At The Clam Factory where the gulf breeze drifts through the night, A five-star dive bar that just feels right. The campers, the laughter, the stories that spawn, All made even better when you're greeted by DAWN. The shrimp scampi--rich, garlicky, done to perfection, A plate full of flavor that earns my affection. And DAWN with her smile, first-class in every way, Makes each weekly visit the best part of my day read more

There was plenty of parking available. The exterior was under renovation during our visit and, unfortunately, didn't make the best first impression. Inside, the restaurant felt spacious but somewhat dated, with a handful of locals gathered at the bar. We were seated immediately since there were plenty of open tables, and the wait staff was friendly enough throughout our meal. The food was a mixed experience. The clams were overwhelmed by an overly salty broth, making it difficult to enjoy their natural flavor. The Ahi tuna was disappointing. It tasted less than fresh and was sliced much thinner than what was shown in the photo. The Ipswich clams themselves were good quality, but the accompanying sauce lacked flavor and needed more seasoning. On a positive note, the tacos were very tasty and ended up being the highlight of the meal. Overall, the experience had its ups and downs. While a few dishes missed the mark, the tacos and convenient parking helped redeem the visit somewhat. read more

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Loved the steamed clams here. The live music was good. The service is very good. Nice selection.

Stopped in for a quick pick up for take out. Saw the Cali calamari on the menu ask for a quick description and decided to check it out. For $16 I will get this again and again and again. Amazing. read more

Cortez Clam Factory - Cali calamari - Bars Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

We had a fun late lunch at the clam factory! My brother adores their BLTs and bean soup, so stopped by to give everything a taste! We were seated outside (unfortunately in the full sun with a little reprieve with the umbrellas). Our server was friendly and quickly took our order! Then, thankfully we moved to a table with a bit more cover. Food was very good! The bean soup was hearty with a good amount of meat. Crabby bites had a delicious sauce that complemented the crab nicely! Fish tacos were solid... BLT and burgers were served with a nice portion of fries! Overall, a fun stop for a drink and bite to eat! read more

We just spent a week on Anna Maria Island and ate at all the hyped and highly recommended restaurants. Cortez Clam Factory was by far the BEST meal we had during our stay. The clam steamers and shrimp scampi were AMAZING! read more

Food was outstanding. Service was great! It was busy but sat at the bar right away. TVs are great with sports and news. I got the wedge salad Huge was fantastic. Got the shrimp scampi and I could only eat about a quarter of it. It was very good and filling. They were very friendly people sitting next to us. We actually talked a little bit and became friends. Mostly locals like ourselves. It's a dive bar/restaurant that you shouldn't miss if in the area. Fun place to just hand out and not be rushed and all the staff was so on top of everything. Never had to ask for a second cocktail and bartender remembered our drinks. Been to the restaurant Cortez Clam Factory years ago and remembering the food and service were great then as well. Nice menu something for everyone. Prices were very fair especially being 5 minutes to the beach. So if you want a good time, some good drinks some great service and great company. Stop by the Cortez camp factory lunch or dinner and have yourself some fun. Sorry I didn't take any pictures. The food looked good as well as the taste my wife got the grilled tri-tip fish. That was a very light white fish with a creamy lemon butter sauce and capers, it absolutely melted in my mouth. We are looking forward to going back ASAP. I wanna try everything on the menu highly recommend and then go see a sunset on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Anna Maria Island no West Coast of Florida off the Gulf of America. Way to go clam factory thank you for a great time. read more

Old Florida dive bar ambiance. Eat inside (live music the night we were there) or outside where it's quieter. The drinks come in plastic cups - generous pour. The food is excellent!!! Husband had clams, I had oysters. Will definitely be back read more

The food was absolutely amazing! I had the best fried grouper sandwich of my life and I couldn't believe just how big the piece of grouper was. It was enormous! The crabby balls were terrific, as were the fried clams. My mom said she had the best burger of her life. Cooked exactly how she asked and trust me she is one picky old lady. They were amazingly accommodating with my dog outside on their well shaded patio with giant fans, bringing him a bowl of water the moment we arrived. What truly made the meal was our amazing waitress!! She was the absolute best!! We will be back!! Thank you for the best meal of our stay-cation!!! read more

This was our go to restaurant, exceptional food and service. They had music on the weekends, which was awesome. Cold beer and a good pour on the mixed drinks. We originally wandered into CCF because of the parking lot was full, I've always thought that, if the local residents go there, it must be good. CCF did not disappoint us. Occasional the proprietor would stop by and ask us how the food and service was, he was a delight to talk with. Though we didn't utilize it, they have an outdoor dining area as well. read more

