BeachToBay Guide Book

Food scene

Great restaurants, bars, cafes

Bridge Street

Wonderful historic Bridge Street and pier (1 mile from the house) offers restaurants, bars (live music), cafes, gift shops, ice cream shops, etc. Up until 1921, the only way to access Anna Maria Island was by boat. That is the year that the island was connected to the mainland by a wooden bridge extending from the village of Cortez to what was then called Cortez Beach making it the center of the island community. In the late 20’s, Cortez Beach became known as Bradenton Beach. In 1967, the current drawbridge was opened to 5th Street North ending the use of the original wooden bridge as a means to access the island. While the side of the bridge in Cortez village was removed, the Bradenton Beach side of the old wooden bridge was saved and converted into a fishing pier at the eastern end of Bridge Street. This fishing pier still stands today and is the site of a restaurant and gathering place for locals, tourists and little ones trying to catch the big one. Historic Bridge Street is once again the bustling center of activity in this historic beach community. What’s now known as the Historic Old Town District is great for day trips, weekend getaways, or an entire vacation. Bridge Street offers a walkable community with spectacular water views from the both the pier and the gulf beach.

32 personas locales recomiendan

Bridge Street

32 personas locales recomiendan

Wonderful historic Bridge Street and pier (1 mile from the house) offers restaurants, bars (live music), cafes, gift shops, ice cream shops, etc. Up until 1921, the only way to access Anna Maria Island was by boat. That is the year that the island was connected to the mainland by a wooden bridge extending from the village of Cortez to what was then called Cortez Beach making it the center of the island community. In the late 20’s, Cortez Beach became known as Bradenton Beach. In 1967, the current drawbridge was opened to 5th Street North ending the use of the original wooden bridge as a means to access the island. While the side of the bridge in Cortez village was removed, the Bradenton Beach side of the old wooden bridge was saved and converted into a fishing pier at the eastern end of Bridge Street. This fishing pier still stands today and is the site of a restaurant and gathering place for locals, tourists and little ones trying to catch the big one. Historic Bridge Street is once again the bustling center of activity in this historic beach community. What’s now known as the Historic Old Town District is great for day trips, weekend getaways, or an entire vacation. Bridge Street offers a walkable community with spectacular water views from the both the pier and the gulf beach.

Rod and Reel Pier

The Rod and Reel Pier is a one of Anna Maria Islands hidden treasure dining experiences. Tucked away on the far North end of Anna Maria, it is a "Little Bit of Old Florida" serving traditional fare, local favorites and famous fish specials since 1947. The Rod & Reel Pier is a two story, newly renovated restaurant, directly out on the Gulf of Mexico. Casual Dining for the whole family to enjoy up stairs either seated inside or out on its quaint covered outside deck gives a one a true Old Florida experience. The downstairs is a casual unique bar, serving beer and wine. A island favorite too many locals and travelers for years.

111 personas locales recomiendan

Rod and Reel Pier

875 N Shore Dr

111 personas locales recomiendan

The Rod and Reel Pier is a one of Anna Maria Islands hidden treasure dining experiences. Tucked away on the far North end of Anna Maria, it is a "Little Bit of Old Florida" serving traditional fare, local favorites and famous fish specials since 1947. The Rod & Reel Pier is a two story, newly renovated restaurant, directly out on the Gulf of Mexico. Casual Dining for the whole family to enjoy up stairs either seated inside or out on its quaint covered outside deck gives a one a true Old Florida experience. The downstairs is a casual unique bar, serving beer and wine. A island favorite too many locals and travelers for years.

