There is nothing quite like spending the Fourth of July here on the Suncoast! You can find so many things to do from food, fireworks, and tons of fun. We’ve put a list together of some of our must-dos! This is how you can spend Independence Day just like an ORIGINAL!

Fourth of July on the Suncoast

 

Manatee County Celebrations

The Sandbar Seafood and Spirits on Anna Maria Island will kick off the Independence Day Weekend early on Saturday, July 2 at 9PM with the largest fireworks display they have ever had!

The fireworks will be visible all along the Anna Maria beach and watching them is free! The Sanbar restaurant will be open normal hours, 11AM to 10PM and remember – they don’t take reservations so be sure to stop by and put your name in early. 

For those wanting an elevated experience, Sandbar is hosting a Sparkling Good Time, a ticketed VIP event, July 2nd from 6-10PM in the Grand Pavilion, adjacent to the restaurant. This event includes reserved dinner seating with a delectable selection of fresh food, an open bar, a champagne toast, special beach seating for the fireworks, a gift bag and valet parking. 

Things are heating up here in the Sarasota-Manatee area and we’ve got a guide to keep you satisfied all summer long! Whether you are looking for a delicious burger or fresh seafood, these waterside restaurants will guarantee to satisfy any of your cravings. Here are 7 local spots we want you to give a try this summer.

Summer Dining on the Suncoast

 Beach House Waterfront Restaurant

The Beach House Waterfront Restaurant is set on 650 feet of pristine Gulf front beach, the restaurant was purchased in 1993 by Ed Chiles. His vision of a moderately priced restaurant serving great seafood both indoors and outdoors transformed into what is the Beach House Restaurant. You can find delicious fish tacos to NY strip steak – there is something for everyone! Their climate friendly outdoor deck provides beautiful oceanfront vistas and signature Anna Maria Island sunsets on display every evening. This is a Manatee County MUST!

Pier 22 Restaurant • Patio • Catering

Pier 22 is a foodie's riverside paradise, with a welcoming ambiance and a wide-ranging selection of scratch-made meals. Serving delicious flatbreads, fresh salads, and every seafood you could wish for, there is no wrong choice to make! The stunning Manatee River views and an active onsite marina captivate guests not to be outdone by the chef's local Gulf-Coast fish offerings and fresh game dishes that often take center stage. For a true authentic waterfront dining experience, look no further than PIER 22 in historic downtown, Bradenton!

Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant

The Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant sits right on the Manatee River and features three distinct dining options under one roof bringing an exclusive waterfront experience to Palmetto’s historic district. Located on the ground level is their full-service bar and restaurant, the Reef & Grill, along with a casual, waterfront patio bar, the Snook Deck. On the second floor, you’ll find their elevated coastal kitchen, called The Second Floor. In addition to their natural aesthetic and clever hints of nostalgia, the common thread among their three concepts is the coastal charm & breathtaking sunset view. There are landside and seaside entrees for all!

Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub 

The Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub is a local treasure rich in history with a casual, laid-back, authentic Florida atmosphere. Search no further because this charming restaurant is top-rated for serving the most locally sourced seafood and heritage items the area has to offer. Mar Vista’s private dock with 14 convenient slips awaits you. Plus, they have a private beach, which includes dining under the trees or on the covered patio. Their pub has a full bar and a convenient package service with beer and wine. Dine with Mar Vista for an original Florida moment.

Written by Tara Caguiat for The Sarasota-Manatee Originals Fiery sunsets, lapping waves, the occasional dolphin spotting—dining by the ocean is understandably desirable. Fortunately, Sarasota and Manatee Counties have more waterfront restaurants than most areas, with options directly on the sand and situated on the water. Sink your toes in the sand...

Written for The Sarasota Herald Tribune by Jimmy Geurts - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Anna Maria's The Waterfront Restaurant has experience with challenges endangering its existence, with a 2004 fire that closed the business for more than a year. Now, like restaurants around the world, it's dealing with the challenge of the COVID-19 pa...

The Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria Island is taking branding to next level and upping the the Craft Cocktail game. Like a kid on Christmas, a new toy for Bartender Rodney and his fellow barkeeps has been  delivered! The Waterfront team takes the craft of mixing cocktails to the next level. We invite...

Waterfront's long time patron and local Islander George Wilson Jr. lived a legendary life and will be truly missed not only by The Waterfront's team , but by all Islanders and repeat Vacationers . George rolled in several times a week for his lunch and mostly to see Ryan ( bartender) she always was happy to see and and treated him like family and f...