| Restaurant Reviews |
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Reviewed 5/15/08Rotten Ralph's
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By Land or By Sea A hidden treasure that captures the casual, relaxed atmosphere of old Florida Living is the Original Rotten Ralph’s located on Bimini Bay, Anna Maria Island. Situated at the far end of an impressive marina, where boaters from other parts of the world come for the winter, Rotten Ralph's may not look like much, but upon entry, it's bustling with patrons seeking good food. A raised interior bar is separated from the two dining locations that flank the water views. There's also a covered patio that juts out over the water with boat access. Meanwhile, another Rotten Ralph’s can be found on the Historic Bridge Street Pier, Bradenton Beach. Although this location offers only beer and wine, you can’t beat the good food, casual atmosphere and magnificent bay views! So, you want to hit the beach but, need a little something to start your day! At the pier location, breakfast is offered from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. daily with extended hours on Saturdays and Sundays till 1:00 p.m. Along with eggs, omelets, sausage and bacon, griddle cakes, grits and more, there are yogurt parfaits, egg beaters as well as cottage cheese and tomato slices. Lunch and dinner at both locations, from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., feature... Appetizers encompassing every desire from Ralph’s famous Escargot...to Nachos Supreme. Salads include Chef's, Caesar and Shrimp or Crab salad plates. Chili, Gumbo and French Onion Soup are always on hand as well as an exceptional New England Clam Chowder. Seafood Dinners of Grouper, Shrimp, Clams, Crab, Scallops and Cod are prepared to your specifications. If you're tired of fish...The New York Strip, Baby Back Ribs and four chicken preparations are excellent alternatives as well as Linguini tossed with multiple combinations. The Belly Buster Hot Dog, Hamburger, Chicken Breast, Roast Beef or Country Ham Sandwiches do nicely for kids. On this gorgeous evening, we found a great table on the pier overlooking the water with views of the bridge, mainland and sailboats bobbing on shore. A friend joined my spouse and I, for a refreshing glass of Pinot Grigio and shared appetizers of Escargot and Seared Tuna. Although garlic was not a prominent feature, the snails were delectable… served in a traditional crock and covered with melted cheeses. EXCELLENT! The lightly seared tuna was accompanied by a nicely sweetened peanut sauce and wasabi. Even though it was balmy, my spouse couldn’t pass up Ralph’s New England Clam Chowder brimming with succulent clams and chunks of potato in a mildly spiced cream broth. Very Good!!! Ralph’s British Style “All You Can Eat” Fish and Chips is hard to resist. Alaskan Cod dipped in a light batter and deep-fried to perfection, with sweet creamy slaw and choices of French Fries, Rice Pilaf or Baked Potato. But...we were craving shrimp and they’re best at Ralph's!!! Eight HUGE, succulent, meaty morsels dipped in a light batter served with fries and slaw. OUT OF THIS WORLD!!! Rotten Ralph's may not deliver on the "dazzle", but there's a lot to be said for GOOD old-fashioned comfort food, friendly people and a GREAT water view! DIRECTIONS: Located on the northern part of Anna Maria Island, the original Rotten Ralph′s Restaurant is on the bay side of the island. From the mainland, cross over the Manatee Ave. drawbridge going west to the second traffic light. Turn right (north) at the light on to Gulf Drive. Turn right at the next traffic light (Marina Dr.), proceed to the first Stop Sign, then turn right again (you are now heading east, toward the bay). Go to the next Stop Sign and turn right again (south). Rotten Ralph′s is next to the Marina on the right. Their newest location is on the Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach. From the mainland, take Cortez Rd. west over the drawbridge to Gulf Drive. Turn left at the traffic light, go to the Circle at Bridge Street, turn left to the pier at the end of the street.
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| Waterfront Dining | |
| ROTTEN RALPH'S 902 Bay Blvd., S. ~ Anna Maria Island 941-778-3953 200 Bridge St. ~ Bradenton Beach 941-778-1604 $ L,D American Cuisine |
Casual, Relaxed Atmosphere Overlooking the Marina at Bimini Bay Celebrating 20 Years of Business |
| Lunch & Dinner: Daily (Breakfast also at the Pier location) Barrier-free access MasterCard, VISA & American Express credit cards accepted |
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