Breakfast 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.

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!

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

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.

Harrington House Bed & Breakfast

While searching for your perfect Anna Maria Island property, it’s nice to have a “home base” to relax and enjoy everything our special paradise has to offer. The Harrington House Beachfront Bed and Breakfast offers island hospitality and comfort in order to help you decide which AMI place is “the one” for you! When you’re making your reservation, make sure to tell them you are working with an Island Real Estate Sales Professional for VIP treatment!

The Harrington House is a fantastic direct Gulf Front Bed and Breakfast located on Anna Maria Island. They offer nightly accommodations and they provide a perfect get away from the busy life. Each morning you will be awakened by the smell of in house chef made breakfast, breads and coffee. Each bedroom has a charm all of its own, it’s best to speak to one of the very knowledgeable staff to determine which room would best meet your expectations.

Harrington House Breakfast

They also serve breakfast by appointment only for locals and visitors alike. Sit outside and listen to the Gulf of Mexico while you enjoy one of several specialty breakfasts. You can also dine inside in the dining area with direct views of the Gulf of Mexico. Either way, the breakfast is fantastic and the views are free. If you have a special occasion be sure to stay at Harrington House or at least visit them for breakfast but please be sure to call ahead. Reservations are always required and seating is limited.

One last note, Harrington House will also host a tea party, wedding, or wedding reception so be sure to call them if you have a need for a special group outing.

Harrington House
5626 Gulf Drive
Holmes Beach, FL, 34217
(941) 778-5444

Peach’s Breakfast Anna Maria Island

Get the family and go to Peach’s for an inexpensive place to conquer your morning cravings. With exceptional service and even better food it’s a sure bet!

Peach’s

Located about 5 minutes away from the draw bridge, Peach’s is a excellent place to get all of your breakfast. They also have lunch favorites that will remind you why they were your favorites in the first place. Peach’s never fails to hit the spot, no matter what time you go. My personal favorite is the fact that they serve everything on their menu, at any time (Hello cheeseburger at 8:30AM!)

From someone who goes to Peach’s at least once week, this place is a MUST for breakfast.

Breakfast on Anna Maria Island – The Donut Experiment

The Donut Experiment is an amazing spot for donuts and coffee! When choosing breakfast on Anna Maria Island there is definitely no shortage of options. But there is only one place where gourmet donuts are baked fresh daily and topped with your choice of crushed M&M’s, Fruity Pebbles, Oreos and so much more.

The Donut Experiment

Located at 210 Pine Avenue, The Donuts Experiment is a staple of the breakfast community coming out with new and more creative recipes every day.

scavenger hunt donuts

AMI Donuts is the brain child of Shawn and Cecilia Wompola. Shawn formerly a police officer and Cecilia, a retail buyer for QVC, vacationed to Anna Maria. They dreamed of one day making it their home. Their only complaint while vacationing here was the lack of good doughnuts on the island. What could be more obvious? Now, a year and a half later, you can stroll down Pine Avenue and be lured by that tantalizing smell of fresh, tasty doughnuts. The Wompolas will welcome you in the door of Anna Maria Doughnuts with a big smile and such a creative array of sumptuous treats like the Golden Grahams S’more donut or the all new the sriracha donut.

So next time you find yourself in need of a delicious pick me up, stop in and try some of the one of a kind recipes like Key Lime or the Cinnamon Sugar (personal favorites of Shawn and Celia) or the Maple Bacon (my

favorite) I can assure you won’t be disappointed.

Outdoor Dining Anna Maria Island – Dine and Drink El Fresco!

Outdoor Dining on Anna Maria Island is the quintessential way to hang out in beautiful tropical climate! There’s nothing better than when going out to grab a bite to eat or drinks, having the warm island breeze surrounding you. Some of the wonderful restaurants I’ve listed below have beautiful water views of either the crystal clear Gulf or Bay, or an open-air setting directly across the street from the beach.

The fresh air of AMI always makes your food taste that much better and your drinks that much tastier, bringing you relaxing vibes that will be sure to lift your spirit. I have suggested different places from smaller and more quant spots, to casual any-time spots, to romantic night spots.

Outdoor Dining Anna Maria Island

Sandbar – 100 Spring Ave, Anna Maria

Direct Gulf front

sandbar restaurant in anna maria

The Waterfront – 111 South Bay Blvd, Anna Maria
Bay views

Anna Maria Pier – 100 South Bay Blvd, Anna Maria
Out in the middle of the Tampa Bay

Anna Maria City pier

Bridgetender – 135 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach
Direct bay front

Bridgetender inn Bradenton Beach

Island Time Bar & Grill – 111 Gulf Drive South, Bradenton Beach
Open-air setting, across the street from the Gulf

The Beachhouse – 200 Gulf Drive North, Bradenton Beach
Direct Gulf front

Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe – 4000 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach
Direct Gulf front

Delicious Anna Maria Island Breakfast Spots

Anna Maria is well known for its white sandy beaches and amazing Gulf front dining. But dinner is not the only time to discover one of the island’s culinary gems; breakfast IS the most important meal of the day after all!

