manatee
Open - Full Menu- No Docks: Whiskey Joes is open for business with a full menu and their regular hours. There has been extensive damage to the docks so you'll have to visit by land for the time being. Whiskey Joes Manatee Review
Caddy's Bradenton
Closed Permanently: Caddy's Bradenton, along with all other Caddy's locations has been closed permanently.
Riviera Dunes Dockside
Open - Full Menu - Docks: Dockside is in one of the most protected hurricane holes in the state (Riviera Dunes Marina) and suffered very little damage durring the recent hurricanes.
The Riverhouse
Open - Full Menu - Partial Docks: The Riverhouse is open for business and looking forward to your visit. Boaters are welcome but there is damage to the one floating dock, near the end, so there is room only for one boat but if you come after the gas dock has closed (5pm) you are welcome to tie up on that side. Riverhouse Waterside Review
Pier 22
Open - Full Menu - Docks: Pier 22 is open and waiting for your visit by land or sea with no apparent damange to the docks or restaurant.
Cortez
Floridays Woodfire Grill
Open - Full Menu- Docks: Floridays Woodfire Grill is open for business and looking forward to your visit by land or sea. There is some damage remaining to the roof and the outside patio deck so there is no outside seating.
Tide Tables
Open - Full Menu- No Docks: The Tide Tables did a remarkable job in reopening so quickly after the devastation of Helene but unfortunately the docks will take some time to repair so please visit by land only for the time being. Tide Tables Review
Star Fish
Temporarily Closed: Star Fish Company received significant damage with the hurricanes and as of yet has not reopened. We will update the listing when we confirm with management.
Swordfish Grill
Open - Full Menu- Docks: The Swordfish Grill completely redid their docks, landing, seawall and pilings last year and the benefit to their reopening to boaters is welcome and appreciated! Swordfish Grill Review
Cortez Kitchen
Open - Full Menu- Docks: The Cortez Kitchen is fully open (as of a couple of days ago) and ready for business. As they sit a little lower than Swordfish they had more water damage from Helene but are ready for your visit by land or sea. Cortez Kitchen Review
Annies Bait & Tackle
Closed Permanently: Annies took on some significant damage with the storms but even more devastating was the sale of the property. At the time of this article Annies is permanently closed.
Seafood Shack
Closed Permanently: The Seafood Shack took on some significant damage with the storms but even more devastating was the sale of the property. At the time of this article both the restauarant and marina are permanently closed.
Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach & Longboat Key
Rod & Reel Pier
Permanently Closed: An AMI staple and probably the saddest of the casualties from this hurricane season. The pier was destroyed with the storm surge of Helene and the structure was totally destroyed with the winds of Milton. All that remains are the pilings and memories! Rod & Reel Pier Review
City Pier Grill AMI
Closed: The pier was totally destroyed but with the structure still standing and so much community support we're hopeful that we can expect to see them return in the not too distant future. AMI City Pier Grill Review
Anna Maria Oyster Bar Bridge Street
Open - Limited Menu - No Docks: Though there was a small boat and a jet ski tied up when we stopped by the management was clear that the docks weren't safe and should not be accessed until further notice.
Bridge Tender Inn
Open - Full Menu - Docks: Though there was some significant damage to the new docks at BTI they are fully open for business and there were 5 or 6 boats tied up on our visit. The Bridge Tender Inn Review
Mar Vista
Closed Temporarily: The message on their website indicates that they are working around the clock to reopen as soon as possible.
Shore Longboat Key
Open - Full Menu - Docks: Judging from traffic it is no secret that Shore Longboat is open for business and ready for your vessel!
We will edit our Dockside Dining Maps and update the listings as things change for each of these restaurants so bookmark it and check back frequently. If you become aware of any changes not reflected in our listing we'd appreciate your time in letting us know but mostly.... let's get out and support these businesses to let them know how much they mean to the Tampa Bay boating community!