As some of you might have noticed, we recently held a contest on Discover Bradenton’s Facebook page where we asked locals to name their favorite Bradenton restaurant. The response was overwhelming, which left us wondering what to do with this wealth of information. Although some of the restaurants mentioned were no surprise, what was surprising was the number of new or lesser-known dining options that made it on the list of local hot spots. From upscale dining to casual take-out, it’s all covered here.

Are you looking for a new local restaurant to try? Check out this list of Bradenton’s favorite restaurants (according to the locals).

O’Brick’s Irish Pub & Martini Bar

427 12th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205

Coming in first by a landslide is downtown Bradenton’s O’Bricks Irish Pub. This delicious, casual upscale restaurant also made it onto Discover Bradenton’s Best Places for Brunch earlier this year.

O’Bricks serves lunch and dinner, with a special brunch menu from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Offering everything from Eggplant Roulade and Escargot to Lobster Mac-n-Cheese and Filets topped with gorgonzola and a demi-glaze, you’ll never get a bad meal here. Want something a little more casual? Try Mike Carter’s Original Wings, Bradentucky Egg Rolls, a flatbread pizza, or a vegan burger.

Don’t miss out on their awesome martinis — some of our favorite flavors include Espresso, Key Lime, Snickers, and the La Poire made with pear vodka, St. Germain liqueur and a splash of champagne.

O’Bricks has happy hour every day from 2-7 and again from 11- midnight. This includes 1/2 off all wines by the glass, $2.50 wells, $7 specialty martinis, and $1 off drafts. Beat the Monday blues with their $6 Martini Mondays and get over hump day with their Wine Down Wednesday deal where you can get half-off bottles of wines under $100.

Sage Biscuit Cafe

6656 Cortez Rd W. Bradenton, FL 34210 and 1401 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205  

Coming in at a close second was Sage Biscuit Cafe, another HUGE player in the Bradenton restaurant scene and a Discover Bradenton favorite! This daytime restaurant has two locations, one on Cortez Rd. and the other in downtown Bradenton. Both are open daily from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m.

They call their menu “naughty and nice,” because they offer healthy vegetarian and vegan meals, as well as decadent dishes like their homemade sage biscuits and sausage gravy. You can’t go wrong with the classic Eggs Benedict – or try it with crab cakes, smoked salmon, or fried green tomato and jalapeno bacon.

Some other favorites include the Key West Omelet, Hunter’s Skillet, and Shrimp and Grits. Make sure you save room for some corned beef hash and the breakfast potatoes! For lunch, if you’re lucky, the pastrami sandwich will be on special. If not, try the Beer Braised Beef Sandwich, Eggplant Bruschetta Sandwich, or the Portabella Blue Wrap.

Bad Ass Cafe (Now Tom’s Bad Ass Bar & Grill)

312 12th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205

Downtown Bradenton’s Bad Ass Cafe serves up delicious food and to-die-for drinks with a healthy side of attitude. This casual restaurant and bar is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 1:45 a.m.

It seems like everything is bigger here. From the enormous “Bad Ass Burger” and the huge portion of Fish and Chips to the loaded Bloody Mary’s and the creative cocktails served in giant martini glasses. This place is fun, never boring, and always delicious! If you leave here hungry, it’s your own fault.

Don’t miss out on the Ruben sandwich, Philly, Shrimp Tacos, or the Black and Bleu burger. Their fries are delicious, and they have tater tots too!!!

Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille

101 Riverfront Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34205

Located along the Riverwalk behind the skate park and next to the Courtyard Marriott, Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille is another one of Bradenton’s favorites. This cozy restaurant with an open-air patio and bar serves up a delicious lunch and dinner menu and also offers sushi and brick oven pizzas. They are most proud of the antibiotic, hormone-free Niman Ranch beef, pork, and lamb, and the locally sourced menu items they serve.

Come by for happy hour every day until 7 p.m. and try the Bar Bites menu daily from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. You also won’t want to miss out on their weekly Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. and their Blues Brunch on the 4th Sunday of every month.

Mattison’s was featured on Discover Bradenton in June. Check out the full review HERE.

Pier 22

1200 1st Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205

Located on the Manatee River, Pier 22 is a landmark restaurant that offers elegant waterfront dining and a casual outdoor patio. The only thing better than the view is the food!

