The place looks nice from the outside, but did have some construction going on. It's right on the water, they have a cool vibe outside, and inside appeared clean.
We came after leaving a beach and so one of our group had swim suits on, which as a Marina Grille we expected they may ask us to sit outside or even turn us away, however the hostess was fine sitting us inside. This conflicted with the bartender who once we were seated at a table started asking if we had alternative clothing (which we did not). She informed us that she would "let it go this time", which would've been fine, except they already seated us. There was no one else in the inside except of our group, and the only one of us in a swimsuit was a seated eleven year old child. Not a big deal, but talk to your hostess, not us.
The drinks we got were excellent and were in these cool tiki glasses.
The food was not great, or not even good really. I ordered their oysters and shrimp ceviche in avocado. My girlfriend ordered some fish, I think blackened. The biggest fail were the oysters which came bone dry with no liquor in them as if whoever shucked them was clueless or they were simply dried out. These were not cheap and I attempted to make the best of it working through 8/12 before I realized I didn't need to punish myself eating these. Out of those 8, a single one had liquor and another tasted off. The waitress asked and I told what the situation was at which point they did partially try to fix it by bringing four oysters to replace the four I had not eaten and the oyster directly in front of me did have liquor in it. I tried once and I am honestly not sure if they simply took the oysters I had returned and added water or what but it seriously tasted that way and I pushed them aside again after inspecting that the other three oysters had no liquor and one was at a steep angle on the dish such that it couldn't have contained liquor if it had any to begib with. The waitress expressed that normally everyone loves their oysters, so I have no idea if they had someone new shucking oysters or what the situation was, but at the end of the day they prorated four oysters off the check which is fair I guess, but I wouldn't call it great either.
The ceviche was much better, but the description on the menu made me envision more avocado, but what I got was a pile of ok shrimp, which I wouldn't normally complain about a pile of shrimp, but it just really didn't match up to the vibe I expected. In a way, I guess I'm not sure I've ever done ceviche of only shrimp, so maybe my fault on the order and maybe theirs on the recipe existing as such on the menu at all and/or calling it ceviche, but it was just ok. My girlfriend also described her fish as "mid".
Overall I think if this restaurant could do a little better on customer service from the person behind their bar and management and could bring up their food game to match their atmosphere and drinks and they'd be a significantly better...
Read moreSweet view of the Myakka River just below the Rt. 41 bridge. Lots of happy people enjoying some good smelling food. We ate outdoors and had salads & drinks with hush puppies on the side.
This restaurant, because of its location, has the potential to be really good. There were some red flags that should be addressed, however. I hope to return and see if there have been improvements.
In general, the wait staff was working feverishly - not a slacker in the bunch. But I felt sorry for them. First, the wait staff was responsible for bussing their own tables. Given the distance to their outdoor tables, this took away time that could have been better used serving their customers. Second, confusion reigned regarding which tables ordered which food. Three times we were offered food that wasn't ours. The wait staff seemed frustrated as though there was no way to keep the table locations organized and marked. Confusion & frustration was obvious.
My wife ordered the wedge salad. She enjoyed it but one of the two wedges served was just a hard lettuce core - inedible. Why would a chef plate that?
I ordered a house salad with blackened chicken and thousand island dressing. The chicken was overcooked and dried out. The thousand island dressing was putrid. It was dark green and tasted a little like cocktail sauce. Our waitress insisted that the dressing was hand-made and normal. I find that hard to believe. Thousand island is mayonnaise, ketchup, and relish mixed together. I think a line cook grabbed cocktail sauce instead of ketchup. I have no idea where the green color came from.
Our bill did not reflect the prices shown on the menu. Some prices were higher, some were lower, so this is more of a confusion issue rather than a dishonest one. We also had a different waiter at the end than we had at the beginning. I'm sure that added to the issue.
I've seen other reviews that mention high prices and outdated web sites & signs. The prices listed on the menu are fair. The web site associated with the old restaurant is out there. I don't know how I landed on the wrong site as Google Maps reflects the...
Read moreTarpon Point Grill and Marina is a hidden gem that captures the essence of coastal living and culinary excellence. Nestled along the marina in North Port, this waterfront restaurant offers a remarkable dining experience that combines breathtaking views with exceptional cuisine.
The setting at Tarpon Point Grill is simply stunning. As you approach the restaurant, you're greeted by the picturesque marina, dotted with sleek boats and tranquil waters. The outdoor seating area provides a front-row seat to enjoy the breathtaking sunsets and gentle sea breezes, creating a truly magical ambiance.
The menu at Tarpon Point Grill is a testament to culinary craftsmanship. With a focus on fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients, each dish is a masterpiece. From succulent shrimp and tender scallops to perfectly grilled fish and mouthwatering steaks, the flavors are expertly crafted and beautifully presented. The menu also offers a variety of options for vegetarians and those with specific dietary preferences.
The attentive service at Tarpon Point Grill further enhances the dining experience. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about providing exceptional service. They are happy to recommend dishes, offer wine pairings, and cater to individual preferences, ensuring that every guest feels pampered and well taken care of.
In addition to the exquisite dining experience, Tarpon Point Grill boasts a vibrant bar area that offers a wide selection of handcrafted cocktails, fine wines, and local craft beers. It's the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a refreshing drink while taking in the marina views.
Tarpon Point Grill and Marina is a true gem that offers a memorable dining experience in a picturesque waterfront setting. Whether you're a seafood lover, a connoisseur of fine dining, or simply seeking a remarkable atmosphere, this restaurant is a must-visit destination that will leave you with a...
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