Whiskey Joe's Coming to Ellenton Riverfront

ELLENTON – Whiskey Joe’s Bar & Grill is breaking sand on a new location on the Manatee River in Ellenton. The popular waterfront bar and grill chain’s fourth location is slated to open in 2020, joining the company's Miami, Tampa and Port Richey sites.

A Whiskey Joe’s Manatee River Beachbreaking Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, September 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring the restaurant’s signature bites, beverages, giveaways, a treasure hunt and more. The address is 5313 19th St. East in Ellenton.

Continuing the restaurant brand’s mission of re-creating a relaxing Island getaway, Whiskey Joe’s Manatee River will offer a waterfront oasis where guests can enjoy riverfront views, family fun and experience all the activities happening on the water.

The facility will feature a restaurant with both indoor and outdoor dining, beach access, boat pull-ups, firepits and palapas dotting the white sand. The restaurant is also home to Whiskey Joe’s Barefoot Tiki Bar, which will specialize in tiki-inspired cocktails, and offer mojitos, margaritas and an extensive selection of local beers on tap.

The ÔFloribbean’-inspired menu will offer Whiskey Joe’s signature tropical fare, including favorites like the Island Crab Cakes, Mango-Glazed Scallops, Gator Bites and a raw oyster bar. In addition, a full schedule of fun and experiential programming will be available, including weekday happy hour and live entertainment.

"We’re thrilled to join the Ellenton community and bring the vacation vibes, tropical drinks and delicious food of Whiskey Joe’s to such a unique waterfront destination,“ said Whiskey Joe’s Brand Manager Marty Duffany. "Our September groundbreaking on Manatee River will be a huge step forward in the brand’s continued expansion throughout Florida.“

Whiskey Joe’s parent company, Specialty Restaurants Corporation, which also owns and operates the Rusty Pelican in Miami and Tampa, anticipates the Manatee River location to create approximately 120 new jobs in the area. Bradenton is among the other 20 confirmed future locations of Whiskey Joe’s scheduled to open along Florida’s coast within the next five years.

The restaurant says it will also be capable of accommodating special event bookings of all kinds, from beachfront weddings to corporate meetings.