RJ Gator's of Bradenton — Restaurant in South Bradenton

I gave this place a star only because the decor and the nice older gentleman hostess. I found this place because I googled best restaurants in Bradenton. We live in Parrish and we have Woods River Roo and Anna Maria Oyster Bar. I was pleased when I got there and saw the readers choice banner, so i knew this place was good. I was so hungry because I havent ate since 12 for lunch and this was 7:30. I went to the bathroom & washed my hands. I immediately lost my appetite bc one toilet was out of order and was a mess. So i ordered our food anyways. My daughter who is 12 had a half order chicken tenders for 8.99, the waitress knew that was her meal. It came out with no fries. I had to pay for fries as well. My daughter said this place was like lunch room quality chicken at school. My son ordered a 6.00 grilled cheese. He ordered a water with no ice. The waitress brought him a big adult cup with no life filled to the top. I asked her can I get a smaller cup with a lid. she didnt say anything but her look was kinda like you know when someone asks for stuff bc they are annoying. he is 5 years old & doesnt need a big cup but also filled to the top. He was upset because it was white cheese & still ate it bc either a i said you ordered it or he was hungry because it was 7:30 & he probably didnt have anything since 12 bc i picked him up from hs aftercare at 5. I ordered the Okeechobee chicken. My mashed potatoes were cold and broccoli was warm & the waitress was gonna take my tray. i said can you just bring me new mashed potatoes. ( who takes their entrire tray back) so everyone is done because it may take 5-15 mins for a side. So my mashed potatoes came out & were warm but had a small thing fuzz on the edge the plate. i just didnt say anything because they probably thing i be picky. the bill was way over 5 for 4 people and 2 were kids. I just think maybe people go because the location because there isnt much out there but i certainly know that quality or quanity it isnt worth it. i may try it again but years down the road. i think i went here back in the day & i heard they had a re grand opening. i dont know if it was closed but my opinion they should shut it down again. This place has AppleBees food but...

This was our first time visiting RJ Gators. I would like to start with entering. With the old Florida vibe, rustic but clean, and welcoming hostess, we were seated quickly. Next, we were approached by our sweet server Emma. Not only is she so professional, she is polite, friendly and funny. I have allergies and a chronic illness, and she happily accommodated my dietary needs for the Bay platter. When the food came out, it was perfect. All allergens and intolerances were removed, and the food was DELICIOUS! The mahi, scallops and shrimp were seasoned so well, and the mahi was very flavorful and fresh. For those who don’t eat a lot of fish (I do) mahi is a bit more like crab in the flavor, but you can also get salmon on the Bay Platter. Hubby got the gator bites, which is under appetizers, with a side of sweet potato fries. The gator bites are a great deal! So many of them, hubby had to get a box. The sweet potato fries were cooked to perfection. If you are a fan of sweet potato fries, you know some can just lead to disappointment-soggy, limp and underwhelming. These were the opposite. I didn’t see that it said they were hand cut, but they certainly appeared to be. Not greasy with great integrity and a firm bite. The prices are also very reasonable. With all of this being said, I can’t wait to go back. The food was great, but the overall shining star of our evening was Emma. As a mom of three daughters, I connected with her. She is a true treasure of a server. Her exceptional attention to detail never made me question that my food would be safe. She knew the ingredients in sauces without having to defer to the kitchen. She also notes my allergies, just to ensure no cross contamination. This young lady is such an asset to RJ Gators. One additional detail. They had every college football game on tonight. I could hear the games, but at no point was I yelling over a TV. The balance was perfect! I enjoyed conversation with my husband and Emma while the games were on. They have a lot of games and tvs with a lot of angles. We look forward to our next...

A Pleasurable Dining Experience at R.J. Gator’s Restaurant in Bradenton, FL

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

We just went to visit to R.J. Gator’s Restaurant in Bradenton, FL and was an overall pleasurable dining experience. From the moment we stepped in, I was captivated by the restaurant’s neat and inviting atmosphere, accompanied by an awesome menu that delighted my taste buds.

R.J.’s has done an exceptional job in creating a welcoming environment. The restaurant was clean, and the tastefully neat decor contributed to a cozy and comfortable ambiance. I found myself instantly relaxed and ready to enjoy a fantastic meal.

Speaking of the menu, R.J.’s certainly knows how to impress. The array of options available was remarkable, showcasing a diverse range of culinary delights. I was delighted to find both familiar favorites and unique dishes that piqued my curiosity. Each bite I took was a testament to the chef’s skill and dedication, as the food was undeniably yummy.

In addition to the delectable flavors, Gator’s also excelled in providing reasonable prices and generous portions. I felt that the value for money was excellent, and the portion sizes were more than satisfactory. It was evident that R. J.’s takes pride in ensuring their customers are satisfied both in terms of taste and quantity.

While my experience was largely positive, I did encounter a minor setback with the service. The waitress seemed slightly inattentive during my visit, which occasionally required me to seek her attention multiple times. However, this did not overshadow the overall excellence of the restaurant.

In conclusion, Gator’s Restaurant in Bradenton, FL offers a delightful dining experience. The neat atmosphere, awesome menu, and delicious food combine to create a memorable visit. Despite a minor issue with the service, I wholeheartedly recommend here for anyone seeking a satisfying meal in a...