The guy bartenders are awesome! Joe, Mike, Nate! Quick with a drink and wit, great fun and great food. Mostly locals, but tourist have fun cause we're friendly. If there isn't live music the jute box is always on. The menu is diverse and fresh local seafood, mussel, raw bar, fresh smoker pork, chicken, crabby balls, soft shell crab sandwich! You just can't go wrong with the coldest beer and best food in town for reasonable prices. Bar seating, high top tables and regular table seating. Dance floor, yup you better get in here!
(5)
Vic O.
This unclean place is a very dark dive bar where smoking is allowed and actively pursued.
(1)
Sarah J.
This place is awesome!! Nate the bartender is Great n very attentive!! Always a good time when we cone here.The food is outstanding n fresh!! The live bands are Fantastic!!!!!
(5)
Joshua D.
We were recommended to the Clam Factory by a server from another restaurant. We asked where the best Oysters were and she was right! Our server Steve was the best! Everything he suggested was awesome. Drinks and food where great! Definitely a place to go again!! If you are in the area, this is a must!!
(5)
Nikki N.
GREAT MUSIC blues oldies cover band the other night...great singers hopping older crowd tho...cute spot... yummy food ryte price oysters rocked the other nite and one came with a baby pearl!!!wife says its a cash cow owners are making bank! Not too smoky even thou smoking is allowed.. great weekly specials relaxed crowed seems to be the locals joint.
(5)
Gabrielle M.
My parents had been here once before and from what they described we did not know what to expect but were pleasantly surprised! We had friends visiting from back east so we came for Ipswich Clams which were great! They had a door on the bathroom (which was not there the last time my mom was there lol)! They also had a great duo performing live music. They were doing covers from Stevie Nicks and Cher it was a lot of fun! I had a piece of Ahi tuna which was super fresh. I would go back here, depending on the band playing : ) They do allow smoking in the building but it was not bad and I usually am sensitive to smoke.
(4)
Cheryl M.
We were excited to try the restaurant. Good reviews and the menu looked good. We walked in and walked out. It smelled so bad we left. I was surprised to see a restaurant let people smoke in it - especially while serving food.
(1)
Nonfiction W.
We literally can not go anywhere else to eat or drink. This place has us so spoiled. The food here is outstanding AND reasonably priced. Let me say that again. The food is OUTSTANDING. You can go any other restaurant on AMI and in the area and order sub par food and pay double the price if you want to. I've been an area resident for 15 years, and can't name one casual restaurant nearby where the value and quality are matched. Emphasis on quality. Ate a burger at a bridge street restaurant and paid double the price for a small, nasty burned up little thing. Gross. Kicked myself for trying a new place, when I know where I can get a great meal, and a drink at the Clam. Every menu item I've eaten at the Clam factory has been awesome. The drinks are good and reasonably priced as well. If you don't favor smoking establishments though, this place is not for you, but order to go. You'll be happy you did. I love this place. And quite frankly, rarely spend my money anywhere else. Friendly staff, great live music. It's not pretentious, and very laid back. The food is great. Come for the food.
(5)
Michele B.
Came here while visiting my friends who recently relocated here. We got the crabby balls (amazing!), salmon-tuna-scallion sushi (fresh and good), fish tacos (best any of us have ever tried), Asian mahi mahi salad (sooo good!), and the soft shell crab sandwich (goooood). We were all impressed with the food, drinks, music, and divey atmosphere. The locals said this will now be their regular.
(5)
Dennis W.
While visiting, planned on stopping at Jose's but it was closed. Used Yelp to find something close, so stopped here. Great surprise and impressive food! We were quite impressed for the food quality of a somewhat dive bar. Amazing waitress too and $2 Bloody Mary!
(4)
Rachel K.
Fantastic! Ordered the 1lb steamed mussels and the world famous crab balls for our appetizers. Both amazing. My friend had the blackend fish tacos which he describes as "yummy!" I ordered the soft shell crab sandwich and scarfed of down in a matter of minutes. So good! Service was great as well.
(5)
Joy S.
the smell of stale beer and cigarette smoke kept us from eating here!! so gross!!!!!!
(1)
Rocky B.
My wife and I were invited by our musician friends to come play at the Clam Jam. So on Tuesday 9/23/2014 we went for our first time. While we were there a lady falls to the floor. I see that she is in full extension and has a slight arch at her cervical region and her head is on the concrete. A man is holding her hand and yelling at people!! so I step up and say to the man she appears to be having a seizer she needs someone to support her head, I am in the medical field. The man then yells at me and says "I AM THE OWNER AND YOU! NEED TO GET THE F%%$ out of hear and F*&% leave her alone she needs F*&% air". I stepped away and told the man she is not being supported she needs someone to support her head. My wife who is also in the medical field states she needs support, I want to assist the lady. The owner then yells and verbally abuses my wife, B*%&h get F*&% away! My wife takes her seat next to me and then later the owner comes over to where we are seated and yells at my wife and I again! "I am the F*&% owner and me and my F*&% staff can take care of our patrons DON'T YOU EVER F*&% DO THAT AGAIN!" The owner is Rude, Mean, and Nasty, he did not handle this situation in a professional manner. The owner did not have to come over later and abuse us a second time after everything was over. I did tell the owner that we did not deserve the abuse and that we would never come back again.
