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our history

Tony's Seafood Restaurant started operations in June of 2005, when Tony's brother Eric purchased a defunct Cedar Key restaurant (located in the present building) that most considered one of the worst places to eat in town. Eric then invited his brother and soon to be the restaurant's namesake, Tony, to come assist with the new venture. Tony flew in from his upstate New York home. Eric's business associates Sam and Lisa joined the team, and Cedar Key culinary history was now in the making.

New to both Cedar Key and the restaurant industry, the brothers faced a wealth of challenges. One thing was made clear right from the very beginning; Tony's Seafood would only serve the finest, freshest seafood available on the market. That commitment holds true today and it's a promise that Tony's guarantees will not be broken. Many in town wondered, "who are these outsiders and what are they doing here?" Two locals had no problem becoming instant friends. Longtime Cedar Key Fisherman Charles (Mo) Beckham and Blue Crabber Earl Brown befriended Tony and Eric. They pointed out "the best way is the fresh way" and for over four years now Tony's has only purchased the highest quality, freshest seafood from these two honorable gentlemen.

Soon the "new kids in town" became recognized as a quality establishment dedicated to a fresh menu. Locals took notice. Visitors to Cedar Key raved at the food and the presentation as well as the great service. In July 2005, the brothers agreed a signature clam chowder was needed. Eric, who had previously spent 12 years in New England, discovered a spice blend that took the chowder to an unbelievable new level. Lacking a soup kettle to hold the chowder, Eric brought his home crock pot into the kitchen. Later, the idea of holding the hot chowder in a crock pot helped blend its varied seasoned spices and a taste sensation was born. As people started trying the chowder, its popularity grew. Small portions turned into larger pots and today it's made fresh daily by the gallons.

Dan Dewitt of the St. Petersburg Times raved in a recent article that Tony's clam chowder is a "masterpiece" and the "best clam chowder he ever dipped a spoon into". Thousands of other guests have given dining room testimonials to the fact. Dozens of e-mails are received weekly asking for chowder availability on line. Bon Appetite magazine even requested a copy of the chowder recipe. Tony's appreciated the request but it was declined.

Just before summers' end in 2005, a new menu was created with Tony's new signature dish, The Tony's Platter, consisting of fresh Grouper, Oysters, Cedar Key farm raised Clams, Sea Scallops, Local Blue Crabs and fresh gulf Shrimp. The platter was an instant hit. Diners loved it. The Tony's Platter became a must-have meal for many diners, including the Tampa talk show host M.J. of the "M.J. in the Morning Show" who proclaimed on the air that his Tony's Platter was a great seafood experience.

In the late fall of 2005 Tony decided to return to his New York home. Tony's contribution was vital to the restaurant's eventual success. Tony's warm personality with patrons and his dedication to the cause was invaluable. Nobody worked harder and cared more about the restaurant that bore his name. Early in 2006, sales and popularity grew at Tony's. Suddenly everybody talking about food in Cedar Key was talking about Tony's. Diners would remark to servers that nearly everyone would say, "Go to Tony's". Suddenly, the restaurant that nobody knew much about was winning people over with great food. An Article published in Florida Magazine proclaimed Tony's as "THE place to dine while in Cedar Key". Lines would form outside waiting on a table. Most everybody who dined in Cedar Key had to eat at Tony's. In 2007, Tony’s had the honor of having U.S. Senator Bill Nelson and his wife dine at the restaurant. A letter received later thanked Tony's for what Senator Nelson called “one of the best seafood meals” that he and his wife have ever had.

In early 2009 Tony's was invited to participate in the 28th Annual "Great Chowder Cookoff" in New Port, Rhode Island. For years, this event has been considered the International Clam Chowder Championships. The Great Chowder Cookoff draws tens of thousands of Chowder fans who become judges and vote for the best chowder. In June of 2009, Tony's Cedar Key Clam Chowder was selected first and captured the title "Clam Chowder World Champion".

Any day, at any time, it’s not unusual to see patrons snapping pictures of the plates and platters. The presentation of the food at Tony’s is second to none. Tony’s features a variety of creative specialty dinnerware shaped in the image of boats, fish and platters fit for royalty. Today, Tripadvisor.com ranks Tony’s as Cedar Key’s #1 restaurant based on diners’ reviews. Tony’s also offers a fully equipped Concession Trailer for parties, catering, grand openings, festivals and weddings. Tony’s mobile food unit will bring such favorites as the famous Clam Chowder to any event. The future of Tony’s is bright and full of new adventures, and Tony’s appreciates all our loyal customers. Order some chowder today on line. Invite your friends and family and enjoy the greatest tasting Clam Chowder the world has to offer!

Seasonal dinner hours could vary during the weekdays (Monday thru Thursday). We request that you please call ahead to verify our closing hour.

testimonials

"NOT ONLY IS THE CHOWDER THE MOST AMAZING YOU HAVE EVER EATEN, BUT IT COMES FROM THE MOST AMAZING PEOPLE. CUSTOMER SERVICE AT ITS FINEST! THANK YOU GUYS FOR MAKING CHRISTMAS SO EASY!"
Elizabeth, SC

"AMAZING CHOWDER SERVED WITH LOVE! THE MOST WONDERFUL CHOWDER FROM THE NICEST PEOPLE! MY WHOLE FAMILY LOVES TONY'S!"
Jennifer, WV

"THE WHOLE DINING EXPERIENCE IS SPECTACULAR. I'M A FAN!"
Jeff, Florida

"I WAS AT THE CAPE CORAL ART FESTIVAL AND TASTED THE FREE SAMPLE OF YOUR CHOWDER, AND I WAS HOOKED. IT WAS THE BEST CHOWDER I HAVE EVER TASTED."
Mark, Florida

"THANK YOU FOR A TASTY MEAL IN A CLEAN AND FRIENDLY SETTING. THE CHOWDER WAS WELL WORTH THE DRIVE AND WE HAD A LOVELY DAY, DUE LARGELY TO YOUR GOOD FOOD. BY CHANCE WE CHOSE TONY’S; BY DESIGN WE WILL CHOOSE IT NEXT TIME. THE HYPE ABOUT THE CHOWDER IS ABSOLUTELY TRUE. WE'LL RECOMMEND YOUR PLACE WITHOUT HESITATION."
Betty

"BEST CLAM CHOWDER IN THE WORLD"
P.C. Longwood, Florida

"TOOK HOME A QUART FROM THE FESTIVAL, IT WAS GONE QUICKLY. MY HUSBAND AND I THOUGHT IT WAS THE BEST CHOWDER WE EVER HAD".

Michelle, Cape Coral

"AWWWESOMMMMME CLAM CHOWDER"
D.P., Marietta, Georgia

"BEST BOWL OF CLAM CHOWDER I EVER DIPPED A SPOON INTO"
"EVEN ADDING A FEW GRAINS OF PEPPER WOULD BE DEFACING A MASTERPIECE".
Dan Dewitt, St. Petersburg Times

"BEST CLAM CHOWDER WE HAVE EVER HAD"
M.L., Crystal River, Florida

"ONE OF THE BEST SEAFOOD MEALS MY WIFE AND I HAVE EVER ENJOYED"
U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, Florida

"WE WOULD BE MOST GRATEFUL IF YOU WOULD SEND US YOUR RECIPE FOR CLAM CHOWDER"
Bon Appetit Magazine

"HONESTLY, THE BEST SEAFOOD IN CEDAR KEY"
"MY HUSBAND DOES NOT LIKE CLAM CHOWDER, BUT HE ABSOLUTELY LOVED THE CHOWDER AT TONYS"
Joy, Sarasota, Florida