Marina-side restaurant pairs Gulf catches, live music and laid-back island atmosphere
By Jane Bartnett
Spearfish Grille, tucked away on Old Stickney Point Road at Safe Harbor Marina, is a Siesta Key treasure.
Come in flip-flops and shorts and settle in at this charming Old Florida restaurant. The Intracoastal Waterway and marina views add to the ambiance. Local musicians perform nightly from 6 to 9 p.m., filling the air with reggae and popular favorites. Highly ranked on Tripadvisor, Spearfish Grille is a favorite among visitors and locals who return again and again.
As its name suggests, fresh fish is the highlight. The catch of the day may include hogfish, grouper, mahi, cobia, red snapper or wahoo. Small plates, appetizers, entrees — including chicken and smash burgers — soups, salads and desserts ensure there is something for everyone. A children’s menu offers kid-friendly options.
Appetizers/Small Plates
There are many choices, including conch fritters ($17), reflecting Caribbean influences. Shrimp lovers will enjoy peel-and-eat shrimp ($15). The “Witz” jumbo coconut shrimp ($16) is served with rum basting, coconut coating and a house-made island curry sauce. Spearfish Grille’s gumbo with Gulf shrimp (cup $11, bowl $14), served with garlic bread, can be a meal on its own. Coconut curry mussels ($19), also served with garlic bread, are another favorite. Sushi nachos ($19) feature pan-seared rare ahi tuna over wonton chips with wasabi aioli and soy-ginger glaze.
Entrees
The Spearfish free dive ($38) features fresh-caught blackened hogfish “drowned” in local beer and finished with Key lime butter, roasted red peppers and locally farmed microgreens. Diners can also order the daily Gulf catch, served with two sides, prepared blackened, grilled or fried (market price). Fish and chips are made with the catch of the day and served with house-made coleslaw and seasoned fries (market price).
Other popular dishes include lobster and pork belly cheesy fusilli ($35), combining lobster, pork belly and pasta in a creamy cheese sauce, and Gulf shrimp and grits ($22), served over slow-cooked grits with bacon gravy. Crab lovers can opt for the ultimate crab cakes ($36), featuring jumbo lump crab meat with scallop mousse, tarragon rémoulade and a side.
Grilled items prepared by Chef Eric on the outdoor Green Egg grill are available Wednesday through Sunday evenings starting at 5:30 p.m.
Sammiches
“Sammiches,” or sandwiches, are served with a choice of fries, beans and rice or house-made coleslaw, making them a great lunch or lighter dinner option. The ahi tuna sammy ($19) is blackened and seared, served with citrus-tossed greens on a brioche bun with wasabi aioli. The Gulf shrimp po’ boy ($17) is served on a hoagie roll.
For a taste of New England, house-made lobster rolls are available at market price. Non-seafood options include the jerk chicken sammy ($16), topped with jerk sauce, pepper jack cheese and grilled pineapple; the pulled pork sammy ($15), made with 12-hour braised pork; the Cuban sammy ($16); and the smash burger ($16), featuring two patties with lettuce, tomato and pickles on a brioche bun. Bacon, cheese and avocado can be added for an additional charge.
Tacos & Salads
Tacos remain a popular option, with choices including Gulf shrimp ($18), the catch of the day (market price) and farm-style options such as veggie ($11), pork ($13) or chicken tacos ($14).
Salads include a refreshing watermelon salad ($13), along with other options that can be topped with chicken ($5), shrimp ($10), ahi tuna ($11) or the daily catch (market price).
Desserts
Save room for dessert. Options include pineapple upside-down cake ($10), Key lime pie ($10), chocolate mud pie ($10), salted caramel cheesecake ($10), chocolate overboard cake ($10) and a fresh fruit plate ($6).
Beer, Wine and Cocktails
A full selection of beer, wine and cocktails is available, with wine offered by the bottle.
Spearfish Grille owner Maurice Dentici also owns Rico’s Pizzeria and Pasta House, known for New Jersey-style pizza and Southern Italian dishes, located at 1902 Bay St., Sarasota.
Settle in for a memorable afternoon or evening at Spearfish Grille and enjoy a relaxed meal with live music along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Spearfish Grille is located at 1265 Old Stickney Point Road. Kitchen hours are 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and patio hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Order online at spearfishgrille.com or call 941-349-1971.
