GastroRanking-logo

Gulf Drive Cafe in Bradenton Beach - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

3,80

Based on 3.051 opinions finded in 1 websites

site_photo4
Score
OpinionsNoteGoogle3.0513.8

comment_iconOpinions

I have been coming to the Gulf Drive Cafe for years for the prime location of dining right on the beach. If only the food and service matched the amazing views and atmosphere. The first thing I noticed is that they really jacked up their prices. Very overpriced. And the food is sub par, it was just ok. I don't think any of us were impressed by the food. The service was also pretty slow. The only thing that saved it was again, the awesomeness of having dinner on the beach while watching the sun set.

site_logo

Jessica Z. . 2024-09-16

MORE AT Google

Place looked good and located in the right place, by the beach. Everything you’d want after a long hot day at the beach. But, unfortunately when we got there the place was empty and the service was poor. To start the bartender took forever to ring up 2 beers, he spent time talking with someone and pretty much blew off our order. Once we finally got the beers they were hot. The waitress was too laxy lazy, she spent time laughing and goofing off with other employees while we waited to place our order. The food was tasteless, shrimp which should have had old bay had none. This was a sad experience. We grab the bill and went up the road to another place that attended to us like champs. It sucks that I had to give this review but it is our honest experience.

site_logo

CARLO CAMACHO . 2024-09-13

MORE AT Google

Amazing place, tasty food, and a great ambiance.

site_logo

Karina Urquhart . 2024-09-10

MORE AT Google

Great service from Madison and great sunset!

site_logo

Stephanie Toitch . 2024-09-03

MORE AT Google

It’s on the beach which is nice, everything else is trash. Tourist trap, food had no flavor, service was poor, food was not good at all. You will read this and say “can’t be that bad” it is.

site_logo

William Miller . 2024-08-31

MORE AT Google

Type of place that’s on the beach with great views but food and service is bad. With high prices. They don’t have to treat you well or serve good food they will make money either way. Corned beef hash was literally the stuff from the can you get at grocery store. I don’t leave bad reviews often

site_logo

Nick Bramel . 2024-08-31

MORE AT Google

Great food, service, and atmosphere. Right on the beach. The Best gyro I've had. Definitely recommend.

site_logo

Michael Pompei . 2024-08-29

MORE AT Google

Awful experience upon arrival. We parked at designated parking lot for Gulf Drive Cafe and we were greeted by a person who identified himself as the manager of the venue asking us to pay $40 for parking while the signs said parking was free for customers. We told him we were going to have lunch and drinks but he kept assuming we were going to thr beach, which by the way, it's a restaurant-bar by the beach. In the end, we decided not to pay for the scam and go to a different place. I would not recommend going to this place when they allow scammers to run a side hustle using the parking lot and driving customers away trying to charge for something that isn't posted anywhere.

site_logo

Ed (Ed) . 2024-08-25

MORE AT Google

Was here for my birthday 🎂 🥳 weekend. One of Anna Maria Island's must dine in place! Music 🎶 Food 😋 Groove 🍹and the View ⛱️

site_logo

Carla Marcos-Lopez . 2024-08-23

MORE AT Google

Sat at the bar. Bar tenders were friendly and the Raga music was wonderful.

site_logo

Gloria Graham . 2024-08-22

MORE AT Google

Demi was amazing!! She was so friendly and was so sweet during our special occasion!! We loved her!!

site_logo

Amanda Floyd . 2024-08-19

MORE AT Google

Demi was the absolute BEST server!!! We came here for a bachelorette party and she gave us recommendations for surrounding areas, and was on top of our service. She was so helpful with the menu, and so accommodating. She deserves a raise!!!

site_logo

Shelby Slade . 2024-08-19

MORE AT Google

Demi was amazing!! literally had the best energy and I absolutely loved her! I totally recommend going here! The food is amazing and so is the staff!!

site_logo

Amaris Cabrera . 2024-08-19

MORE AT Google

Beautiful atmosphere with very friendly staff and delicious food. I went for coffee, stayed for Island French Toast. It was delicious. As was the coffee. Ocean in plain view was the cherry on top.

site_logo

Steff steff . 2024-08-19

MORE AT Google

Demi was the best waitress ever. She was so great for our group. Her personality was perfect and she truly made our night. She deserves a raise!

