The Waverly buzzes with energy. It’s the kind of place where you can stroll in off the sand, flip-flops and all, or get dressed up for a more polished night out. Sushi, steak, seafood, whatever you’re craving, they’ve got it. The menu covers both the classics and the creative, born from a real hands-on approach.
The Waverly isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a gathering spot. Hundreds show up for live music, big events, and holidays. It’s where locals and visitors cross paths, and where you’re just as likely to catch a casual happy hour as a special celebration.
Owner Jill Hemmes said her background as a server and expo shaped the restaurant’s foundation. “It taught me the importance of detail, collaboration and consistency,” she said, noting those values helped guide menu development alongside chefs and inform the balance between upscale and approachable dining. Those lessons stuck, and now you see them everywhere at The Waverly, from the food to the vibe.
You’ll find The Waverly at 2095 N. Beach Road, perched right above Englewood Beach. The main dining room greets you with enormous windows—floor to ceiling, soaking in those turquoise Gulf views. Whether you’re coming with friends, family, or someone special, the setting always feels just right.
Scott and Jill Hemmes own the place, and Tracy Warren keeps things running as General Manager. She used to manage the Hemmes’ Beach Road Wine Bar & Bistro as well. Tracy and Jill go way back—they’ve been friends since they were 14.
Since 1995, Scott and Jill Hemmes have also owned and operated Beach Road Water Sports.. Jill Hemmes said the idea for a restaurant grew organically. “We used to sit out on a picnic table and sign people up, and then the dolphins would come in and start playing,” she said. “We thought this would be such a great place for a little restaurant, a bistro.”
That’s how Beach Road Wine Bar & Bistro was born, their first restaurant, which Hurricane Ian eventually destroyed. Luckily, they’d already bought The Waverly in 2017 (it used to be the Gulfview Grill). Even after hurricane damage, the Hemmes team pulled together and got The Waverly open again fast.
Jill lights up talking about her current menu favorites: “Chicken Scarpariello” and “Enrique’s Pasta.” The Chicken Scarpariello is a hearty, sautéed chicken cutlet, Italian sausage, spinach, and cherry peppers on spaghetti. Enrique’s Pasta mixes Gemelli with spinach, tomatoes, asparagus, and mushrooms, all tossed in a white wine lemon butter sauce. Jill and Tracy laugh, admitting they eat these dishes all the time.
The menu goes wide, from fresh sushi and seafood to steaks cooked just right. If you’re coming casual after a beach day, you’ll find burgers, fries, and pizza on the lunch and bar menu. Downstairs, things are more laid-back and outdoorsy, perfect for soaking up the breeze or kicking back with a cold drink.
Live music is a constant, Thursday through Sunday, both upstairs and downstairs. Coming up: the Collaboration band plays Friday, February 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. Call 941-475-3500 to reserve a table. Valentine’s Day is a huge night here too, so book early if you want in.
