Restaurants Archives - Island Real Blog

Anna Maria Island Area Restaurant Information

Here is all the Anna Maria Island Area Restaurant Information you’ll need for you next visit! The island has it all when it comes time for food. From beach café’s to Fine Dining, American, Mexican, Italian, Caribbean cuisine, and so much more. Take a look below and find the best place for your next breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just drinks and a snack.

If you don’t have your own transportation take the Anna Maria Island Trolley it’s free! It will take you almost anywhere on Anna Maria Island too!

Fine Dining Anna Maria Island Restaurants

Anna Maria Island has several fine dining restaurants. The Beach Bistro in Holmes Beach is a nationally recognized as award winning. They offer an unforgettable dining experience with romantic Gulf of Mexico views. The Waterfront Restaurant is on the Bay side of Anna Maria City with dining outside too. Visit Sign of the Mermaid for large portions and their award winning Key Lime Pie. Eat Here is in central Holmes Beach, and is also the sister restaurant to Beach Bistro.

Gulf Front Restaurants with outdoor Dining on Anna Maria Island

The SandBar is a great Anna Maria Island restaurant and offers fabulous American and Seafood Cuisine. The Beach House Restaurant is affiliated with the SandBar and has similar cuisine with outdoor sand in your toes dining in Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island. Try the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe for Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner. Harrington House offers Breakfast as well as tea parties and don’t forget the Gulf Drive Cafe in Bradenton Beach. Oma’s Restaurant offers outdoor dining in Bradenton Beach and offers Italian Cuisine.

American Cuisine Restaurants on Anna Maria Island, Fl

The City Pier is always a locals favorite. This is a beautiful spot at the very end of Pine Avenue. Hurricane Hank’s has affordable everything and serves great food in Holmes Beach. Mr. Bones offers fabulous barbecue with some unique twists. Seafood more your speed, when in Rome so to speak or more like Maine? Also try Island Gourmet Grill for American dishes, seafood, Italian and more.

Seeking a good breakfast? Rod and Reel or Peach’s are good breakfast Anna Maria Island Restaurants. One of the best Anna Maria beach burger restaurants is just across from the Manatee public beach – Skinny’s. Skinny’s has outdoor seating as well. Anyone who has been to Anna Maria Island knows that Duffy’s serves a mean hamburger as well in Holmes Beach. Try Slim’s Place for an American style dinner and live music. Rotten Ralph’s Restaurant has been around for a long time but this past season the last location CLOSED. Right next door is the Bridge Tender Inn Restaurant which offers outdoor waterfront dining as well as formal dining. Another great Bradenton Beach restaurant on Anna Maria Island is Sharky’s.

Anna Maria Island Mexican, Italian, German and other Cuisine Restaurants

If you’re looking for Anna Maria Island Restaurants that serve Mexican cuisine Tortilla Bay is 100% Tex-Mex and is a walk up diner type restaurant. So if you are searching for a inexpensive lunch or dinner Tortilla Bay is the perfect stop. If you are in the mood for German food then look no further. Try the Old Hamburg restaurant in Holmes Beach, Fl on Anna Maria Island. Jamaican Breeze moved off the Island and offers a Jamaican flair and great dishes. Wicked Cantina is a new Tex-Mex source of food on Anna Maria Island. Another Mexican based newbee is Poppo’s located in Anna Maria City on Pine Avenue. Sorry, Banana Cabana is now closed.

Take out Anna Maria Island Restaurants

Try Subway. Don’t forget the Pine Avenue store that has fabulous Sandwiches, pasta salads, and other quick take out lunches or snacks. The Pine Avenue General store is a small grocery store located in Anna Maria City so it’s a perfect stop for a lunch at the Bay Front Park for a impromptu picnic. The Tortilla Bay Restaurant is a take out or dine in Tex-Mex restaurant located in Holmes Beach. Rudy’s in Anna Maria City is a great choice for Philly steak sandwiches.

There is a small Chinese restaurant on the Anna Maria Island, China 1. For a great burger with onion rings or french fries try Skinny’s. You can order on the telephone and pick it up. A fine dining restaurant that delivers is The Feast in Holmes Beach. The restaurant caters as well. If you are in the mood for fresh fish try the Fresh Fish Market. They sell a great selection of fish and offer small dishes like soups and freshly prepared salads. Island Gourmet offers both take out and delivery if you are looking for something better than your average chain store pizza. They also offer more upscale selections such as seafood, salads and pasta too.

