Better out than in!
Better out than in! outdoor diningDining al fresco is a treat we Floridians can enjoy nearly year-round. There's just something about eating outdoors that seems to whet the appetite, make everything taste better, and turn an ordinary dining experience into a memorable occasion to be savored. Diners living north of the river are fortunate to have several great options when it comes to a venue for enjoying a meal in the open air - and in many cases, on the waterfront as well. Here are a few of our favorites. Woody's River Roo Pub & Grill Tucked away just east of I-75 on the Manatee River, Woody's offers a decidedly casual take on waterfront dining. A dock allows patrons to arrive by boat, if they so choose, to take advantage of some of the best deals in town on grouper sandwiches and their ever-popular crab cakes, made with Maryland blue crab. Woody's is also known for its juicy burgers, especially the Black & Bleu, topped with tangy bleu cheese, and the half-pounder with the works for those with a hearty appetite. A covered bar and outdoor patio provides seating for up to 160 - plenty of room to mix and mingle and meet new friends. Live entertainment keeps things hopping every evening except Monday and all day long on Saturday and Sunday. Every Tuesday is Karaoke Night, perfect for all you American Idol wanna-bees. Seagrape Restaurant A new menu is front and center at Seagrape Restaurant, located in Terra Ceia Bay Country Club. Those wishing to dine outdoors may enjoy their meal poolside or on an intimate balcony. Golf course views provide a perfect backdrop for perusing delicious new offerings on the menu. Two of the top favorites are the Ahi Tuna appetizer and a flavorful Garlic Skirt Steak, as well as a selection of homemade desserts. Locals in the know flock to Seagrape on Sunday mornings for their popular brunch, served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and featuring a carving station and fabulous homemade Eggs Benedict. On Wednesdays enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free deal on entrees from a rotating limited menu. Live entertainment enhances the overall dining experience on Thursdays, Fridays and some Saturdays. Riverside Cafe For nearly 15 years, Riverside Café has been the place to go for a casual, relaxed meal on the waterfront in Palmetto. Located at Regatta Pointe Marina at marker 19 on the Manatee River, this family owned-and-operated eatery is known for fresh seafood and its Greek, Italian and American cuisine. Menu offerings include Black Angus burgers, stuffed grouper, barbecue pork ribs, Greek salad and fresh pita sandwiches. A festive waterfront deck and live entertainment Tuesdays through Saturdays make for a most memorable dining experience. Mangrove Grill Mangrove Grill offers one of the best al-fresco dining experiences around. Located at the beautiful Riviera Dunes Marina Resort, the award-winning restaurant features views of the Manatee River and yacht basin. Feast on fresh seafood while enjoying the sounds of steel drums or an acoustical guitar. A large open patio has seating for 80, with an outdoor bar accommodating another 30 patrons at high top tables. Catering to "those with three-piece suits or those with flip flops," Mangrove Grill recently introduced a new menu that celebrates fresh seafood with delicacies flown in from Nantucket, Maine, Alaska and Hawaii. Beginning March 17th, the restaurant will serve both lunch and dinner seven days a week. Crab Trap II A dining landmark in its own right, Crab Trap II in Ellenton was established in 1985 and specializes in - what else? - crab, of course. A rustic Florida décor and extensive menu are trademarks of this popular establishment. Specialties of the house include authentic Maryland Crab Cakes (made from a secret family recipe) and their award-winning Three-Crab Soup. Also on the menu are more exotic offerings such as gator tail, ostrich, wild pig and octopus. An outside deck offers a lunch menu and overlooks a beautiful lake and bird sanctuary. Prime Outlets After a busy day of browsing the more than 130 shops at this destination shopping center, get off your feet and enjoy a meal on the outdoor patio at the Food Court here. There are plenty of options - and nationalities - to choose from, including Italian, Mexican and Chinese. Vittles is known for its oversized sandwiches and freshly made salads. The Bakery Shop is perfect if you want a muffin or just-out-of-oven cookies. A spacious covered patio overlooks a small lake, and for added entertainment, you can count the cars whizzing by on I-75 in the background. New to Prime Outlets is a Starbucks franchise, located near the front of the mall. With several shaded outdoor tables for customers, it's another great place to enjoy a post-shopping pick-me-up. Restaurants Woody's River Roo Pub & Grill 941.722-2391 5717 18th Street East, Ellenton Riverside Café 941.729.4402 955 Riverside Drive, Palmetto www.riversidecaferpm.com Mangrove Grill & Bar 941.723.2556 102 Riviera Dunes Way, Palmetto www.mangrovegrill.com Crab Trap II 941.729.7777 4815 17th Street East, Ellenton Prime Outlets 941.723.1150 5461 Factory Shops Blvd, Ellenton www.primeoutlets.com
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