site_logo

Korynn Vaughn . 2024-08-19

MORE AT Google

Good food with a great view on the beach.

site_logo

Brian Ussery . 2024-08-13

MORE AT Google

Absolutely beautiful views and the food and drinks were delicious! Madison was my server and very helpful in making my selections.

site_logo

Karen Foster . 2024-08-12

MORE AT Google

The salad was good. Cappuccino, the first one was amazing, but on the following day, I went specifically for another one, and it was not good. The atmosphere and live music were amazing.

site_logo

Yoli Alexandra . 2024-08-11

MORE AT Google

WARM BEER AND LOUSY FOOD. My wife and I started going to the Gulf Drive Cafe about 15 years ago. We ate there about once a week. The food was excellent, whether you went there for breakfast, lunch or dinner. My wife loved their large spinach salads, and we often shared their grouper dinner which was large enough for two. When the construction began, we stopped going. But we finally decided to ignore the construction and went there for dinner. My beer was almost room temperature. My entree was mediocre at best, but my wife described her fish and chips as something you would buy in the frozen food section to feed the kids when the adults were going out to dinner. She picked at it a little and left most of it. After leaving the restaurant we drove directly to McDonalds's at Cortez and 75th. My wife said her cheeseburger and french fries were hot and delicious.

site_logo

David Dalton . 2024-08-10

MORE AT Google

Outstanding breakfast.. the best we had all week..

site_logo

Lori Dixon . 2024-08-10

MORE AT Google

Typical outside beach setting and good music but the food is seriously bad. Never had breakfast that bad.

site_logo

Jenny Hodges . 2024-07-29

MORE AT Google

What a nice place to watch a sunset, good food , good attention, great to come snd see the the atmosphere

site_logo

Mayleen Sepulveda . 2024-07-28

MORE AT Google

Enjoy your meal on the beach! Fantastic food + enjoyable service.

site_logo

Janelle Seitzer . 2024-07-28

MORE AT Google

1 star is for the location, the breakfast deserves a 0...

site_logo

Mark Marshall . 2024-07-28

MORE AT Google

Great food on the beach love it

site_logo

Thomas Frasca . 2024-07-27

MORE AT Google

Went there for a nice lunch, didn’t get that experience. When we first got there we sat down at a nearly empty restaurant on told up tables. Unclean already. Then when our waitress came around we gave our drink orders they came out quite fast and were good. Then we ordered our food, quite simple things 2 burgers, wings, a chicken sandwich and a waffle. Now here’s where we started to question why we chose this place. After taking our orders we did not see our waitress for at LEAST 40 minutes. Not to check on us, ask if we need anything, or tell us our food would be done soon. We sat there with empty drinks and no food. When our food finally did come out it wasn't her that brought it to us. No big deal or so we thought. My wings were cold as if they had been sitting but had good flavor so I didn’t wanna send it back and wait 40 more minutes for food. The wings were definitely not mild and fresh. The chicken sandwich was fine but no pickles? Which we had asked for four times. Also the avocado that we were charged $4 for wasn’t ripe. It was hard and inedible. The waffle which took the longest to come out an additional 10 minutes was drowning in Nutella. It was like Nutella with a side of waffle. Strawberries were fine. Burger 1 was cold and the bun was beyond overcooked yet the sides of fries were undercooked. No ketchup to be seen. When we did get ketchup from again not our waitress it was rancid had to ask for a second bottle. Burger 2 also good. Fries also undercooked. No pickles for either of the burgers. Did they run away? After all that the bathrooms were beyond disgusting. Soap dispensers weren’t on the wall and the floors were gross. Waitress finally came over after we found her ourself. As we needed napkins. No managers in sight. Not a lot of help. And to top it off was NOT worth the $121 we spent. So overall would rate negative stars if possible. Would not recommend.

