Great Places for Live Music

There is no shortage of places around the Bradenton Area to listen to live music. You’ll find a remarkable range of venues and places to visit: festivals, events, small pubs, and even a variety of restaurants. From famous musicians to hometown favorites, you’re sure to find a beat that gets you out of your seat and grooving along to the tunes.

Woody’s River Roo

Situated on the Manatee River in Ellenton, this old Florida-style restaurant and bar serves up inspired cuisine, tropical cocktails, and boasts over 300 seats to listen to live music. What makes Woody’s River Roo unique is that you have multiple dining options: indoor, outdoor by the stage and along the river. With live music almost every day (and twice a day on weekends!), you’re destined to have an unforgettable time.

Mattison’s City Grille Bradenton Riverwalk

If you’re looking for outstanding cuisine to pair with your live music, Mattison’s City Grille Bradenton Riverwalk should be high on your list. A true chef-owned restaurant, this is the place to take in the daily live music while enjoying your exceptional meal or drinks with friends. If blues is your thing, check out the Bradenton Blues Brunch (every fourth Sunday of each month), where local and touring blues musicians jam while you enjoy a delicious brunch from a specialty menu. Be sure to check out the award-winning Bradenton Blues Festival if you’re in town the first weekend in December!

Cortez Kitchen

Truly unique to the area is Cortez Kitchen, a local favorite nestled along the intercoastal waterway in the Historic Fishing Village of Cortez. Dine on freshly-caught seafood delivered directly to the restaurant by fishermen at the dock. Besides some of the best seafood in the area, you’ll find live music every weekend, featuring a variety of talented local musicians and bands.

Ed’s Tavern

A sports pub in the popular Main Street district of Lakewood Ranch, Ed’s Tavern is the perfect place to take in the big game, listen to live music, or test your knowledge with music trivia! With an extensive menu featuring delicious pub fare and unique beer, they have something for everyone. If you’re looking for even more live music, mark your calendar for Music on Main (the first Friday of every month). This free block party stretches the entire length of Main Street, featuring family-friendly festivities and live music on the big stage.

Image by @EdsTavernLWR

Island Time Bar & Grill

Historic Bridge Street on Anna Maria Island features many shops and restaurants, including Island Time Bar & Grill, an island favorite! The relaxed tropical atmosphere is the perfect place to walk in with flop-flops and take in the tunes. With made-from-scratch meals and famous margaritas, you’ll understand why locals and visitors come here for their daily dose of live music.

Image by @IslandTimeBarAndGrill

Gulf Drive Café & Kokonut Tiki Hut

What could be better than sifting your toes through the powder-soft sand of Anna Maria Island while enjoying live music and a delicious meal? Look no further than the Gulf Drive Café & Kokonut Tiki Hut, one of the best restaurants to soak in the flavor (and tunes!) of the island. Situated directly on the beachfront overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, this is the place to listen to local musicians as you watch the sun melt into the horizon.

More Music & More Fun

The Bradenton Area boasts an endless variety of restaurants, bars and other venues to satisfy the live-music fan in everyone, including the annual award-winning Bradenton Blues Festival.