Cortez Clam Factory - Bars Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

Once again the Cortez Clam Factory is the best place to get Fried Clams. Crispy, Plump and Juicy Goodness served with a side of Cole Slaw and Crispy Seasoned Fries to complete the meal. Service as always was great. read more

We ordered 1 doz raw top necks and 1 doz steamed middle necks. There was a funny flavor to the raw clams and the steamed ones were ok. Also ordered the whitefish stuffed with crab meat covered in shrimp and lobster sauce. It was fishy and there was too much breading in the stuffing. We also ordered the soft shell crab sandwich which was way over breaded. Service on the patio was ok. read more

This place was cool to hang out. The service was great. They have tvs to watch sports and a great selection of drinks. read more

Cortez Clam Factory - Cap skips treasure 7 layer ice cream cake - Bars Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

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Fantastic. I ordered the Ipswich full belly fried clams and they were amazing. I am originally from Boston and it is very hard to find quality New England clams in Florida. We also ordered the chicken salad croissant and that was terrific. I highly recommend this restaurant and we will certainly be back for Wednesday lobster night and Friday cod night. read more

Cortez Clam Factory - Full belly Ipswich fried clams - Bars Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

I've been there a few times. I usually get the fish tacos. They're usually good. Last time they tasted extra fishy and not so fresh. I asked the bartender Mike about it. He went and spoke with the owner; I saw him talk with him. The owner never came by to talk with me and discuss the problem; he ignored it. I'm not going to go back.,This is a local business I'd like to patronize but I don't like "fishy" fish. The bar was not so busy but the service was a bit s l o w. read more

Cortez Clam Factory - Fish tacos. The grouper sandwich comes with French fries and coleslaw. You shouldn't have to ask, it says it comes on the menu. - Bars Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

Everything always goes well at the Clam Factory. We've had some awesome dinners, great apps, and often mark our calendar for the specials. Drinks are a great pour. Not too crazy ... so that you can't enjoy drinking it, Just perfect, and justifying the cost of any drink or meal food item or dinner is never an issue. Everything there is worth a visit. We love the live entertainment, watch the calendar to be sure and see out favorites. This place has relaxed atmosphere, and will always be our go to place! Did I mention the food never disappoints, maybe I did, but it's worth an "Encore." read more

Cortez Clam Factory has been a go-to place for our family for many years. It's one of those unassuming spots you could easily drive past because it's tucked into a tiny retail plaza--but the people who have found it keep it very busy. We met one of the owners, David, last night and he couldn't have been nicer. You can tell he's a very experienced restaurateur, and it was fun hearing the history and thought behind the menu. They've also made a great upgrade since COVID: a large, comfortable outdoor patio with big-screen TVs and they often have live music. If you like a relaxed "locals" vibe and want a place that works for seafood and game day, this is it. Our can't-miss picks: Wednesday night live Maine lobster special -- very reasonably priced and incredibly fresh (flown in from Maine). Fresh smoked Reuben -- they smoke/slow-roast meats on-site and it absolutely shows. Service is friendly, and Marilena did a fantastic job with us last night. If you're in Bradenton and want a local favorite that delivers consistently, Clam Factory is an easy recommendation. read more

This is a great go to bar/restaurant. Great bartenders and great food! I had the special "Triple Tail" it was awesome, I ate every bit of it! I have never had a bad meal here ever! read more

Cortez Clam Factory - Triple tail with shrimp, rice & greens. - Bars Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

I was in Bradenton for vacation and had an excellent lunch at the Cortez Clam Factory. The fried grouper sandwich was amazing and the portion of grouper was huge. Also their French fries and slaw were delicious. They had both indoor and outdoor dog friendly seating. I sat inside as it was already 81 degrees F at noon today. read more

Cortez Clam Factory - Menu. They also have daily specials. - Bars Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

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Food was fantastic! This place doesn't get enough credit! Every time we've come we get a great meal at a fair price! Service was spot on too. read more

We love steak night. My New York strip was cooked perfectly. Ask for loaded baked potato. Very casual atmosphere. Waitress was friendly. read more

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Another great meal at the Clam. Shared the shrimp cocktail, lobster dinner & coconut cream pie. Each was awesome. Lobster dinner for $29! Always a great meal here. read more