site_logo

Chaelyn Earp . 2024-07-26

MORE AT Google

After dining at the Gulf Drive Cafe twice a year for 15 years, I have to say this past Saturday (7/20/24) was a disappointment in the selection of their dinner menu items and the quality of the food served. Their menu choices have been drastically cut as well as portions served and their prices have gone up. I had their fish n chips dinner which consisted of a handful Ore-Ida like fries and three strips of supposed cod that also looked and tasted like it came out of a box of frozen fish sticks. My dinner companion had the crab cake dinner which wasn't any better than what I had. We both left the Gulf Drive Cafe still hungry and totally disappointed. We won't be back for any dinners there. On a positive note, their breakfast menu is still good.

site_logo

Charlotte P . 2024-07-22

MORE AT Google

Nice spot to chill, catch some live music and the sunset if you time it right. They provide ample parking and good service. A must visit when on ana maria island 🏝.

site_logo

Aj Bhag . 2024-07-20

MORE AT Google

Such a beautiful place to stop and eat! The employees were extremely welcoming and the food was delicious. A huge thanks to the owner GEORGE for helping us find parking. He was very caring and went out of his way to give us the best experience ever. The managers also did a great job with making sure our meals came out perfect. This place is extremely clean considering the new renovation going on.

site_logo

Madison Kehoe . 2024-07-19

MORE AT Google

Great place to unwind and hang out with friends. They had live music and the view was amazing! It was crazy hot out but they had fans going so it made it much cooler. The environment was very lively and had people dancing and interacting with the band. Food was delicious!

site_logo

Brittany Hughes . 2024-07-15

MORE AT Google

Steven was very attentive! We never had to wait for a drink or food. He was AMAZING!

site_logo

Samantha Wood . 2024-07-09

MORE AT Google

Food does not come as described. Ordered huevos rancheros minus pork cheddar instead of feta. Received eggs, cheese, green peppers and radish. Asked the server about the items missing from the dish (onion, cilantro, jalapeños, salsa, lime wedge) he said that’s not what the menu says. I said I think it does. Music blaring loudly for breakfast and chairs are very uncomfortable for a $20 breakfast item. Way overpriced. Manager never came to table and won’t be back anytime in the foreseeable future.

site_logo

Kimberly Coleman . 2024-07-06

MORE AT Google

Food was decent but extremely expensive. Wouldn’t recommend

site_logo

Melissa Wiles . 2024-07-06

MORE AT Google

As I walked to the beach, I heard an elderly man shouting aggressively, "YOU! Come here! YOU! GET OVER HERE!" His arm was outstretched, pointing at a family, and he seemed ready to physically attack them, including the mom and kids. It turns out they were dining at his restaurant, Gulf Drive Café. They had a large family and a big bill, which they paid. At the advice of their server, they walked on the beach next to the restaurant. Just as they stepped onto the sand, the owner started chasing them and screaming, telling them he was getting their car towed. They had only been on the sand for about 90 seconds. As nearby home owners on the island, we tried to comfort the family and apologized for how they were treated. We hate to see anyone attacked, especially tourists. The family was almost in tears, shocked by the owner's behavior. My heart was racing, I should have called the cops on him. By the time I got my phone out to video what was happening, the owner, seen in my photo, was walking away. I thought about pulling my phone out earlier but I was scared he’d come after me too. The owner of Gulf Drive Café is notorious for being extremely aggressive and mean. He charges $100 to park in his lot, which is outrageous. We've heard numerous horror stories about the place: food being reused, the owner grabbing food off plates from tables being bussed and putting it on new plates, and a garbage area infested with rats due to only having one dumpster because he doesn't want to spend the money on more. Ex-employees have also said that he cuts off moldy parts from meats and serves them to customers. Additionally, servers have reported that he adds cheap liquor to his premium liquor bottles. The food is terrible. The last time we ate there, the owner was throwing ice at birds and screaming at them while he waved his arms, all next to our table. This is how this business owner treats tourists, the very people he makes a killing from. It will be the last time we ever give that lunatic a penny. While the location is beautiful, it's just not worth it in the end. There are dozens of other great restaurants with just as beautiful locations on the island. Choose anywhere but Gulf Drive Café. I’d give zero starts if it was an option, he doesn’t even deserve 1.

