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.

Annual Anna Maria Island Bayfest

If you plan to be on or near Anna Maria Island in mid-October, than you’ll definitely want to check out the annual Anna Maria Island Bayfest on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria City! This is an extremely entertaining , family friendly festival that will definitely please everyone in your group, no matter their age. The event features; a classic car show, a great lineup of live music, tons of yummy food vendors from popular local restaurants, adult beverages, arts and crafts vendors, a kid zone, and of course plenty of fun.

Bayfest usually takes place the third Saturday of October from about 10am to 9pm, and there is no charge for admission. It’s the longest running music, crafts and food festival, and continues to be one of the most popular Island events every year. If you don’t already have plans to be here, you should make some!

When: Usually the third Saturday of October
Where: Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL, 34216
Time: 10am to 9pm
Ticket Price: FREE
Parking Info: There are a few options for parking/transportation:
. Take a ride on the free island trolley to Pine Ave.
. You can park at Crosspointe Fellowship Church (8605 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217) and hop on the free trolley that will be transporting people from the church, to the City Pier at the end of Pine Ave.
. There is some neighborhood street parking but BE CAUTIOUS. Pay attention to the signs that indicate where parking is permitted, make sure all four tires are off the road and sidewalks, and park with the direction of traffic.

https://annamariaisland.com/anna-maria-bayfest/ — Crowds gather for the Bayfest event in Anna Maria City

The Annual Cortez Fishing Festival

The Cortez Fishing Festival, a local tradition and rightly so with the delicious fresh seafood and old Florida atmosphere it brings. The festival which takes place in Cortez’s historic fishing village is a fun filled day for everyone. Enjoy fantastic live music, nautical art, and plenty of delicious seafood for you to munch on. This event is a favorite for visitors and locals, which is why it draws a crowd of around 20,000 people! The Cortez Fishing Festival certainly keeps growing and getting better each year. The 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.

*Expert tip: the earlier/later you get to the festival, the less of a crowd there will be. If you don’t enjoy large crowds, avoid going mid-day*

What you need to know:

Where:
Cortez Fishing Village
Cortez, FL 34215

When:
Usually takes place the 3^rd weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of February.

Time:
10am to 6pm

Admission:
Adults – $4
Children 12 and under – FREE

Parking:
Every year there is 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.

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. Cortez Kitchen

Located in the Historic Cortez Fishing Village, Cortez Kitchen serves fresh seafood in an laid back atmosphere. This waterfront restaurant also features live music on the weekends! A few of their delicious dishes include; steamed clams, peel & eat shrimp, buffalo grouper sandwich, etc.

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!

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

Blue Marlin Restaurant On Historic Bridge Street

The Blue Marlin Restaurant on Anna Maria Island serves only the freshest local seafood and is a great spot to catch local musicians. Located on Historic Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach the Blue Marlin offers a unique dining experience in an intimate setting. The Blue Marlin is a nautical theme restaurant with local artwork and pictures throughout the restaurant.

Owner Adam Ellis has extensive knowledge of the local seafood market and purchases fresh fish daily in the Village of Cortez which provides the exquisite entrée selection and daily specials featuring the day’s catch. If you’re not a seafood lover try their famous steak sandwich, short ribs, or roasted chicken you won’t be disappointed.

If you’re in the mood for live music after dinner than the courtyard is the spot for you. The courtyard at the Blue Marlin offers live music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings in a very relaxing outdoor setting featuring different live bands every week.

So the next time you’re in the mood for tasty food and live music head down to the Blue Marlin on Historic Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach.

Blue Marlin
121 Bridge Street
Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

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

Annual Cortez Fishing Festival

This weekend there is something fishy going on in the Village of Cortez… With live music, fresh Florida seafood, arts and crafts displays, the Cortez Fishing Festival is sure to be fun for the whole family. The annual Cortez commercial fishing festival is expecting more than 20,000 people in the Historic Village of Cortez this weekend.

The festival starts this Saturday February 18th and will continue through Sunday February 19th from 10am to 6pm on both days. Admission is only $3, and kids under 12 get in FREE! The proceeds benefit the F.I.S.H. Preserve.

There are a couple of different Parking options available for you this year: There will be free parking east of Festival area at the F.I.S.H. Preserve, space is limited and will defiantly fill up early.

Remote Parking will be available at G. T. Bray Park in Bradenton located at – 5502 33rd Avenue Drive West Bradenton, 34209. Additional parking will be available at Coquina Beach on Anna Maria Island – Anna Maria Island residents can take the free trolley to the parking site. Round-trip shuttle service from remote parking lots is only $2.50.

Live Music Schedule

Saturday February 18th Stage #1 – Waterfront
10:30 am: Soul R Coaster
12:00 pm: Awards and Introductions
12:30 pm: Eric von Hahmann
2:00 pm: Shaman
4:00 pm: Razing Cane

Saturday February 18th Stage #2 – Bratton Store
10:30 am: Eric von Hahmann
11:45 am: Passerine
1:00 pm: Brian Smalley
2:15 pm: St Pete & Main Hatch Motley Sea Shanty Singers
2:45 pm: Eric von Hahmann
4:00 pm: Jimmy Johnson

Sunday February 19th Stage #1 – Waterfront
10:30 am: Soupy Davis and his Band
12:00 pm: Eric von Hahmann
1:30 pm: Dr. Dave Band
3:30 pm: Gumbo Boogie Band

Sunday February 19th Stage #2 – Bratton Store
10:30 am: Main Hatch Motley Sea Shanty Singers
11:15 am: Jimmy Johnson
12:30 pm: Terry Blauvelt
1:45 pm: Sister Act – Lane & Val
3:00 pm: Eric von Hahmann
4:00 pm: Eric & Jimmy

Captain Curt’s Crab and Oyster Bar

Looking for that “Old Florida” place to take the family, a place that will take you back in time to an era where good fresh seafood was a standard? A place where reasonable prices, a casual family atmosphere and courteous service still exist? Look no further… Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar is just that place.

Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar is located at Captain Curt’s Village in Sarasota Florida on beautiful Siesta Key. Home to one of the best beaches in the world! The Travel Channel, in their Best Beaches series, ranked Siesta Key Beach “The Best Sand Beach” and “Captain Curt’s the Best Family Restaurant on Siesta Key”. So come to Siesta Key for all it has to offer and visit us at Captain Curt’s and enjoy great seafood, great entertainment, and great fun.

Continue reading Captain Curt’s Crab and Oyster Bar

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