Anna Maria City, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach breakfast restaurants

There are quite a few great breakfast restaurants choices on Anna Maria Island. This category of dining can be one of the toughest to narrow down because most locals know the mainstream breakfast spots but there are a few hidden away gems that this blog will be sure to introduce. Minnie’s Cafe is located in Holmes Beach and serves a great homestyle breakfast. Peach’s which specializes in Breakfast is located in Holmes Beach and provides basic breakfasts as well as some fancy stuff too. Rod and Reel Pier Restaurant serves a fantastic breakfast as well and the views of the bay are phenomenal. Want fresh donuts? Look no futher the Donut Experiment is the perfect choice in Anna Maria City. For more details on Breakfast around Anna Maria Island, check out Island Real Estate’s additional breakfast post.

Treats and Ice Cream on Anna Maria Island, Florida

Tyler’s ice cream is just off the island on Cortez. Two Scoops is located in Anna Maria, and so is Dip’s, Joe’s Eats and Sweets is in Bradenton Beach. For a desert experience to remember, try the Euphemia Haye Restaurant which has unique pies, cheesecakes, and too many deserts to remember. Just off the island is Cold Stone Creamery which serves gourmet ice cream hand mixed with your choice of mixings. If your taste buds are screaming for a milk shake then the Shake Pit is a great bet however it is just off Anna Maria Island. Another fabulous find is Sweet berries which serves fantastic frozen custard. Visit our top 5 ice cream suggestions when visiting Anna Maria Island.

Off Anna Maria Island Dining and Restaurants

There are fantastic restaurants just off Anna Maria Island. A few are chain restaurants like Outback, Bone Fish, Olive Garden, Applebee’s and Carraba’s. If you are still looking for the Anna Maria Island “feel,” try Cortez Kitchen or Starfish Company as well as Anna Maria Oyster Bar. Atlanta Bread Company, Sweet Berries Frozen Custard Eatery, and Marina’s Restaurant are all conveniently located on Manatee Avenue. Always a favorite with the kids is of course Chuck E. Cheese. For a quick Mexican take out try Chipotle in Bradenton. If you feel like venturing out into Sarasota try the very well known Columbia Restaurant. Another great choices for Sarasota is Yoder’s which is an Amish based restaurant. Yoder’s is well known for their pies.

Live Entertainment Taverns, Bars, and Restaurants

There are plenty of dining establishments on Anna Maria Island with live entertainment like SandBar, BeachHouse, Bridge Tender Inn, D.Coy Ducks and just off the island Ace’s Lounge to name a few. Tune in later for more information. Want more choices? Our Anna Maria nightlife post lists bars, live music, billiards and more. Check out our nightlife blog for more information.

Historic City Pier Anna Maria – Take A Stroll on Tampa Bay

The city Pier Anna Maria is a great site to see when visiting Anna Maria Island, Florida. (Sorry, since 2017 Irma the City pier is temporarily closed. However, there is still plenty to do in the ara and all the below information is accurate) Grabbing an ice cream at Two Scoops and walking the pier is a must! Another great past time, swing over to Two Sides of Nature and do some shopping. Stop in at the Waterfront. restaurant, across the street, for a great bite to eat.

At the end of the pier you can grab dinner and lunch, or pick up some hand made jewelry. If you like fishing then stop in to gab with the fishermen on the pier and see what is biting.

City Pier Anna Maria is a historical site

The sign at the entrance of the City Pier Anna Maria says it all. “The Anna Maria Development Company built this pier and wharf in 1911-1912 to provide dockage for ships from St. Petersburg and Tampa. It has since withstood hurricanes and lesser storms too numerous to mention. Although parts were damaged in storms in 1918, 1935, 1974, 1988, 2017 it has each time been restored to its approximate original form. Unfortunately the pier as of 2017 is closed for major repairs. The City of Anna Maria as well as Manatee County are initiating plans to repair the pier and brint it back to all it’s glory. The Anna Maria City pier is 678 feet long so it is no small task to repair it’s infastructure. The wharf extends another 58 feet into Tampa bay. Over the years it has nurtured the hopes of fisherman and the dreams of lovers. Provided roosts for pelicans and other sea birds, and has also been a friend to residents and visitors alike.

Over the center of the tin roof, from the third shore bench to the south of this marker, on clear nights can be seen the North star. Guardian of the mariners since the first sailor looked up for guidance of the night sea.

