Whiskey Joes Multiple Locations Dog Friendly (Call to Verify)
Floribean · 5313 19th St E, Ellenton, Florida 34222
This is a chain with multiple locations - the address above is the one reviewed here.
★★★★½ 1 review(941) 263-3111
Menu Items
Reviews
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Decent Food, Great Views, Dog Friendly - Florida Flavors
Whiskey Joe's: A Scenic Waterfront Spot with Hits and Misses
At the start of a recent trip to the Sarasota area, we decided to check out Whiskey Joe’s, a waterfront bar and restaurant with a diverse menu. The venue has a laid-back, tropical vibe, featuring a tiki bar, a sandy beach area, and even a volleyball court. It’s perched on the banks of the Manatee River, offering outdoor deck seating with picturesque views of the river, the I-75 Bridge, and stunning sunsets.
This was a spur-of-the-moment choice—I hadn’t heard anything about the restaurant before visiting. After browsing the menu, I opted for the fish and chips, substituting black beans for the fries. I also couldn’t resist trying the “Joe’s Juice,” a blue punch cocktail served in a souvenir cup with discounted refills, especially during happy hour.
**Dog Friendly - Outdoor Deck Seating**
Since we had a dog with us, we were seated outside on the deck. The server thoughtfully brought a paper food boat filled with water for our pup. However, the seating came with a downside: the sun. The tables closest to the deck's edge were bathed in intense sunlight, which quickly became uncomfortable. We moved to another table, only to see another group soon relocate for the same reason.
When my meal arrived, it looked promising. The fried fish came with coleslaw and the black beans with rice I subbed . My dining partner ordered Joe’s Fish Tacos, made with blackened Mahi Mahi, slaw, and corn salsa.
**Fried Fish & Chips
The fried fish was the highlight of my meal. It had a thin, crispy batter with excellent flavor, and the tartar sauce elevated it even further with its bold, garlicky kick. The coleslaw was creamy and decent, though nothing extraordinary. Unfortunately, the black beans and rice were underwhelming. The beans lacked flavor despite their green seasoning, and the rice was bland, where I had expected the flavor of a pilaf or Spanish rice. Even combined, this item fell flat.
**Joes Fish Tacos**
My dining partner was disappointed with the tacos, finding them surprisingly bland. Despite their “Aztec” slaw, special sauce, corn salsa, and blackened preparation, they didn’t deliver much flavor.
**Joes Punch**
On the brighter side, the Joe’s Juice was a winner. The tropical cocktail was generously sized, refreshingly flavorful, and strong enough to last through the meal, perfect if you’re in the mood for a potent tropical drink.
**Overall Impression**
Overall, I enjoyed my fish plate—aside from the rice and beans—and I’d return to try more items from their extensive menu. My friend later revisited and found other dishes to be much better, so it seems there are gems to discover. The location is fantastic, prices are reasonable, and the portion sizes are satisfying.
If you’re looking for a scenic spot with a relaxed vibe, Whiskey Joe’s is worth a visit—especially for their cocktails. Next time, I’d like to visit in the evening, when the tiki bar is lit, and party lights are on.
Whiskey Joes Entrance
Fish & Chips with Black Bean & Rice Sub.
Joes Fish Tacos
Beach Dining
Beach Area
Indoor Bar Area
Black Beans & Rice
Volleyball Court
Whiskey Joes Menu - Appetizers, Tacos & Burgers
Whiskey Joes Menu - Seafood & Entrees
Joes Punch
Fried Fish
Deck Exit to beach, tiki & waterside beach tables.
Fried Pollock
— Paul