Chill vibes await at Birdrock Taco Shack
By ANDREA SHAY
At the beginning of 2016, a new restaurant named Birdrock Taco Shack opened in Bradenton’s eclectic Village of the Arts community. Despite the ebb and flow of seasonal business during the first year, Birdrock’s doors remain open, and they are looking forward to their next year in the village.
The establishment has captured a true Califlorida vibe indoors and out, with two outdoor seating areas that reflect its unique “surf shack” feel. Like many of the village’s galleries and restaurants, Birdrock is a rehabilitated residence, so the inside has been split into several small seating areas, an area for wait staff, a small kitchen, and one unisex bathroom.
The restaurant still retains the cozy feel of home, featuring wood floors and artsy decor like an old Les Paul-style guitar, a fence made out of skateboards and table surfaces decorated with collage art. It’s easy to imagine members of the original Beat Generation hanging out in a spot just like this.
Birdrock currently offers a special brunch menu on Sundays, usually along with a live art demonstration put on by a local artist in the community. Brunch begins at 11 a.m., and live art follows at 11:30. During the week, they’re open all day —from noon until 9 or 10 p.m. —and closed on Mondays. These hours will be in effect through April. After tourist season the hours may change.
The restaurant once had an open mic night, but was unable to continue because of interference from amplified live music from a nearby brewery. Instead, the owners of Birdrock decided to stay open during the brewery’s live music nights as an alternative, a more relaxing spot to hang out and listen, giving visitors and live music aficionados an additional choice.
Birdrock plans to add live music back to their schedule in the future.
The restaurant is located in the Village of the Arts at 1004 10th Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205, call 941-545-9966 for more information, or visit their Facebook page.