This is one of my VERY FAVORITE restaurants in Manatee county! You cannot choose wrong from the menu, but their hand cut fries are a MUST order! I love their bruschetta, and their caprese, their burgers and pizza's are delicious, but all of their entree's are mouthwatering. Their cocktails are mixed to perfection, and they have a nice selection of bourbons to choose from for the Old Fashion lovers or those who just want something on a rock! Don't forget to say Hi to the owner Marsha when you see her bubbling smile bouncing around! She's the one who ties the bow on the experience, making the evening a wonderful night out! read more

Great food and excellent service in a beautiful, old historic brick building! Particularly enjoyed the pizza! Will definitely be back.

The owner and staff make this neighborhood restaurant my favorite place for lunch & date night! The food is always amazing and they have the best fries around! My husband & I enjoy our date nights at Central Cafe. When you stop in for lunch, be sure to get the Californication. It's my favorite! read more

Food is always good and the cocktails are delicious. We love going here for girl's boozy lunches.

Went back again (shocker). The shrimp and grits special was fabulous! Happy forget the name of the bread app but that was good too. I like bread & cheese. read more

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Walking in the smell coming from the kitchen was amazing. We couldn't decide on what we wanted but we started with the tomato soup, fried okra. Fried okra was perfectly done and the sauce that came with it was absolutely delicious! The only issue with our cups of tomato soup paired with a homemade crouton and arugula, was that we should've ordered a bowl...hands down THE best tomato soup I've had in Bradenton. We decided to split the pork tacos and veggie sandwich. Again, everything was delicious and perfectly done. My son had a pizza and it looked and tasted just as amazing if not better! Next time we will save room for dessert! Cannot wait to continue trying everything on their menu! read more

Central Cafe - Tomato blue soup - New American Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

The food was amazing! We each had pizza and mine was gluten free/cauliflower and the best I've ever had. The brussel sprouts were so flavorful and shoestring fries were hot and tasty. The environment is cool - a historic building and they kept the character of the building. Wait staff and owner was attentive and friendly. Definitely worthy of a return visit. read more

Many people from my job come here for lunch and always come back late, I guess because of the wait. So, I had to go to see what the big deal was. It is nothing good, just like The Recipe Box, and I think people just go there for decent atmosphere. I guess for the good people of Bradenton it is very trendy and city-like. They have a few select items that are decent like the Steak and Fries (dinner only) and the Blue Cheese and Tomato Soup. But, it is not worth the drive downtown and the parking nightmare to get some soup. Their lunch items are really bad. Last time we went I ordered the Italian sandwich, and it was tasteless and the bread was dry and crumbly. Ugh... My workmate ordered a salad that was all spring mix with a scoop of protein and mayo salad in the center. All he ate was the mayo scoop and none of the spring mix. It is all really expensive too. So if you must go here to support not-so-tasty local business, then I recommend doing so at dinnertime. Oh, and get the soup. read more

My husband and I tried for first time and loved it! Ahí tacos are amazing! Everything was very fresh and the homemade sauces are top notch. Great beer selections! Our only suggestion would be to pipe in some music especially the bar area. Feels a little sterile and just lacks some ambiance Overall though nice experience. read more

This place is always incredible. Every order is fresh and super flavorful. The Californication sandwich is my go to. Seared Ahi tuna, bacon, arugula, on a freshly baked roll and topped with an amazing Wasabi aioli. Of course you have to order the huge pile of crispy fries ! Daily specials are great too. Flatbreads, yum! read more

Soooooooooo, let me start off by saying I've been a huge fan of Central Cafe and have come here quite often for lunch and brought other with me. I came on Monday 10/23 & Tuesday 10/24. When I came on 10/23, I noticed that the staff and cooks were different (than who I'm used to seeing). I ordered the mushroom/brie burger and fries (I've had this same menu item countless times). The bun has changed on the burger and the fries were different. Clearly, what used to be my favorite go-to place for "homemade" french fries has taken a different route. Although, I noticed the change, I didn't bring it up that day. However, when I came the next day, I asked our server had they changed the fries (because I was NOT going to order them again and be disappointed). She was adamant that they had not and they were the same fresh hand-cut french fries. I thought to myself "self" try them again maybe yesterday was an off day. Nevertheless, I order the tomato bleu soup and salad (both good). Well, sure enough, the fries come and they were the same crappy fries I had gotten the day before. A tray full of wasted money because we did not eat them. They were like the bottom of the bag type of fries or maybe even cooked in different oil....I have no clue but they are NOT the same. To confirm my suspicions, one of my friends who I introduced to Central Cafe went last week and he also said that the fries were different. Here's the thing "new" folks at Central Cafe, if you change something that's cool....you have that right but own up to it. Don't offend us french fry connoisseurs by telling us otherwise. I'm done with this joint until they fess up and/or bring back the original fry recipe. read more

