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Whiskey Joe's Manatee River, Ellenton, FL

Whiskey Joe's Manatee River

4.4 (1068)
$30 and under
Seafood
5313 19th St, Ellenton, FL 34222

Make a booking

A photo of Whiskey Joe's Manatee River restaurant

Whiskey Joe's Manatee River

4.4
$30 and under
Seafood
Ellenton

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 8 times today

About this restaurant

  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Lively
  • Good for groups
If you're looking for a warm tropical breeze, white sands, family fun, cold drinks, delicious island-inspired grub, killer sunsets, and a breathtaking view of Manatee River, look no further than Whiskey Joe's.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, American, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Thu 11:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 11:00–23:00 Sun 10:00–22:00
  • Contact
    (941) 263-3111
  • Website
    https://www.thewhiskeyjoes.com/whiskey-joes-manatee-river-ellenton-fl
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Catering
    We can cater your events. Please visit our website for our catering menus.
  • Private party facilities
    Our special event office is booking events! To start planning your Private Events, call 941.263.3151 or email us at wjmanateeriver@srcmail.com
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct
  • Location
    5313 19th St, Ellenton, FL 34222
  • Area
    Ellenton
  • Parking Details
    Onsite parking and complimentary valet parking available.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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Concierge
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Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Menu

This menu from Whiskey Joe's Manatee River was last updated on 06/08/2026.

Appetizers

  • Joe's Pile of NachosUS$11.99

    Tortilla chips, queso, black beans, pico de gallo, sour cream, jalapeños

    • Conch FrittersUS$13.99

      Key lime aioli, fresh lime, cilantro

      • Chips and Queso DipUS$8.99

        Spicy cheese blend, pico de gallo, tortilla chips

        • Island Crab CakeUS$16.99

          Lump crab & shrimp, grilled sweet corn, mixed peppers, chipotle aioli, chives

          • Coconut Mahi NuggetsUS$15.99

            Coconut-battered and fried golden, coconut rum sauce

            • FireCracker ShrimpUS$13.99

              House-made beer battered shrimp, sweet Thai chili siracha aioli, toasted sesame seeds, scallions

              • Gator BitesUS$15.99

                • World Famous Wings

                  • 1 lbUS$16.99
                  • 2 lbUS$29.99

                • Loaded Island FriesUS$13.99

                  Island seasoned sweet potato waffle fries, signature Whiskey BBQ pulled pork, chopped bacon, shredded cheese, green onions, sharp cheese sauce, strawberry-guava BBQ drizzle

                  Salads

                  • Caribbean CobbUS$16.99

                    Spring greens and crisp lettuce, grilled then chilled marinated chicken, crispy smoked bacon, mango salsa, blue cheese, tomato, house-made avocado ranch dressing

                    Tacos

                    • Joe's Fish TacosUS$12.99

                      Mahi Mahi blackened, grilled, or fried with Aztec slaw, corn salsa, Joe's special sauce

                      • Firecracker Shrimp TacosUS$12.99

                        House-made beer battered shrimp, coleslaw, Thai chili, sriracha aioli

                        • Pulled Pork TacosUS$12.99

                          House-made Whiskey BBQ, shredded cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, smokehouse coleslaw

                          • Blackened Chicken TacosUS$12.99

                            Corn salsa, pico de gallo, lettuce, cilantro-lime sour cream

                            Island Handhelds

                            • Signature BurgerUS$13.99

                              Crispy bacon, American cheese and crispy onions

                              • Smokin' Bacon BurgerUS$14.99

                                You love bacon? We love bacon! Classic American cheese, secret sauce, crispy smoked bacon, lettuce, red onion, tomato

                                • Blackened Chicken SandwichUS$15.99

                                  Pepper jack cheese, crispy smoked bacon, Key lime aioli, lettuce, tomato, red onion