(1)
Joey Y.
It didn't occur to us before but takeout from here is an awesome alternative to Chinese or pizza. We got crab fritters ribs and half chickens. The food is good there but we have a four year old and I know it's weird for Bradenton but we frown on taking him to bars with smoking. Call us crazy or stupid Yankees but takeout from here will be a new favorite for us!
(5)
Mara F.
The only reason for a 3 is their drinks - which are awesome. Everything else was just ok - fried clams were all batter - chili meatballs tasted frozen , fried shrimp were small and again a lot of batter. Attitude of the cook / owner? Didn't give a sh@t! Too bad! Seems like they have good fresh seafood - That being said - I do know people who love the raw bar there. They have entertainment and are basically friendly. Will go back there for the drinks. Bartenders are great. Personable and friendly.
(3)
Mark B.
They call it a five star dive bar! Correct. Best food. Best bartenders. Best service. Best live music. Best jam night (Clam Jam). This place is like family. If you want to have fun they will help you any way they can. Great spot.
(5)
Tom S.
The best Cuban in the area and a wonderful soft shelled crab sandwich! I love their food! They serve hefty drinks too!
(5)
Mike C.
Clam jam Tuesday. Always a great night good food live music the band can get big as everybody who can play is welcome been ar some amazing sessions Well worth a vist
(5)
aileen h.
We stopped here after a looonnngggg day the beach. What a pleasant surprise! The service was stellar, the owners friendly and personable and the local patrons were very welcoming. We ordered the crappy balls and they were perfectly fried with a light batter and tasty. We also ordered the steamed mussels and they were fresh and seasoned well. We loved the extra touch of serving a crisp bread for dipping in the mussels garlic juices. The burger was huge and juicy. We also ordered the blackened fish tacos and it was steak night so we also had a 14 oz steak with and potato. The tacos were tasty with a sufficient amount of fish. The steak was grilled practically at our table because the grill is outside in the front close the seating area which was nice because the smell from the grill was incredible. The only reason I rated 4 is because they do allow for smoking inside. It does seem to have a heavy bar following - there was a band setting up when we were leaving so I get it. No smoking would have definitely earned the extra star.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Late Night Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Divey Noise Level : Loud Music : Live Good For Dancing : Yes Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Mon, Tue Coat Check : No Smoking : Yes Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Sophia R.
The guy bartenders are awesome! Joe, Mike, Nate! Quick with a drink and wit, great fun and great food. Mostly locals, but tourist have fun cause we're friendly. If there isn't live music the jute box is always on. The menu is diverse and fresh local seafood, mussel, raw bar, fresh smoker pork, chicken, crabby balls, soft shell crab sandwich! You just can't go wrong with the coldest beer and best food in town for reasonable prices. Bar seating, high top tables and regular table seating. Dance floor, yup you better get in here!
(5)Vic O.
This unclean place is a very dark dive bar where smoking is allowed and actively pursued.
(1)Sarah J.
This place is awesome!! Nate the bartender is Great n very attentive!! Always a good time when we cone here.The food is outstanding n fresh!! The live bands are Fantastic!!!!!
(5)Joshua D.
We were recommended to the Clam Factory by a server from another restaurant. We asked where the best Oysters were and she was right! Our server Steve was the best! Everything he suggested was awesome. Drinks and food where great! Definitely a place to go again!! If you are in the area, this is a must!!
(5)Nikki N.
GREAT MUSIC blues oldies cover band the other night...great singers hopping older crowd tho...cute spot... yummy food ryte price oysters rocked the other nite and one came with a baby pearl!!!wife says its a cash cow owners are making bank! Not too smoky even thou smoking is allowed.. great weekly specials relaxed crowed seems to be the locals joint.
(5)Gabrielle M.
My parents had been here once before and from what they described we did not know what to expect but were pleasantly surprised! We had friends visiting from back east so we came for Ipswich Clams which were great! They had a door on the bathroom (which was not there the last time my mom was there lol)! They also had a great duo performing live music. They were doing covers from Stevie Nicks and Cher it was a lot of fun! I had a piece of Ahi tuna which was super fresh. I would go back here, depending on the band playing : ) They do allow smoking in the building but it was not bad and I usually am sensitive to smoke.
(4)Cheryl M.
We were excited to try the restaurant. Good reviews and the menu looked good. We walked in and walked out. It smelled so bad we left. I was surprised to see a restaurant let people smoke in it - especially while serving food.
(1)Nonfiction W.