Central Cafe is Bradenton's hidden gem and secret. Perfect atmosphere that is humble and homey but not stuffy or generic. Has that old time building vibe(because it is old!!!) with rustic floors and brick mixed with pipes and also high ceilings. The food is amazing, always. I cook most meals at home and take pride in what I do. Most restaurants are dismal at best, but Central cafe delights with unique blends of things that you can tell, a lot of thought and heart was put into it. Their chicken salad is unlike any I have ever tasted. I NEVER get chicken salad anywhere else. They make this in a sandwich or a salad form. Both delicious but the Chicken salad salad is amazing with candied nuts, cranraisins, mixed greens, fruit, tomato and a home made mustard sweet vinaigrette. Their home made skins-on shoestring fries with sea salt are amazing and really also the only place I love fries too. Perfect for lunch and fantastic for dinner with a special someone. They have a nice bar too with a few TV's and reasonable specials daily. Year after year we go there and it has never changed. Great look/feel, friendly and thoughtful service and food that is truly a treat to enjoy. read more

Outside performances along with the best tomato soup. The restaurant has a rustic feel and it complements the menu items

Ahi Tuna tacos are excellent, as well as crab cakes and vegetable egg rolls! One of our favorite restaurants in Bradenton!

This is the type of restaurant that I get really frustrated with. The food is pretty good or better, the liquor selection is pretty good the atmosphere is great (nice casual) and the service is good but the recipes are disappointing to me. It's what I refer to as a Foo Foo restaurant. This means non traditional preparations. Everything seems to have olives or capers, or craisins or something out of the ordinary. The burgers don't offer cheddar or American cheese only Swiss, or brie or blue cheeses. It's been a few weeks since I was there so I'm not remembering the menu as well as I would like to but I had to search hard to find something I would like. I finally chose the bacon & blue cheese burger. It was well made but not my first choice in make up. The beer options were interesting but nothing I would normally recognize (and I am a craft beer fan). Even the beer selections were unusual. Please note that I am well aware that many people will enjoy the menu but for those who like quality preparations of traditional dishes, this isn't the place. The food quality is good but the options are limited. Just my opinion. read more

Food ok. Had pizza of day, crispy crust. Moderate cheap. Friendly server. Parking lot kinda on side and in back.

Amazing! Vibe is cool, staff iffy maybe. Our waitress could have been having a bad day not sure but definitely not friendly. It's ok food was amazing. We both had pizza. Mine cauliflower crust and best cauliflower crust ever. Crisp and crunchy and flavorful. I had shrimp pesto pizza spouse had cheeseburger pizza. Will definitely be back. Maybe next time for dinner to try other items. read more

Went with a group so it was a challenge for our young server who did a great job getting our food out in reasonable time. Most people liked their food, but I encountered some difficulties worth mentioning. The menu offers Pot Stickers. But they delivered Deep Fried Dumplings. Someone should tell the kitchen what a pot sticker is, or they should change the menu. I ordered the Caprese Salad, which was nicely served on a board with some peppers and onion. But there was no bread, or breadsticks or anything to accompany. The Manager walked by and I asked, "Doesn't this come with bread?" and She said 'No.' and walked on by. She didn't even offer me bread. Wow. read more

Strange how I jump back into reviewing only to write a couple of 3 star reviews. You'd think a great experience, or a miserable one, would bring me back to my short (long) stories. But no, just felt it was time for a return. I had been to Central Cafe once before, but it was years ago and I don't remember it. This time, I was craving a burger. If you want a burger in downtown Bradenton, you go to Council's Bradenton Recreation Parlor. However, I wanted a thick juicy burger with lots of stuff on it, so I headed to SOB burger. Unfortunately, they were closed, so my burger search on yelp brought me here. its a cute little cafe on Manatee Ave with a nice little patio out back, which is where i sat. No one else was out there, so I had a nice quiet meal with a good book. Service was great - water stayed full, server checked on me without being intrusive. However, the burger and fries were mediocre. Kind of your typical diner burger with shoestring fries. It fills your belly and you feel satisfied, but you don't remember it. My biggest issue with the meal were the fries - they were drowning in oil. I know you have to dump them in oil to cook them, but you typically get fries back dry. These weren't dripping with oil, but they were still very oily and were repeating on me for hours (seriously, had lunch at 1 and at 7 I was still tasting the oil). Definitely better places in Bradenton for a burger, and nearly any place on Main Street downtown could give you a better sandwich than the burger I got here. Nevertheless, you won't be upset or angry with your meal if you come here - it just won't be anything special. read more

