Food + Beer is a local restaurant that is focused on welcoming everyone who enjoys good food as well as the company of friends, or just some downtime. The Bradenton restaurant on 14th Street West (US 41) is one of four locations that will soon include Venice, FL.
The restaurant offers a relaxed industrial vibe with a huge bar along one side, a combination of high-tops and booths in the dining room, and an outdoor patio with soft seating and bistro tables under cover from the Florida heat and rain. You will have ample view of a multitude of TVs showing sports, funny videos, and music entertainment no matter where you choose to enjoy your meal.
Their menu will never leave you wishing you went somewhere else. You can literally have it all. Chicken wings, wraps, sandwiches, bowls, salads, and BURGERS! They have healthy and vegetarian options but that’s not what we’re here for…you can report back to us on those. LOL!
Let’s start with wings. They offer fresh, never frozen wings that you can order twelve different ways. Yes, that’s one more than eleven. Carolina Gold and Garlic Parm are my favorites so far. Fried pickles, edamame, tacos, and buffalo cauliflower are some of the other tasty shareable options.
You must also try the That Jawn! (or cheesesteak sandwich). “Jawn” is a term used by people in Philly that can mean just about anything, particularly a fine thing. This sandwich is definitely a “fine” sandwich, loaded with shaved ribeye, cheese, and caramelized onions. Burgers are another great option at F+B. I ordered the ‘Mericuhhh burger on our last visit – it’s topped with tobacco-fried onions, cheddar cheese, bacon, and blackened seasoning. Then I asked to double the meat. Try holding this big stack of beef gracefully. It leads to a certain meat coma.
Let’s talk about beer and cocktails. Beer is part of their composition and they serve a large selection from local breweries such as Calusa Brewing, Big Top Brewing Co., Motorworks Brewing, and others. They also carry all the national brands. Their cocktail list, which is my preference, reads like a who’s-who of the best craft cocktail selections. Ranging from organic vodkas to bourbons, rums, tequilas, and gins, F+B offers a huge full bar and an extensive menu of specialty cocktails.
One of my favorites is Let’s get Ready to Bramble!, a smooth mix of vodka, lemon, crème de mûre (blackberry liqueur), crushed ice, and fresh muddled blackberries. They also offer the Aye Mami!, a mezcal, pineapple, agave, lemon, cilantro, and jalapeño concoction. These are just a few of the incredible martinis, sangria, and sparkling cocktails. They also have Bottomless Mimosas on the weekends!
Speaking of weekends – you won’t want to miss the Weekend Brunch. Try Biscuits & Gravy made with thick, chunky gravy loaded with sausage; or Chicken and Red Velvet Waffles – a combination of fried chicken, red velvet Belgian waffles drizzled with cream cheese icing, and sriracha syrup. I loved the Drop it like it’s Hot Benny with Nashville hot chicken and sausage gravy. Other brunch items include Pot Roast Hash, Avocado Toast with Poached Egg, and more traditional a la carte breakfast options. Brunch is so amazing that we had it two weekends back to back.
They also offer some incredible Daily Specials and Happy Hour 7 days a week*. Their Lunch Special offers a cheeseburger with hand-cut fries, a few sandwich and salad options. Burger Mondays offers a Cheeseburger and hand-cut fries while Taco Tuesdays give you 2 tacos, chips, and salsa – and all of these specials are under $8.00.
They even have a small arcade area if you need to chill out for a bit. Leave your stress behind and come in for some delicious food, friendly surroundings, and a few beers (or cocktails).
Food + Beer is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. It’s located at 4808 14th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34207. To learn more, visit their website or follow them on Facebook.
*all prices based on advertised website specials.
