This restaurant was recommended by a friend when she heard I was going to see the manatees at the Big Bend hydroelectric plant. She said it was five minutes away and had great food.
I took her advice and, once there, asked to look around. The inside looks small but extends behind the hostess booth so is much roomier than it initially appears. Near the back is a cozy covered outside area with a fireplace. It would be perfect for chilly evenings when you don’t want to be cooped up inside for dinner.
Then there’s the outside. What a glorious setting. There’s lots of greenery around the perimeter of the restaurant and beautiful views of the water and the boats. The day was perfect – little to no wind, peekaboo sun, and bearable humidity.
I opted to eat al fresco and chose a table near the water. Then I checked out the fare their website describes as “seafood-focused,.” Yes, there are lots of seafood dishes but you can still find a few chicken and beef options if that’s your preference.
I started with the crab and corn chowder and should’ve stopped with that. It was delicious. However, it’s not a tiny cup so keep that in mind if you have a big entree coming.
I also chose the mango-topped mahi mahi lunch special. The menu describes it as mahi mahi over toasted coconut and almond rice pilaf with sauteed green beans and carrots, topped with a mango salsa and sitting on a light mango-chardonnay butter sauce.
I know. It sounds decadent and looks spectacular, right? It was oddly bland. It doesn’t help that I filled up on the outstanding soup, but this just needed something. Maybe some (or more) spices? Salt? I don’t know. I found myself wishing I’d just had soup for lunch.
That said, I’d recommend this as a great place to sit back, relax and enjoy the view. There are so many delectable-sounding entrees available that the disappointment with the mahi mahi wouldn’t stop me from returning and sampling something else on the menu. Give it a try.
- 1212 Apollo Beach Blvd., Apollo Beach, Florida
- 813-641-3275
- Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM / Friday & Saturday 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- http://www.circleswaterfront.com
- Free parking
- Wheelchair accessible
Lisa Browder 
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