One of the great things about living here is all the restaurants with wonderful waterfront views. There is no better way to unwind than to have a wonderful meal while watching the sun set. There are tons of places with great views, but here are our Manatee County favorites.
Beach Bistro 6600 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 778-6444 The view: Gulf of Mexico Sunset ritual: Piano player plays on the beach for the half-hour during sunset Thursday-Sunday. Price range: $40-$60 Most distinct feature: “Best food on the gulf coast,” says owner Sean Murphy.
Cafe on the Beach 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 778-0784 The view: Gulf of Mexico Sunset ritual: None Price range: Most under $10 Most distinct feature: Restaurant sits on the edge of Manatee Public Beach.
Sandbar Restaurant 100 Spring Avenue, Anna Maria Island, 778-0444 The view: Striking, unobstructed view of Gulf of Mexico Sunset ritual: Servers bang a gong every evening when the sun goes down. Each table guesses the exact time this will occur and the winner is awarded a bottle of champagne. Price range: $15-$25. Most distinct feature: The gorgeous view.
Rotten Ralph’s Bradenton Beach City Pier 200 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 778-1604 The view: Sarasota Bay Sunset ritual: None Price range: $6.99-$16.95 Most distinct feature: Newly refurbished pier is a great place to take a walk.
Matison’s Riverfront 1200 First Ave W., Bradenton, 748-8087 The view: Manatee River, Gulf of Mexico, yachts in the marina, banks of Bradenton and Palmetto Sunset ritual: No Price range: $7-$38. Most distinct feature: It’s the only waterfront bar or restaurant in downtown Bradenton.
City Pier Restaurant 100 S. Bay Boulevard, Anna Maria, 779-1667 The view: Tampa Bay and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Sunset ritual: No Price range: $6-$22 Most distinct feature: It’s located at the end of a wooden fishing pier originally built in 1910.
The Waterfront 111 S. Bay Boulevard, Anna Maria Island, 778-1515 The view: Tampa Bay, Skyway Bridge Sunset ritual: None Price range: entrees $17-$35 Most distinct feature: Outdoor dining, European-style courtyard
Mangrove Grill & Bar 102 Riviera Dunes Way, Palmetto 723-2556 The view: The marina located in an inlet off the Manatee River. Sunset ritual: No Price range: $6-$34 Most distinct feature: Large patio where patrons are known to let loose after sunset.
Sun House Restaurant & Bar 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 782-1122 The view: Gulf of Mexico and passers-by on Gulf Coast Drive Sunset ritual: Nightly celebration featuring “local celebratory host” handing out “Green flash” shooters (rum-based drink). Price range: $12-$26 Most distinct feature: Bright yellow building, second-story patio affords view of Gulf and intercoastal
BeachHouse Restaurant 200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, 779-2222 The view: Gulf of Mexico. Sunset ritual: Same ritual as the Sandbar; same owners. Price range: $10-$22 Most distinct feature: Patrons can sit at tables on the sand.
Rod and Reel Pier 875 North Shore Drive, Anna Maria, 778-1885 The view: Tampa Bay. Sunset ritual: No Price range: $4-$20 Entertainment: No Most distinct feature: Located on Rod and Reel Pier, which was built in 1947. — Herald archive information used in this story
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