site_logo

Bradenton Beach . 2024-07-05

MORE AT Google

What should have been a wonderful evening with family at the Gulf Drive Cafe turned in to a nightmare after dinner. After spending $220+ dollars for our family of five, we decided to take family pictures on the beach. To be clear, the restaurant is directly on the beach; your feet are in the sand. We parked in the designated parking for the restaurant and confirmed with restaurant staff that we were allowed to take pictures with our family after dinner. After dinner and once on the beach, I asked my son and daughter to get the camera out of the car. As my children were walking back,my daughter and son had distraught looks, explaining that a man wouldn't stop staring at them. My daughter thought he was trying to take pictures of her. My son added that the man was indeed crazy and possibly following them. Then a man comes toward us on the beach pointing his finger in anger yelling at our son. The man repeatedly shouted at our son, "You are a dummy! I'm towing your car!" I told the man that he did not need to talk to my son, that he needed to talk to me, as I am the father. He continued shouting. We thought he was drunk and belligerent. As this was happening, a local family walked by and said, "We live here and everybody has problems with him. He will tow your car even if you eat there." They clearly advised we never eat there again, further stating the leftover food is reused. As I went to move my car, I tried to explain to the man that we had just finished dinner at Gulf Drive Cafe and were taking pictures. He yelled, "Where is your receipt!" At this point, I moved my car. Who was this man, you might ask. It was the owner of Gulf Drive Cafe. The owner! I will never eat here again, and I recommend you avoid at all cost.

site_logo

Christopher Foster . 2024-07-04

MORE AT Google

Worst management ever. Our food and waiter were great. However, my family and I walked onto the beach to take a few pictures as my brother and I left to get the camera in our car across the street where we parked. As we walked into the parking lot, this man who looked to be about 70 years old was glaring at us. I assumed he was drunk and/or homeless by the way he looked and was glaring nonstop. I felt uncomfortable especially as a young female being stared at by a grown man. He took out his phone as if he were to take pictures or make a call. I informed my brother about the man and we quickly left the car after grabbing the camera. As we left, the man continued to stare. He started to yell at us and walk toward us but we assumed he was drunk so we hurried and continued to walk. We walked across the road to meet the rest of our family and the man followed us. As the man approached my family and I in an aggressive and rude way and he began to yell and point at my brother calling him names like “dummy.” He threatened to tow our car as he called the towing company if we didn’t move the car. Turns out that this man was the owner of the restaurant. We were told by locals that this man tows many people and that they have had problems with him in the past. How has he kept his business open this long if he is that rude? No one should feel uncomfortable and creeped out at a restaurant especially by the owner.

site_logo

Annabelle Foster . 2024-07-04

MORE AT Google

We came for breakfast..stayed until our server Olivia's shift was over.. Olivia was a rockstar! The music was so much fun also. If you are on AMI and you didn't go see Olivia, you're missing out.

site_logo

Carrie Barrett . 2024-07-04

MORE AT Google

We loved everything about this place, especially the waiter, whose name I forgot but knew he was from Greece. He was a very friendly and helpful guy; there were six of us, and he handled all of our needs. I really enjoyed the crab cakes, and the sunset was breathtaking!

site_logo

Thiago Yaakov . 2024-07-02

MORE AT Google

Great casual beach atmosphere. Love watching spectacular sunset from this place with live music. It is located at the beach so you simply can't pass that opportunity. You are in the front-row seat at this place to enjoy a casual lunch, and dinner and enjoy the view.

site_logo

Aida B. . 2024-07-01

MORE AT Google

We had the best time, the food was great and our server was Jesse he was the best of the best! Would definitely recommend and will ask for him again next time! Great scenery and atmosphere.

site_logo

Gianna Grieco . 2024-06-30

MORE AT Google

This place was not very good. The food was very average, it seemed to be more of a breakfast spot and I didn't have breakfast but some of the people in our party did and they thought it was just, ok. It is right on the beach, so it has that going for it.

site_logo

Joe Traveler . 2024-06-27

MORE AT Google

Eating right on the beach is so fun! Food is great!

site_logo

Amanda Jensen . 2024-06-23

MORE AT Google

Great seafood with one of the best views to watch the sunset on AMI !!

site_logo

cynthia scott griffin . 2024-06-17

MORE AT Google

This place has always been and always will be one of my favorite places to go. The staff is top notch and so kind. The food is always consistent and delicious. My sister recently just got married here and I cannot say enough good things about the whole team. They made sure everything was PERFECT. The whole night was smooth as could be even with a rain delay. I cannot recommend them enough.

