Restaurants Archives - Island Real Blog

The Waffle Press

Anna Maria has a new walk up snack option with the Waffle Press, located next to Pineapple Junction at 425 Pine Ave. This cozy spot specializes in Liege waffles, a sweeter and smaller cousin of the well-known Belgian waffle. Liege waffles are dough based and yeast raised, caramelized on the outside and with crunch of pearl sugar throughout. Each fluffy, crispy bite is amazing!

Waffle Press has a few yummy creations to choose from such as the Grand Slam which includes peanut butter, chocolate and bananas yet you can still create your own masterpiece with any mixture of toppings. If you are a purist, order the aptly named Purist which is a simple waffle with a sprinkling of cinnamon or sugar. It may have a simple name yet the taste is anything but simple! During my visit I opted for the Canadian which had maple butter and bacon on top of the hot freshly made waffle. There are also savory options and my friend tried the Birdie which included turkey, bacon, avocado and tomato jam. Both were amazing!

Smoothies, coffee including espresso and cappuccino are featured as well. Nondairy mylk options are available plus a few locally sourced baked goods. The day I was there the bagels looked amazing and I was tempted to indulge yet resisted, knowing I can go back.

Stop in the Waffle Press next time you visit AMI for breakfast, a snack or maybe dessert after enjoying dinner at any of the island’s fantastic eateries.

Best coffee shops on Anna Maria Island!

One of the beautiful things about Anna Maria Island is the escape from the norm. You won’t find many of your run of the mill coffee places, you will discover something better! As a fellow coffee connoisseur I may have a few suggestions on where one might find the perfect cup on the island. This list is in no particular order, consider it a map.

If your vacation rental is near Bradenton Beach then you will more than likely visit the fabulous staff at Back Alley Treasures on multiple occasions, sometimes twice in the same day. To start with…great coffee, locally roasted and fresh ground. Add to that the fresh baked goodies and a great little wine selection and you have the makings of a perfect little pit stop! You can also order online if you are on a mission to be the first footsteps on the beach.

If you chose a Holmes Beach Vacation rental then you will more likely find yourself getting your caffeine fix at the Island Coffee Haus. This little coffee house has everything you need to kick start your morning, from rich espresso to full leaf teas and cold pressed green juice. They also have a wonderful medley of pastries and little breakfast sandwiches.

If you opted to stay at The Blue Bayou in Anna Maria City you have a great option that is probably within walking distance, or at least biking distance! Aptly named the North Shore Café, this is a great new addition to the northern coast of the island. This coffee shop is located directly at the end of a canal on Pine Ave with a spectacular backyard with tables, chairs and even cornhole. Great smoothies, homemade granola and some expert baristas make this a must stop. The café does not have a website yet but I will add a link as soon as they do.

I would wager that most of the Anna Maria Island rentals have a coffee maker, but you are on vacation after all. Sometimes it is just nice to pamper yourself and let someone else do the brewing for you. The best days always start with coffee on the beach. Enjoy!

coffee on the beach — This is where I want to be!

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. Just past Coquina Beach and over the bridge you will find Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant. Beautiful waterfront location with terrific food. A favorite with locals and visitors alike.

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 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. 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 another Tex-Mex choice on Anna Maria Island. Another Mexican based restaurant is Poppo’s located in Anna Maria City on Pine Avenue. Sorry, Banana Cabana is now closed.

Take out Anna Maria Island Restaurants

One of the best places for take-out on Anna Maria Island is definitely Scott’s Deli. Piled high sandwiches and great prices. They will even work with your charter captain to have your lunch ready and at the dock for your fishing trip! 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 further, 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 toppings. 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. We all need those vacation dollars to last so check out the top ten happy hours on Anna Maria Island list. It was hard work but someone had to find all of them! Want more choices? Our Anna Maria nightlife post lists bars, live music, billiards and more. Check out our nightlife blog for more information.

Anna Maria Island is blessed to have so many wonderful dining choices. No matter where your Anna Maria vacation rental is located on the island, a great place to eat is a stones throw away. Cheers!

Eat Great Food at the Restaurant Eat Here in Holmes Beach

Don’t let the name confuse you! There is a restaurant here on Anna Maria Island that is actually called “Eat Here”. Located in Holmes Beach, Eat Here serves a variety of dishes in a casual, comfortable environment. This restaurant is owned by Sean Murphy, who also owns the Beach Bistro. So you know you can expect a good time and great food!

On the menu you will find fresh seafood, local farm products, pizzas, tacos, and more delectable bites. A few of their menu items include; Seattle Style Grilled Cheese, Gulf Coast Seafood Stew, and Lobster & Shrimp Tacos. Makes my mouth water just mentioning these dishes.

Eat Here is open for Dinner everyday of the week, from 5PM – 10PM. Since they offer lunch and dinner options, you may need to stay somewhere on the Anna Maria Island. Island Real Estate Vacations has some in Holmes Beach that you could walk or bike from such as the three bedroom Harrington Bungalow 6 or the beachfront luxury condo Vista Grande 1.

Address:
5315 Gulf Dr
Holmes Beach, FL, 34217

Need a Drink? Check out The Doctor’s Office (Bar) in Holmes Beach.

If you’ve never had a drink from The Doctor’s Office, you are missing out! No silly, it’s not an actual doctors office but a craft cocktail bar here in Holmes Beach that’s called the “Doctor’s Office”. This place is seriously awesome! And the cocktails are amazing!

