VB Restaurants

[Maistre Gracey]

I know this has been covered before, but the search function is down. If you would be so kind as to run through the best places to eat in VB, I would appreciate it. We are mostly looking for steak & seafood. We have one dinner planned at Sonya's...and btw, do they offer a priority seating there?

Thanx in advance for your help!

 

[Beth]

Maiste Gracey,

I was just getting ready to post a similar question - so I'm just going to tag along with your's....

We've eaten at Mr. Manatee's
(http://www.manatees.com/)
and the Lobster Shanty (http://www.jackbakerslobstershanty.com/fl/vero.htm).
Mr. Manatee's is a favorite - we eat there every time. My DH referred to the Lobster Shanty as a "blue hair" restaurant. Not very PC, I agree, but he tends to speak his mind... But I thought the food was pretty good.

Others really rave about "The Patio" - which is in town:
http://veropatio.com/

And the "Ocean Grill" is a classic - right on the Ocean:
http://www.ocean-grill.com

"My" question was...

I'm sending my parents over to Vero in October for their 45th wedding anniversary, and was thinking about ordering some gift certificates for some of these places ahead of time, then sending them to the resort, and asking Mousekeeping to place them in their room.

I'm definitely gonna get one for Capt Hiram's (http://www.captainhirams.com/index.cfm?Method=Restaurant) - as this is my Dad's favorite. I think I'll try the Patio, also - as so many have raved about this place.

Would you all suggest one for the "Ocean Grill," and one for Shutter's, also? It seems like there's been mixed reviews on this board for the Ocean Grill - but it's such a great location....

Any other suggestions?

 

[ncligs]

Maistre Gracey,

I have a link for all the restraunts at VB, but for some reason it won't work here on the DIS site. Sent you a PM, if it doesn't work there, you can e-mail me at ncligs1@aol.com and I will send it to you.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

THANX, ncligs! I got it. I will try to post the link:

Vero dining

 

[Beth]

Here's one more I forgot, which has been discussed on the Board several times:

http://www.blackpearlvero.com/

It actually has two locations - one is riverfront, and one is in town.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Thanx, Beth......

 

[Beth]

I'm 99% sure they offer PS's at Sonya's. Though we've never done it, the Sunday brunch is supposed to be wonderful, and a real favorite for the locals. I believe I've heard it recommended here to get a PS.

We were there over SuperBowl weekend this past February, and walked into the restaurant prior to opening just to check out the buffet. They had prepared many "creole" type dishes in honor of the festivities. The spread was amazing!!

 

[SnowWitch]

Beth I'll one up you I'm 100% sure they accept PS's at Sonyas.

I have sang The Patio's praises a few times on here and enjoyed it twice on this trip!~ We also tried Capt Hirams for the first time and enjoyed it even more than the Patio. Capt Hirams was more laid back we had a table on the water and those crab cakes, oh my!!! We will return to these two year after year. The OCean Grill we skipped this trip due to a not so glowing experience last year, I will say it had a fabulous view. We also enjoy Sonys but not Shutters.

 

[Paul in CT]

We just returned from 2 nights at VB DVC and have to recommend The Black Pearl Brasserie in VB. We have now been twice and had excellent meals each time! Also, it's one of the few nice restaurants open on a Monday night.

They are currently running a "Customer Appreciation" special. For $40/couple you get salad, entree, dessert AND a bottle of wine! I'm not a connoiseur of wine, but my wife and I really enjoyed the cabernet. you have a choice of cab, sauvignon blanc or chardonnay (Bodega Norton Vineyard, Argentina).

I had the salmon with dill sauce and my DW had the onion crusted chicken.

We also enjoyed Captain Hiram's. Although not air conditioned, we had a table right by the water.

Be sure to go for a drink or dessert in the Green Cabin Room at VB DVC.

Enjoy!!

 

[madcoco]

Hi Beth.Happy early anniversary to your parents.You could try the Seafood buffet at Sonyas. We had a PS seating there on the trip we met you guys and the food was excellent. We liked Hurricane Harbor(just down from Hiram's) but the last time we were there we noticed they use "fake" crabmeat
when they advertise "crab meat stuffing".I hate when a restaurant does that.But they have good fish and some of the best Conch chowder around they will even bring a bottle of Sherry to the table.

Another vote also for The Black Pearl and Brasserie and Mr Manatee's.
Mr Manatee's is a local casual favorite and a must stop on our trips.

 

[Beth]

...Still debating on my choices of gift certificates for my folks. FYI - they "do" offer gift certificates for both Shutters and Sonya's - but they must be purchased in person at the VB gift shop. But the restaurants will both also take Disney $$... FWIW...

Can anyone report any GOOD experiences with the Ocean Grill?!? It just seems like such a classic - I feel funny not to send them there, but it just doesn't get very good reviews on this board....

And, "Hi Mike." We hit Mr. Manatee's every time, too. Haven't heard of Hurricane Harbor - I'll have to check it out.

Why do my DVC vacations always revolve around food?!?!

 

[madcoco]

Hurricane Harbor is located south of Hiram's on the same river road behind the Fisher museum.Notice more locals there than tourists.It has been around for decades and you can tell They have a Sunday brunch(menu specials)that includes all you can drink bubbly for like $10.

http://www.printroom.com/_vti_bin/ViewImage.dll?userid=MDM3&album_id=87693&image_id=5&courtesy=1

Here is the seafood buffet menu from Sonya's(Res not high.Hope you can make it out.)
http://www.printroom.com/_vti_bin/ViewImage.dll?userid=MDM3&album_id=87693&image_id=34&courtesy=1

Almost forgot Don't know why people down the Ocean Grill(maybe tourist prices?)Everytime we have ate there it has been fine over the years. Really don't remember a bad experience.

 

[SnowWitch]

Let me expand on my comments about the Ocean Grille. I ordered the duck and asked for the orange sauce on the side. I really enjoyed the duck and the mashed potatoes. The downside and the reason we won't return would be my husbands order. He ordered some type of seafood platter, now with the dining area almost hanging out over the beach I would expect the seafood to have some taste . It did NOT!!! I know its seems harsh to not go back after one bad seafood experience but of all places I would hope their seafood would be good. MAybe you could suggest they order the duck or steak? MAybe they were having an off night but for $125 (only one glass of wine/no appetizers) I would like my seafood to have flavor.