site_logo

Genna Cronin . 2024-06-16

MORE AT Google

Waited for someone to come to our table for over 10 min. Service after that was fine. Food was fine, not great. I don't feel like it was worth what I paid. Enjoyed the live music/atmosphere.

site_logo

Lauren Wells . 2024-06-16

MORE AT Google

Location is great. Wonderful view of the Gulf. Food was good, service was spot on.

site_logo

Denice Barclay . 2024-06-11

MORE AT Google

Cool bar right on the beach with live music!! Great coconut shrimp!!

site_logo

Irma Schrepfer . 2024-06-09

MORE AT Google

Food was okay but not special, especially for prices that are $3-5 more per item than other restaurants with food equal or better than Gulf Drive’s. Be aware, that several outdoor tables were attacked by aggressive gulls taking food right off the table!!! If you expect a relaxed atmosphere, it’s not here. Additionally, only about 10 of the 30 some tables were being used but we never saw our server to get more coffee or tea…we had to wave down other servers to get service. There are other choices on the beach and we will be going there going forward.

site_logo

Frank Estis . 2024-06-08

MORE AT Google

Amazing food with an amazing beach view!

site_logo

Amy Bickel . 2024-06-02

MORE AT Google

Great place to watch the sunset. Toes in the sand, eating a great meal watching the sunset.

site_logo

Don Seba . 2024-05-30

MORE AT Google

Pretty good spot to have dinner and watch the sunset. The atmosphere was nice and so was the service. Our waiter did an amazing job and always made sure we were squared away with drinks, food, etc. Although there was a weird smell towards the beginning of our dinning experience but seemed to dissipate as time went on. We ordered the shrimp and crab dip, it was a pretty good appetizer but it was a little on the greasy side. Everything else was very good and I could not complain.

site_logo

Cole Williamson . 2024-05-29

MORE AT Google

The food was great! Service was quick. We watched a beautiful sunset. You dont want to miss this spot when you’re here! The drinks were also delicious!

site_logo

Jordana Souza . 2024-05-28

MORE AT Google

The grouper fried taco was great and the fruit was fresh, my wife got a turkey sandwich and she ate it all with no complaints. That's amazing because she complains about everything.

site_logo

Kevin Jones . 2024-05-27

MORE AT Google

The best part of the experience was the server that I had her name is Kat.. she gave the best service ever!!!

site_logo

Carla Polins . 2024-05-27

MORE AT Google

Service and view is great but I got a gyro and it was the worst I've ever had. Big thick chunks of lord knows what type of meat and very very greasy with little flavor. Expensive for the food quality. Maybe stop for a drink but that's about it. Even that seemed watered down

site_logo

Z . 2024-05-21

MORE AT Google

Just happened upon this jewel . The breakfast was DELICIOUS ! Sitting right on the beach ….only topped by the sweetest waitress Brittany . It is a dreary day but she made us feel so relaxed in a true vacation mode.She is awesome . We made reservations to come back this afternoon for the sunset . Please tell all of your staff , even the ladies at the front desk THANK YOU for just being them

site_logo

Robert Clark . 2024-05-21

MORE AT Google

Do not spend your money at this place. I got there on a Saturday afternoon and parked at the restaurante parking lot. A unidentified old man come yelling at me ask to pay for the parking lot. Although I told him I was gonna eat at the restaurant he told me that I have to pay. My bill was $400 and I had to pay $40 for parking? Ridiculous. Bad service, warm beer, tables were dirty, food was terrible. DO NOT SPEND YOUR MONEY THERE.

site_logo

Ideal Blue . 2024-05-20

MORE AT Google

Great fish dip and island grouper and beautiful view! No AC and sometimes it's a little smelly like sewage.

site_logo

CL Smith . 2024-05-16

MORE AT Google

Good place for younger people that have plenty of money & don't care about the price & quality of the food. The best thing about the place is the location. For us it's not what we look for when going out. We have had more Birthdays than 90% of the crowd & we are 65.