Executive Chef Greg Campbell has been wowing guests for years and never disappoints. The menu emphasizes quality ingredients and a wide selection of dishes with an international flair. Pier 22 serves lunch and dinner every day and also offers a sushi menu. Some of our favorite menu items include the stuffed lobster, rack of lamb, and soft shell crab sandwich. You also can’t go wrong with a sushi boat or the Pier 22 sushi roll. On Fridays and Saturdays, they also serve prime rib dinners from 4 p.m. until close.

Don’t miss out on Sunday Brunch from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. where you can score a dozen raw oysters for $12 and $4 mimosas and Bloody Mary’s. They also have happy hour every day from 3 until 7 p.m. with drink specials and “small plates” that cost between $6 and $8. We love the made-from-scratch Balsamic Chips, Mussels and Blue, and the Grouper Artichoke Gratin.

Bird Rock Taco Shack

1004 10th Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205

It’s no surprise that Bird Rock Taco Shack made it onto this list, as they were named one of Bradenton’s Best Mexican Restaurants on Discover Bradenton earlier this year! Located in the Village of the Arts right behind Motorworks Brewing, this casual restaurant offers a huge variety of awesome menu items and a beachy, eclectic vibe. Here you’ll find tacos in flavors like Pork Belly Thai, Pekin Duck Almond Kung Pao, Beef Short Rib Asian B.B.Q , and Edemame Pineapple Bang-Bang. You also won’t want to miss out on the Lobster Nachos, Curried Blue Crab Bisque, and the Thai Shrimp & Peanut Burrito.

In addition to regular soda and iced tea, Bird Rock serves cool non-alcoholic beverages like South American Grapefruit Fresca, Jamaican Ting grapefruit soda, and Coconut La Croix. They also offer a very large selection of craft beers and a decent selection of wines. If you haven’t checked out Bird Rock yet, you’re missing out!

Swordfish Grill

4628 119th St W, Cortez, FL 34215

A homey, casual waterfront restaurant located in the Cortez fishing village, Swordfish Grill offers fresh seafood, live entertainment, and fantastic views. Don’t miss out on the Bahamian Conch Fritters, Grouper Oscar, or the Fish Tacos. They also offer raw and cooked oysters in a variety of styles and an “all you can eat” snow crab boil on Sundays.

Swordfish Grill offers happy hour Monday through Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m., with parties and prizes every Wednesday. On Thursdays starting at 4 p.m. they have slow-roasted prime rib and on Sundays, you can enjoy unlimited mimosas and build-your-own Bloody Mary’s from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. They also offer live music nine times a week! Check out their events calendar for more info.

Central Cafe

906 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34208

Offering fresh, seasonal meals and hand-crafted cocktails, Central Cafe is another Bradenton restaurant that has been a local favorite for years. We love this industrial-chic space with indoor dining and an outdoor patio. Some of our favorite menu items include the Creamy Tomato Blue Soup, Portobello and Brie Burger, and Ahi Tuna Tacos.

Central Cafe offers happy hour every day from 2 to 5 p.m. with $2 Bud Light drafts, $1 off wine, bottled beer, and mixed drinks, and specially priced mid-day menu items.

Anna Maria Oyster Bar

Landside: 6906 14th St. W. Bradenton
Cortez: 6696 Cortez Rd. W. Bradenton
Ellenton: 1525 51st Ave. E. Ellenton
Pier: 200 Bridge St. Bradenton Beach

With four locations to choose from, the Anna Maria Oyster Bar (AMOB) has been a staple in Bradenton for years. This award-winning restaurant offers up delicious menu items in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Don’t miss out on the lobster bisque, salmon in puff pastry with hollandaise sauce, or the many different oyster dishes. Not into seafood? Try the Chicken Oscar, pasta skillet, or some jumbo chicken wings.

On Sunday through Thursdays, kids under 10 eat for a penny-per-inch and they have daily early bird specials from 2 to 5 p.m. Come by on Monday for all-you-can-eat fish and chips (all location) and enjoy prime rib dinners on Thursday from 3 to close and all day on Saturdays (oyster bars only, not at the pier). All locations except the pier also have happy hour from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. until close.