                                  • Island Pork SandwichUS$16.99

                                    Slow roasted pork shoulder tossed with our signature strawberry-guava Whiskey BBQ sauce, crispy onion straws, smokehouse slaw

                                    • Grand Grouper SandwichUS$18.99

                                      Blackened, grilled, or beer battered with tartar sauce, lettuce, tomato, red onion

                                      • Crab Cake SandwichUS$17.99

                                        Lump crab and shrimp cake, chipotle aioli, lettuce, tomato, red onion

                                        Joe's Favorites

                                        • Swashbuckler BasketUS$24.99

                                          Fried jumbo shrimp, scallops, and white fish served with fries and coleslaw

                                          • Islas CarnitasUS$13.99

                                            Two roasted pork burritos smothered in cheese, enchilada sauce, served over rice, black beans, pico de gallo, sour cream

                                            • Ole Fashion Fish & ChipsUS$18.99

                                              Beer-battered pollack with our famous fries, coleslaw, and dipping sauce

                                              • Tiki Marinated Chicken BreastUS$16.99

                                                Marinated in garlic and ginger, grilled, topped with pineapple, mango salsa, served with island rice, black beans, plantains

                                                Sides

                                                • Sweet Potato Waffle Fries

                                                  • Crispy Fries

                                                    • Island Rice & Black Beans

                                                      • Garden Salad

                                                        • Sweet Plantains

                                                          Dessert

                                                          • Key Lime PieUS$6.99

                                                            A Florida classic, served with raspberry sauce, whipped cream and a slice of lime

                                                            • Chocolate Chip Brownie SundaeUS$7.99

                                                              A warm chocolate brownie served with a heaping scoop of vanilla ice cream with whipped cream, hot fudge and sprinkles

                                                              Happy Hour

                                                              • Happy Hour

                                                                Drink Specials starting at $4 and Half Off Select Appetizers!

                                                                Last updated: 6 August 2026

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                                                                Reviews

                                                                OpenTable reviews from verified diners

                                                                Reviews from people who have dined at Whiskey Joe's Manatee River.

                                                                4.4

                                                                4.4
                                                                (1068)
                                                                • 4.2Food
                                                                • 4.6Service
                                                                • 4.7Ambience
                                                                • 4.2Value

                                                                Noise • Moderate

                                                                Loved For

                                                                • Sarasota / Bradenton

                                                                  Good for groups

                                                                • Sarasota / Bradenton

                                                                  Hot spot

                                                                • Sarasota / Bradenton

                                                                  Great for outdoor dining

                                                                • Sarasota / Bradenton

                                                                  Lively

                                                                Review summary

                                                                AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                Whiskey Joe's Manatee River offers an inviting riverside location with "great views" and a "fun atmosphere." Guests rave about the "excellent service" from staff like Sarah and Kayleen. While some find food quality inconsistent, standout dishes include "coconut shrimp" and "blackened grouper." Enjoy a relaxed "beach bar vibe" perfect for gatherings.
                                                                1,068 Reviews

                                                                1. MICHELE

                                                                  Tampa / Central Florida West1 review

                                                                  2.0

                                                                  Dined on 18 October 2026

                                                                  1. Overall 2
                                                                  2. Food 1
                                                                  3. Service 1
                                                                  4. Ambience 2
                                                                  The restaurant was empty and I probably know why. Food portions were very small for the price. My grouper sandwich was mostly bread and very little grouper. Our server barely checked on us and never offered refills. We were her only table! The chicken dish my husband got tough and very fatty.
                                                                  Whiskey Joe's Manatee RiverResponded on 19 October 2026
                                                                  We’re sorry to hear your visit was disappointing. We appreciate you telling us that the grouper sandwich felt mostly bread, the portions seemed small for the price, the chicken was tough and fatty, and your server checked on you so little. We value this feedback. Please contact us with the date and time of your visit so we can better understand what happened.

                                                                  Is this helpful?