site_logo

Tyrone Beebe . 2024-05-11

MORE AT Google

This is a lovely place to enjoy ZBrunch on Saturday. Parking is free as long as the beach is not your ultimate destination. If you want to enjoy the beach you have to pay a parking fee. I got the Country style eggs Benedict . Biscuit sausage egg covered by sausage gravy. It was yummy. My side dish was pineapple but they have an excellent hash brown casserole. Wasn't crazy with the mango tea. It was too tannic- ity. The server was busy friendly and informative.

site_logo

Vicky and Snickers Anderson . 2024-05-09

MORE AT Google

Avoid this place at all costs. It's smelled terrible and had health violations my whole life. The managers/owners don't to improve food & service because they've got a fresh set of tourists everyday. Recently drug there by out of state visitors that wanted to meet there after MANY "never again" experiences just for drinks. They got nachos and it was a small basket of stale tortilla chips with tiny plastic ramekins of cheese whiz and salsa for $18 (I think). If you want a beach view with average food try Beach House & Sandbar. If you want good food and beach/bay views try Beach Bistro, Bridge Steet Bistro, Waterfront or Rod & Reel Pier. There are plenty of great intercoastal views AND good food in Cortez Village, just across the bridge: Starfish Company, Tide Tables, Annie's Bait Shop, Cortez Kitchen, Swordfish Grill & Seafood Shack. Longboat Key has some options with longer drives (traffic is insane) and many do not have water views - do your due diligence if you're arranging something for special occasions.

site_logo

Carla Lesar . 2024-05-08

MORE AT Google

Gulf Dive Cafe is always the first place we go . We ve just flown in to Tampa rented a car and now we are on our favorite island paradise, Anna Marie . Time for our favorite stop the view from the table is priceless . Service good but the food is not what we were expecting. I don’t know if management has change but the food sure has . This was always are go to place to dine . I hope we can find that again in another restaurant. We are planning another trip in June and will try Gulf Drive Cafe again to see if it improves or continues its decline . My favorite was always the Chief salad but unfortunately it was disappointing . Always June I guess . Anna Marie is still our favorite beach getaway

site_logo

Randy Scott . 2024-05-07

MORE AT Google

The food was good! But they shined in their drinks and location. We got lucky enough to get a table literally on the beach with a view of the sunset. They had live music to! Definitely a must if you’re in Anna Maria Island.

site_logo

Danny Camacho . 2024-05-01

MORE AT Google

A bit busy but the beautiful sunset on the beach is worth the commotion.

site_logo

Linda Fargnoli . 2024-04-27

MORE AT Google

Great stop for a morning breakfast and hot cup of coffee. Everything was fresh and good tasting. Friendly service.

site_logo

George Gosline . 2024-04-23

MORE AT Google

Food wasn't the best , the menu reminded me of a burger joint ...I was expecting better...service was great tho

site_logo

Leslie Ridgway . 2024-04-21

MORE AT Google

Amazing! Aaron was so good and training at the same time! Food was perfect. This is a great place to bring kids. They play on the beach and parents can relax

site_logo

Jon Pratt . 2024-04-17

MORE AT Google

This was a random breakfast spot pick on the map. It looked interesting so we tried it. Well, it did not disappoint. The food was over the top good. And the service was fabulous, even helping us with our next stop on our west coast FL explorations. I can't say enough about the atmosphere, if my wife could rate it she would say it's a 10 out of five. And I would have to agree with her. I also thing you guys will agree unless your one of those people that dosent like sand, sunshine, and good food. Oh, and parking was plentiful in a lot across the street and it was free. Seating was also plentiful and with tons of options. Bathrooms are clean and modern and also unisex. So, if your hungry or thirsty, or looking for a cool place to relax, then go here.

site_logo

Josh Zimmerman . 2024-04-16

MORE AT Google

Beautiful surroundings right on the beach you can put your toes in the sand while eating. I had the clam chowder which was horrible and afterwards I spent the next hour wishing I had not eaten it.

site_logo

Sandra Kitts . 2024-04-15

MORE AT Google

We stopped for breakfast. Lisa was our server and she was very good. Coffee rounds were quick and my cup never ran dry, A+. The view was fantastic, right on the beach. Tables and surfaces were clean. The food was very good. Updated: 2024. I find it interesting reviewers complaining about beach access. We went for the food with a view of the beach- not a day on the beach. Parking on the island seems to be a contentious issue.

