Stopped in for lunch and had an amazing time. Mahi Sandwich was amazing. The bread they use is a local bakery and is light and the texture was perfect. Also if you like Clam Chowder you have to try theirs, hands down one of the best i have ever had. Will be saving this spot so next time we are down here we will be back...!!! read more

Everything! Everytime! My shorkie seizure alert dog is allowed Owners are SO nice. This is my favorite place to eat. No matter what you order, it's fantastic and fresh. read more

A clean and sweet little place that we had wanted to try. We sat at the bar and had two tasty appetizers, grouper bites and seafood golf balls. Nice conversation with couple from Michigan. Good bartender who made a perfect martini! We will return for a full meal. In Florida spirit, every table was taken at 5 pm! read more

Red Grouper Tavern - Grouper bites - Seafood Near Me - Venice, Florida

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Stopped on a Saturday evening. Greeted & made to feel very welcome. We started with grouper bites & gulf balls. The grouper bites were very tasty! The gulf balls were worth trying, but not as good as the grouper bites. We all had nice salads. Two of us had lightly blackened grouper--nice! I had a baked potato. Friend had island rice (just ok) & broccoli ($3 up charge~fresh) Hubby had shrimp & scallops with a side spaghetti and marinara sauce. He really enjoyed it. Friend's wife had shrimp & island rice. Shrimp were good. Folks were very pleasant. A nice place to go! read more

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Decided to try the Red Grouper for the first time. We were promptly seated and the staff were very attentive throughout the entire time of our meal. I ordered the Lobster Bisque, which was the highlight of my meal. Delicious and lots of lobster meat inside. The Charleston shrimp & grits was just ok. I'd likely try something else next time. The toast had too much oil and tasted funky and the grits lacked flavor. I added hot sauce and that helped spice it up. I'll come back and try something else next time, as I saw lots of items on the menu that looked great. read more

Red Grouper Tavern - Lobster Bisque - Seafood Near Me - Venice, Florida

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Easy to locate and park. Very pleased with menu and its variety without getting crazy. Lobster roll was about the best I've had. Enjoyed the service. Thanks read more

What a cool spot! We had dinner and thoroughly enjoyed the food, service and ambiance. They make most things in house and are very attentive to allergy and gluten free questions or concerns. James is a great listener who made perfect recommendations for our taste and mood. Amazing lobster special going on all summer! Coming back soon! read more

Red Grouper Tavern - Shrimp and Grits - Seafood Near Me - Venice, Florida

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Great friendly owner and waitresses. Food is reasonably priced. Quality of food fresh and tasty. It's a pleasant surprise.

Service was very friendly and the chowder was fenomenal... the grouper sandwich was really good and fresh. .

We tried this restaurant first time during the week and were happily surprised Quaint seafood pub restaurant hidden off Jacaranda with fresh homemade entrees and delicious sides especially a delightful seasoned zucchini and squash side which comes free along with a second side with the dinner entree The owner as well as the waitress are very friendly down to earth making sure the customers feel at home Inexpensive especially compared to other restaurants. I had the blackened shrimp and scallops which perfectly cooked The owner pointed out certain days during the week they dinner specials at very reasonable prices. The dinner special the night we went was grilled pork chop with homemade mash potatoes and gravy for $12.99. read more

Husband and I went here to celebrate a good blood work at my cancer dr appointment. This is the 4th time here and as always just wonderful. I had the Travern burger and Travern chips both were delicious. My husband had mahi tacos and the fish strips were huge. And thick. Two soft tacos and he paid extra for a side of steamed vegetables which were steamed just right not mushy. We didn't realize the taco were made with coleslaw and Bob doesn't like it. So I was scraping off the slaw when the waitress saw and order fresh tacos with lettuce, tomato and cheese instead. No extra cost. We will come back here again and again after my doctors appointments . It's so close from the hospital and gives me a rest before going home to Northport. Thank you Zac the chef and Kim are waitress. Going to be regulars now . Please go here food and staff are great. As always Bob and Lyn Hensman read more

Food is very fresh and tasty. Service was excellent . We were there 2 in the afternoon so it wasn't exactly filled Ambiance? early post target rummage sale of an older fisherman's house Out of the way but cute and I will be back read more

