Rumrunners Is East Bradenton's Best-Kept Secret

The sign reads LIQUOR in large, bold letters.

Yes, there is a liquor store back there, occupying one of the shops in the Braden River Plaza. But tucked away around the corner, where a colorful garden of flowers and tropical plants is the first thing to catch the eye, is a longtime resident of the plaza — , 4616 E. State Road 64.

It’s not easy to find if you don’t know it exists. And it hasn’t always gone by Rumrunners. It was the River Lady for nearly two decades and occupied a smaller storefront in Braden River Plaza. About five years ago it moved to a bigger location and now includes an attached package liquor store.

But going on 25 years now, it has maintained a steady, loyal following of older folk during the day when it’s quiet, cool and relaxing before a predominantly younger crowd files in for the evening for jukebox music that’s enticed some patrons to show off their dance moves in the raised, corner cage. 

The cage is a relic of the bar’s nightclub theme, but Rumrunners is in a transitional phase again. When it was the River Lady, it had a pirate theme. It’s trending toward a gaming center now, with a pool table, multiple dart boards and video games and plans for tournaments.

But whatever the look, Rumrunners has kept a solid customer base. The bar’s seemingly hidden location works as an advantage as much as it does a disadvantage, said manager Aaron Blevins. Rumrunners might not get the foot traffic from people unfamiliar with the layout of Braden River Plaza, but the regulars know where to find it. And they know their buddies will be there.

“We used to do the nightclub theme at night, and we had a blast pumping out tons of drinks with a packed hall,” Blevins said. “But we also like being a local bar where you can come and have a few beers and without being drowned out by crazy loud music. But when there’s a time for that it can be a good time, too.”

Blevins pointed to a recent Saturday as an example: No cover, no DJ, no blaring dance tunes. Just a full house of 40-somethings to 20-somethings taking turns with the jukebox, enjoying the bar’s new sound system and getting along.

“You don’t have to fight with 300 people to get a drink,” he added.

Blevins loves to create drinks. He’s a student of bartending, having studied veteran bartenders for years before he took over as manager. Now he gets to create his own concoctions on a nightly basis, like the rum-based Fun Dip, a spicy Cinnamon, the cotton candy-flavored Cupcake and the raspberry vodka-based Thing. He keeps the rest of the ingredients a closely guarded secret.

Rumrunners offers more than 140 brands of liquor, from wells to premiums to top shelf. Blevins said he constantly searches for distributors offering a deal, which he in turn passes on to his customers. Drinks range from $3 for wells to $6.50 for top-shelf liquors. The bar’s eight draft beers include Yuengling, Coors, Michelob Ultra, Amber Bock, Cherry Wheat Sam Adams and Guinness. Pints cost from $2.75 to $4.

Bottled beers are served from a tub of icy water behind the question mark-shaped bar, which certainly appeals to those seeking the coldest of cold beers on a warm Florida afternoon.

“That’s why I like this place and not some of the other bars,” said Terry Kiepke, a longtime patron. “Some of those other bars keep their bottles in a cooler, but they’re lukewarm. These beers here are ice cold.”

Jessica Griffith, the bartender who knows everyone’s name along with their favorite drink, said Rumrunners’ specialty is Fireball shots, a cinnamon whisky from Canada. The shots are pure whisky but taste like Red Hot candies. The shots are two-for-one for $4 until 8 p.m., when they’re $5 each.

“I go through bottles of these a day,” said Griffith. “Literally — bottles.”

IF YOU GO:

, 4616 E. State Road 64, is open 3 p.m.-2 a.m. Monday through Friday and 1 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. It is smoker friendly, so it doesn’t serve food, but nearby will deliver.

AROUND BRADENTON THIS WEEKEND:

• Choose from thousands of songs at karaoke night this Thursday at , 108 44^th Ave. E. Karaoke starts at 9 p.m., but the Happy Hour specials are all day until 7 p.m.: 2-for-1 well cocktails, house wines and 20 oz. drafts of Bud, Miller Lite, Michelob Light and Yuengling. No cover.
• Rusty Cage is performing at , 10104 Cortez Rd., Friday from 8 p.m. until midnight. The Clam Factory features a full bar, seafood, barbeque and more. No cover.
• The , the signature event of the local Hernando DeSoto Historical Society, departs from , 902 33rd St. Ct. W., around 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Following the 72^nd annual parade is an after party at the , 1005 Barcarrota Blvd., with live music, food and an open bar. The post-parade party is for adults 21 or older. Tickets are $35 at the door or $30 in advance at the Hernando De Soto Historical Society, 910 3rd Ave. W., which is open from 9-5 p.m. weekdays. Visit the DeSoto Society’s website at www.desotohq.com for more information.
• Enjoy a pre-parade party in the parking lot of , 3812 Manatee Ave. W., with barbeque and live music from the DT’s starting at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. The DT’s will perform after the parade, too, followed by live music from Lawyers, Guns & Money starting at 11 p.m. inside. Bring a chair for parade viewing, but not a cooler. There are plenty of cold drinks inside the bar. No cover.
• Live music from southern rock band Rye Road at , 6218 Cortez Rd., Saturday from 9 p.m. until midnight. Get there early and watch some baseball: Clancy’s has the MLB Extra Innings package. No cover.
• , 1200 1st Ave. W., is hosting a benefit concert for Michelle Bell-Nichols from 1-8 p.m. Sunday. All proceeds benefit Bell-Nichols, a Mattison's employee and young mother who suffered an unexpected stroke and is faced with insurmountable medical bills. The concert will feature music from The Billy Rice Band, Shotgun Justice, The Arch, Shineola and Messenger. There will also be the first annual Waiters Cup, a live auction, 50/50 raffle, a local celebrity dunk tank, a caricature artist, local vendors, a pig roast, food and drink specials and much more. For info or to contribute, call Diane Walsh at 941-776-5843.