site_logo

Ted Stevenson . 2024-04-12

MORE AT Google

Best breakfast we had while visiting!

site_logo

Maegan Stevenson . 2024-04-11

MORE AT Google

We set out on the patio. It was extremely windy. The food was ok. The music was ok. The service was ok. Very busy! It wasn't any place special but it was ok.

site_logo

Gloria Cutter . 2024-04-07

MORE AT Google

Quoted 15-30 min waited 2 hrs. Ouch.

site_logo

Jon Faber . 2024-04-03

MORE AT Google

Unpleasant Encounter at Gulf Drive Cafe The parking attendant at Gulf Drive Cafe on Anna Maria Island was rude and unprofessional. We wanted to park,eat lunch with my sisters and then sit on the beach. He did not greet us upon arrival and was confrontational, refusing to let us bring a backpack with towels and sunscreen to the cafe.When we asked him why, he snapped, the attendant escalated the situation, invoking religious curses on Easter Sunday, we were shocked.We told him on the spot that we are going to inform management about his unexpectible behavior,and he immediately informed us that his dad is the owner. This type of poor customer service can significantly harm the cafe's reputation and deter future customers. I provided direct feedback to the cafe management about the attendant's unacceptable behavior, he said “Do you want me to fire my son”? He left me speechless, without even apologizing! We left shocked with the lack of respect towards customers.We actually had planed to spend the day in Gulf drive, eat, drink & see the sunset. Of course it was a plus that the owner was Greek, we never imagined being cursed off by his son.

site_logo

Lola Filippatou . 2024-04-01

MORE AT Google

Great breakfast and coffee with amazing staff. And … outstanding views of the ocean!

site_logo

Bryn Holevoet . 2024-03-28

MORE AT Google

Waited so long for our food which was tepid when it arrived. Asked for ketchup and finally got it from another table. You truly go here for the view more than the food, I think. We asked what the cost was for a parking day pass so that we could spend time on the beach when our grandkids arrived the following week. We were told it was $20 and felt that was a good deal. When we went back the next week we were told the day pass was $60. I think they are concentrating more on drinks at the Kokonut Hut than on the quality of the food.

site_logo

Timothy CURRAN . 2024-03-28

MORE AT Google

Eat right on beach. Great view, great food, friendly staff

site_logo

Thomas Childress . 2024-03-26

MORE AT Google

Vibe was definitely awesome. Our server was extremely busy and did not make it to our table enough and I had an issue with my dish, but he was really friendly and apologetic. They took it off my bill because I was unable to eat it. So they accommodated considering, which was appreciated. The rest of the table enjoyed the food and I still tipped well. Timing just threw things off. I'd definitely still go back next time I'm on the island!

site_logo

Meghan Evans . 2024-03-26

MORE AT Google

It's the outdoor beach bar you can go casual or with a wet suit from swimming. Sunsets are spectacular as your right on the beach sand. Food is ok and average.

site_logo

Robert Brinton . 2024-03-13

MORE AT Google

This has been my new favorite Sunday Brunch spot!!! The food is great, the staff are amazing, and the band is outstanding!

site_logo

C Lovett . 2024-03-11

MORE AT Google

This use to be my favorite place to enjoy the beach and have drinks with my friends but this time a man come to me when I was parking because I dropped my handicap aunt at the door and he tells me that I have to pay $40 because I was going to the beach with my friends even if I explained him that we are going to the cafe he tells me that his going to town my car, for my surprise when I ask for a manager at the cafe he was the one and tells me that his job was given hard time to the customer, what a great lesson I learn today manager are training now to give a hard time to customers instead of being there to please and make you feel good and make your visit an unforgettable experience. This is unacceptable.

site_logo

Yetsy Jany Jimenez . 2024-03-10

MORE AT Google

I live here and come to the Gulf Cafe almost every weekend. The parking fee is expensive but convenient and the drinks are always good! Our server was exceptionally great yesterday.

site_logo

Annaliza Fornatora . 2024-03-04

MORE AT Google

Great location on the beach, with free parking.