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A little loud but good music and the food was excellent. Triple tail good sized portion w shrimp rice and delicious sauce. Fried clams also very good. Service very prompt. read more

Great place to go and have a great meal with awesome staff. I have been there several times, and every night is a "Special night." Live Music always adds to the experience! read more

Always a great experience and the food is always delicious. Ask to have Christine for your server. She is friendly and makes it a down home event. The specials are always loaded with exceptional choices. The fish dishes are incredible. Always try the Hogfish if available. Love this place. read more

Best clam house in the region, it's worth to wait if you do not have a reservation. Food taste, delicious stuff very professional, knowledgeable, and happy. read more

Stopped for dinner. Asked if Whitney Tyson was working. She says you want another waitress. I say well we are eating so I guess we need a different waitress. Asked for a special menu, she brings the one off the wall. Im like they usually have paper menus. She's oh I'm sorry if I upset you, but this is what I have!! Dark hair braids, first table today at 425. She needs to ge fired!! Never had such a rude waitress at Clam! If this is what you have won't be back. She was a real BITCH read more

Having been to the Cortez Clam Factory many times, we have always enjoyed the food, but last night we had an incredible experience, thanks to Keisha. She was attentive, charming and truly enhanced our experience! Will return and request her by name. Well done, CCF! read more

Very poor service, Did not receive a server for 34 minutes and it took another 37 minutes for my food, I also asked for no lime in Landshark and got a lime. read more

Great food and service and atmosphere and music are fantastic . Scenery is so calming!

So like many of these reviews say this place is definitely a dive that locals frequent. Their social media and own website has very nice photos that look professional, but the food leaves little to be desired as most of it is fried and laid to the side in plastic baskets. This place is mostly a bar that serves food, the outdoor seating area overlooking the parking lot is actually the nicer thing about this place, but its also the designated smoking area. Upon arrival we got looks. Walked in and there was no one at the host stand so we waited and someone eventually came by and said seat yourself so we sat outside. We didn't have an actual waiter or waitress the whole time we were there. Unfortunately, the person working the host stand was working multiple jobs at once expiring food, taking orders, making drinks, and seating people. It wasn't his fault he was literally spread to thin. Funny thing is the people in the smoking area had their own person waitress and were just hanging out like it wasn't busy. The menu doesn't have a lot of gluten free options that aren't basically raw oysters, peel and eat shrimp, or the steamed clams without the bread for example. The steamed clams were delicious and large, but way too salty and a lot of them hadn't been adequately cleaned and contained a lot of dirt still. The fish taco was decent and it would be better if they offered a corn tortilla. They slathered a mayo sauce all over them (way too much) and basically a watery liquid ran from the fried fish, mixed all with the mayo and it all became a mess. We weren't really sure if the fish was thawing in water or sitting in water prior to being cooked, but there was a lot of water running out of it. We waited 15 minutes or more for the bill. We eventually had to go inside and get it and pay. This was a quick stop on the way to the beach. Literally a one and done. I definitely didn't feel welcome there. This place really has nice social media photos, but the establishment is not really nice. read more

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Food, service, music, outdoors... a perfect way to kick off my birthday, Mother's Day weekend. Live entertainment was fun!

A family friendly local spot with a good variety of food options for both seafood and land lovers. A dive bar with charm and huge portions I would definitely try again. The crab balls are certainly a must order and their kids chicken tenders are a huge amount with plenty of fries. A good overall experience for a late night bite. read more

Home cooked bar food and beyond. Beer battered haddock are amazing and so is the mahi Asian salad

Went to see the playoff football game. They didn't get on the tv until right after kickoff and the sound quality was so poor we left. They couldn't get the big tv to turn on either. Went to Gators and it was on Every tv and sound was awesome. What a difference!!! read more

I got lucky and hit smoked wings night. Awesome! Prices and food are great and the service is good. Nice local spot for locals. read more

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Our first stop every time we go to Bradenton. They make the perfect martini and bonus the food is really good as well. Service is great. Everyone is nice and laid back. We don't go here to rush we go to enjoy. read more

Hogfish was awesome. BLT with house smoked bacon!! Soft shell crab sandwich was wonderful. Great place with friendly people. Highly recommend!! read more

Probably the best clams u can find in Florida i been to both east and west coasts of the state and this is unreal good The steamed come w some super yummy bread read more

Cortez Clam Factory - Raw clams - Bars Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

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Great food, amazing specials, enjoy the music or a great place to watch a game. There is even an outdoor patio to sit with the pups.