We literally can not go anywhere else to eat or drink. This place has us so spoiled. The food here is outstanding AND reasonably priced. Let me say that again. The food is OUTSTANDING. You can go any other restaurant on AMI and in the area and order sub par food and pay double the price if you want to. I've been an area resident for 15 years, and can't name one casual restaurant nearby where the value and quality are matched. Emphasis on quality. Ate a burger at a bridge street restaurant and paid double the price for a small, nasty burned up little thing. Gross. Kicked myself for trying a new place, when I know where I can get a great meal, and a drink at the Clam. Every menu item I've eaten at the Clam factory has been awesome. The drinks are good and reasonably priced as well. If you don't favor smoking establishments though, this place is not for you, but order to go. You'll be happy you did. I love this place. And quite frankly, rarely spend my money anywhere else. Friendly staff, great live music. It's not pretentious, and very laid back. The food is great. Come for the food.
(5)Michele B.
Came here while visiting my friends who recently relocated here. We got the crabby balls (amazing!), salmon-tuna-scallion sushi (fresh and good), fish tacos (best any of us have ever tried), Asian mahi mahi salad (sooo good!), and the soft shell crab sandwich (goooood). We were all impressed with the food, drinks, music, and divey atmosphere. The locals said this will now be their regular.
(5)Dennis W.
While visiting, planned on stopping at Jose's but it was closed. Used Yelp to find something close, so stopped here. Great surprise and impressive food! We were quite impressed for the food quality of a somewhat dive bar. Amazing waitress too and $2 Bloody Mary!
(4)Rachel K.
Fantastic! Ordered the 1lb steamed mussels and the world famous crab balls for our appetizers. Both amazing. My friend had the blackend fish tacos which he describes as "yummy!" I ordered the soft shell crab sandwich and scarfed of down in a matter of minutes. So good! Service was great as well.
(5)Joy S.
the smell of stale beer and cigarette smoke kept us from eating here!! so gross!!!!!!
(1)Rocky B.
My wife and I were invited by our musician friends to come play at the Clam Jam. So on Tuesday 9/23/2014 we went for our first time. While we were there a lady falls to the floor. I see that she is in full extension and has a slight arch at her cervical region and her head is on the concrete. A man is holding her hand and yelling at people!! so I step up and say to the man she appears to be having a seizer she needs someone to support her head, I am in the medical field. The man then yells at me and says "I AM THE OWNER AND YOU! NEED TO GET THE F%%$ out of hear and F*&% leave her alone she needs F*&% air". I stepped away and told the man she is not being supported she needs someone to support her head. My wife who is also in the medical field states she needs support, I want to assist the lady. The owner then yells and verbally abuses my wife, B*%&h get F*&% away! My wife takes her seat next to me and then later the owner comes over to where we are seated and yells at my wife and I again! "I am the F*&% owner and me and my F*&% staff can take care of our patrons DON'T YOU EVER F*&% DO THAT AGAIN!" The owner is Rude, Mean, and Nasty, he did not handle this situation in a professional manner. The owner did not have to come over later and abuse us a second time after everything was over. I did tell the owner that we did not deserve the abuse and that we would never come back again.
(1)Joey Y.
It didn't occur to us before but takeout from here is an awesome alternative to Chinese or pizza. We got crab fritters ribs and half chickens. The food is good there but we have a four year old and I know it's weird for Bradenton but we frown on taking him to bars with smoking. Call us crazy or stupid Yankees but takeout from here will be a new favorite for us!
(5)Mara F.
The only reason for a 3 is their drinks - which are awesome. Everything else was just ok - fried clams were all batter - chili meatballs tasted frozen , fried shrimp were small and again a lot of batter. Attitude of the cook / owner? Didn't give a sh@t! Too bad! Seems like they have good fresh seafood - That being said - I do know people who love the raw bar there. They have entertainment and are basically friendly. Will go back there for the drinks. Bartenders are great. Personable and friendly.
(3)Mark B.
They call it a five star dive bar! Correct. Best food. Best bartenders. Best service. Best live music. Best jam night (Clam Jam). This place is like family. If you want to have fun they will help you any way they can. Great spot.
(5)Tom S.
The best Cuban in the area and a wonderful soft shelled crab sandwich! I love their food! They serve hefty drinks too!
(5)Mike C.
Clam jam Tuesday. Always a great night good food live music the band can get big as everybody who can play is welcome been ar some amazing sessions Well worth a vist
(5)aileen h.
We stopped here after a looonnngggg day the beach. What a pleasant surprise! The service was stellar, the owners friendly and personable and the local patrons were very welcoming. We ordered the crappy balls and they were perfectly fried with a light batter and tasty. We also ordered the steamed mussels and they were fresh and seasoned well. We loved the extra touch of serving a crisp bread for dipping in the mussels garlic juices. The burger was huge and juicy. We also ordered the blackened fish tacos and it was steak night so we also had a 14 oz steak with and potato. The tacos were tasty with a sufficient amount of fish. The steak was grilled practically at our table because the grill is outside in the front close the seating area which was nice because the smell from the grill was incredible. The only reason I rated 4 is because they do allow for smoking inside. It does seem to have a heavy bar following - there was a band setting up when we were leaving so I get it. No smoking would have definitely earned the extra star.
(4)