Lunch Archives - Island Real Blog

Duffy’s Tavern has great hamburgers and COLD beer

Holmes Beach – Duffy’s Tavern is an Anna Maria Island landmark and has been since it first opened in 1958. Family owned and operated, “Miss Duffy” and her 5 daughters proudly serve their “world famous burgers and the coldest beer this side

of heaven” from a two-story cracker shack located across the street from the Manatee Public Beach on Anna Maria Island, Florida. In March of 2003, Duffy’s relocated across the street from the Holmes Beach City Hall and skate park. Now with air conditioning and a fireplace, it is a great place to hang out where you are never too hot or cold and can mingle with the locals. You can still expect the same service and quality in both the beers and the burgers. Everything comes with chips, never fries.

Duffy’s has fabulous cheeseburgers and try one with everything on it. There is a bar as well as spots to sit down. They have an outdoor eating area under roof as well as one out the back which is not under roof. The regular dining area can be opened up with garage door size screens to let the breeze in on balmy breeze days. On cold days they get the fireplace roaring and it offers a nice cozy eating spot. Walk up to the bar and put in your order and Duffy’s will bring the food out when ready. Plenty of cold beverages at Duffy’s, beer, soda all with Televisions behind the bar to watch your favorite sports team.

Duffy’s hours as of this posting:

Duffy's in Holmes Beach — Duffy’s fireplace

Monday – Saturday: 11am – 8pm
Closed on Tuesday
Sunday: 12pm – 8pm
No credit cards, CASH only!

Duffy’s
5808 Marina Dr,
Holmes Beach, Fl 34217 – Anna Maria Island
Phone (941) 778-2501

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.

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.

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

Outdoor Dining 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

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

Bridgetender – 135 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach
Direct bay front

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

Coquina Café – 2650 Gulf Drive South, Coquina Beach
Direct Gulf front

Ocean Star Review. . . For Kids!!! :)

Hey kids! You’ve made your way back to Kids Corner, the #1 island blog written by kids, for kids. I’m here to talk about one of the best Asian food places on the island, Ocean Star. Not only does it have awesome food, but the atmosphere is very realistic and entertaining. Read on if you want to learn more.

Ocean Star is this great sushi and Japanese food restaurant located at the Galati Marina. It has the most yummiest sushi and dumplings you’ve ever tasted. And no matter what you like there’s something on the menu to amuse everyone.

So let’s start with the food. Honestly, I would have to say that sushi is their specialty. My favorite has to be the Hawaiian Role-Tuna and Cream Cheese tempura with eel sauce-soooo good! I mean, the other items I have tried on the menu were fantastic, don’t get me wrong, but I think the thing they spend more time perfecting their sushi than anything else. But if you’re not exactly the sushi type, Ocean Star has plenty of other options for you. They make a variety of tempura dishes (fried veggies and fish – finger food that satisfies even people like my brother). They also serve many different types of rice, dumplings, soups, noodles, and even steak, to satisfy your hunger. So feel free to eat up and enjoy!

Next, the atmosphere. As soon as you walk in the door, it’s as if you’ve entered a whole different world. In short, it’s very different than your everyday mealtime. You can eat at a table, in a booth, at the bar, or in a canopied-in booth with strips of seating area all around the table. To add to the realistic Japanese ambiance, the lights are dim and the chefs are constantly preparing food right in front of you, which adds to the awesome mood.

So, to conclude, Ocean Star is a fun, awesome restaurant that serves great food, has a fantabulous atmosphere, and is a great place to eat whether you have a special event or are just looking for a cool place to eat for dinner or lunch. Well, i gotta go. See ya l8tr. Byeeeee!!!!!!!!

Anna Maria Island Top Ten Restaurants

Looking for tasty food while you’re on the Anna Maria Island? Well you’re in luck we have composed list of island restaurants from fine dining, to beachfront restaurants, pizza, and where to get the best burger on the island. We have plenty of tasty restaurants to choose from on AMI but the ten restaurants below are a MUST VISIT!

1) Beach Bistro in Holmes Beach – Enjoy fine dining on the Gulf of Mexico with an excellent wine selection and amazing entrée’s.

6600 Gulf Drive
Holmes Beach, FL, 34217
(941) 778-6444

2) Sign of the Mermaid in The City of Anna Maria – A unique dining experience on Anna Maria Island with award winning key lime pie.

