I ordered the “low-tide” size (smaller portion) of fried grouper, which came with homemade cole slaw and some of the best BBQ beans I’ve ever had.
The Tide Tables Restaurant and Marina opened its doors in February 2014 in the historic fishing village of Cortez, Florida. It (and its patrons) sit right on the water and enjoy the sea breezes while eating fish that is literally right off the boat. What else would you expect in Cortez?
I took mom to the Tide Tables for Mother’s Day lunch and it didn’t disappoint. She got the fish tacos (which surprised me) and I ordered fried grouper. The fish tacos were very highly seasoned, a bit spicy even without extra sauce, and were just a bit too salty for my taste. But Mom didn’t find them too salty and really chowed down on them.
Fish tacos at the Tide Tables Restaurant & Marina in Cortez, FL.
The grouper was absolutely fresh and sweet. It may seem odd, but it can be hard to find truly fresh fish in a Florida seafood restaurant. You have to know where to go: Tide Tables. The grouper was so moist and fresh I almost hated to put the tartar sauce on it, and didn’t–until the last few bites.
By 3 o’clock the crowd had thinned out, so I snapped this photo of the bar on the deck.
While we were eating, a fishing charter boat brought in a mess of fresh-caught grouper to the small marina while a fisherman launched his kayak from the small launch ramp next to the restaurant’s deck. Our table–all the tables, actually–overlooked the bay and the bridge to Bradenton Beach.
There’s no shortage of elbow room at the bars at Tide Tables. As much space is devoted to drinking as it is to eating. It’s a social place where folks hang out a while and visit.
This is the front entrance of the Tide Tables Restaurant and Marina in Cortez, Florida. But don’t think you have to go in the front door. Mosey on around back and find a table, or belly up to the bar.
I’m not going to write a full review of the restaurant–I’m no restaurant critic–but I’ll put some links below to help you get more info, reviews and all that. And for God’s sake, if you have questions, call the restaurant, don’t send me an email ’cause I don’t have the answers! Tide Tables Restaurant phone number —> 941-567-6206
It’s a very casual place. You’ll be seated at picnic tables–inside or outside–and you’ll eat with plastic forks and spoons. So it’s OK if you show up in your bathing suit. But wrap a towel around yourself, or something.
Tide Tables Restaurant is right on the bay waters.
Tide Tables Restaurant and Marina has a pretty bare bones website right now but it has all the info you need. If you want to be “internet social” you can check out their Facebook page at facebook.com/tidetables.
There was a nice write-up in the local mullet-wrapper about the Tide Tables Restaurant if you want to know all about the local owners and their story. So you can be an educated diner.
Or check out some reviews on TripAdvisor or on Yelp.
You probably want to see a menu and prices, right? I’ve got you covered on that. Just remember that menus and prices change and these pictures were taken in May 2014.
Where is Tide Tables Restaurant?
It’s on the south side of Cortez Road just before you go over the bridge to Anna Maria Island and Bradenton Beach. Get the address off of their website (linked above).
Click the map to go directly to Google Maps. Red “X” marks the restaurant location.
