Waterfront Restaurant

The Waterfront restaurant is not much to look at from the street. It’s also not much to look at from inside.
I’ve never been to the Waterfront before but I’m sure it looked exactly the same 20 years ago. The décor is certainly outdated. The first thing I noticed upon entry was the cleanliness of the restaurant, or the lack there of. Everything above six feet high is caked in dirt/​dust. I mean so much dust that everything is literally hairy. The fans, the plant hangers, the rope lighting, the old speakers, several decorative nails, even the stuffed fish on the walls and growing beards. It was hard to get past it.
The service was good. The rolls were chewy and tasted battery. I had the chicken Alfredo which was good. Slightly expensive at almost $ 15.95 for a smaller portion. Three other people at my table had the mixed grill (fish). They all said it was good but not great.
Based on the physical appearance of the building I wouldn’t have come here in the first place. But one person in my party said they had been years ago and it was good so we gave it a chance.
Unless there is a major renovation we won’t be back. At bare minimum I wouldn’t recommend that anyone try this place until it’s been thoroughly cleaned.

This has to be the worst seafood restaurant in Sarasota. Atmosphere was old and run down, bathrooms were unsanitary and were located behind the bar area which gave the idea that you’re not supposed to go back there.
Staff, on the other hand, were very friendly.
Main course was just gross. I ordered the «Mixed Grill» which had Salmon and some other fish. Sides were sautéed mushrooms, onion, and green pepper, green beans, and a sweet potato. Fish was just nasty, lacking any type of seasoning, and over cooked. Green beans were not crunchy at all and were swimming in oil. Sweet potato was bland and overly mushy.
Second main course after complaint was still gross. Ordered the fried shrimp and fries. Fries were chalky and grainy, and shrimp were certainly tuff and over cooked. The entire second course tasted like it were frozen for two months before being dropped into a blazing hot deep fryer for thirty minutes.
Overall, do not go here to eat unless you want nasty, over cooked, under seasoned, «food.»

I used to love this place, but it has really gone downhill. First, I was brought my saganaki. The server set it on the on the table, lit it on fire, and left. I don’t need a show, but a little lemon juice would’ve been nice and somehow it didn’t melt, which leads me to believe they pulled the skillet out of the fridge before plunking my boring cheese on it. I ordered grouper in a lemon and oregano sauce. No lemon or oregano flavor at all. Just an overcooked slab of bland nothingness that could’ve been a beautiful piece of fish. I would give it another star because the server did take my fish off the bill when she saw that I wasn’t eating it, but it took nearly 2 ½ hours to get through this meal. 20 minutes to be noticed, another 20 to get a drink. When she brought the drink I knew I had to order everything or I may never see her again. 30 later the saganaki came out… You get the idea. Just a really painful experience and I’ll never go back.

Less than ok! Have had much better food and service at a chain restaurant. Food was cold, and the garlic mashed potatoes looked like the were dipped out of previously prepared with an ice cream scoop.
We used to come here when on vacation and service and food were excellent.
Wow! What happened. Too many good restaurants on Siesta or in Sarasota.
They should just do beach food as the rest of it is very lacking.

Went here for a nice steak dinner with a group of friends. We were definitely the youngest ones in the restaurant. Beer rolls were delicious! I ordered the surf and turf filet and grilled shrimp. Both were just okay. I ordered my filet medium rare and it was over cooked. Service was okay. The owners are very friendly. Not sure we will be back.

Great service. Great food. Don’t miss this little gem. Always go here when I want special treatment.

Food ok shrimp where rubbery and steak just ok. Had better food at much cheaper restaurants. No real atmosphere either a lot of seniors here

Love the 1lb Lobster dinner !! mmmmmmmmmm… :D

Good reviews but i don’t know why. A long wait after we were seated, clam chowder that tasted as if it had cheese in it, green beans that were oily and salty, mediocre all around.

Great food. Family owned. Top notch service. Owner and his family has been there greeting me every time I’ve been there, which is over 50 times in the past 5 years. Always great. I park across the street, always parking available.

Have been dining here for years. It is quite not up to date in décor but the atmosphere is laid back and relaxing. There is a view of a mini dirty marina. Small menu but good quality seafood. We always start the saganaki… OPA!

Food is not bad. Nothing special. Our bill was incorrect ($ 12 appetizer listed as $ 17), which was annoying.

Been going here and WaterfrontToo for years. Always a good meal and a nice relaxing atmosphere away from all of the chains. Really never had a bad meal here.

Great local’s restaurant they have great steaks, seafood and the best burger in town. The service is always fast and friendly too.

Great food, friendly service and a place the locals gather. Delicious steaks and perfectly prepared seafood. Décor is in need of updating, but facility is clean.

Yes, one of our favorite restaurants when visiting Sarasota. Family owned and operated. Now place is really a hidden gem. We usually sit at bar and are entertained by Barkeep Owner Stephanie and Chefs Julio and Francisco.
Now I’ll state one thing here that is obvious. The place is old and in desperate need of a costly remodel. HOWEVER, the food is prepared EXCEPTIONALLY to your specific requests. Top notch and we’ve been to some other really high priced dinners and got much less. We eat dinners here at least once a week while visiting Sarasota. That says a lot.
Prices are reasonable and all food is cooked to order, not pre-​prepared packaged Sysco frozen food. Suggestion — Before ordering your meal, sit at bar and enjoy a drink and watch chefs cook. Notice the various steps for each entry, especially the fish and lobster entries.
Our favorite meals are Rib Eyed Steak (Pittsburg style), NY Strip Steak, Salmon, Fish & Chips, Tuna, Lobster and Shrimp.
Not to forget 8 oz Beef Hamburger with fries for $ 8.95 — what a deal for excellent burger — Best in Sarasota.
Lobsters come in all sizes from 2LB down to smaller entries. Best prepared lobster we have ever eaten — moist, cooked perfectly.
Dinner Meals include salad and home-​made rolls. ENJOY, but please don’t take our seats at the bar.

Just order the seafood. Filet and ribeye are average. The salad is a sad heap of iceberg lettuce. The fried shrimp is slightly above average. Coffee is horrible. Clam chowder is good but not great. Rolls were warm and soft, but nothing special. Can’t say I will return.

Had the 10oz sirloin. It was thick juicy and very tender. But lacked some kick as far as spices or flavor. With some A1 it was fine. Baked P was hot and cooked through, no loaded option though. :(
Ambiance was nice we did an early dinner here. Service was great server was very friendly.
A good alternative if you’re trying to avoid chains, but I wouldn’t say a must visit based on one experience.

Went here on New Years Eve because it was close to our place on Stickney Point. It is a steak and potatoes kind of place straight out of the 1970s. I had the filet, which was perfectly prepared and butter knife tender. My husband had a ribeye, which was also perfectly done. The vegetable sides left a lot to be desired but were hardly missed next to the massive steaks and cheap drinks. Oh, but the French Onion Soup was the bomb!
The crowd was older for sure. Everyone seemed to know the owners and each other and were happy to chat with us while we waited at the bar for our table. For a good steak and a glimpse into the Sarasota of my childhood this is the place. I’ll be back.

I’ve been going to this restaurant for years and it is one of my favorites in Sarasota.
In season it’s full of Blue hair, Golf Slax wear’in Snowbirds so I usually avoid it this time of year. But it’s really nice to have an independently owned good quality restaurant that serves no nonsense delicious food.
I almost always have a steak and am never disappointed. Great fresh hot rolls served while you wait for your entrée. We usually go with friends and everybody is always happy.
The dining room is well run, as is the kitchen. I look forward to my next visit and will write a detailed review about the food. But this place is always a good bet.