Gulf Drive
Anna Maria, FL, 34216
(941) 778-9399

Continue reading Anna Maria Island Top Ten Restaurants

Jason’s Top Ten Restaurants On Anna Maria Island…

From beach café’s to fine dining Anna Maria Island has it all! I took the Free Anna Maria Island Trolley around the island in search of my top ten favorite restaurants. I found that I like almost every restaurant on Anna Maria Island, and here are my top ten…

Continue reading Jason’s Top Ten Restaurants On Anna Maria Island…

Manatee County Fair 2011

Yeah it’s that time of year again, so gather up your family and head to the Manatee County Fair. As always the Manatee County Fair has a fully packed midway, with games, food, Live Music, Magic Shows, and more. Let’s not forget about the fair food, deep fried everything, funnel cake, corndogs, burgers, BBQ, and all of your other favorites that you only get at the fair.

The Manatee County Fair is held each January at the Manatee County Fairgrounds in Palmetto, Florida. The City of Palmetto is located in Manatee County on the northern banks of the Manatee River and is approximately 40 miles south of Tampa, and 15 miles north of Sarasota with convenient access to Interstate 75 from S.R. 64 and S.R. 70 in Bradenton and Interstate 275 from U.S. 41 and U.S. 301 in Parrish.

Just remember in your quest for area events, dining, fishing, shopping, and entertainment, check in with one of our Anna Maria Island vacation specialists and make sure that you get the most out of your Anna Maria Island Vacation. We have beach house rentals all over Anna Maria Island. Call Island Real Estate today 877-778-6066 and book your island getaway!

Hurricane Hanks Pub and Grub On Anna Maria Island

Everyone needs to eat and when you are in Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island you must stop at Hurricane Hanks Pub & Grub for lunch or dinner. Hurricane Hanks is in the S & S Plaza located at the intersection of Gulf Drive and Marina Drive in Holmes Beach. This island style pub has it all, salads, sandwiches, steaks, seafood, and a full liquor bar, with bartenders who know their drink recipes.

Continue reading Hurricane Hanks Pub and Grub On Anna Maria Island

Samurai Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi in Bradenton, Fl

Samurai Flames — Big Flames at the Samurai

The Samurai is a recently opened restaurant in Bradenton, Fl. All seating is inside and the restaurant has he a fairly large bar area. The Samurai Steakhouse has 8 areas where you can sit down in front of large Hibachi grills. Japanese chefs come out and put on a nice show using knives, spatula’s, food and other items to both entertain and serve great Japanese food. The Hibachi grill has choices of chicken, Shrimp, Calamari, Steak, Tuna, Salmon and Lobster. The chef comes out and first fires up the grill with a pretty good flash of flames. Then the vegetables are cut up followed by cooking up some rice and meats. It is a good show with knives clanging and flipping and the food is fantastic. They offer two sauces with your meal and I happen to really like the cream base sauce. They call this yum-yum sauce. The Hibachi grill meals come with a clear broth soup and small salad.

If a Hibachi dinner is not your style that is ok. They serve lots of sushi as well as entrees. There are over 50 choices of Sushi as well as Tempura, fried rice and noodle based dishes. They also offer some unique soups and salads. Seaweed salad, Kani salad which is Crab meat mixed with cucumber and fish eggs. You can always try one of their 15 appetizers. Calamari, Chicken Tempura, Tofu or Edamame. The Samurai also serves Hibachi lunches as well as sushi rolls.

The Japanese Steakhouse is just a fifteen minute drive from Anna Maria Island. It is very close to the Desoto mall which is a great after lunch or dinner spot to slip in some shopping. The Samurai is fairly expensive at about $20 per entree. The food is fantastic and it is entertaining. Our younger son loves it as the chefs are very interactive with the crowd. They toss vegetables in his mouth as well as make volcanoes out of onions. The Samurai has a full bar with lots of unique beer choices.

The Samurai has dine in or take out and is open for lunch and dinner. I do consider the Japanese steakhouse to be child friendly. Our son of seven likes the chicken which is around $8 for his meal and he loves the hibachi show as they cook the rice, chicken and vegetables.

Samurai
3611 1st Street #110
Bradenton, FL 34208
(941) 747-6300

Below find the map from Anna Maria island to the Samurai restaurant.

Samurai Hibatchi interior — Samurai Interior

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