Waterfront restaurant opens on Manatee River

A restaurant on the Manatee River has opened with a new name and new ownership. I’Lunie’s Dockside Bar & Grill held a grand opening celebration May 2 and is open for lunch and dinner daily at 955 Riverside Drive in Palmetto.

Melanie Warner owns the restaurant, which used to be called Mila’s on the Manatee. Its new name — I’Lunie’s (pronounced eye loonies) — pays tribute to Warner’s mother, whose name was Eileen.

Image via iluniesdocksidebarandgrill.com

On the menu are items from Philadelphia, where Warner and her husband are from, including a selection of cheesesteaks on Liscio’s rolls. There are also appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, flatbreads, chicken wings and entrees ranging from coconut-crusted grouper to chicken parmesan. There is also a children’s menu.

“We’re thrilled to bring a taste of our hometown to this great location, and to offer great entertainment as well,” Warner says in a statement. “I’Lunie was my mom’s playful nickname, and I wanted to honor her by creating a place that captures her big personality, her love of music and sports and the good times she loved sharing with friends.”

I’Lunie’s Dockside Bar & Grill is open daily for lunch and dinner. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to midnight Friday; 9 a.m. to midnight Saturday; and 9 a.m to 11 p.m. Sunday.