Inside: Pier 22

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Pier 22

This waterfront restaurant and ballroom, located on the...

Pier 22 photos

Pier 22 has become a distinctive destination for casual fine...

Okay, nobody panic.

With the recent news that Mattison’s Riverside in Bradenton had become Pier 22, many of us (myself included) feared that our favorite spot for waterside dining, Happy Hour mojitos and reggae dancing had come to an end.

Instead, it’s gotten a little snazzier.

Still operated by General Manager and Executive Chef Greg Campbell, the only major change is that Pier 22 is no longer under the umbrella of the Mattison's restaurant chain. However, the new Pier 22 took the opportunity to polish off the awnings and make a few subtle interior changes, such new artwork, and a refreshed patio that can be kept cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter and a few additions to its already popular menu.

The Seating: The indoor dining rooms, patio and pier seating, banquet rooms and bar-side tables are plentiful, most of which come with a waterside view. The day I arrived, my friend and I were escorted to one of the main dining rooms, with arched windows overlooking the Manatee River. Soft lighting, rustic colors and a few nautically-themed fish prints decorated the walls. The ambiance was comfortable, yet artfully designed just enough to give the space a certain grace and elegance. 

The Food: It was the tail-end of a long work week and my gal pal and I started the weekend off, me with a frozen Purple Pelican (I couldn’t resist), and her with a Dirty Martini (cause my friend had “that” kind of week). After which, we split half-dozen raw oysters of the day, slightly tangy from a hint of brine and a touch of horseradish. The Purple Pelican reminded me of frozen grape juice, only because I am over 21, mine came with a “kick” in the form of rum.

I ordered one of the new additions to the menu, the broiled Lobster Thermidor, served with an 8 oz. half lobster tail, hollandaise sauce, scallions and Parmesan cheese with a side of garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus. My friend opted for the Spicy Grouper Cakes topped with a Crèole rémoulade, risotto and a mix of yellow squash and zucchini. For me, there was no dissecting the ingredients and deciding what “worked” and what didn’t. It was, very simply, well-prepared and presented food that was flavorful and filling (so much so that we each had leftovers). Good food is good food...'nuf said. 

The Music and Special Events: For years, dining on the pier was most fun you could have, even on a budget. The tradition continues with Pier 22, with live outdoor music and dancing, Thursday through Sunday evenings, $5 drink and appetizer specials and a fantastic water view.

For those with a culinary fancy, Chef Greg hosts special cooking classes such as Simply Sauces, where you’ll learn how to prepare Béchamel (white sauce), Velouté, Espagnole (Brown Sauce), Mayonnaise with Variations and Basic Hollandaise, and Vinaigrette. If a wine or sushi dinner is more your style, well, they’ve got those too, affordably priced at around $30 per person.

Overall Impressions:  If you’re worried that things have changed, fear not. The adaptations to the ambiance and menu at Pier 22 are subtle, but effective. You can still enjoy casual outdoor dining, more formal indoor dining, a martini in the lounge or reserve your space at the second-floor banquet to watch the fireworks over the river during the New Year’s Eve celebration.  In short, Pier 22 remains one of Bradenton’s best.

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Pier 22 is located at 1200 First Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205, Phone: 941-748-8087