Crow’s Nest Restaurant in Venice, Fl has been a waterfront landmark since 1976, evolving from a small sandwich shop into a signature  dining and marina destination.

     Origins in the 1970’s

The property was originally part of the Tarpon Center Marina on the South Jetty.   The future aowner of the Crow’s Nest, Steve Harner, attended a college in.Michigan. He worked  in the restaurant business , bar tending and running a bar and grill. On July 4 ,1976, Steve Harner,  moved  his family to Florida. He became aware of restaurant space on the second floor of the marina..  He  and his wife Janis Payne, his father, Harp Harner and a Detroit friend Larry LaRoca entered in a 4 year lease for the property.–1500 square feet on the second floor.  

  Previously,  waterfront  restauants in Venice were Happy Land Seafood Restaurant and and Johhny Walker’s Fish Camp and Admiral’s Wardroom. 

  Mr. Harner opened a small sandwich shop with a temporary menu that included items like grilled cheese for 85 cents and a Traditional Club sandwich with fries for $2.75  The menu promised a ” wide selection of beer and wine” and reflected  Harner’s early commitment to hospitality. ” Enjoy your meal and please stop back”

     Early Years and Growth

The restaurant opened 10 weeks after the leased was signed..  They put in a kitchen and worked with.3 employees. His Wife Janis Payne waited 40 seats and a handful.of bar srools overlooking.the neglected marina

   It quickly became a local favorite, serving the now famous Fish Sandwich, classic Reubens, burgers, and 50 cent beers.  Venice in the 1970’s was a smaller, more laid back community and the Crow’s Nest was one of the few waterfront dining spots alongside other early establishments werthe Buoy Bar (today’s Pop’s Sunset Grill) Fisherman’s Wharf (now Dockside Waterfront Grill) and Admiral’s Wardroom (now Pelican Alley). 

     In 1981, Harner purchased a 99 year lease for the building and the marina

     Evolution Over Four Decades

Over the  Crow’s Nest has expanded from.a modest sandwich shop into a full service waterfront dining and marina.  It now features: 

     Upstairs dining room and porch/bar with views of the  Inlet  

     Downstairs Tavern with a raw bar and a pub style menu

     Full service marina offering overnight dockage, gas/diesel pumps, supplies and rentals like paddleboats, kayaks, and bicycles

    Initial seating only 45 guests,the restaurant has grown to accommodate  around 150 patrons across two floors, retaining its charm and waterfront aooeal.

     Continuing Legacy

     Today’s Crow’s Nest remains committed to hospitality, providing memorable dining experiences and maintaining its historic position as Venice’s premier waterfront restaurant and marina.  It reflects a balance of tradition  and evolution, , combining decades of local heritage with modern dining and marina amenities.

     In 2017, Harner sold the business to buyers Alain Tall are and Phil Roux.