Restaurant and Bar News: The Bamboozer to open in downtown Bradenton

A new bar soon will open its doors in downtown Bradenton, shortly after Gov. Ron DeSantis lifted state restrictions on Florida drinking establishments and other businesses.

The Bamboozer, located in the former space of Old Main Pub at 313 Old Main St., is set to hold its grand opening Friday. Joey Bennett, who will co-own the bar with his wife, Jaimie, also owns Play Arcade & Bar on Old Main Street, Pour Decisions Saloon in Sarasota’s Gulf Gate neighborhood and Solorzano’s on University Parkway.

Bennett purchased the space in December and initially planned to open over the summer, until Florida enforced restrictions on on-site alcohol sales for bars. The Bamboozer will sport an island theme, with frozen daiquiri machines, bright colors and décor including artwork from area muralist and chalk artist Matt McAllister.

“People coming to Florida always think we’re a giant cruise ship,” Bennett said. “On cruises, you’ve got daiquiris and the whole nine yards. So to me, that was one thing that was kind of missing from downtown.”

Along with various flavors of daiquiris made with sugarcane like pina colada, blue raspberry and mango, Bennett said there will be about eight beers on tap, including Kona Brewing Co.’s Longboard from Hawaii. There will be additional beer options in cans/bottles, along with wine. Food service will be available in the future via its own on-site food trailer, Bennett said, offering island fare such as pulled pork.

Both indoor and outdoor patio seating will be available, with around 100 seats in total. Despite the lifting of coronavirus restrictions, Bennett said the bar will not operate at 100% capacity immediately, and that staff will wear masks.

The Bamboozer will be open seven days a week, Bennett said, with “typical bar hours, noon-ish to 2:30 in the morning.” For more information, visit facebook.com/bamboozer941.