When the pier opens again, hopefully soon… walk the planks. Beneath the Roof of this City Pier is the Place to sit with Shrimp and Beer. While Lightening in the distance plays and thunder rumbles across the bays. “Summer Storm”…CMV ”

Anna Maria Beach Real Estate

There are plenty of gorgeous Anna Maria beach cottages available through Island Real Estate! Check out the selection of homes, and be sure to seek real estate advices from one of our full time sales professionals.

Beach Bistro – Fine Dining Anna Maria Island

The Beach Bistro is a fantastic restaurant that offers a dining experience to remember. Several courses are served, or you can order how you like. Reservations are strongly recommended, but you can also try to grab a seat at the bar. The bar has a little more limited menu and provides some “lighter fare” options. If you are looking for a romantic spot with limited gulf views and price is no option then we strongly recommend the Beach Bistro. Average meal prices are well over $35, so be sure you are comfortable with their prices.

Younger children are welcome, but are not recommended if you plan on having a long dining experience. Parking can be a bit of a challenge but if you can find a “legal” spot go for it otherwise be sure to use their valet parking. One additional note, the seating for two is normally fairly intimate so be prepared to get to know your neighboring diners.

We’ve provided some information below to help you contact them or find them once you’re on the island!

Beach Bistro

The Bistro is located in Holmes Beach, FL
Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5 stars – based on 377 reviews

6600 Gulf Drive
Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Phone Number: (941) 778-6444
Website: www.beachbistro.com
Menu: Browse our Menu and Wine List
Hours: Monday through Sunday 5pm-10pm.

Cuisine: Gulf Coast Seafood, American

Price Range: $$$
Takes Reservations: Yes

Beach Bistro, Direct Gulf Front fine Dining in Holmes Beach, FL

Get Directions from your Current Location

The Beach Bistro is located at the end of 66th.

The Waterfront Restaurant has bay views in Anna Maria city

Great view of Tampa Bay and the Sunshine Bridge is only the beginning at this wonderful local seafood restaurant on Anna Maria Island. The food choices at the Waterfront are fantastic. From wonderful fresh soups and salads to gourmet meals, salmon and steak. The Waterfront located in Anna Maria City also offers vegetarian choices as well that are made fresh and homemade right at the restaurant. Waterfront of Anna Maria Island is famous for their delicious fish taco appetizer and outdoor seating taking advantage of the wonderful bay views. The giant fish tank that separates the main dining room from the bar area is beautiful and adds charm to the dining experience.

The Waterfront restaurant also offers a wonderful selection of beers and wine from all over the world. UPDATE: The Waterfront now serves liquor and phenomenal cocktails. If you are in the mood for something new, ask one of the friendly bartenders for some suggestions. My wife loves the Jalapeno Margarita.

The wait staff of the waterfront in Anna Maria city is always inviting and prompt with their service. If you are in the mood for great service, great views of the bay, excellent food, this is the place for you to come as a family or as a couple. One last note, try the lobster bisque, trust us, you wont be sorry. It melts in your mouth.

The Waterfront Restaurant

Tripadvisor Reviews: 4.5Out of 501

Address: 111 S Bay Blvd Anna Maria, FL 34216

Phone: (941) 778-1515
Website: The Waterfront Restaurant
Menu: Waterfront Restaurant Menu
Hours: Sun – Thurs 11:30am to 4:00pm and 4:30pm to 9:00pm
Fri – Sat 11:30am to 4:00pm and 4:30pm to 10:00pm

Cuisine: Gulf Coast Seafood & Fish

Price Range: $$
Accepts Reservations? yes
Driving Directions: Driving Directions – Google Maps

Visit the following link for more information on Anna Maria City Dining.

The Ugly Grouper

The Ugly Grouper is a local Anna Maria spot where you can find fun for all ages. They have a great menu that serves homemade salsa and chips to an array of other delicious items.

The Ugly Grouper

If you are looking for local seafood that is fresh and tasty look no further. They serve the grouper sandwich, grouper nuggets, and grouper tacos too! They also have a cheeseburger, and a black bean burger, for those who prefer a seafood alternative.

The Ugly Grouper

Drinks and a full service bar!

If you are in the mood for a nice wine with your meal, they have a variety of wines, either by glass or bottle. If you are looking for something a little more unique they also have some fun frozen cocktails! Enjoy the classic Strawberry Daiquiri, Pina Colada or you also have the non-alcoholic options as well!

For those who like a nice mixed drink you could try one of their many cocktails. Offerings include the Ugly Grouper Tea, or stick with the famous Long Island Ice Tea!

Kid Selections

Also find a great selection for your kids from classic items such as a grilled cheese and corndog to fish and chips, or shrimp. Something cool that the Ugly Grouper throws in is a frozen drink for all kids meals! They have many to choose from like an All American to a more tropical feel of an Orange Mango!

