Cortez Clam Factory — Restaurant in Florida

Visiting Bradenton beach we needed a place close by for dinner. When I first saw this place I wasn't thinking that it would be much to write about. But I was wrong. It sits in a small strip mall just east of Bradenton beach and Cortez and it doesn't look like much from the road. We entered with 5 in our party and the place was pretty busy. Looked like it was more of a locals joint rather than a touristy spot. We waited a bit and finally a server saw us standing by the door and said sit anywhere. Well, there wasn't really any places to sit 5 people so we spied a table that had not yet been cleaned up and made our way over. We had to help the server clean up and she was very appreciative while explaining that they were a bit short staffed that evening. We ordered our drinks and an appetizer of gator tail. The gator was hot and just out of the fryer. It have great taste and everyone enjoyed it. We ordered our meals: fish tacos, soft shell crab sandwich, grilled grouper sandwich and the grilled Mahi sandwich. Everything was hot, fresh and delivered quickly. Nobody had any complaints and the food was tasty with good portion sizes. I thought that the prices were very reasonable. Our server went out of her way as happy hour was just ending and she still got me a beer at happy hour prices. Unfortunately, they were out of oysters. There was a duo of a male and female singing on stage and they did a good job entertaining us. I would definitely come back.

Service 5/5 Food...

I have always been a generous tipper because I understand the perils of being a server. But the other night was the first time I ever decided yo give a lousy tip. The food was great. I had the Cuban sandwich. And the live music was good. But our server was HORRIBLE. She gave a menu for us to look at. But we waited so long for her to return that we had to send someone to fetch her to take our order. She was literally all around us, but ignoring us while giving the effort to the larger parties who were drinking. We finally got her to take our order and then she disappeared. Someone else brought the food. When we asked for the check, she "went to get it". Except she didn't. She kept entertaining her coworkers and the larger groups. We had to act like we were about to walk out without paying to get her to bring the ticket. At first I felt guilty for only tipping $3 on a $60 ticket. But I guess the other tables she lived around more than made up for it. I just think all parties large and small, drinking or not, deserve the same service. But the food was great. IF I go back again, I'm getting it to go. I can take care of myself better than their...

My wife and I love The Cortez Clam Factory. Between the amazing food, professional service, live bands and friendly atmosphere it is one of our favorites.

The kitchen puts their all into every plate; cup of delicious 'bean soup' is served with two tasty hush puppies. The 'Chicken Caesar' salad; the chicken is plentiful, tender and seasoned to perfection. The 'Shrimp Scampi' is an occasional special and is my favorite. Friday nights is fried fish, and Saturday nights is NY strip night. Can't go wrong there. My wife is a sandwich girl. The burger, Cuban, and chicken sandwich to name a few.

This is a local establishment, the servers/bartenders are fabulous. They are on top of everything. After a visit or two, they will know you by name. The staff are long time employees, which leads me to believe that the owners know what they are doing.

Live bands in the evenings kinda tie it all together. The genre changes regularly, which keeps everybody happily entertained, from folks in their 30's to party animals...