The Salty Tarpon opened in Punta Gorda, bringing a new surf-and-turf restaurant and bar to U.S. 41 with coastal flair, live entertainment and a menu built around fresh seafood, steaks and creative cocktails.
Located at 408 Tamiami Trail, in the former Manatees Pizza space, the restaurant is owned by Charlie Johnson, Kenny Tyner and George Spies. The trio completely renovated the building, transforming it into a relaxed coastal-style destination featuring a spacious outdoor bar, a pet-friendly patio and a comfortable indoor dining area.
While live entertainment is offered nightly, the focus is on food. Seafood anchors the menu, but diners will also find a wide range of meat, chicken and lighter fare options.
Bar manager Linda Ciaccio said popular appetizers include portabella fries topped with Parmesan cheese and served with horseradish aioli and mango curry. Another customer favorite is the lightly blackened ahi tuna, drizzled with rum sauce and served with soy and wasabi.
Owner Kenny Tyner cuts the ribbon during the grand opening of The Salty Tarpon in Punta Gorda as his son, Devin Tyner, looks on.
“The Angus burgers are awesome,” Ciaccio said.
Among the restaurant’s signature dishes is the Salty’s Burger, featuring an 8-ounce Angus beef patty topped with Boursin cheese, fresh arugula, tomatoes and caramelized onions. Carrie’s Bourbon Salmon, another standout, is bourbon-glazed and served over basmati rice with roasted asparagus.
Customers dine inside The Salty Tarpon, a new surf-and-turf restaurant and bar that recently opened along U.S. 41 in Punta Gorda.
The menu also includes locally caught fish, such as cobia and snapper, along with creative offerings like a redfish Reuben sandwich. Steak entrees, wings in a variety of sauces, peel-and-eat shrimp, scallops, lobster bisque and soups also are available.
The Salty Tarpon’s “beef and reef sliders” combine three hanger steak sliders topped with cheese and a jumbo barbecue shrimp, served on mini brioche buns. For lighter dining, guests can choose from several salads and soups.
A full-service bar offers a wide selection of cocktails, beer and wine. The restaurant’s motto, “Get Hooked!” is prominently displayed on the wall, reflecting the owners’ goal of offering something for every taste.
Bartender J Rod prepares cocktails behind the bar at The Salty Tarpon, which offers a full-service bar and nightly live entertainment.
Ciaccio said the concept for The Salty Tarpon began when Johnson and Spies shared their vision at a local pub, eventually bringing Tyner into the partnership. From those early conversations, the business plan and menu took shape.
The restaurant can accommodate up to 120 guests and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Entertainment typically begins at 5 p.m. and continues into the evening.
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