Mr. Manatee's Casual Grille in Vero Beach

Mr. Manatee's Casual Grille in Vero Beach, Florida is the kind of casual restaurant that people recommend by word of mouth. It was exactly the way I learned about Mr. Manatee's, sitting poolside by the resort, talking to a repeat visitor to Mr. Manatee's. Mr. Manatee's is not one of the restaurants boldly advertised in the tour guide books, but it is worth a visit.

Mr. Manatee's Menu

The menu at Mr. Manatee's Casual Grille offers a number of options for every appetite. One of the specialties is fresh, no frills seafood, and each night a daily special features an original dish. Appetizer specials, such as 39 cent clams and peel and eat shrimp are also offered on specific days of the week.

Sandwiches and baskets are on the menu for prices ranging from $8.99- $12.99, and the portions are generous. Shrimp, grouper, mahi mahi, and clams are seafood features on the menu, though sirloin and burgers are also on the menu for those looking for an alternative to seafood. A variety of side dishes are offered with the entrees, ranging from traditional french fries to steamed broccoli. A salad of fresh greens is offered with some of the dinner entrees.

Children can eat at Mr. Mantatee's for $3.25. The children's menu has typical kiddie menu fare, but also freshly made fish sticks, which was a nice alternative to the typical frozen type often served at other casual restaurants.

The desserts are worth considering. Sundaes for the kids and freshly made pies for the adults are just a few of the choices.

Dining Experience

The dining experience at Mr. Manatee's was a winning one, both for the food and the surprisingly light hit on my wallet. The food portions were large, and for $15.99, I ordered the special of the day, which was an Onion Crusted Mahi Mahi entree. A salad of fresh greens with a number of salad dressing options started the meal, along with a dozen of the 39 cent steamed clams. The clams were fresh and steaming when they arrived at the table. The salad was light and just enough for a starter.

The Onion Crusted Mahi Mahi was origninal and tasty. Tasty enough to forego some of the tartar sauce I typically use on crusted fish. The broccoli side was fresh and steamed with a hint of flavor and the french fries were better than most. The 2 dollar beer special was an added benefit to the meal, and I enjoyed a large, cold glass of Shock Top with the dinner.

Dining Atmosphere and Service

The casual atmosphere makes Mr. Manatee's the kind of restaurant you can visit after a day at the beach or when you want an affordable restaurant to take the whole family to. The manatee statue near the entrance makes a nice photo spot if you have kids in your party.

The service was excellent, and each part of the meal was delivered in a timely manner. The friendly server made the visit more enjoyable, and her willingness to explain some of the restaurant favorites was very helpful as a first time visitor. The casualness of Mr. Manatee's offered a relaxed setting for dinner and the perfect types of dinner options to match.

Recommendation

Mr. Manatee's is a good choice for those who are in the Vero Beach area looking for a reasonable, fresh meal in a casual atmosphere. There are no expensive or overpriced menu items at Mr. Manatee's, and even the special of the day was only $15.99 for fresh mahi mahi, a salad, and two side dishes. The kids' meals are amazingly inexpensive, at $3.25. Mr. Manatee's also appeared to be a local favorite, which is typically a good sign.

Mr. Manatee's Casual Grille is located at 30 Royal Palm Point, Vero Beach, Florida, 32960.