Pictured: A cup of alligator chowder at Linger Lodge. Photo Courtesy of Linger Lodge Restaurant.

For an authentic Florida meal, head to Linger Lodge Restaurant. On the banks of the Braden River, Linger Lodge dates back to 1945, when the property served as a fish camp. Veterinarian and amateur taxidermist Frank Gamksy bought the camp in 1968, building the restaurant and decking it out with taxidermy pieces donated by diners. Preserved snakes, deer heads, foxes and a menagerie of other creatures give the space an eclectic charm. “It’s family-oriented with a friendly staff,” says current owner Rita Lewis. “People still bring us donations, and you can feel how they left a piece of themselves here.” Entire walls celebrate local military members, police officers and firefighters who donate their patches to be displayed.

Besides the decor, Linger Lodge honors the community through its menu offerings. Fan favorites include frog legs, Florida alligator, which comes as ribs, bites or burgers, hushpuppies, fried green tomatoes and Louisiana catfish. Lewis recommends sampling a bit of everything with the Braden River Platter, featuring catfish, frog legs and alligator, all of which can be fried, blackened or grilled. The alligator chowder, made with cream, shallots, celery, alligator and 15 various spices also holds an esteemed place on the menu. “We soak our gator in buttermilk, so it’s tender and falls apart in your mouth.” Don’t miss the indulgent River Bottom Pie with Oreo crumbles, coffee ice cream, chocolate fudge and more. Linger Lodge-themed cocktails further enhance the experience. Try the Linger Lizard, made with Malibu Rum, peach schnapps, melon liqueur as well as pineapple and orange juices. Almost every menu item aside from fried foods can be made gluten-free, ensuring that all patrons can enjoy a taste of old Florida.

Linger Lodge boasts indoor and outdoor dining on screened-in patios or in a peaceful beer garden. To keep the good times going, they host events like Friday night karaoke and live entertainment on Sunday. For Lewis, the restaurant is more than just a business. She and her late husband, Jeff Jewis, had planned to take ownership of the establishment, but he passed away before she took over it in March of 2022. Fresh off of renovations, Linger Lodge reopened after the pandemic last August. On the restaurant grounds, diners can see a wood carving of an alligator and turtles crafted from the live oak tree that once stood on the property. After the tree fell during Hurricane Ian, Lewis commissioned the piece as a tribute to her husband and the restaurant itself. “It’s my dream come true to own this place,” says Lewis, “and there’s no other Linger Lodge out there.”

Linger Lodge Restaurant, 7205 85th St. Ct. E., Bradenton, lingerlodge.com.

Pictured: A cup of alligator chowder at Linger Lodge. Photo Courtesy of Linger Lodge Restaurant.