This authentic Florida vacation area is full of local charm and great cuisine
By StoryStudio on January 10, 2023
As we enter another New England winter, it’s not easy to see the summer sun at the end of the tunnel. It’s time to ditch the shovel for your swim trunks and take a trip to the Sunshine State, where friends, couples and families can celebrate sunny weather and cuisine. The Bradenton Area, FL, composed of Bradenton, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, has one of the most dynamic food scenes in the US — one full of Floribbean cuisine that attracts foodies from all over. In case you’re not familiar, Floribbean cuisine is characterized by a fusion of citrusy Southern specialties and flavors of Latin American culture, resulting in distinctive dishes.
The greater Bradenton Area welcomes foodies of all kinds who are interested in expanding their palettes and looking for a relaxed approach to living. Many of the area’s restaurants work with local farms and distributors, resulting in dishes that are as fresh as possible and better for the planet.
Those visiting the Bradenton Area have the Manatee “Originals” at their fingertips, a flock of 60 established, home-grown restaurants celebrating the area’s laid-back lifestyle and coastal values. Bradenton Area visitors won’t see blocks of fast-food chains, but rather stretches of independent eateries that pride themselves on supporting one another and their community. Whether you’re in town with family, friends or a partner, the Bradenton Area has the perfect spot where your tastebuds can go for a ride.
The Bradenton Area is home to a handful of bars and breweries prepared to give any friend group a great time, including 3 Keys Brewing and Eatery, voted the best brewery in the Tampa Bay region. The brew house specializes in West Coast ales and traditional German fare — crafted from local ingredients. The brewery is a splendid spot for friends given its full events calendar, including live music on Fridays and Saturdays, two weekly trivia nights and Bar Bingo.
Ugly Grouper is another hot spot for friends, fully equipped with games including giant Jenga, cornhole, ring toss, and often a live band strumming to the tune of Floridian fun. Ugly Grouper’s standout service is matched by delicious and fresh seafood, many dishes highlighted by mild yet distinct-tasting Florida grouper. Like many eateries in the area, the restaurant is completely outdoors, encouraging guests to bask in the Florida sunrays and have a blast while doing it. A few drinks, a full belly, and some friendly competition will surely bring great memories between friends.
Fun, friends and Floribbean fare
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SPONSORED BY Bradenton Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau
3 Keys Brewery and Eatery
Ugly Grouper
A match made in the Bradenton Area
Is food your love language? Create delicious new memories with your significant other at one of the Bradenton Area’s romantic restaurants. Don’t miss waterfront dining and catch a beachside sunset with your partner. Award-winning, Zagat-rated Beach Bistro of Anna Maria Island boasts scenic views and top-of-the-line cuisine. Beach Bistro serves a five-course relay of American Ranchlands Domestic lamb, Prime American beef, Maple Leaf Farms duck and shrimp caught in the Gulf of Mexico alongside an excellent wine list praised by the New York Times. At a restaurant named one of the most romantic in America and with some of the best food in the state, watching the sunset from a private white sand beach will only enhance your adoration for both your meal and your company.
Beach Bistro
Family fun for all
When traveling with the whole family, finding the right restaurant can be a challenge. Lucky for families visiting the Bradenton Area, many restaurants located on the Gulf Islands have everything your crew needs to make sure everyone is well-fed, happy and having fun.
Linger Lodge is a great first stop along your journey, one of Florida’s finest RV parks located in the riverside region adjacent to the jungle. Originally a fishing and canoeing campground preserved to represent Florida’s history, Linger Lodge is an escape for nature lovers and those looking for a great adventure. Restaurants, bars, pools and tennis courts make the resort an outstanding destination for families visiting central Florida. The Linger Lodge restaurant is a gem to the Manatee County community and was named by Al Roker as one of the top five weirdest restaurants in America. Serving southern delicacies like frog legs and seafood étouffée, the experience is sure to be a memorable one.
Tide Tables is a local favorite in waterfront dining experiences where families can fill both their stomachs and hearts. The diverse blend of Floribbean choices makes it easy for families with young children, and the laid-back vibe is exactly what your vacation needs. Known for their fish tacos and excellent seafood all around, your family can chow down while watching the waves of the tide down below. Tide Tables is proud to serve the freshest seafood in Cortez, much of which is caught, cleaned and prepared at the docks just off the coast.
Along the coast is the AMI Beach Café, where families can embark on a beachside rendezvous for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For brunch fans, the café serves a wildly popular all you can eat pancake breakfast. Where else can you have flapjack fun with your toes in the sand? With exciting live music situated on the white sand overlooking the tranquil Gulf of Mexico water, the kids have a safe place to play while parents enjoy cocktails by the beach bar. Chair and umbrella rentals are also available for families looking for extra sun time after their meal.
AMI Beach Café
Linger Lodge
Your next adventure awaits
Unleash your foodie frenzy and discover all there is to enjoy in Bradenton, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. With just a quick, nonstop flight to Sarasota Bradenton International, there’s nothing stopping you from taking a well-deserved winter escape. Visit the Bradenton Area website to plan your adventure.
Ugly Grouper