If you are feeling brave you can top off your meal with a Ugly Sundae, a bowl of soft serve piled on top of a brownie, covered in chocolate, caramel, sprinkles and a cherry!

Night Life and Live Music

The Ugly Grouper does host nightly live entertainment. You can find many local bands jamming from night to night. They do have open mic nights, where you can show off your skill with family or friends! Cut loose on the dance floor, while enjoying the band!

They also have a corn hole league, that hosts weekly tournaments. They do have child friendly games such as ring toss, and ring on a string! You can make many memories at the Ugly Grouper!

The Ugly Grouper is a family friendly environment that can provide a place to get together and have some fun. They have a great menu, and games for the young and old alike! This is a place where you can come and enjoy a night with the family, or a night with friends!

Find The Ugly Grouper in Holmes Beach on Marina Drive.

Eat Anna Maria Island Oysters While Vacationing

Anna Maria- When vacationing on the coast eating fresh seafood is a must, and Anna Maria Island Oysters are no exception. With countless restaurants on the island, finding some delicious oysters to eat is easier than ever!

Anna Maria Island Oysters

Many people believe humans have eaten oysters since the Roman times from evidence of oyster farms in France and the United Kingdom. Crazy right?

Oysters can be found in all of the world’s oceans. They are bivalve mollusks that have rough irregular shells. While most oysters are edible, there is a difference between food oysters and pearl oysters. Even though it is possible, most food oysters don’t produce pearls. Both are also in two different families of bivalves.

Surprisingly enough, oysters breathe much like fish, using both gills and mantle. They can be both male or female, and can change genders one or more times throughout their life.

Health Benefits

Oysters are one of the most nutritionally balanced foods because they have proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids in them. Just eating four or five medium sized oysters supply the recommended daily source of iron, copper, iodine, magnesium, calcium, zinc, manganese and phosphorus!

Where to celebrate!

With so many restaurants on the island, there’s plenty of options for eating Anna Maria Island Oysters! Here’s a few to think of going to:

AMOB on the Pier– Located in Bradenton Beach, enjoy delicious oyster platters such as Grandma Georgie’s Chipotle Oysters, Rockefeller or an oyster sampler.

Island Gourmet Grill– Serving baked oysters with toppings such as cheese, bacon, and jalapenos, there’s no way to go wrong here! You can find Island Gourmet on Holmes Beach.

Island Fresh Market– Specializing in locally caught and grown food, the Fresh Market serves oysters caught right around the island! You can order them cooked or raw. You can find them on Holmes Beach!

Be sure to enjoy Anna Maria Island Oysters on your next visit!

Best 4 seafood restaurants around Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria- If you’re looking for exceptional seafood, you’re at the right place! With water surrounding almost all of Anna Maria, it’s no doubt our restaurants have access to the best seafood. All within 20 minutes of the island, here are four restaurants that you’re sure to love!

Seafood Restaurants

1. The Ugly Grouper Bar & Grill

Located on the island, The Ugly Grouper is right across the street from our Marina Drive office. They serve delicious food such as grouper sandwiches and mahi fish tacos along with meals for people who don’t care as much for seafood. Also, all of their fish is fresh off the coast of Anna Maria, so you’re sure to get fresh fish. The Ugly Grouper has a history here on Anna Maria Island, as it was previously The Barefoot Tiki Bar and even before that a gas station! Take a look at the menu here.

The Ugly Grouper seafood restauraunt — Stop in for a bite at the Ugly Grouper! Photo courtesy of www.bradenton.com

2. Derek’s

Found on Manatee Avenue, Derek’s is prided on its ever-changing menu and good food. They serve wild pink shrimp pasta, blackened salmon and much more. Whether you want to have a causal luncheon or a fancy dinner, Derek’s is the perfect place to go. They do accept reservations and are open from 5am-10pm Monday-Saturday.

Derek's seafood — Photo Courtesy of www.dereks-bradenton.com

3. Mar Vista

Mar Vista resides in Longboat Key and is casual place to get great seafood. Some of their best dishes are a Grouper sandwich and Scallops Mar Vista. Another cool aspect of Mar Vista is its history on Longboat Key. It was one of the first structures built by Rufus Jordan in 1912 and has withstood hurricanes and erosion. Still in the original building, Mar Vista is an extremely interesting place to visit that has tasty food!

