For 43 years, the Crows´s Nest in Venice has been serving delicious fish, seafood and meat specialties directly by the water. A lot has happened since its opening in 1976 when only 45 people could sit and dine here. Today, the restaurant can accommodate 150 hungry guests on two floors. Numerous awards say it loud and clear: The Crow’s Nest is as much a part of Venice as the beach and historic Downtown. Thanks to its own marina, the restaurant is also very popular among hobby skippers.
CULINARY CHOICES AT THE CROW´S NEST VENICE
No matter if you want to come for lunch or dinner: The menu at the Crow´s Nest provides the right choice for every taste. Or to be more precise: the menus, as the restaurant is divided in two parts.
THE CROW´S NEST TAVERN
Situated on the first floor is the Crow´s Nest Tavern, a casual restaurant that pleases the eye with its wood and bronze decor reminiscent of old pubs. Like you would expect from a waterfront restaurant, fish and seafood are very popular here. Those looking for a light snack on hot Florida days will love the Raw Bar serving delicacies like oysters, shrimp cocktails and middleneck clams.
Many long-term customers recommend the mackerel sandwich and the breaded scallops. And if you like it extra fresh, just order the catch of the day. Another highly popular choice is the Jetty Burger with prime beef, griddled ham and Swiss cheese. In addition, the restaurant serves a huge variety of sandwiches and wraps. These entrees come with homemade French Fries made from potatoes or sweet potatoes.
Not only vegetarians should try the One Way Salad with tomatoes, olives, cucumber, cheddar and honey-mustard sauce – a signature dish that you can only order at the Crow´s Nest. If you manage to leave some room for dessert, you can finish your meal with refreshing Key Lime Pie, Crème brûlée or homemade tiramisu.
Of course, you can also have a cold drink at the bar and watch your favorite team play on TV while waiting for a seat at the Crow´s Nest Restaurant upstairs.
THE CROW´S NEST RESTAURANT
This upscale restaurant not only amazes guests with its beautiful view of the marina and the canals of Venice. Thanks to the open kitchen design, you can also watch the chefs prepare delicious specialties right in front of your eyes.
One of the restaurant’s signature dishes is Grouper Key Largo: seared grouper filet with scallops, lobster and shrimps, served with Sauce Hollandaise. If you love Mediterranean cuisine, you should try the seafood ravioli with spinach, sheep milk cheese and mozzarella. The smoked Teriyaki-glazed Salmon is another popular choice.
In typical South Florida fashion, the Crow´s Nest also brings the flavors of the Caribbean to your table. “Floribbean” dishes include Bahamian Conch Fritters and Cuban Sandwiches with ham and molten cheese. Steak lovers cannot go wrong with the extra-tender Filet Mignon, also available in the Surf and Turf variety with lobster tails or fried shrimps.
Wine connoisseurs have yet another reason for visiting the Crow´s Nest: The restaurant features an extensive and highly awarded collection of more than 1.100 fine wines. 30 of them are available “by the glass”, so you can try them first before making your choice.
OFFERS AND EVENTS AT THE CROW´S NEST VENICE
- The Crow´s Nest Restaurant serves lunch from 11.30 am to 3 pm.
- The dinner menu is available between 5 and 9 pm (5 to 10 pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday).
- The Tavern is open from 11.30 am to 9 pm every day (11.30 am to 11 pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday).
If you want to dine with a discount, you will love the Happy Hour from 4 to 6 pm and 9 pm to closing time. Then, selected liquors, beers and wines are offered for half the price. On Saturdays and Sundays, the Happy Hour lasts from 11.30 am to 6 pm.
It pays to frequently check the official website crowsnest-venice.com. Here, you will find daily specials like 30% off all wines or dinner discounts for two persons. On the website, you cannot only see the menu, but also make a reservation – the sensible thing to do, especially on weekends. In case you want to host an unforgettable birthday party – the Crow´s Nest rents out its dining hall with enough room for 16 guests. And if you want to really spoil your loved ones, buy them a gift card online.
To keep up to date on events like live concerts, check out the restaurant’s official Facebook page.
DIRECTIONS TO THE CROW´S NEST
The restaurant is located just a 20 minute walk away from Venice Beach and the city center.