Part marina, part restaurant, The Crow's Nest has been serving Venice patrons since 1976. Open for lunch and dinner and complete with a tavern and wine cellar, The Crow's Nest doesn't just stop at food and drink; it also leases duffy boats for visitors to take out on the water to cruise the local waterways.
Primarily specializing in seafood, this establishment also offers a gluten-free menu as well as catering and banquet services and boat menus for those who want to rent a boat and take a meal with them. Prices at The Crow's Nest are reasonable (the lunch menu prices range from $7 to $22 and dinner ranges from $8 to $35, as of March 2010) considering the restaurant features a raw oyster bar, fresh seafood and steak.
Rated in Fodors and praised in the local Venice Gondelier, The Crow's Nest is a true Venice staple and a great place to bring out-of-town guests or spend an afternoon with family.
The Crow's Nest
1968 Tarpon Center Drive
Venice, FL 34285
941-484-9551
crowsnest-venice.com
A classic boat-docking, waterfront restaurant, Marker IV is located on the Intercoastal Waterway in Venice and provides diners with all the fish sandwiches, fried baskets and burgers they could want after a long day on the water. Although not known for its vast menu or creative seafood dishes, Marker IV is a great place to enjoy the water, maybe catch a dolphin jump or two and take in the great views Venice has to offer.
The dress at this independently owned restaurant is casual, the prices are comparable to other seafood eateries on the coast (dishes range from $9 to $25), and it is open for lunch and dinner and often offers lunch specials. The restaurant is accessible by land or sea, and while offerings such as Kona beer on tap is what gets locals in the door, food like the red grouper sandwich is what keeps them coming back.
Marker IV Oyster Bar
509 N. Tamiami Trail
Venice, FL 34285
941-484-0344
Sitting directly on the beach at the end of the Venice fishing pier, Sharky's on the Pier is the real version of what comes to mind when one dreams of a waterfront meal on the beach in Florida. Complete with frozen specialty cocktails, picturesque views and a menu featuring delicious coastal staples, it is no wonder Sharky's has been a Venice staple for 23 years.
The prices at Sharky's range between $5 and $25, and the menu features everything from pasta to tofu to prime rib. The bi-level deck is a fabulous place to watch the sun set, and the live music at night will really add to your beachfront dining experience. In this family-friendly environment the kids can enjoy a beach dog hot off the grill while the adults sit back and enjoy a beverage and crab cakes.
Sharky's on the Pier
1600 Harbor Dr S
Venice, FL 34285
941-488-1456
sharkysonthepier.com
