great beach bar & restaurant complex on the gulf. sharkey's is a tourist trap that locals love too. it combines the best of public facilities (beach, pier, parks) with private conveniences (restaurant, bar, store, bistro).
we've been coming here for years and i'm pleased to say sharkey's has improved considerably this year. they have unbeatable views, a fantastic newer pier to walk before or after you dine, it's located right on venice beach, has regular live music ... what more could you want? well, they have improved this year with brand new public restrooms outside (very clean and nice, in the blue building), a far more organized front of house including the seating process with pagers and a diligent hostess, new outdoor areas with added seating for guests when it is busy, and agreatgolf cart shuttle to help those who need it navigate between the "complex" (restaurant/bar/pier etc.) to the parking lot or even to the gorgeous public park right next door.
ok, so here is a qucik run down of how "we do sharkey's." from a former tourist cum local who has frequented this place for over 15 years:
we drop everyone off at the front and get out names on the list. one person stays at the front with the beeper while the rest of the group walks the pier. don't stray too far out ... they wont seat you unless your party is all present. if you are eating, sit inside for the best service, best/biggest alcoholic drinks, and best overall experience. it took us a long time to figure this out. but the back deck is chaos with poor service, sometimes high winds which make eating outside difficult, and it is often very crowded and loud. we've founf inside is a far better experience with excellent views. relax ... you can always go on the back deck for a drink or desset after your meal ot walk the pier!
we recommed ordering the bimini beach burger ... excellent. hands down my favorite burger in florida. and agreatdeal on their menu. this is far better than their kobe burger, suprisingly. you cannot go wrong with the bimini burger with jack cheese, medium or med rare.. we get the mushrooms and onions on the side, as they can be messy. these burgers are huge, juicy and flavorful.
we also recommend ordering 18 peel n eat shrimp for $11.50. the best value in seafood on their pricey menu and so tasty too! also ask for horseradish, as their cocktail sauce has no "kick" to it.
the guys in our group always get the bait bucket margarita ... watch out, they're strong!
another not on the menu tip: you can add 5 large fried shrimp to any entree for $5 or so. well worth it if you just need a taste of the surf.
a good inexpensive appetiser is the beach breat for $7.50 or the clam chowder for $5.50 is another affordable way to get you seafood fix!
you will also be served fresh bananna bread/sweet fruit bread before your meal. we save it and eat is as dessert at the end.
be prepared to pay about $15 to $20 per entree and always inquire about the market price if you are ordering their daily catch ... their prices can be riiculously high ... one time i paid close to $19 for a grouper sandwich! so either plan to pay or plan to get the affordable options i've outlined above.
after your meal, walk the pier if you havent already or walk next door to the gorgeous beachfront park and walk their 1 mile loop on the beach front or duck into one of their private little coves to watch the sunset. or best yet, ditch your shoes and walk directly on the beach! beach access is provided via a ramp leading down from the first park observation deck. be cautioned: do not ditch your shoes straight away ... walk out with them until you get past all the very prickly vegetation and onto the actual all sand beach!
enjoy a spectacular place that we've been sharing for close to 20 years!
this place is an institution. sharkey's is so unique because of the combination of services, activities and entertainment they provide.