site_logo

Anthony Hill . 2024-03-03

MORE AT Google

It's all about the beach location. Really eating with your feet in the sand

site_logo

John Rees . 2024-03-02

MORE AT Google

This place used to be the "Go To" place for breakfast and lunch. Dinner here is below average, Oysters were not cold, fish dip was watery, and Coconut Shrimp was average at best with fries that were not totally cooked. Drinks are watered down. Service is inconsistent. Atmosphere is beachy and laid back. Nice Tiki Bar!

site_logo

Earl Zeller . 2024-03-02

MORE AT Google

Salad with grilled chicken is always amazing.

site_logo

Debra Morganelli . 2024-02-28

MORE AT Google

Yummy food and great atmosphere.

site_logo

Kevin Timm . 2024-02-26

MORE AT Google

Would not recommend coming. Came for lunch at on the beach. Went on the beach after finishing meal. Parking attendant came and approached us on the beach stating our car was being towed. Very rude individual. Charged us $30 for going on the beach. Will not go back because of their rudeness.

site_logo

Davis . 2024-02-25

MORE AT Google

JULIAN IS A LEGEND!!! Deserves a raise and a promotion. Wonderful job, made my whole night!!

site_logo

Molly VanderLeest . 2024-02-23

MORE AT Google

Fun! Beachside experience! Great! Tiki Hut bar/cafe located right in the sand. Stunning views, gorgeous sunshine and friendly staff make this the ideal way to idle away an afternoon. The rum runners will make you forget what day of the week it is and our friends loved the strawberry daiquiris. The laid-back vibe goes ideally with the beautiful gulf water. The place does get insanely popular so parking is the only issue. But it's so worthwhile to make your way here.

site_logo

LOParadise . 2024-02-23

MORE AT Google

Worse place on the Island. Bad bad bad bad bad service

site_logo

Mark Griffin . 2024-02-22

MORE AT Google

Wonderful beachside place, casual dining, friendly staff. Had a great time and lunch!

site_logo

Harold Mack . 2024-02-22

MORE AT Google

First timer here! While the weather wasn't that great to sit outside, I still loved the inside atmosphere. Order a Pina Colada here please! I'll be back when it's warmer. 😃

site_logo

Karen Peyton . 2024-02-18

MORE AT Google

Great Service by Steve S 😊 Pricy but Good Margarita !! Beautiful beach location !! Saturday afternoon Music was disappointing! Food was Awful !!

site_logo

Diane Tucker . 2024-02-17

MORE AT Google

Worst shrimp mango avocado salad EVER will never be back. So sad, husband had a burger and fries and a beer so he was satisfied. Spent almost $75 for 2 and I had a few pieces grilled shrimp, 1/2 avocado, 1/2 mango and rest of salad was dump in garbage 🗑

site_logo

Marilyn Hintz . 2024-02-16

MORE AT Google

Delicious breakfast right on the beach with free parking across the street. Be sure you only go to their restaurant or they will tow your car. They have a full bar with delicious mimosas and bloody Marys. Also try the potato casserole. We got the Eggs Benedict (hugely recommend) and the seafood quiche (was very dry, will not order that again). Waitress was fantastic. I wish we had got her name.

site_logo

Yvonne Wright . 2024-02-15

MORE AT Google

Updated February 2024 For years I have loved this chill, toes-in-the-sand, dog friendly, right-on-the-beach oasis. There was a dip in service for a couple years but this ideally located restaurant, bar and event venue is back at the top of its game. It has expanded and the service is much, much better. Finally, the delicious Greek Gyro is back and the famous waffle with a mountain of home made ice cream is available almost anytime. No better place to enjoy a cold beer, margarita or Pina colada right on the beautiful white sandy beaches of Anna Maria Island.

site_logo

Michael Klozar . 2024-02-14

MORE AT Google

I have been going to this place for more than 20 years. As a teenager I loved going for breakfast before the beach and as an adult is is a wonderful place for drinks or a nice place to get dinner for sunset (and yes still for breakfast too).

site_logo

Chrissie M . 2024-02-07

MORE AT Google

It's all about the beach. Good food and drinks on the beach.

site_logo

Jim Hutslar . 2024-02-06

MORE AT Google

Breakfast food was burnt and was obviously packaged food instead of prep work.

site_logo

Amber * . 2024-02-02

MORE AT Google

Similary restaurants in Bradenton Beach