The fish was fine, but the sides were really bad. FYI. There is a "split plate fee". We told the waiter that we don't need the kitchen to actually split the food. But to just bring an extra plate. But the extra charge still applies according to the waitress. We had someone with us who can't eat much (medical reasons). Just thought that this was strange and that people should know. It is stated on the menu, but I had no idea it would apply to "just bring an empty plate". Parking lot was empty, and that should've been a sign. Also, the ceiling was leaking, and the booths were really wet. read more

We enjoyed our meal at the little local joint! It reminded us of Midwest bar food with a Florida seafood twist. The onion rings were my favorite! Crispy and delicious. The Mahi sandwich was fresh and a large portion. My husband enjoyed his double smash burger! We will definitely bring family here who want to experience a local spot! Everyone was friendly and nice! No weird vibes like sometimes when you walk into some locals only spots. Glad we found this place! read more

Red Grouper Tavern - Mahi Mahi sandwich, onion rings, Double smash burger - Seafood Near Me - Venice, Florida

I love finding places like this on Yelp! No chains-locally run great sites for a good meal and beverages. We tried the "golf balls", shrimp and grouper hush puppy like appetizer. The sauce and fresh lemon was a perfect appetizer to share. Our grouper entrees - 1 blackened and the other grilled - were cooked perfectly! Seasoning was exact - one of the best we've had. Sides: broccoli - steamed and buttered al dente! Island rice - so simple yet perfect side - great combination. Caesar salad was fresh and ample. And to top all that off - the homemade peanut butter pie is to die for. Eric was so friendly and helpful with questions and provided great service. You know when you enter a place where the locals come to meet. Bar was full, tables and booths comfortable- I kept waiting to hear "Norm" as the crowd gathered - you know what I mean read more

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Food was fabulous, Eric made great drinks, atmosphere was okay with quite guests. Will come again. Service was just outstanding. read more

Cute little place Delicious clam bellies Yummy chowder Service was good We will be back for another visit read more

Services was attentive. Shrimp was good, Philly wasn't bad. Onion rings funky somehow. Thought it was fishy oil but wasn't quite that either. French fries simple but yummy. Smash burger great! Good but could be better for the price point. read more

If you're looking for a local gem where you can enjoy truly fresh seafood and genuine hospitality, you've found it! I had an incredible Sunday lunch at The Red Grouper Tavern.. The cold lobster roll was one of the best I've had in Florida. The grouper bites were delicious, and the hand-battered onion rings were crispy, golden perfection. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, and the staff couldn't have been kinder. We had a delightful conversation with the owners, and it's clear they're passionate about the food they prepare. Plenty of options on the menu as well! Highly recommend this spot if you're in Venice and craving great (fresh!!!) seafood! read more

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Great food and service. We showed up 30 min before closing but they were super receptive and patient. We will be back

this isn't the cheapest date on the planet but .. the whole belly fried clams are really good albeit smaller than it's east coast relatives. the martinis were really solid - hendricks cucumber was at least on par with others that have impressed me. and, i watched the bartender tweak a orange vodka thing twice just to make it perfect and it was. the grouper ruben met hyped expectations. fish portions are smaller to my standards but either grilled or blackened were excellent. i had the snapper which was very good grilled. it's a tavern setting that was clean and condiments well stocked - i liked it a lot. our 6 top was roomy. the reason it wasn't a five is only due to confused service - attentive but the bills we're mixed up and plates delivered to wrong diners and things took a minute that shouldn't have. otherwise great experience and the menu has lots of stuff to try on future visits - and we will! read more

The food and service were excellent. We both had fresh grouper. What a find! They have been open 3 years and slightly off the main so missed it until now. read more

First time stopping by and it's a nice little spot. The food was good and our waitress Sandy made it even better. This place has a full bar and a large menu. Come give it a try! read more

Red Grouper Tavern - Dining room - Seafood Near Me - Venice, Florida

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Absolutely great lobster bisque. The only thing that would add to it would be a half oz. of sherry or cognac to accompany it. Their signature grouper sandwich is very good. The add on onion rings are also excellent albeit the serving size was a tad skimpy. This tavern and it is casual and very welcoming. The staff is both efficient and friendly without hovering over the table or interrupting conversation. It's a seafood joint, a tavern with a very inviting attitude and a good stop for both locals in the know and visitors in need of some good Florida seafood at a fair (not cheap) price and a cocktail, glass of wine or a cold beer. read more