Cremesh European Restaurant

7232 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209

At the family-owned and operated Cremesh European Restaurant, you’ll find worldly cuisine made from scratch. Chef Pavel gained his international cooking skills while growing up in the Czech Republic and traveling and working throughout Europe. Some of the most popular dinner menu items include Beef Stroganoff, Wiener Schnitzel, and Red Snapper baked en papillote.

Chef Pavel is also a master baker, preparing European-style cakes, pastries, and fresh-baked breads that take their lunch sandwiches to a whole new level. Don’t forget to save room for dessert — you won’t want to miss out on the chef’s specialty dessert “Cremesh,” made with a vanilla cream pudding and fresh, seasonal fruit between a puff pastry.

On August 17th, the Chef is offering a Saturday morning cooking class at 10 a.m. During the class, you’ll learn how to make a Filet Mignon Appetizer, Cottage Pie, Beef Goulash and Braciole. The cost is $39 and includes lunch and a glass of wine! Chef Pavel offers baking and cooking classes every other Saturday morning. Book your spot HERE.

Fav’s Italian Cucina

419 12th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205

Located in downtown Bradenton, right in front of the Jenning’s Arcade, Fav’s Italian Cucina has been a long-time Bradenton favorite. In fact, the restaurant will be celebrating their 20th anniversary in February! Although everything on the menu is delicious, some of our favorites include the Goat Cheese Bruschetta, traditional pizza, and the (literally to-die-for) stromboli. They also serve subs, salads, wraps and dinner entrees like Gnocchi, Sausage & Peppers, and Homemade Lasagna. Have a sweet tooth? Grab a cannoli or spumoni.

Fav’s offers happy hour prices on beer and wine from 5 p.m. until close Monday through Friday and all day on Saturday. They also offer wine by the bottle starting at just $15! Check their Facebook page to learn about the awesome daily lunch and dinner specials.

Bowled Life Cafe

929 10th St E, Palmetto, FL 34221

Offering healthy food items throughout the Bradenton and Sarasota area, Bowled Life Cafe is the perfect choice for when you want delicious menu options that won’t weigh you down all day. Check out their physical location in Palmetto or keep an eye out around town for their food truck.

Bowled Life offers salads, soups, acai bowls, smoothies, and avocado toast that’s absolutely amazing! They’re vegetarian and vegan-friendly and also have gluten-free options.

Arte Caffe Italian Bakery & Market

930 12th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205

A charming, intimate restaurant located in The Village of the Arts, Arte Caffe is the perfect place to go for a unique lunch or dinner experience.  They offer authentic Italian pizza, pasta, salads, focaccia sandwiches, and more. Try the handmade gnocchi with authentic pesto sauce, homemade black fettuccini with shrimp, avocado, and spicy tomato sauce, or the mango carpaccio with arugula and parmesan. Before you leave, be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth with a Cannoli & Tiramisu.

Arte Caffe offers fresh, flavorful ingredients and incredibly friendly service in a small, cozy setting. It’s perfect for date night or an evening out with friends.

Chicken Salad Chick

7350 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton, FL 34210

Chicken Salad Chick specializes in — you guessed it — chicken salad. Offering a variety of flavors from fruity to spicy, there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes. All of their food is made in-house every day with fresh, quality ingredients. Try the “Fancy Nancy” made with Fuji apples, seedless grapes, & pecans, the hickory-smoked “Barbie Q,” or the “Kickin Kay Lynne” made with buffalo sauce, ranch, bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, jalapeños, & Sriracha.

You can order the chicken salad as a scoop or on a sandwich, and add a side or a cup of soup. Want something a little different? Try the pimento cheese, egg salad, broccoli salad, grape salad, or creamy mac and cheese.

D’s Breakfast and Burgers

423 10th Ave W, Palmetto, FL 34221

Located on historical Palmetto Main Street, D’s Breakfast and Burgers prides themselves in using 100% fresh meat and all-natural ingredients. They’re known for delicious breakfasts, satisfying lunch options, and generous portions. Try the Country-Fried Steak & Eggs, Homemade Biscuits & Gravy, or the Pancake Sandwich. They also serve a huge variety of omelets, skillets, and traditional breakfast foods.

For lunch, you can’t go wrong with one of their specialty burgers, sandwiches, melts, salads or platters. Try the A1 Steak Burger, Turkey Melt, or Gyro wrap. D’s Breakfast and Burgers is open every day from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The Daily Dose Juice Garden

536 13th St W. Bradenton, Florida

A brand new hot spot in Bradenton, The Daily Dose Juice Garden just opened a few weeks ago and is already making a splash! In fact, they were featured on Discover Bradenton last week! Check out the full review HERE.

