Steamers — Restaurant in Cedar Key

We visited Steamers Clam Bar & Grill in its shared location with 2nd Street Cafe, October 2025. Of course we picked the same day and stumbled across The Cedar Key Seafood Festival. We didn’t expect to visit during organized chaos. I guess that was good and bad. Since we had to pay to park a little bit farther away from the normal free street parking close by, it obviously added to the cost of this visit. But that’s the luck of the draw when you stumble across a village festival. This also made them very busy. As such, we had to wait for a table. As we sat and waited, I could hear the times getting longer and longer. We were seated inside and were surprised to see how much room there was between tables. I don’t know if this was normal, or because of the amount of tables outdoors (at least this day). But unlike a lot of eateries, there was plenty of room at tables. It was a good time to witness the staff in action dealing with maximum capacity. They did pretty good. Yes it took a while for pretty much everything. But not drastically so. But considering the non-stop turn over, they did well. But due to the crowd, we really never interacted with our server other than ordering, food delivery and check time. I'm sure it's a lot better when it's a normal visit without the line out the door. So I won't think bad of them in any way because of it. The food was pretty good as well. I went with a small clam chowder and an order of buffalo wings. Both were good. The Clam Chowder had a slightly different flavor than I’ve had so many times up north. But it was a good different. We both enjoyed the chowder. The small size was not all that small. A large size probably would have been a full meal. And the chowder had nice sized bits of clams in it. Yes, I would get it again. The wings were probably not the best that I’ve ever had. But they were also good and would get them again. The medium buffalo sauce did have a darker appearance. I first thought they were over cooked. But that was not the case. They were fine. And yes I would get them again. The wife had chowder and crab cakes. She also said it wasn’t the best she ever had, but enjoyed the same things I said. But she thought the crab cakes were only OK. The prices are subject to one’s opinion. Some will feel they’re reasonable. Others may not. I included the fall 2025 menu pictures for your viewing pleasure. It may help you decide on whether you may want to try them. I’m sure we will return next time we’re in Cedar Key. Hopefully it will be a little quieter next time. Maybe soon since we’re fairly close. There’s nothing like a large bowl of chowder on a...

The first sign that tipped me off that I was at a mediocre seafood restaurant was how much fried food was offered. Seafood places usually cover up their food quality by frying the food. I was very disappointed to learn that the french fries also had wheat in them... Something they should definitely clarify on their menu. It's 2024... Most people who are diners are aware of what too much wheat can do to your body. If you are sensitive or have issues then this is not the place for you. A restaurant loses 20% or more customers by not offering wheat alternatives. The french fries with the wheat in them weren't even good. They were crunchy sure but the flavor was awful. Once I realized they were crunchy because of the wheat I stopped eating them. Fries need three ingredients, potatoes, salt and oil. Anything else and you're ruining the whole dish. It might be time for this restaurant to get with it and update their menu and recipes. We did our best to work around things and ended up with some broiled this or some broiled that. But both the sweet potato fries and french fries were loaded with wheat. Coleslaw was fine but I wish I'd gotten a different side item. Honestly, I felt like I was eating at a slightly upgraded Captain D's. The service was great though and the people were wonderful and kind. And of course it's pretty there. It's right on the water so you can't beat the location and atmosphere. I think this restaurant just needs to grow up and be more progressive about its food. Until they make some changes. We might not come back. Had a lovely time with the...

This rustic little on the water bar/ seafood restaurant was a pretty good time. Not great but good. I was a little bit surprised that some of the food was higher quality. Whenever I go to a restaurant that has limited to know options for those with digestive issues I and disappointed. It's 2024. With so many people struggling to find healthy options, restaurants should be more understanding. It's not hard to offer things like gluten-free, bread or options that are without heavy batter. I also noticed that this restaurant serves a lot of elderly people who struggle with digestive issues. You would think that a restaurant serving elderly would try to accommodate people more. I'm wondering how much business this restaurant loses from offering such heavy food without alternatives... Hopefully steamers will get on the same page anymore about steaming things and not deep frying them. The service was really good but it was late... Still we were treated fine and that was probably the best part of my experience. I only gave it four stars for atmosphere because it was night time and I couldn't see the water... If I'd been there in the day I'm sure I would have thought different. We had better seafood down the street at the island hotel restaurant. Also, Sometimes Tony's has something better to offer as well for digestive sensitive people. We will come back and try it again in the daytime and see how our experience is... I think they deserve a second chance. Still the french fries and the sweet potato fries seem to have wheat in them. I'm not sure why you would do that...