To many, Florida may seem like a maze of high-rises, strip malls, and retirement communities. However, those who look a little closer will discover a still-thriving collection of small communities representing Old Florida: quiet beaches and woodlands, citrus groves, and tiny fishing villages. One of the best of the latter group is tucked away between the city of Bradenton and the popular tourist destination of Anna Maria Island. It’s called the Cortez Historic Fishing Village, and it’s an excellent stop for seafood lovers living or traveling along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Set on a peninsula between Sarasota Bay, Anna Maria Sound, and Palma Sola Bay, Cortez traces its roots to the 1880s, when a group of settlers from North Carolina established the fishing community to harvest seafood from the rich, nearby waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. Nearly 150 years later, fishing remains a major industry, as the restored antique boats decorating the town suggest. Both commercial fishermen and recreational anglers enjoy the area’s warm weather, relatively small crowds, and diverse outdoor settings. Many families of the original settlers still make their living on the water, while nearly 100 historic buildings preserve the authentic feel of Cortez.
Many Choices For Hungry Visitors
However, Cortez isn’t only interested in catching fish. People there love to cook and eat them, too, and several popular restaurants offer delicious opportunities to try local seafood delicacies. The dockside Star Fish Company is among the most popular, earning a 4.4 on Yelp with over a thousand reviews . Reviewers give the shrimp and grouper particularly high marks, noting the place is so popular you should be prepared for a short wait. In addition to primarily serving local seafood (one of the best ways to make sure you’re eating at a quality seafood restaurant ), there’s also a market for those who prefer to pick up a few fillets or some shellfish to cook at home.
However, that’s just one of many tasty choices in this lesser-known village. Swordfish Grill ( 4.4 stars on Google with over 3,500 reviews ) is another bustling waterfront spot, offering live entertainment alongside fresh local seafood. Here, diners praise the views from the patio seating and large portions for affordable prices…