                                                                2. Betsy

                                                                  Unspecified1 review

                                                                  2.0

                                                                  Dined on 11 October 2026

                                                                  1. Overall 2
                                                                  2. Food 3
                                                                  3. Service 2
                                                                  4. Ambience 4
                                                                  Made reservations and sat outside on the deck and unfortunately, I guess we arrived before our server did so we sat there for a while and another server came in to assist us until our server arrived. They did offer us a free appetizer, which was the calamari but unfortunately, it was mostly fried onions and peppers and a few calamari. Since it was free, we didn’t complain and the service was mediocre best when our server arrived finally. We had plenty of drinks, but then lost interest in the food after waiting so long so only had jambalaya which was mediocre and pretty much room temperature when it arrived. The location is great, the drinks were fine, but not sure I would go out of my way to revisit.
                                                                  Whiskey Joe's Manatee RiverResponded on 12 October 2026
                                                                  We’re sorry you waited so long for a server and that the complimentary calamari was mostly fried onions and peppers instead of calamari. We also regret the jambalaya arrived lukewarm and that service felt mediocre after the delay. We’re glad you enjoyed the location and the drinks. We appreciate you sharing these details; they help us understand our guests’ experiences. We would love the opportunity to make this right if you consider a revisit to us. You can reach me privately to discuss further.

                                                                  Is this helpful?

                                                                3. lynn

                                                                  Tampa / Central Florida West2 reviews

                                                                  3.0

                                                                  Dined on 6 October 2026

                                                                  1. Overall 3
                                                                  2. Food 2
                                                                  3. Service 5
                                                                  4. Ambience 5
                                                                  Server was great, fried shrimp was good but I was disappointed by the fish tacos
                                                                  Whiskey Joe's Manatee RiverResponded on 10 October 2026
                                                                  Thank you for the kind words about your server and for enjoying the fried shrimp. We are sorry the fish tacos disappointed you. We appreciate the feedback and would welcome any details about what fell short—flavor, portion, or presentation—so we can better understand guests’ expectations. We hope to see you again.

                                                                  Is this helpful?

                                                                4. Jill Gold

                                                                  Orlando / Central Florida East30 reviews

                                                                  5.0

                                                                  Dined on 27 September 2026

                                                                  1. Overall 5
                                                                  2. Food 3
                                                                  3. Service 5
                                                                  4. Ambience 5
                                                                  We had a nice family dinner. The food was not as good as usual. So that was a little disappointing but other wise it was nice
                                                                  Whiskey Joe's Manatee RiverResponded on 3 October 2026
                                                                  We appreciate you visiting and sharing this feedback. We are sorry the food was not as good as usual—that must have been disappointing. We are glad your family dinner was otherwise enjoyable. Your comments help us understand what matters to guests, and we hope you will consider visiting again.

                                                                  Is this helpful?

                                                                5. Linda

                                                                  Tampa / Central Florida West1 review

                                                                  5.0

                                                                  Dined on 27 September 2026

                                                                  1. Overall 5
                                                                  2. Food 5
                                                                  3. Service 5
                                                                  4. Ambience 5
                                                                  We really enjoyed this restaurant and will be going back, but next time I’m bringing my Frenchie Toby as he will love the deck area and beach area overlooking the River. The food was so delicious as I had coconut shrimp, excellent; my husband had blackened grouper sandwich with sweet potato fries, both excellent! Out waitress was excellent too!
                                                                  Whiskey Joe's Manatee RiverResponded on 29 September 2026
                                                                  Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed your visit and are already planning to come back. We absolutely love that Toby will be joining you next time—we can’t wait to welcome him to the deck and beach area! We’re also so glad the food was a hit. The coconut shrimp and blackened grouper sandwich with sweet potato fries sound like the perfect waterfront meal! And thank you for recognizing your waitress as well—we’ll be sure to share your kind words with her. We look forward to seeing you, your husband, and Toby again soon for another great Whiskey Joe’s experience!

