Gilligan's Island Bar - Beach, Beer and Ballyhoo!

WHERE WE WENT:   

Gilligan's Island Bar
5253 Ocean Boulevard
Sarasota, FL

WHAT WE ORDERED:
Q


WHAT WE THOUGHT:
Atmosphere - 7
Menu - 6
Presentation - 6
Taste - 6
Price - 7
Service -8
 Overall - 6.5


Atmosphere - If you are looking for a place to kick back and not care about the world around you, you've found it. Describing this place in one word: chill. Great location on the main drag in Siesta Key. It's the kind of place you would imagine they wouldn't even require shoes. There's almost a much bar space as there is seating, including a sweet tiki bar area. They have a patio seating area and a back section where they have live music. I felt a little shocked that our server didn't have dreads. You get the picture.

Menu -  The menu did offer a bit of variety. Salads, burgers, seafood, and more. All of your typical beach eats are represented. However, there wasn't any single signature or stand out dish that would make you want to go here as opposed to somewhere else. 
 
Presentation - Honestly, a little boring. With as kitschy as the rest of the place was with the beach culture and island theme, we expected something a little more original than white plates and baskets.

Taste - The meal was a little underwhelming. The coconut shrimp were heavily battered and a little overcooked. The best part of that dish was actually the mango chutney dipping sauce, which I would recommend pairing with any seafood. Normally I would say you can't go wrong with cheese fries, but these tasted like they came straight out of a freezer bag. The cheese was a little bland too.


Price -The fries were definitely the right portion for the price, if only they were more delicious. The shrimp were a little overpriced. Not worth it in our opinion.

Service - Our server was great. He was a really chill guy who took good care of us but didn't hover.

WOULD WE GO BACK? 
Maybe. If Ballyhoo is there, we're there. If not, we might go back for the right drink specials. We would really wanna explore the rest of what Siesta Key has to offer before making a return trip.


Here's a link to their website:  
 http://gilligansislandbar.com/

Frenchy's Rockaway Grill - Beach Day Eats

WHERE WE WENT:   

Frenchy's Rockaway Grill
7 Rockaway Street
Clearwater, FL 33767

WHAT WE ORDERED:
Caribbean Grouper Sandwich, French Fries, Fried Clam Strips


WHAT WE THOUGHT:
Atmosphere - 9
Menu -10
Presentation - 6
Taste - 7
Price - 7
Service - 8
 Overall - 8


Atmosphere - Frenchy's is an institution at Clearwater Beach. It's got a really chill vibe. Let's be real, it's impossible not to when you're actually on the beach. It's the kind of place that clothing is really optional, no need to cover up, and it's totally cool if you track sand in. It looks beachy with all of its bright colors. There's indoor and outdoor seating, but they might as well be the same thing. The whole restaurant is breezy and open. It's generally exactly the type of place we would like. The only thing that detracts from the atmosphere is the fact that it always is very overcrowded. The tables are tight together, constantly full. Even though it's a local joint, it seems very tourist-y.

Menu - Seafood! Seafood! Seafood! Being right on the water can have a serious effect on the fare served. The majority of the dishes involve some sort of seafood. They have everything from a Grouper Ruben to Tuna Poke to Calamari. If it's seafood they probably have it, or at least a version of it. You can get other meats. There's turf in the surf and turf after all. Vegetarian options are few and far between, and when you do find one, you better hope that you like fried food. While it's nice that there are some options, it would be better if they were healthy as well, a little something more than onion rings and mozzarella sticks. 
 
Presentation - The presentation was nothing special, just diner

baskets and wax paper. A place this chill can get away with it, but it is a little disappointing. Being such a beachy place and especially with the high tourist population, they have room for really fun presentation, like neon plates or logo napkins. You can even afford to be a little chintzy.

Taste -The grouper sandwich was good, but not the best one we've ever had. It was just a little basic. The french fries followed suit. The clam strips were the best part of the meal. They were light and crisp with a perfect balance of clam and breading, and the breading was well seasoned.


Price - It was honestly a little bit overpriced. You really can't expect anything else when you're sitting on the beach. That kind of proximity adds a little to the price, just like anywhere touristy. You're really paying for location and atmosphere as well.

Service -Our service was good. The entire section was slammed and it wold have been better of our server had a chance to take a breath. She constantly had a look on her face like she as trying to run through a list of things in her head to remember. And even with that she forgot to fill our drinks a few times.

WOULD WE GO BACK? 
Yeah, it's got a great vibe and it's really convenient on a beach day not to have to travel off the beach.


Here's a link to their website:  
http://frenchysonline.com/