The Linger Lodge Restaurant and Bar
Step back to the “Olden Days” of FloridaBut, also, this is one of those few remaining places that people here call “Old Florida,” dating back to the mid 40’s when it began as a campground. Some would call it a “tourist trap.” I wouldn’t. It’s unique and someplace to experience mainly because you don’t find ‘em like this anymore! And if you're hungry and looking for a great, scenic view, you can kill two birds with one stone because there's some good food and a terrific view of backwoods, unspoiled old Florida here. The restaurant and bar depicts, at least, what “old Florida” may have been like at least a couple decades ago.
The Linger Lodge – Florida in the old days.
The restaurant houses a main indoor dining room, an indoor bar and two back deck screened in porches which look out on the Braden River, just steps below. This is one of the more scenic sights to view that’s not on the Gulf of Mexico.The wait staff here is friendly and attentive and the food is good. Not to diminish the quality of the food or the staff, but the real “star” of this location is the place itself, along with its view and old time atmosphere. Another nice thing about the back deck, where we sat, on a recent visit is that the tables aren’t crammed in and you’re not sitting on top of the next dining party.
We found the variety, not large or unique, but it was just fine with us for the kind of place this is. We weren’t expecting a five star gourmet experience. We were expecting exactly what we got: decent food, decent price, attentive service, great scenery and an old time Florida atmosphere.
My burger came cooked the way I liked it and on a Kaiser bun which was fresh, soft and delicious. Prices were average; the burger was $7.95, a couple of draft beers for $6 and the salad for $6.95 plus the grilled chicken added on to the salad order for $2.50.  By the way, ask to see an old copy of their parody “Road Kill Menu” which includes great menu spoof items like “Guess That Mess,” (if you guess what it is you eat it for free!) or Road Toad A La Mode! As they joke here, “Linger Lodge Restaurant, where the food bites back!”
After lunch or dinner you might amble down to the banks of the Braden River outside the restaurant and bar and rent a canoe or kayak for your own little adventure and scenic tour of the surroundings. While not one of the restaurants in Sarasota, you’ll surely get quite a kick out of the place on your little road trip from Sarasota. It’s someplace you can bring the kids, or a place you can go on a date. And it’s only a short drive north on I-75 from the Sarasota area.   Hours: Sunday, Wednesday & Thursday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Closed Monday & Tuesday.
Directions: From the intersection of I-75 and S.R. 70, go west on S.R. 70 to Tara Blvd. (1st red light) Turn south (left) on to Tara Blvd and follow until you come to Linger Lodge Rd. Turn east (left) and follow Linger Lodge Road until you see the directional signs to the restaurant and campground. (941) 755-2757. The Linger Lodge is located at 7205 Linger Lodge Road, Bradenton.
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The food is standard fare, from appetizers such as Buffalo wings, gator bites, onion rings, mozzarella sticks and the likes to half-pound burgers, BBQ ribs, specialty salads and more. 
My dining companion loved her extra large house salad with grilled chicken and home made honey mustard salad dressing. 