                                                                  Is this helpful?

                                                                6. Amber

                                                                  Tampa / Central Florida West2 reviews

                                                                  5.0

                                                                  Dined on 25 September 2026

                                                                  1. Overall 5
                                                                  2. Food 5
                                                                  3. Service 5
                                                                  4. Ambience 5
                                                                  Our server was a younger gentleman with dirty blonde hair and was great! Celebrated with friends for my birthday and we all had a wonderful time.
                                                                  Whiskey Joe's Manatee RiverResponded on 27 September 2026
                                                                  We are so happy your server made the night special. Thank you for choosing to celebrate your birthday with us and for sharing that you and your friends had a wonderful time. We appreciate the kind words and hope to welcome you back for another great visit soon.

                                                                  Is this helpful?

                                                                7. Cornelius Gold

                                                                  Tampa / Central Florida West54 reviews

                                                                  4.0

                                                                  Dined on 23 September 2026

                                                                  1. Overall 4
                                                                  2. Food 4
                                                                  3. Service 5
                                                                  4. Ambience 4
                                                                  All staff, from the hostess to our server were friendly. The food was great and perfectly prepared. On a nice table there is a lot of outdoor space to take advantage of and the parking lot has been expanded which was a great surprise. Whiskey Joe's is a great place to go to for a fun time. We've never had a bad meal here.
                                                                  Whiskey Joe's Manatee RiverResponded on 27 September 2026
                                                                  Thank you for the wonderful review. We're so glad the whole team made you feel welcome and that you enjoyed perfectly prepared food. We're happy you liked the outdoor seating and expanded parking. We appreciate your loyalty and look forward to your next visit to Whiskey Joe's.

                                                                  Is this helpful?

                                                                8. Susan Gold

                                                                  Sunshine Coast15 reviews

                                                                  5.0

                                                                  Dined on 12 September 2026

                                                                  1. Overall 5
                                                                  2. Food 5
                                                                  3. Service 5
                                                                  4. Ambience 5
                                                                  Service was great! Sara was very attentive. Food was excellent, from the seafood dishes to overstuffed tacos & the apps! Good portions.
                                                                  Whiskey Joe's Manatee RiverResponded on 20 September 2026
                                                                  We're so glad you enjoyed your visit. We're pleased our team was attentive and that the food—from the seafood dishes to the overstuffed tacos and appetizers—hit the mark. Thank you for noting the generous portions. We look forward to welcoming you back for another great meal soon.

                                                                  Is this helpful?

                                                                9. Mark Gold

                                                                  Southwest Florida25 reviews

                                                                  4.0

                                                                  Dined on 6 September 2026

                                                                  1. Overall 4
                                                                  2. Food 3
                                                                  3. Service 5
                                                                  4. Ambience 4
                                                                  We went to Whiskey Joes with a large family group (9 people) to celebrate a birthday. The Restaurant was able to accommodate us without any long wait, and our server (Sarah) was excellent! Quick to take drink, appetizer, and main course orders; as well as refilling our glasses when needed. The food came out quickly and was reasonably priced. The ambiance of the restaurant is casual and fun.
                                                                  Whiskey Joe's Manatee RiverResponded on 10 September 2026
                                                                  Thank you for choosing Whiskey Joes to celebrate a birthday with your family. We are glad we could seat your group quickly and that your server provided attentive, timely service. We appreciate the shout-out about fast, reasonably priced food and the casual, fun atmosphere. We hope to welcome you back soon.

                                                                  Is this helpful?

                                                                10. Connie

                                                                  East Tennessee1 review

                                                                  5.0

                                                                  Dined on 5 September 2026

                                                                  1. Overall 5
                                                                  2. Food 5
                                                                  3. Service 5
                                                                  4. Ambience 5
                                                                  The food and waitress was excellent. The waitress offered us menu suggestions and they were awesome. Our first time going to this place and will be back. The burgers and Mac and cheese as very good and tasty.
                                                                  Whiskey Joe's Manatee RiverResponded on 10 September 2026
                                                                  We're so glad the server’s recommendations hit the mark and that you enjoyed the burgers and mac and cheese. We appreciate you choosing us for your first visit, and it means a lot that you plan to return. We look forward to seeing you again and serving another tasty meal.

