By Jessica Tuggle
jtuggle@hometownnewsol.com
VERO BEACH -- Clams and shrimp and mussels, oh my!
One of the newest additions to the downtown Vero Beach scene is Shuckdaddy's Rock 'n Raw Bar, a casual dining experience with music, plenty of seafood, and menu items hot off the grill.
Shuckdaddy's is located in Bombay Louie's old space and is managed by Bob Majors.
The large, open-view raw bar sets the sports bar apart from other bars in the area, Mr. Majors said.
Different days of the week boast different specials. On Mondays the feature is mussels, Tuesdays is snow crab, Wednesdays is clams and chicken wings, Thursdays is oysters and on Sundays the feature is a steam combination of snow crab, shrimp and clams.
"We probably have the biggest raw bar in Central Florida," Mr. Majors said.
With the downtown business and arts district growing all around them, Mr. Majors wanted to create a space that families and individuals could relax, spread out and enjoy their food and company.
On the weekends, local live rock 'n roll bands are booked as entertainment, but on Thursdays from 7 p.m. to midnight, karaoke music is featured, and bar patrons can hit the stage.
"We really encourage even the kids to get up and sing, and they'll have a blast," Mr. Majors said.
While the menu may not be as extensive as other places, what Shuckdaddy's does offer, it offers at a high level for a reasonable price.
Clams on the half shell can be ordered steamed with a garlic, wine and butter sauce. Many of the clams are harvested locally and in Florida, Mr. Majors said.
For those in the mood to try an American dish with a little bit of a twist, ask for Shuckdaddy's "not your average dog."
The quarter-pound all-beef hot dog is served in a pretzel roll bun. The meal is flash fried and served hot and toasty with your choice of toppings, Mr. Majors said.
Eating the hot dog is a fun experience because the pretzel bread is thick and dense and doesn't fall apart like normal hot dog buns, making each bite just as tasty as the first.
"As far as hot dogs go, this one is pretty good," Mr. Majors said with a smile.
Other popular items on the menu are the big fish sandwich made with haddock, the Philly cheesesteak and the waffle fries, served as an appetizer.
The restaurant and bar is open from 5 to 10 p.m. on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday and from 5 p.m. to midnight the rest of the week. In the future, Shuckdaddy's may open for lunch on Fridays.
Shuckdaddy's Rock 'n Raw Bar is located at 2019 14th Ave., Vero Beach, immediately south of the 14th Avenue Steakhouse. For more information, call (772) 617-2096.