Actually for more than 50 years, this space was the Island Doctors’ office. Now though you wont find a medical doctor on duty, just some fantastic local bartenders. A few of my favorite cocktails from here are The Bee’s Knees, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, and The Nightingale.

Along with drinks, The Doctor’s Office also features some small plated food options. There’s artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, maple bacon, and the BEST Chocolate Budino (pudding) that’s topped with sea salt. It’s delectable.

The Doctor’s Office is open everyday of the week, from 5PM – 11:45PM. If you plan on closing the bar down… make sure you pick a great place to stay. Island Real Estate Vacations has some great locations within walking distance. You can’t wrong with Blue Lagoon 4 or Harrington Bungalow 5 which are perfect for a family and friends trip.

Address:
5312 Holmes Blvd. #B
Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Get Your Breakfast on at Paradise Bagels, Cafe & Catering on East Bay Drive

Located a few doors down from the Island Walgreens, Paradise Bagels is a great little cafe to stop at for some breakfast. Obviously, you can get a pretty darn good bagel from here. They are New York style water bagels, and they have a selection of 18 different bagels to choose from that are freshly baked.

They also offer muffins, bakery items, and Deli made sandwiches, salads, and soups.

Paradise Bagels serves breakfast and lunch 365 days a year! They are open Monday – Saturday from 7AM – 2PM, and open Sundays from 7AM – 12:30PM.

Address:
3220 E Bay Dr
Holmes Beach, 34217

Danny’s Pizzeria – Authentic, New York Style Pizza just off the Island

I don’t know about you, but I for one LOVE pizza! So if you’re a pizza lover like me, then you have to try Danny’s Pizzeria in Bradenton.

If you didn’t rent a car and need to stay on the Island, then try The Feast for your pizza fix. But, if you are able to make the 15 minute commute off the Island to Danny’s, it is worth it!

Danny’s is popular for their authentic New York style cheese pies. And though I have never experienced real New York pizza, I have heard from multiple people who have that Danny’s is spot on!

And it doesn’t stop at pizza, they serve Hero’s and delicious Italian cuisine. Baked Ziti, Chicken Parmesan, and even Calzones.

Danny’s is open for lunch and dinner everyday of the week.

Dine with Your Toes in the Sand at Gulf Drive Cafe

The Gulf Drive Cafe is a casual, waterfront restaurant in Bradenton Beach, where you have the option of dining outdoors on the beach.
This is one of only 3 restaurants on Anna Maria Island where you can dine with your toes in the sand. The Sandbar and The Beach House also are right on the beach.

Gulf Drive Cafe is open everyday for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, this place is more than just a restaurant. They also have a gift shop, host private events, and have a huge outdoor, full service tiki-bar known as The Kokonut Hut. Plus, the Kokonut Hut is dog friendly!

There are 2 large parking lots, or take the free Island trolley. There is a trolley stop conveniently right across the street.

Wicked Cantina – Tacos, Seafood, Burgers, and More in Bradenton Beach!

Wicked Cantina in Bradenton Beach is a great restaurant for everyone. Because they serve, well, everything! They serve breakfast, tacos, burgers, and seafood. And don’t forget about the margaritas!

Open everyday of the week from 7:30 AM to 10PM, stop by and enjoy a meal with a view of the Gulf on their patio! The patio is also where you can expect to find live music most evenings.
And you HAVE to come for Happy Hour, which is from 12PM – 5PM everyday, and all day Sundays! You can’t beat that!

For breakfast, Wicked Cantina serves classis dishes like pancakes and omelettes, but they also have a great Tex Mex breakfast options as well. There’s the Breakfast Taco Plate, Huevos Rancheros, and the Breakfast Chimi.

The lunch/dinner menu features a wide variety of different cuisine. There’s Enchiladas, Tacos, Quesadillas, Burgers, Salads, and more! Like, a lot more. Don’t forget to pair your meal with one of their popular margaritas, which are made with no mixers or fillers.

P.S. If you take your Wicked Cantina receipt to the Green Turtle, a gift shop across the parking lot, they will give you a necklace like the one pictured below.

Sign of the Mermaid Anna Maria – CLOSED as of 2019

Open for Breakfast, lunch and dinner the Sign of the Mermaid Anna Maria offers a unique dining experience.

Sign of the Mermaid Anna Maria – Closed as of 2019

Sign of the Mermaid is located in the city Anna Maria on Gulf drive. The restaurant is in a quaint house renovated to accommodate dining guests. Built in 1912 this restaurant is an old home. Creaking floors, artwork, and fabulous antiques are just a few of the items that define the decor of this unusual home.

The food

Meal at the Sign of the Mermaid Anna Maria tend to be larger. They offer seafood, pasta, chicken, lamb, steaks, wonderful appetizers, and out of this world desserts. For breakfast try out the Eggs Andrea. A delicious spin on a traditional Benedict. The dinner menu also has tons of classic favorites with a unique twist. Additionally, in season we recommend reservations, and the atmosphere accommodates children. Sign of the Mermaid has mixed reviews mostly due to the age of the restaurant and the decor. If you prefer the journey to a dining experience we would suggest Sign of the Mermaid.

Sign of the Mermaid – CLOSED
9707 Gulf Drive
Anna Maria, FL, 34216
(941) 778-9399

Need more choices of Anna Maria City restaurants and fine dining. No fear, Island Real Estate is here. Take a look at our Top Ten Anna Maria Island restaurant information page.