It would be impossible to pick “the best” breakfast restaurant on the island, as each has a unique personality. Southern Living touts Ginny’s & Jane E’s at the Old IGA for a special breakfast experience, the fabulous Morning Glory muffin and the funky beach chic boutique. Sink your toes in the sand at the Sandbar during their Sunday jazz brunch. While visiting one of Forbes List of America’s Prettiest Towns, try the Donut Experiment on Historic Pine Avenue. For an international flair, the Island Creperie French Bistro located on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach serves up a myriad of selections. In the mood to eat alot of pancakes? Try the all you can eat pancake breakfast at the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe.

Local favorites include the home style of Peach’s in Holmes Beach, the “specials board” is always something special! Minnie’s is a great little breakfast and lunch spot. A petite restaurant offering great service, an intimate setting and nice portions…be sure to bring cash, because Minnie’s, as well as several other local favorites are still cash only!

Discover your favorite breakfast spot by exploring the flavorful delights Anna Maria Island has to offer!

Rod and Reel pier in Anna Maria City is good eat’s

The Rod and Reel Pier is an institution in Anna Maria City. Ask a local on Anna Maria Island where to eat and just about everyone has Rod & Reel Pier restaurant in their top three. The Rod & Reel Restaurant is located in Anna Maria City and is the most Northern eatery on Anna Maria Island. The restaurant sits out on the end of a pier in Anna Maria City so it makes for perfect scenery. I have personally seen fish, dolphins and manatee off the pier while waiting to get into the restaurant. The pier also doubles as a great fishing spot for visitors and locals alike. Just about every hour the restaurant is open you will see folks fishing from the pier.

Rod and Reel serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their breakfast is very good as well as their lunches and oh yah, their dinners too! Every meal at the Rod and Reel is great! The restaurant has an old Florida diner charm. It seats about 20 inside and seats about 15 outside. The 20 seats inside are made up of tables for 4-5, tables for 2 and one table that can seat about 6-8. There are about 4 tables that sit along the Bay so you can glance out at the water while you enjoy your clam strips, fish & chips, grouper Reuben sandwich or grouper any way you like it. The 15 seats outside face towards the West so you can get an early glimpse of our Anna Maria Island Sunsets as well as the pier below. There are a flight of steps up to the restaurant so if you have someone in your party that cannot do steps it is best to skip this restaurant.

One insider secret is the small bar under the restaurant. It is back behind the stairs up to the restaurant and is considered on the ground level. They will serve food at the bar although it can get tight on popular nights. The seating is a tight 10-12 but the beer is cold and cheap. Last time a “friend” had a beer there it was $3 for a draft. (Yes, I have updated this in 2019 and it is still $3 for a domestic draft) I recall the first time my “friend” got a beer down in the bar area. The bar tender said “Three dollars please,” My friend said “What?” The bartender quickly said, “I know, I know, we just raised our draft beer prices from $2 but we had too.” Of course we were surprised with how reasonably priced the draft beer was. If you are looking for “insider” secrets then swing by the bar and pull up a seat. There are plenty of locals that have a drink or two at the bar.

Now for the meals. The lunch and dinner menu’s are one in the same. The restaurant has plenty of sandwiches to choose from, grouper any way you like it, a Reuben grouper which is just like a Reuben but with Grouper as the meat and about four other choices of sandwiches. My son loves the clam strips or the fish & chips. If you are looking for a meal on the bigger side then the Mexican grouper is your ticket. Of course they serve plenty of fish any way you like it. The most recent night I visited they had several specials, Mahi Mahi, Sword Fish, and a few others. They do serve bottled beer up in the restaurant as well as wine. Their coleslaw is great as well as their desserts. If you still have room try their Key Lime Pie. You won’t be sorry!

Another great feature of the Rod and Reel pier other than the awesome food? If you get window seats you can take in the Tampa Bay, maybe see some dolphins and take in the gorgeous Sunshine

Rod & Reel Pier – Anna Maria, FL
Address:
875 N. Shore Drive
Anna Maria, FL 34216

Cuisine: Gulf Coast Seafood

Price Range: $-$$
Takes Reservations: No

SEE VIDEO BELOW –

Updated: March 2018