January 21, 2023, being a Saturday night the suggestion that we should "go out" instead of take out sounded good! Finding a local restaurant open past the basic 9:00 or at the latest 10:00 PM closing almost every eatery in Brevard still continues,( although the time restrictions from the pandemic are gone? Here in Brevard many seem to hold onto limitations.) Brevard County seems clingy in holding on to the limited hours placed in open availability. Leaving many residents at a loss & unable to support many community eateries as the continued restrictive hour's conflict with many schedules.
A google search of restaurants open in Merritt Island provided Beef 'O' Brady's, off Courtney Parkway as open with a full menu until 11:00 PM on Saturday nights.
I had patronized several times prior and never had a bad experience, so off we went.
Arriving about 9:45 PM, the parking lot had few places filled. Leaving my roommate to find concern in if the hour of closing I had found was incorrect. I was confident as the "OPEN" sign flashing portrayed a feeling of security in being just that, so we entered...
A gentleman attending to the right portion of the restaurant in closing procedures extended a hearty welcome, addressing us in a friendly, unrehearsed manner & we were directed to take a seat wherever we liked on the bar side of the establishment. Booths, tables, and bar chairs were available, paytons occupied a few of each as we happily slide into a booth.
Almost immediately we were acknowledged by a very positive young wait person, taking our drink order & returning seconds after with our menus. Our drink order was returned in minutes, & she offered to return allowing us to look over all with a smile, so nice to not be made to feel we had limited time to place the order that other restaurants had made me feel limited in selecting!
I feel I am going on & on. I forget the basic Yelp review is a quick notice of stars and an explanation most often provided in less than a paragraph. Excuse me, I will minimalize the rest as best I can & proceed to the points.
Our server was replaced, and the alternate was as spectacular as the first. Great sense of humor, and was helpful without being intrusive, checking back at exactly the appropriate times, while placing watchful glances in our direction during our meal. My Ceaser Salad was surprisingly fresh for the time of night and near closing. The dressing was not of specific excitement, but fine. Croutons may I add were crisp and not at all stale! Very pleasing as I know I am not ordering fine dining? But having been served exhausted romaine with croutons that were done for the night elsewhere? I was pleased to receive the freshness I have not been provided in earlier service times elsewhere.
My roommate's Fish & chips were fine, again? It is not five-star dining here. Freshly made and tasty is great. And exactly what we received.
Thank you to our extremely pleasant server (who I also believe was the closing bartender) as I can be overly chatty. A point she tolerated well.
Left with a pleasant "Good Night" extended from the staff, no lack of niceties in goodbyes as experienced with other restaurants (closing much earlier than here).
Do you know what I am speaking of? When you hit the exit door and look behind to say a "thank you" or "goodnight" to the staff to see all refusing eye contact? Leaving with a feeling you left too late, burdening those employed thereby with presence.
Not at this Beef 'O' Bradys, I felt as comfortable leaving as I had entered, refreshing actually.
The pleasant although brief dining experience was one I would be glad to repeat anytime. A reasonable price point seems to insure that possible in the upcoming days. I would most defiantly recommend, and if looking for an eatery open later than most? No restrictive hours other venues offer?
I suggest trying Beef 'O' Bradys Merrit Island. The experience was an enjoyable one. read more