Mar Vista seafood — Enjoy yummy food along with a historic atmosphere at Mar Vista! Photo from www.tripadvisor.com

4. Starfish Company Market

If you’re wanting to cook your own or buy already cooked seafood Starfish Company is the perfect place to go. Located off Cortez, they sell locally caught seafood such as fish, scallops, and shrimp. Starfish Co. was started in the 1920’s and sits on one of the few remaining working waterfronts. With an absolutely gorgeous view, Starfish Co. is a must visit when vacationing here on Anna Maria.

Seafood at Starfish Company — Come visit Starfish Company for delicious food and a great view!

2015 Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival

Cortez – The 33rd annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival is this Saturday and Sunday, February 14th-15th from 10:00am – 6:00pm. Art, music and seafood will bring scores of people to the historic Cortez fishing village and you won’t want to miss it!

Admission – $3.00 for Adults – Children 12 under free

To find Cortez Village on a map, locate Bradenton which is about 50 miles south of Tampa. Find State Road 684, known locally as Cortez Road or 44th Avenue, and go west to the beaches.

Remote Parking for the Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival

Every year there is a something new at the Festival. Festival goers will want to note that there is a remote parking area in west Bradenton. You can avoid the traffic and enjoy the bus ride with your friends to the Festival ($2.50 round trip). The new parking site is located at G. T. Bray Park (5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W., Bradenton, 34209). Just turn east off of 59th St. onto 33rd Ave. W. You can’t miss it.

As in past years, this same shuttle service is being provided from the remote parking area located at Coquina Beach on Anna Maria Island. Island folks can take the free trolley to the parking site.

Also, the parking area just east of the village off of Cortez Road has been expanded again this year. But get there early or later in the day as this parking area tends to fill up quickly. Parking spots open up later in the day.

Another option is to park in the western part of town. Many folks manage small parking areas throughout the village with some charging a fee depending on how close they are to the village.

The Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival is organized entirely by a volunteer committee of the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (F.I.S.H.), a Florida not-for-profit corporation.

Super Bowl 2015 on Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island – Plan on watching the Super Bowl 2015? To help you out we’ve put together a list of some of the places on Anna Maria Island where you can enjoy the game, and a snack, and a drink. Have fun, be safe and enjoy the game.

Hurricane Hanks – 5346 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 941-778-5788

Watch the game in HD. NFL Wings and other game food.

Lobstahs – 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 941-779-1000

ESPN Sunday Package

Slim’s Place – 9701 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, 941-567-4056

Superbowl Party all day. ESPN Sunday Package.

Island Time Bar & Grill – 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 941-782-1122

10 ft TV to watch the game on. Tailgate party until 5:00pm. Drink and food specials all day long.

Below is a list of some other places that regularly do something special for Super Bowl Sunday

Barefoot Tiki Bar – 5704 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 941-778-4402

Bridge Tender Inn – 135 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 941-778-4849

Clancy’s – 6218 Cortez Road. W., Bradenton, 941-794-2489

Gulf Drive Café – 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, 941-778-1919

Swordfish Grill – 4628 119th Street W., Cortez, 941-798-2035

The Rod and Reel, back and better than ever!

Anna Maria – A long time landmark of Anna Maria Island, The Rod and Reel Pier employs a staff that are more like family than coworkers. Known to locals and tourists alike, the Rod and Reel has been serving islanders since 1947 until an unfortunate mishap on September 29 2013, when heat from a stove ignited the insulation in the wall behind it. Thanks to the quick thinking of the Rod and Reels manager Dave Cochran and off duty police officer Gary Sellitto all patrons were evacuated and no one was injured. In the aftermath of this event many of the employees who had worked at the Rod and Reel for years were left with no income and no real answer as to when the Rod and Reel would be open again, if ever. Regardless, Anna Maria Island has a way of looking out for its own.

All Island Denominations and the Island Food Bank Along with the owner Mario Schoenfelder helped employees by directly paying for employees rent, and purchased gas vouchers for local filling stations. J & J Graphics a local design company on Anna Maria printed and sold enough t-shirts to donate $11,115 to All Island Denominations for pier employees. Today after over $200,000 in renovations and upgrades to bring everything back to the classic look and feel. The Rod and Reel is now back to serving the best grouper sandwich on Anna Maria to patrons from all over. So next time you find yourself in need of a good meal, a great view or just a place to drop your line and relax, stop by the brand new yet same old Rod and Reel Pier.

Great Island Real Estate Properties near by

Rest a Shore 838 South Bay

Grants View 412 South Bay

Sea Esta 890 North Shore