The Boardwalk Grill — Restaurant in Madeira Beach

Let me start by saying these are probably the best French fries I’ve ever had, I’ve been coming here a long time specifically for the bucket of fries. Fish tacos are amazing too (blackened or fried are best) but so many times I come just for the bucket of fries. I’ve been all over the US and to a few different countries and these are the best fries I’ve had, ever, with many friends agreeing.

Had an issue with being given the wrong size and charged for the bucket, then the waitress trying to gaslight me after I went back thinking I was given the wrong size because as you can see in the picture that’s no bucket of fries or an amount worth $15ish after tip or $12 pre. I also only order togo if it’s just fries and always tip, I don’t take up the small amount of room to just eat fries. Owner replied and confirmed my suspicions that I was given incorrect sizing and corrected the mistake. First time I’ve ever had an issue in what’s probably a decade of coming here. I don’t mean to come off negative, I just had to mention it because us locals can’t afford to lose out on being able to eat the best fries in the world at an affordable price.

Edit: I definitely paid for a bucket. My 3 tacos and fries came to $28 or $29 and I paid $35 or $36 after the tip on the togo. I’ll gladly pay for a bucket next time granted I’m given a bucket worth. Knowing I paid for a bucket and spoke with the waitress to address my concern immediately, only to be lied to. I was concerned the restaurant was going to start trying to offer this size for $11 and say it’s the same amount. Glad that’s not the case as that’s what I care about most. I added a pic to help locate the order, so you can see I paid for a bucket, it was picked up Togo @ 2:53 11/17. 1 order of 3 fried fish tacos and a bucket of family fries. Waitress specifically told me this togo box was the same amount as a bucket when I asked why I wasn’t given a bucket. I immediately said something when I noticed the weigh difference. Ain’t no way, I’m still flabbergasted she said that was the same amount as a bucket and was given to me in a togo container because they had no buckets. Glad to know I’m not crazy. Wouldn’t have been able to justify this amount of fries when paying for a family bucket. This was the only time I was still hungry after an order. Normally 2 people can have a hard time finishing a bucket. I’m a small guy and could have eaten 2-3 more orders of these. A bucket i couldn’t finish alone. Only reason i wrote out all this was to emphasize how much some of us locals love those buck of fries. Would be devastated to see the...

I could barely put this lobster roll down long enough to take this picture. It is amazing!!! The fries are huge and the picture doesn’t do them justice. Fried and perfectly seasoned. The onion rings...oh god they are huge and served with “dang-screwy” sauce that you’ll want to drink, it’s so good. They were the best I’ve ever eaten. We are there twice in one day the food was so good...fish and chips, fish tacos, LOBSTAH ROLLS!! I ate two of them in one day and I could have eaten another one. The staff is amazing. Chelsea, our server, seemed like she was part of our family. Great sense of humor and she never let our drinks get low. She greeted us as soon as we walked in as she did every single person that walked through the door. We immediately felt welcome. The cooks work in a very, very small space but crank out the best food you’ll eat while you’re in Florida. Great guys who enjoy what they do. All the workers were polite and smiling. Great atmosphere. It’s a small place with a few tables, booths and a bar top that you can eat and look out at the boats. There’s also a couple booths just outside to sit at. Great view. This is really a hidden gem, as someone else pointed out. Johns Pass, Madeira Beach. Great food, great service and definitely on my list of eateries to return to on a...

The Boardwalk Grill once garnered praise for its vibrant ambiance, but now exemplifies a restaurant resting on its laurels. Despite past accolades, some recent reviews highlight a stark decline in food quality and cleanliness. While the restaurant maintains a 4.6/5 rating on Google Reviews, this seems to reflect lingering goodwill rather than current standards. The establishment’s reliance on its reputation as a "hot spot" contrasts sharply with its inconsistent execution, mirroring broader industry critiques where popular venues coast on past success .

This restaurant has potential, the atmosphere felt very worn out and in need of attention, with dirty floors, food stained walls and a filthy bathroom requiring more consistent upkeep. My overpriced roadside ‘mystery fish’ and chip ($24.99) were unfortunately overcooked with an overly thick batter, and the fries way overdone. The restrooms, in particular, would benefit from more frequent, thorough cleaning. In fact I’d recommend a full gutting of the only bathroom. With some focus on maintenance and kitchen precision, this spot could shine brighter.

Service on the other hand...