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Sometimes you just gotta get away. Get away from the trendy neighborhoods. Get away from the bustling entertainment districts. Get away from the tourist attractions.
Sometimes you just gotta find a bar not filled with the blabbing of pseudo-intellectuals, the glares of well-dressed phonies or the annoying behavior of rank amateurs whose next stop is Disney World.
Out-of-the-way bars that brim with authenticity and Old Florida charm don’t really get any better than Woody’s River Roo. The bar and grill hugs the Manatee River near Interstate 75 in Ellenton. It’s a popular spot for boaters, bikers and various other working-class heroes.
Credit my amazing wife Kristin for suggesting we make the trip from our home in Northwest Bradenton to this hidden treasure for a late lunch and, mostly for me, libations, on a Saturday afternoon. I had a foggy memory of frequenting the place shortly after it opened about a decade ago. But I couldn’t be sure of its merits.
Kristin assured me it would be worth the drive. As soon as we pull up to the River Roo, nestled along the river and tucked away under a canopy of Spanish moss-covered trees, I’m in complete agreement.
The rain has just stopped but threatens to return so we sit at the main bar, which is conveniently covered. I ask about specialty drinks and the bartender suggests the “Woodyrita” ($5.50). It’s basically a margarita with cranberry juice and does the job. I see a sign advertising $3.75 Sierra Nevada pints “all summer long” and soon switch to a cold draft of the hoppy brew.
The River Roo reminds me of a smaller, waterfront version of the famed Skipper’s Smokehouse in North Tampa. They both have a covered stage for live music, outdoor seating for the audience, bar area and dining room.
While Skipper’s books national bands (and charges admission accordingly), the Roo sticks with local acts that play the classic rock songs you know by heart. Also, the Roo has a tiki bar, right out there on the peninsula that wraps around the boat slips.
While I’m making mental notes my wife is sipping on Michelob Ultra ($3.25) and surveying the lengthy menu. We decide on a single pound serving of chicken wings ($7.99). She tells me the Roo has good food.
The bartender asks if we like crispy wings and we respond with a great big “yes.” He recommends we order them “naked” and says just get whatever sauce we want – hot, medium, mild, etc. – on the side.
OK.
“I live in St. Pete and only get wings when I drive down here,” the bartender says. “They’re that good.”
While Skipper’s books national bands (and charges admission accordingly), the Roo sticks with local acts that play the classic rock songs you know by heart. Also, the Roo has a tiki bar, right out there on the peninsula that wraps around the boat slips.
While I