Cortez Restraurants & Bars

Cortez, Florida, steeped in maritime history, boasts a rich culinary scene anchored by its longstanding tradition of fresh seafood. Nestled along the shores of Sarasota Bay, this quaint fishing village is home to a variety of restaurants and bars that celebrate the bounty of the Gulf Coast. From rustic seafood shacks serving up local delicacies to waterfront eateries offering panoramic views and upscale dining experiences, Cortez invites visitors to embark on a gastronomic journey that pays homage to its maritime heritage.

One of the highlights of dining in Cortez is the opportunity to savor freshly caught seafood straight from the docks to the plate. Many of the village’s restaurants specialize in serving Gulf-fresh fare, including shrimp, grouper, and stone crab, ensuring a dining experience that is both authentic and delicious. Whether enjoying a casual meal at a family-owned fish house or indulging in upscale seafood creations at a waterfront restaurant, guests can taste the flavors of Cortez’s seafaring past with every bite.

In addition to its seafood-centric dining options, Cortez also offers a selection of charming bars and watering holes where visitors can unwind and enjoy a taste of local hospitality. From laid-back taverns serving up ice-cold beers to waterfront bars offering sunset views and tropical cocktails, there’s no shortage of places to raise a glass and toast to the beauty of Cortez’s coastal landscape. Whether seeking a casual spot to relax after a day of exploring or a lively venue for live music and entertainment, Cortez’s bars provide the perfect setting to mingle with locals and soak in the village’s relaxed vibe.

Don’t forget that the Island Beach Monkey Bus passes through Cortez should you need a ride back if you have traveled.

Slicker's Eatery

Found in Cortez on the northern edge of Sarasota Bay is Slicker’s Eatery - which is a casual dining restaurant and bar. Proudly boasting their intentionality to food, relationships and impact Slicker’s only serve freshly cooked and prepared meals. There are no frozen or fried foods on the menu and the owners are fiercely passionate about serving their customers with healthy choices. With varied opening hours and great food, the eatery is always bustling whilst at the same time welcoming and accommodating. Slicker’s open seven days a week from 12noon every Monday through to Friday and close at 10pm (Friday being the exception and closing at 11pm). Saturday opening times are 11am until 11pm and Sundays are 11am until 9pm. Reservations can be made in advance to guarantee a table. However, they do have a collection only take away service if you prefer to eat at home.

Starfish Company

Situated on the northern edge of Sarasota Bay in the village of Cortez, Starfish Company is a seafood market, working dock and dine in restaurant selling freshly caught produce. In the restaurant they literally catch the fish, cook it simply and serve it for absolute freshness. The adjoining market is also open and sells their produce should you wish to take it away and cook it yourself at home. It is worth noting before venturing out that only cash payments are accepted here. Whilst you dine in the restaurant it is hard not to notice the stunning view from the dock as it looks out over Longboat Key, Bradenton Beach and Jewfish Key, not to mention the mangrove islands. With a simple menu and delicious food, the Starfish Company are open every day of the week. Sunday and Monday opening hours are 11:30am until 3pm and every other day, it’s 11:30am until 8pm.

Swordfish Grill & Tiki Bar

Opening every day from eleven in the morning until ten at night the Swordfish Grill & tiki Bar is a high-quality restaurant to dine on freshly caught fish and luxurious seafood. Located in the historic fishing village of Cortez in Florida, the setting overlooking Sarasota Bay is beautiful… and the food is delicious too. With a casual and laid-back atmosphere, the restaurant is a perfect way to have a relaxing meal with loved ones or friends. The beauty of the location is outstanding; with tables around the waterfront surrounded by panoramic views of Cortez and Sarasota Bay. Each evening there will be live music and entertainment on offer as you dine, On the menu there is an excellent choice of fine seafood and tasty meals to try. Served with ice cold beverages, happy hour from Monday to Saturday between 4pm and 6pm would be an enjoyable time to visit.

Tide Tables Restaurant & Marina

Located in the lively fishing village of Cortez, Tide Tables Restaurant & Marina is a family orientated establishment. opening from eleven thirty in the morning until eight in the evening every Monday to Saturday they serve an array of fresh, local and classic Florida cuisine. Dine on delicious seafood whilst soaking up the scenery as you relax and eat in the casually laid-back and friendly atmosphere of Tide Tables Restaurant. Creative chefs clean, fillet and cook up the catch of the day on the marina itself making the seafood here the freshest it could possibly be. With a fabulous menu serving food and drinks that suits everybody, choose from exciting lunches, take in a four-course meal or if time is limited... grab some tasty snacks to take with you as you head out.

The Seafood Shack Marina Bar & Grill

Should you happen to visit the historic fishing village of Cortez then you should head north of the mainland drawbridge and stop by The Seafood Shack Marina Bar & Grill. The Shack Marina itself is a local landmark to Cortez and has 68 slips for deep water sailing boats to bring in their catches and hungry passengers. The Shack Bar & Grill boasts superb views of Sarasota Bays’ Intracoastal waters and feels like stepping into paradise once inside. The Seafood Shack Marina Bar & Grill is open seven days of the week from 11:30 in the morning until 9:00 at night. Either catch, clean and bring your own fish to enjoy the promotional event ‘From Hook To Platter’ or simply dine on their delicious seafood-based menu. With a function room upstairs with space for 425 guests, The Seafood Shack Marina Bar & Grill hosts functions for private events too. Such as; weddings, parties and meetings etc.

Cortez Kitchen

The Cortez Kitchen is an American seafood style diner located in the heart of the historic fishing village of Cortez on the Florida mainland. However, from Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island it is a beautiful ten-minute drive across the connecting bridge. Hop on the Island Monkey Bus as it passes through Cortez regularly throughout the day. Cortez Kitchen is a lively place and as well as great food being served, they also have live music playing at the weekends and stock a fully licenced bar. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, and the staff are very accommodating. The food comes highly rated by the residents of Cortez and tastes delicious. All seafood dishes are freshly caught locally each day and served up with the freshest local ingredients and spices. Alternatives for the non-seafood lovers are available by way of burgers and the like. Head into Cortez Kitchen and treat the family to a fresh meal in a great setting out on the water's edge. The Cortez Kitchen opens six days of the week, closing only on a Monday. Tuesday through to Thursday they are open at 12:00 noon and close at 9:00 pm. On a Friday and Saturday, they open at 12:00 noon and close at the later time of 10:00 pm. Sundays sees Cortez Kitchen open again at 12:00 noon, but close earlier at 8:00 pm.