Bradenton is one of Florida's most vibrant Gulf Coast cities and a popular tourist hub. Downtown Bradenton is located along the beautiful Manatee River and has great marinas to park your boat while you explore.
There are various pristine beaches, shopping complexes, and entertainment joints. Then there are the Bradenton boat-friendly restaurants, offering the ideal beachfront dining to residents and visitors alike.
Related Blog: Sarasota's Boat Friendly Restaurants and Bars
Whether you plan to dock for lunch or dinner, Bradenton has some excellent boat-friendly restaurants and bars.
Caddy's
Caddy's waterfront dining is a must-have experience in Bradenton. Sit at a table on the white sandy beach, under a tiki umbrella, next to the dolphin-infested sea for an ideal beach dining experience. They also have corn hole, fire pits, good music, and a great view of the sunset.
Located at 801 Riverside Dr. E, Bradenton, FL 34208, you can drop here for a nice lunch, romantic dinner, or afternoon drink. The menu at Caddy's offers a selection of both surf and turf. They have handheld meals like burgers, tacos, sandwiches, and wraps, as well as a tasty selection of sharable appetizers. They also offer breakfast, desserts, and refreshing cocktails. And make sure you ask about the house specials.
Linger Lodge
We can't highlight the best restaurants in Bradenton without mentioning the Linger Lodge, one of Florida's oldest establishments, dating as far back as 1945. Located on the Braden River, on 7205 85th Street Court E., east of Interstate 75 near Johnson Preserve, Linger Lodge offers the best dining and RV campground experiences.
Linger Lodge is home to the indigenous native Florida wildlife that you're sure to enjoy watching as they hang from the restaurant walls. They serve native Florida cuisine: catfish, frog legs, grouper, alligator bites, fried green tomatoes, and smoked meats including brisket, pulled pork, and ribs. The Linger Lodge is a must-visit for seafood lovers with an eye for vintage waterfront settings.
Pier 22
Pier 22 is a family-owned waterfront restaurant and one of Bradenton's memorable landmarks. Located in the heart of the Manatee River, Pier 22 has a spectacular view of the sunset on the Gulf of Mexico horizon. This is the perfect restaurant for a romantic date, a special occasion, or just a nice evening out. Pier 22 also opened a sister restaurant in 2018 called Grove, located in Lakewood Ranch.
The restaurant's open-air and covered dining has a diverse menu created by their award-winning chef, Greg Campbell. From wasabi-crusted tuna topped with sesame peanut sauce to the bruschetta chicken with fresh mozzarella sticky rice, each item is delicious and unique to Pier 22.
Woody's River Roo
Woody's River Roo, otherwise called "The Roo with the View," offers a laid-back old Florida dining experience along the banks of the Manatee River. They have an expansive open-air bar and dining area overlooking a stage with live music. The Woodring family owns the restaurant and has a sister bar in downtown Bradenton: The Lost Kangaroo
The menu includes the Roo's unbeatable blue crab cake sandwich, the "Woody Burger" (grilled cheese, mushrooms, and onions), Woody's signature BBQ sauce, and chicken wings. Guests are sure to love the grouper sandwich dubbed the "Grouper Roo-Ben," a grilled Swiss cheese and rye bread topped with coleslaw.
Whether it's freshly caught seafood or local live music, Bradenton has some of the best boat-friendly restaurants, suitable for any marine traveler or guest with a thing for waterfront views. If you're looking for a boat-friendly destination with deep waters and panoramic views, Bradenton is the place to be.