This is the place for fresh-made organic juices, smoothies, and salads. They’re open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m.

The Clam House Bar & Grill

304 7th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221

Featuring fresh, locally-sourced fish and seafood, The Clam House Bar & Grill in Palmetto offers visitors old-Florida-style meals caught right in our own back yard. This restaurant isn’t just a favorite among Discover Bradenton followers, it’s also a winner of the 2019 Diner’s Choice Award.

The menu features plenty of interesting options, including a variety of seafood, clams, and sushi. Choose from platters, sandwiches, wraps, tacos, salads and more. The Clam House also offers a premium wine selection, fabulous cocktails, and locally brewed craft beers.

Poppo’s Taqueria

4220 53rd Ave E #108, Bradenton, FL 34203 (+ 6 Other Locations!)

Poppo’s Taqueria is a fast-casual restaurant that offers delicious and flavorful Mexican-inspired fare. This family-owned restaurant uses real, fresh ingredients and refuses to compromise when it comes to quality. They currently have 7 locations in Bradenton, Sarasota, Anna Maria, and St. Pete.

Try the tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or bowls made with adobo chicken, carnitas, spicy Morita steak, or tempeh. Don’t forget to add guacamole, cilantro, and pickled onions – yum!! They sell sodas made without high fructose corn syrups, standard and craft beers, and kombucha. Poppo’s Taqueria also offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, making it the perfect destination for everyone!

Joey D’s Chicago Style Eatery & Pizza

6401 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209

Joey D’s Chicago Style Eatery & Pizza offers Chicago-style stuffed and Chicago-style thin-crust pizza, Vienna Beef Hot Dogs, and Mama D’s family recipes. The sauce, dough, and most menu items are made from scratch, giving diners the delicious, fresh flavors they crave. Start with the fried calamari or garlic cheese bread, then dive into some pizza, pasta, subs, wings, or burgers. Some of the local favorites include the Bacon Chili Cheese Dog, Italian Sausage & Peppers, the Delux Philly Cheese Steak, and, of course, the World Famous Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza.

Joey D’s has locations in Bradenton, Palmetto, Sarasota, and Venice, so no matter where you are, you’re never too far from a great place to grab a bite!

Star Fish Company

12306 46th Ave W, Cortez, FL 34215

Located right in the middle of the Cortez Fishing Village, Star Fish Company is both a fish market and a waterside seafood restaurant. They offer super-casual dockside dining with picnic table seating. At Star Fish Company, you’ll find simple, fresh seafood, most of which has come right from the water you’re overlooking.

You can’t beat the view at Star Fish, the docks overlook mangrove islands, Jewfish Key, Longboat Key, and Bradenton Beach. Try the Softshell Crab Sandwich, Stone Crab Claws (Oct. through May), or the Oyster Po-Boy Sandwich. Don’t forget to add some cheese grits and hush puppies! The Star Fish Company only accepts cash, so make sure you come prepared, or you can use the on-site ATM.

Tide Tables

12507 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton, FL 34210

Mention Tide Tables to most Bradenton locals, and the first thing you’ll hear about is their fish tacos. This tiki bar, located at a marina overlooking the Intercoastal waterway, serves fresh, Florida-style food with an unbeatable view. Try the Chicken & Andouille Sausage Gumbo, Fresh Gulf Grouper, or the Combo Basket with shrimp, scallops, and Mahi.

Tide Tables also serves a rotating selection of unique, local craft beers and ciders and has a selection of wines by the glass. They’re open daily from 11:30 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Peach’s

It seems like every Bradenton resident has been to a Peach’s restaurant at least once. These locally-owned restaurants have been serving up fresh food with friendly service since 1985! They currently have 10 area locations in Bradenton, Ellenton, Sarasota, Holmes Beach, and Venice. Peach’s is open every day from 6 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Try the Very Berry French Toast, Quiche of the Day, or the Chicken Salad Sandwich. Peach’s also offers omelets, benedicts, pancakes, waffles, salads, burgers, wraps, and more!

Did your favorite Bradenton restaurant make the list? Which new place are you most excited to try out first? Let us know in the comments below!  

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