I formally gave Central Cafe 5 stars. I've been eating there for YEARS. I love Mark, Donna, Marley and their food. But I went in there today and almost got sick. Why are you showing Fox "news"? No free-thinking, intelligent person wants to be subjected to that pile of garbage. I will not spend my money in any establishment that plays a propaganda channel. Sorry, won't do it! Guess what? There are a lot of people who feel the same way. If you want to lose business by playing that filth, go ahead. read more

Where the heck is Central Manatee? Central Cafe - Located in the center of what is now known as Bradenton after Manatee declared bankruptcy in the early 1940's and combined city's resources. It's housed in one of the oldest brick buildings just west of downtown. The huge opened space has a very simple brick interior with a viewable kitchen and a small but well equipped bar. Beer (Draft and Bottles), Wine (Imports and locally crafted by owners brother) and cocktails are available. Happy Hour runs from 4pm - 7pm (3.50drafts/4.00 house wine) Seating includes tables, highboys, barstools and outdoor tables are also available in the rear on a nicely covered patio. Restaurant is spotless. Menu is adequate including Soup, Salads, Sandwiches, Burgers, Pizza and Plates. Some of the highlights are Creamy Tomato Blue Soup ****(made with an infusion of Blue Cheese), Mediterranean Salad ****(Zucchini, Artichoke, Mandarin Oranges, Asparagus, Blue Cheese Crumbles and Greens, Parmesan with Vinaigrette), Hand-Cut Fries ***** (Slices So Thin and So Good), Portabella Mushroom Pizza *****(Roasted Peppers, Onion, Pesto and Cheese on a Cracker Thin Crust). Ahi Tuna was noted on several selections, but did not have the opportunity to try. Presentations of all dishes are above average. Servers and Staff are very friendly, perky and knowledgeable of their dishes and all work as a team. No issues, speedy service! Target customers are Local, Suits, Trendies, Foodies, Travelers, Hipsters and Snowbirds...Leave the Kiddies at home. Highly recommended for lunch or dinner. But, get there by 11:30am for outside seating, they get packed but appear to accommodate all inside. Ambience **** Food **** Service ***** Quality ***** Value**** Happy Trailz! . read more

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Awesome and great personnel good vegan option....There impossible burger is awesome.. great food

This place used to be good. Went today with my two daughters.we got there at 1 ish finally got our bill at 3ish. My daughter ordered pork tacos on the menu I order and so did my other daughter.20 min later waitress walks up and says we are out of pork for the tacos . There was only 4 other people in there.where did it go? Why did it take 20 min to tell her. So she ordered a crabcake sandwich we waited another 25 min. Saw smoke coming from kitchen our food came her crab was burnt black really bad. We finally got our check 2 hrs later she said thanks for your patience.And the guy next to us sent his food back twice and then finally got up walked out. Never going again read more

My husband and I accidentally walked into this place thinking it was a different restaurant. My husband wanted to leave, but I decided we should stay, and have a drink/appetizer and then go to the restaurant we originally wanted to go to. I should have listened to my husband. First off the staff is nice, but it is a red flag when there are only like two tables with people, and they sit us in a hot corner with no air flow. Our waitress first phrase was "I'm not sure what we have on draft, I'm new" was the second red flag. The final red flag was the average cost of food on the menu was around $10-20+, which I find very pricy considering the location. So we ordered our drinks (unsweetened tea, and a beer) and a "featured appetizer" (Brie with strawberries and such) thinking we could be in and out. We received our drinks pretty quickly, but then again there weren't very many customers. After 40 minutes waiting on our "featured appetizer", we just decided to pay for the drinks and leave. The waitress said "I'm not sure what happened". Well either you didn't put in the order, or they forgot. Regard she should have checked on it. We'll never return. There are far too many restaurants to go to then this place. read more

A GEM in Bradenton! How come I've never been here before? Nice open space, excellent service, food fabulous! My hubby's burger was outstanding on a Ciabatta roll with hand cut string french fries. The large Mediterranean salad with chilled shrimp was fresh and flavorful. You must get the Belgian chocolate mousse! Don't share it!!! We will be back ! OFTEN! read more

Central Cafe - FRESH FRESH FRESH! Mediterranean Salad with chilled shrimp. OUTSTANDING! - New American Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

I LOVE this restaurant. Walking in, you wouldn't believe you were in a downtown Bradenton establishment. Central Cafe is located in a historic building, and the inside boasts lofted ceilings, exposed brick and a shabby/urban feel. The menu has an array of tasty offerings as well as daily specials. If you go, you MUST order the tomato blue cheese bisque, it is amazingly delicious. Central Cafe has various salads, sandwiches, pizzas and burgers on the menu as well. When I was there this past week, I chose to have the pork taco special which was delicious and filling. Central Cafe also serves dinner, and I look forward to returning for their dinner specials. But for lunch, it is a fabulous choice if you are in the downtown Bradenton area. read more

