PIER 22 at 50: A Waterfront Tradition Continues

Opening a restaurant is hard. Keeping one thriving for half a century is next to impossible. Yet, PIER 22 has done just that, celebrating 50 years of serving the community with the same commitment that inspired its founders back in 1976.

PIER 22 has had a front row seat to five decades of change along the Manatee River. And while Bradenton has evolved around it, the restaurant has remained a place where locals flock to celebrate life’s biggest moments, families gather around the table, and everyone lingers a little longer for those waterfront views.

In fact, for locals who want to eat on the water in downtown Bradenton, PIER 22 is probably the first thing that comes to mind. It’s hard to imagine Bradenton’s waterfront without it. But in 1976, its future was anything but certain.

Then

The building that now houses the restaurant began life long before guests gathered there for sunset dinners and Sunday brunch. Originally known as Memorial Pier, the structure was built in 1928 as a tribute to the 21 men from Manatee County who lost their lives in World War I. Over the decades, it served many purposes, including a freight warehouse, the first home of the South Florida Museum, the Bradenton Chamber of Commerce, and Manatee County’s first radio station.

When Don Miller Development Corporation purchased the deteriorating property, the plan was not necessarily to preserve it. The aging building sat on failing pilings, and demolition seemed like the most practical business decision. Fortunately, after digging a little deeper, Don Miller, Jr. saw something worth saving.

Rather than seeing an aging structure that had reached the end of its useful life, Miller saw an opportunity to preserve a piece of Bradenton history. Restoring the building would take time, money, and vision, but the effort would ensure that Memorial Pier remained a place where the community could continue to gather for generations to come.

After two years of meticulous restoration, the building opened its doors as The Pier in 1976, beginning a new chapter for the historical waterfront landmark. Over the years, the restaurant would evolve, eventually becoming the PIER 22 that generations of locals know today.

“One thing that has remained constant over the past 50 years is the Miller family’s ownership, direction, and commitment to this community. My father, Don Miller, along with Dan Miller, originally developed and oversaw the restaurant during its first 17 years. For the past 33 years, I have had the privilege of continuing that legacy, expanding and guiding PIER 22 while staying true to the foundation they built,” said Hugh Miller.

“That continuity has allowed me to keep reinvesting in this historic property, not only through the building itself, but, more importantly, through the management team and staff who make our guests’ memories possible,” he added. “From birthdays and anniversaries to proms, celebrations of life, engagements, weddings, holiday dinners, and everyday gatherings, it has been an honor to play a part in so many meaningful moments over the years.”

Now

While the building’s history is what makes PIER 22 unique, it’s the experience inside those walls that has kept guests returning for five decades. Today, the waterfront restaurant continues to be a local favorite, offering everything from fresh seafood and sushi to steaks and craft cocktails. Its extensive wine list has also been repeatedly recognized with the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Combined with its iconic waterfront views, it’s easy to understand why PIER 22 has remained a Bradenton tradition.

One of the restaurant’s most popular draws is its happy hour, which is available daily from 3 to 6 p.m. Though the bar is a popular spot for the daily specials on both food and drinks, they are offered throughout the restaurant. Enjoy small plates like Mini Grouper Cakes, Spiced Bacon Deviled Eggs, and three varieties of wings from Caribbean to Asian to Hot. This is a great time to try a few different dishes at just $7 each. Order a glass of the house wine for $6 for the perfect pairing.

Of course, there are plenty of reasons to visit before the happy hour crowd arrives. Lunch at PIER 22 offers a more relaxed pace. Meet friends or just take a break from the day. Diners can settle in for everything from fresh seafood and salads to signature entrées, all with views of the Manatee River.

Dinner is where PIER 22 really shows off. Whether you choose the elegant dining room, a table overlooking the Manatee River, or a seat in the lively bar, the restaurant offers a dining experience to suit just about any occasion. For fine-dining dinner menu options, favorites are Chef Greg Campbell’s catch of the day, crab cakes with a spicy rémolaude, or twin Maine lobster tails. More in the mood for a hand-held meal? Try the grouper sandwich (I like it blackened) or the PIER 22 Burger (be hungry!) with a side of fries or their delicious slaw.

The entrée portions are generous, which should be enough to convince me to skip the starter menu. It never works. The Sesame Seared Tuna and Point Judith Calamari are simply too tempting. My husband and I have been known to turn three or four appetizers into dinner while lingering over a glass of wine on the patio.

Take a peek at the dessert menu before you go, even if you take it home for later. Both the Key Lime Meringue Pie and Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding are worth saving room for. After all, when the Manatee River is just outside your window, there’s no reason to rush the experience.

Visit PIER 22 at 1200 1st Ave. W., right on the beautiful Manatee River in downtown Bradenton. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., with Sunday brunch beginning at 10 a.m. and dinner service continuing until 10 p.m.