Mr Manatee's Casual Grille - Vero Beach

Stopped at Mr. Manatees on both the southbound (March) and northbound (April) legs of our boat trip down to Key West. We sat ate at the bar both times (our usual place) and our bartender Barb couldn't have been more caring and enjoyable.Southbound we enjoyed wings and both the lobster bisque and Caribbean conch chowder. On the northern leg a bacon cheese burger and a grilled grouper sandwich (saw the onion crusted cod that looked really good too) were the fare of the day.Good sports coverage on the TVs at the bar (OK, less golf would have been better, but they hockey and basketball on, so that's a plus).We'll have to try it again next time we roll through to see if the new owners keep up the good tastes and fun.

I first came to Mr. Manatee’s 32 years ago on a business trip to Vero Beach. I’ve been coming back to Vero Beach yearly for pleasure and I always have at least one dinner at Mr. Manatee’s. I love their snow crab legs and you order them A La carte. I always get them with French fries. My wife has to be gluten free and she had their salad with I think Mahi-mahi on it. The crab was meaty and tasty and the salad and Mahi-mahi were fresh and tasty as well. It’s along a canal and a short drive from the beach. It’s a fun place to eat and very casual. A must visit when I’m in Vero Beach!

First, the positive. Our server was excellent. She was very friendly, attentive, and really on her game. I believe her name was Tracy. The food was meh. I had the blackened grouper. The rice was over seasoned and not very pleasant. My wife had the grilled chicken bowl. She felt the same way about the rice, and the chicken was dry. We also had the jalapeño watermelon Margherita. They were flavorful but a weak pour. Other than the great service, I won't rush back for the food or beverage.

Really enjoyed the laid back, casual atmosphere with the water and manatee themes. Pretty good amount of seating inside and outside. Fish and Chips were super great. Sweet potato fries the best. Blackened salmon really good. Their coleslaw is great. Local beer on tap is always good news. Very accommodating staff.

Big fish sandwich and good price on raw oysters for Tuesday