Cortez Kitchen — Restaurant in South Bradenton

This was my first eating experience at Cortez Kitchen. We saw that there were specials on a Sunday and I had a gift card burning a hole in my pocket. When we arrived we sat ourselves as the sign directed, we weren't greeted by a server for about 7 minutes (no biggy). However during the ordering and eating process we felt very rushed. The waitress immediately asked what we wanted to drink, then when I asked hesitantly just told us the mixed drink specials (nothing about the buckets. When she came back with the drinks she wanted our food order immediately, I told her we were still deciding but we'd like to start with the loaded nachos special. As soon as that came out we ordered a couple apps so we could get a better idea what we'd like being our first time. The food was amazing! The Loaded fries were overflowing with cheese, bacon and deliciousness, the buffalo grouper bites were lightly coated in the sauce and cooked to perfection, some of the BEST fried okra I've had in a while and the Brussels sprouts were top notch. When we finished eating this is where the service changed from rushed to a long wait. Our waitress took a while to come back to us and we asked for boxes and the check, she promptly came back with the boxes and check, I added my gift card and credit card to the check folio and we then sat there for 15 minutes with no waitress in site. I was trying to make eye contact with the bartender but she was busy on her phone or at the other end of the bar with guests. We will be back, but we'll probably ask for a different waitress if it's possible and this young lady is...

Cortez Kitchen is an absolute hidden treasure nestled in the heart of an authentic Florida fishing village. From the moment I stepped inside, I was captivated by the genuine charm and welcoming atmosphere that oozes with local character.

The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the grouper bites and grouper dinner entrees. Each bite was a succulent piece of heaven, perfectly cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. The freshness and quality of the fish truly showcased the restaurant’s commitment to serving exceptional seafood.

Adding to the delightful ambiance was the wonderful music that played in the background. It complemented the laid-back coastal vibe perfectly, setting the mood for an unforgettable dining experience.

The staff at Cortez Kitchen, especially Shelby, were friendly, attentive, and passionate about their craft. They went above and beyond to ensure that every guest felt welcomed and satisfied. Whether you’re a seasoned local or a curious traveler, you’ll be greeted with a warm smile and helpful recommendations.

The authenticity of Cortez Kitchen and its surroundings cannot be overstated. It’s a true representation of the rich maritime heritage that Florida is known for, and it offers a unique glimpse into the local way of life.

I highly recommend Cortez Kitchen to anyone seeking a genuine Florida dining experience. Whether you’re craving mouthwatering grouper dishes, good music, or simply want to immerse yourself in the charm of an authentic fishing village, this restaurant will exceed your...

I am absolutely appalled with this restaurant and their employees. My family and I went to have dinner with relatives around 6pm (where they were busy at all). They had a sign that said seat yourself so we did so in the back of the porch/ dinning area. We waited for around 20 minutes until my parents went up to the bar to order for us to where the bartender responded with oh I’ll make sure someone gets to your table. We also overheard a separate waitress say to a couple I’m sorry you guys I didn’t notice you sat down after they had been there around the same time as us. We were rudely interrupted after sitting for another 15 more minutes by who we believe is the owner, (who was obviously drunk) yelling at us about how we weren’t supposed to open the umbrellas that we opened 30 minutes prior. We politely said we would put them back down as we didn’t see a sign that said we couldn’t. He continued by saying there is no need for a fing sign there’s ties around them. And continued to get in our faces. Meanwhile there are children at our table as this man is cussing and having a temper tantrum about his 20 dollar looking umbrellas. At this point we left and as we were leaving a server was by the door and said oh you guys are leaving then the owner decided to give his two sense again and said good let them leave. So glad we weren’t served here and didn’t waste a dollar at this...