Tarpon Pointe Grill & Tiki Bar is on the Manatee River at 801 Riverside Drive E., Bradenton. STAFF PHOTO/WADE TATANGELO
Tarpon Pointe Grill & Tiki Bar has played an important role in the ongoing expansion of downtown Bradenton. More than a year before the Bradenton Riverwalk officially opened in October of 2012, Tarpon Pointe had already established itself as the eastern anchor of the 1.5 mile park along the southern banks of the Manatee.
Tarpon Pointe Grill & Tiki Bar in Bradenton. STAFF PHOTO/WADE TATANGELO
Tarpon Pointe opened with a bang, bringing party people to the riverfront and facing the wrath of neighbors who equated mere acoustic guitar strumming with noise pollution. Fortunately, Bradenton city officials are bigger fans of live music than Sarasota’s, and Tarpon Pointe has been able to continue hosting guys and gals with guitars. In late 2013, Grammy-nominated singer Sophie B. Hawkins even performed there.
Tarpon Pointe features two large tiki bars, sand volleyball courts and corn-hole. There are tables in the sand right along the water and an observation deck providing views of the downtown Bradenton skyline as well as the sweet, sunset spot where the Manatee River meets the Gulf of Mexico. Yes, it’s the location that keeps people coming back to Tarpon Pointe.
Absolut Bloody Mary, left, and Tarpon Pointe Rita at Tarpon Pointe Grill & Tiki Bar in Bradenton. STAFF PHOTO/WADE TATANGELO
My amazing wife Kristin and I returned to Tarpon Pointe on a recent Thursday afternoon. We lived downtown when it opened and have been there numerous times. Regardless, we always comment on the wonderful waterfront view and the breeze. Tarpon Pointe, which is entirely open, always has a breeze, even in the summer. It’s pretty amazing.
We took a seat at the main tiki bar to the east, connected to the kitchen and were greeted by a friendly bartender. The service has always been commendable there. Kristin ordered the Absolut Bloody Mary featuring Absolut Pepper Vodka and what tasted like house bloody mary mix garnished with olives, pepperoncini, provolone and a salami flag. I ordered my usual, the Tarpon Pointe Rita, made with 1800 Reposado Tequila, orange liqueur, sour mix and with a floater of Grand Marnier. Both drinks are a bargain at eight bucks each.
Nachos at Tarpon Pointe Grill & Tiki Bar in Bradenton. STAFF PHOTO/WADE TATANGELO
Next, we looked at the food section of the menu. From the Cuban sandwich to the burger to the wings, we have tried several items over the years and never been really impressed with any of them. On our recent visit we had the nachos ($10.50). The huge platter came out in mere minutes and the only flavor that really pushed to the forefront was the grease from the low-grade ground beef. Our bartender warned us even before our order arrived we probably wouldn’t be hungry after the nachos. We weren’t, but for all the wrong reasons.
So, yeah, Tarpon Pointe continues to play an important role in the development of downtown Bradenton, especially the renovated Riverwalk. We will continue to visit Tarpon Pointe to enjoy the drinks and view, but until notified of significant changes, will try our best not to arrive hungry.
Tarpon Pointe Grill & Tiki Bar
801 Riverside Drive E., Bradenton; 746-8700; tarponpointegrill.com
Have a suggestion for a place or event to be featured in Bar Tab? Comment below, email to wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com or contact me on Twitter: @wtatangelo For past Bar Tab columns, slideshows and SNN videos visit the archive.