Great Grouper, Good Experience Overall I stopped in at the Red Grouper Tavern in Venice, FL, and ordered the grilled red grouper entrée with broccoli and a loaded baked potato. The grouper itself was excellent--moist, fresh, and full of flavor. You could really taste the quality of the fish, and it was grilled just right. The broccoli was a pleasant surprise--fresh and perfectly cooked, not mushy or bland. The only letdown was the loaded baked potato. It was on the smaller side and cost an extra $3.50 for a modest amount of cheese, green onions, bacon, and a side of sour cream and butter. For the upcharge, I expected a bit more. That said, the service made the meal. The wait staff was attentive, polite, and kept everything running smoothly. Overall, a good meal with a few small caveats. I'd definitely come back for the grouper! read more

Great service great food! Original grouper sandwich was delish. Clam chowder worth coming back for. Melanie was awesome!

service was spotty at best and the shrimp and grits was very disappointing. No sauce, small shrimp with barely any blackening spice and the grits were cheesy but way under seasoned. We will not be going back! read more

This is one hidden gem! My bride and I both had fried haddock dinners, each with two sides. We both had nice large baked potatoes with butter and sour cream. My wife had a Caesar salad and I chose onion rings. For desert, we shared a generous slice of key lime pie. The ENTIRE dinners and dessert were delicious and of good portions. Service was EXCELLENT! We both enjoyed the restaurant atmosphere and cleanliness throughout, including the rest rooms. We will be back!!! Our only regret is it took so long for us to fine this dining establishment! Well done Red Grouper Tavern and staff!!! read more

The atmosphere at the Red Grouper is kind of a bar/ restaurant. Cozy, but nothing fancy. My wife had the Red Grouper sandwich, grilled. I had the cheesy shrimp and grits with the house Charleston style with sausage. Dessert-we split a peanut butter pie. To die for! The food was fabulous. No issues at all. It was fantastic. The owners, Cherri and Jim came up to us and introduced themselves. They were very friendly. Our waitress, Melanie was a gem. The owners moved here from Minnesota 30 years ago. We will definitely be back and will be bringing some friends. I recommend. JT & Sharon Fischer read more

Food is excellent. Staff is friendly and everyone is like family here. Usually not busy during after lunch hours, but does get busy for dinner. For dinner, you would do well to call for reservations. The inside is clean, although the owners know the outside appearance needs improving as they were converting from one type of business to restaurant. read more

Like the food & service. I love the fried shrimp. The people are nice. Prices are reasonable. read more

The storefront was unassuming but do not miss this amazing restaurant. The food was some of the best I've had in this area. I got the red grouper blackened with the onion rings and island rice. The island rice was nothing too crazy but the onion rings were the best I've had. Made fresh and the perfect balance of juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. The grouper was well seasoned. I got the cheesecake carrot cake made by the bartender and it was out of this world. I've never seen that combination before, it worked very well. The server was funny and informative. read more

Extremely friendly staff! Very clean restaurant and restrooms! Very lucky to have stumbled upon this little gem.

Very casual hole-in-the-wall with friendly staff and good food! Had the grouper sandwich and calamari. While I prefer grilled their fried grouper is perfect and not heavy. Bun was fresh and the homemade chips are wonderful. read more

New cook 'terrible food grouper bites made us sick -soup barely warm very long wait with half full tables waitress forgot us -never updated us on wait-55$ for read more

Great food and service - highly recommend - hidden gem - seafood !! Had shrimp sandwich! read more

Myself, mil and neighbor stopped in because Tomatillo's next door was closed and we were hungry. Although the place lacks road appeal we all enjoyed our meals. So much that we'll go back and have suggested others to give it a try. Place is small and was full therefore did feel cramped, closed in. Overall, 4 with good food & service. read more

good food for a fair price served in a comfortable environment. Also, the owner is a very nice person.

I gave this place 5 stars for the service and food. Went there with friends, everyone left happy. the owner was there and was a very nice woman. our waiter was very good. started with clam chowder, it was good, I would have liked it a little thicker. 2 had the grouper and cleaned their plates, I had the fried clams, they were delicious. my wife had the lobster and asked for it to be a lazy man lobster, the owner right away agreed to do it. my wife's plate was all lobster and no shell, she was very happy. read more

This place in the people that work there are awesome. They went out of their way to make us feel special. Top of everything else that food was great . The meatball sub was humongous and tasted great. I got the potato skins and they for a perfect time. read more