                                                                  Is this helpful?

                                                                Additional information

                                                                • Dining style
                                                                  Casual Dining
                                                                • Price
                                                                  $30 and under
                                                                • Cuisines
                                                                  Seafood, American, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
                                                                • Hours of Operation
                                                                  Mon–Thu 11:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 11:00–23:00 Sun 10:00–22:00
                                                                • Contact
                                                                  (941) 263-3111
                                                                • Website
                                                                  https://www.thewhiskeyjoes.com/whiskey-joes-manatee-river-ellenton-fl
                                                                • Payment Options
                                                                  AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                • Dress Code
                                                                  Casual Dress
                                                                • Catering
                                                                  We can cater your events. Please visit our website for our catering menus.
                                                                • Private party facilities
                                                                  Our special event office is booking events! To start planning your Private Events, call 941.263.3151 or email us at wjmanateeriver@srcmail.com
                                                                • Delivery & takeout
                                                                  Order direct
                                                                • Location
                                                                  5313 19th St, Ellenton, FL 34222
                                                                • Area
                                                                  Ellenton
                                                                • Parking Details
                                                                  Onsite parking and complimentary valet parking available.
                                                                • Additional
                                                                  Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
                                                                Gift card

                                                                Gift card

                                                                Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

                                                                Send a gift card

                                                                FAQs

                                                                Whiskey Joe’s Manatee River feels like a lively waterfront beach bar, sandy beach seating, a large covered deck, tiki/outdoor bar, fire pits and live music create a relaxed, family‑friendly spot with great river views.

                                                                Sunday afternoons are a lovely time to visit Whiskey Joe's Manatee River, guests praise Sunday afternoon family gatherings and holiday Sundays for the beachy vibe and riverside setting.

                                                                Whiskey Joe's Manatee River welcomes private parties, private parties are allowed at this location.

                                                                Yes, Whiskey Joe’s runs Happy Hour/Island Hour: drink specials starting at $4 and half‑off select appetizers, plus well drinks, draft beer and signature cocktails.

                                                                Yes, families are welcome: the sandy beach area and outdoor space let kids play while parents dine, and guests report successful family reunions with children.

                                                                Yes, the menu includes several items clearly marked GF (gluten-free), including mains and salads as well as some sides.

                                                                Yes, Whiskey Joe's Manatee River is often recommended for a date night thanks to its riverside views and a relaxed, romantic atmosphere in the afternoon and evening.

                                                                Yes, the riverside deck welcomes well‑behaved dogs, with guests noting dogs are allowed on the deck.

                                                                Yes, well‑behaved dogs are welcome on the river‑facing deck, where guests note dogs are allowed and seen dining with their families.

                                                                Casual dress, comfortable, beach‑friendly clothing is appropriate for the riverfront setting; nothing formal is expected.

                                                                The New England clam chowder is a recurring favorite, it appears on the menu and multiple guests praise it.

                                                                Guests commonly describe portions as generous, reviewers note “large portions, ” “lots of it, ” and frequent leftovers to take home.

                                                                How FAQ content is generated

                                                                1. Home
                                                                2. United States
                                                                3. Tampa / Central Florida West
                                                                4. Sarasota / Bradenton
                                                                5. Ellenton

                                                                Make a booking

                                                                A photo of Whiskey Joe's Manatee River restaurant

                                                                Whiskey Joe's Manatee River

                                                                4.4
                                                                $30 and under
                                                                Seafood
                                                                Ellenton

                                                                Make a booking

                                                                2 people
                                                                19:00
                                                                Booked 8 times today
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