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Delicious sandwich , got the French American one with Brie bacon and fresh tomatoes . French fries are the best I have tried in years ! Homemade !. The service was great and fast . Great great staff great experience read more

Went for the first time tonight. Had fried okra w 2 sauces and oven roasted cauliflower as appetizers. Both were excellent and generous portions. Next we had the jalapeño Swiss burger with fries and ahi tuna tacos with mixed greens and vinaigrette. Everything was super fresh and tasty and prices were reasonable. Fun comfortable atmosphere and attentive service. We will most definitely be back! read more

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Drago's next door was closed, so I tried this place for lunch. Chicken salad sandwich $10.00. A small plastic cup of beer $6.50. Small plastic cup of iced tea $2.50 The sandwich was good, but this place is insanely overpriced. What did I get for twenty bucks? Not much. Not impressed. read more

hmmm a bit overpriced. not many vegetarian options - the sandwich i head was just raw veggies and bread. no seasoning, no sauce, no cheese

Central Cafe is a super cute little restaurant but unfortunately that's about all it has going for it. Tomato soup was great! My mom liked her burger but the fries were so over cooked you couldn't eat them. Everything on the jerk chicken plate was so over seasoned you couldn't taste the chicken, potatoes or corn. The chicken was also dry and difficult to cut. I would probably give it another chance as a hangout spot with friends for a beer or wine instead of for dinner. Staff was kind and pretty attentive. read more

One of my favorite Friday night eating spots in Bradenton (not open of Saturday evenings.) Tomato blue cheese soup, excellent burgers on ciapatta rolls, best handcut fries in the world, coconut shrimp, salads, pizzas, the Friday night stuffed portobella mushroom was excellent. Super friendly service and nice urban feel. Beer and wine, and the desserts are good too. Prices seem fair to me. Just wish they were open on Saturdays. read more

Central Cafe - New American Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

We love this place, the atmosphere, the waitstaff and the food is always the best. The best burger in town

service and food was fantastic! We were served by Shelby and she made the whole experience better! best spot in Bradenton for good food and fun vibes! read more

This is a really fun space: out door with dogs allowed (priority for me) and Brunch menu included avocado toast and stuffed French toast which were delicious. Bradenton is a cool place to be with this cafe. They just need a coffee machine! read more

I am surprised that this place got as many stars as it did. Food - To start the menu is not that great. I literally could only find one thing on the menu that I though would be ok. I ordered the hot ham and cheese. Literally the ham was deli counter ham, and not Boars Head brand. Honestly it reminded me more of baloney than ham. Actually it was kind of slimy, the texture just didn't seem right and it was so salty I could barely eat it. $13 for a ham and cheese with fries at lunch is ridiculous if you ask me. Atmosphere - very cute on the inside. Cleanliness was ok, my lunch mate had to wipe crumbs off the seat of his chair before he sat down. Service- was good. Waitress was attentive. read more

This cafe was wonderful! The ambiance was so pleasant and the wait staff was wonderful. I ordered a burger with portobello and Brie, which transported me back to a trip I had in Paris with how delicious it was. My companions ordered two salads and a chicken salad sandwich. The salads were massive, beautiful with color, and delicious! The chicken salad sandwich was great as well, and my friend was unable to finish the whole thing! Wonderful experience! I highly recommend! read more

Central Cafe - New American Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

Found this place when I though I was going to go to a different nearby establishment that was closed. This was a pleasant surprise considering they had excellent food specials and pleasant service. Had grilled octopus and meatball appetizers, both specials, excellent. Then dinner was seared Ahi tuna for her and shrimp/ artichoke pizza for myself. Both great, only item I would change is the pizza crust....Just needs to be lighter and more crisp, Not sure what they have for their pizza oven but I am thinking this crust needs to be more of a coal fired thin crust, otherwise the toppings were generous and good. I am a bit picking when it comes to pizza lol read more

Service was lackluster & inattentive. Hostess seated us and we waited an extended amount of time prior to the server greeting us (more than 5 minutes). Restaurant is not that grande, nor were we seated in a corner, for our 3 top to go unnoticed for such an extended period of time. All the photos online had a mouthwatering appeal.... however the actual food flavor was mediocre. Went with the bacon blue burger- the patty seemed like a sams club clearance frozen patty that was over cooked. Heed my warnings. read more

This restaurant is a must visit! From the first moment you enter the decor sets a mood. A relaxed ambiance that is trying to do something different. Indeed they do that and do it well. The staff is extremely pleasant in all ways and very accommodating. The best thing on the menu are the malt vinegar fries. They come out fast and hot. They are presented on butcher paper and first your eyes are over taken and next their salty smell hits your nose. When a fry finally hits your tongue you will be enjoying every mouth watering bite. I have been a few times and I cannot wait to go back. read more