This upscale restaurant with craft cocktails is creating a buzz on Bradenton Beach
Salt Bar & Table created quite the buzz when it opened in Bradenton Beach in mid-February.
That’s not so unusual in the Bradenton area, where any new restaurant stirs a lot of interest among foodies and anyone looking for a new place to eat.
Interest in Salt Bar & Table, 2519 Gulf Drive N., had something extra in that it replaced Sharky’s Seagrill, which had served meals and drinks at that spot for more than two decades.
So, what’s changed? The short answer is virtually everything.
Salt Bar & Table brought out a new menu, actually a couple of new menus, and a new look, thanks to an extensive renovation.
“Come and experience a new level of indulgence at our bar. We offer a wide selection of carefully crafted cocktails, ice-cold beers, and premium wines, as well as mouth-watering food that perfectly complements your drink of choice,” the restaurant website says.
“Whether you’re looking for a casual night out with friends or a romantic evening with your special someone, we’ve got you covered. Join us for a night of fun, relaxation, and pure enjoyment,” the website says.
Salt had a cautious, soft opening in February, general manager Steven Sipos said.
“We wanted to make sure that the kitchen staff was prepared and could handle the crowd,” he said.
“So far the feedback has been good,” he said.
Guests familiar with the old Sharky’s probably won’t recognize the place. There has been a total remodel. The only thing held over was the metal ceiling tiles.
Salt has new wall coverings, comfy seating, indirect, modern lighting and an inviting bar. It’s a mixture of modern ambiance and soothing music. You just might hear Frank Sinatra singing in the background.
The dinner menu is relatively short and sweet, starting at $25. Entrees include a gourmet burger, fresh catch tacos, pan seared chicken, seared ahi tuna, linguini pasta, local catch of the day and an 8-ounce angus filet.
“We are trying to keep it healthy. Not everything is fried,” Sipos said.
There are a dozen appetizers and salads, ranging from homemade hummus to edamame dumplings with Thai chili sauce, oysters on the half shell and New England clam chowder.
For dessert, there are eight to choose from, including coconut/pineapple cheesecake, gelato and homemade key lime pie.
Prominent on the dinner menu are signature cocktails like Aperol Negroni Sour (gin, Aperol, St. Germain, lemon juice and egg whites) and the Spiced Pear Mule (Grey Goose Pear, pear puree and lime juice) and a wide selection of wines and beers.
Salt also has individual menus for lunch, brunch and happy hour.
Entrees offered at lunch include a grouper sandwich, burger, ribeye sandwich, fish and chips, po-boy sandwich, chicken sandwich and a la cart tacos.
The restaurant has seating for 86 inside and 54 outside. Valet parking is offered starting at 5 p.m. daily.
Hours at Salt Bar & Table
▪ Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. with happy hour 3–5 p.m.
▪ Saturday 5–10 p.m.
▪ Sunday brunch 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., dinner 5-10 p.m.
▪ Live Music 6–9 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
For more information or reservations, visit https://saltbarandtable.com/ or call 941-896-9897.