Sharky's Seagrill

Sharkey's new Italian owners are maintaining much of what has worked in the past, while also incorporating some subtle new touches. BRADENTON BEACH - The five friends from Rome, Italy, who make up the new ownership group at Sharky's Steak & Seagrill, are settling nicely into their new roles as Anna Maria Island restauranteurs. Last October, Cristina Delle Macchie, Mario Procopio, Silvia Sanges, Emilio Vardaro and Nadia Rossi bought the 80-seat restaurant space at 2519 Gulf Dr. N., and they now share the ownership and operational responsibilities. When in Rome, Delle Macchie works as a tour guide. Procopio, a former Italian newspaper man, works for Sky TV Delle Macchie and Procopio are new to the restaurant business, but the other partners have restaurant experience. Delle Macchie said they plan to maintain much of what worked well for the past two decades under previous ownership, including the attractive, dark wood furnishings that date back to the building's origins as a German restaurant. General manager and longtime bartender Tom Gray and longtime waitress Tammy Welch provide operational continuity, and new chef Carlos Cruz is making subtle changes to an American-style menu that features prime rib, fresh fish and seafood dishes and is now expanding to include more fresh pasta dishes that reflect the new owners' Italian heritage. ON THE MENU The Shark on the Barbie is served with honey Q-sauce. Purchased locally, the Key West grouper is crusted and served with tropical rum salsa. The crab stuffed tilapia is served with lemon buerre blanc, and the back-fin crab cakes are topped with Dijon red pepper aioli. Market priced seafood offerings include the popular Sea Grill combo, the fish trio, lobster tails and the catch of the day. "Slow roasted to perfection," Sharky's signature roast prime rib sells is offered in regular and king cut, and also during the prime rib special Monday through Thursday. The menu also includes a filet mignon topped with Bordelaise sauce and chicken Marsala. Pasta plates include mussels fra diavolo, linguine clams, lobster linguine and tortellini a la vodka, with dinner specials further expanding the menu offerings. The appetizer menu features Shark Bites served with remoulade and sweet chili, lobster spring rolls served with ginger Q-sauce and Escargot Sarabay. Open 4 to 10 p.m. seven days a week, Sharky's has a full liquor bar with happy hour specials from 4 to 6 p.m. and live entertainment Tuesdays and Thursdays.

11 personas locales recomiendan

Sharky's Seagrill

2519 Gulf Dr N

11 personas locales recomiendan

Sharkey's new Italian owners are maintaining much of what has worked in the past, while also incorporating some subtle new touches. BRADENTON BEACH - The five friends from Rome, Italy, who make up the new ownership group at Sharky's Steak & Seagrill, are settling nicely into their new roles as Anna Maria Island restauranteurs. Last October, Cristina Delle Macchie, Mario Procopio, Silvia Sanges, Emilio Vardaro and Nadia Rossi bought the 80-seat restaurant space at 2519 Gulf Dr. N., and they now share the ownership and operational responsibilities. When in Rome, Delle Macchie works as a tour guide. Procopio, a former Italian newspaper man, works for Sky TV Delle Macchie and Procopio are new to the restaurant business, but the other partners have restaurant experience. Delle Macchie said they plan to maintain much of what worked well for the past two decades under previous ownership, including the attractive, dark wood furnishings that date back to the building's origins as a German restaurant. General manager and longtime bartender Tom Gray and longtime waitress Tammy Welch provide operational continuity, and new chef Carlos Cruz is making subtle changes to an American-style menu that features prime rib, fresh fish and seafood dishes and is now expanding to include more fresh pasta dishes that reflect the new owners' Italian heritage. ON THE MENU The Shark on the Barbie is served with honey Q-sauce. Purchased locally, the Key West grouper is crusted and served with tropical rum salsa. The crab stuffed tilapia is served with lemon buerre blanc, and the back-fin crab cakes are topped with Dijon red pepper aioli. Market priced seafood offerings include the popular Sea Grill combo, the fish trio, lobster tails and the catch of the day. "Slow roasted to perfection," Sharky's signature roast prime rib sells is offered in regular and king cut, and also during the prime rib special Monday through Thursday. The menu also includes a filet mignon topped with Bordelaise sauce and chicken Marsala. Pasta plates include mussels fra diavolo, linguine clams, lobster linguine and tortellini a la vodka, with dinner specials further expanding the menu offerings. The appetizer menu features Shark Bites served with remoulade and sweet chili, lobster spring rolls served with ginger Q-sauce and Escargot Sarabay. Open 4 to 10 p.m. seven days a week, Sharky's has a full liquor bar with happy hour specials from 4 to 6 p.m. and live entertainment Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The Ugly Grouper

Location, Hours & Info Anna Maria Island's The Ugly Grouper 5704 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL The Ugly Grouper is always busy (great fish tacos). YES, WE OFFER TAKEOUT, BUT NOT DELIVERY AT THIS TIME. HOWEVER, TAKEOUT MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE DUE TO HIGH VOLUMES OF DINE IN GUESTS ALL SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE AND YOU MUST REGISTER FOR A TABLE AT THE HOST STAND NO, WE DO NOT TAKE CALL AHEAD SEATING OR RESERVATIONS ESTIMATED WAIT TIMES COULD CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER CHANGES YES, WE ARE 100% OUTDOORS YES, WE HAVE GLUTEN FREE & VEGAN OPTIONS YES, WE HAVE LIVE MUSIC EVERY DAY, WEATHER PERMITTING NO, SMOKING IS NOT ALLOWED INSIDE OF OUR GATES YES, SERVICE ANIMALS ARE ALLOWED

54 personas locales recomiendan

The Ugly Grouper

5704 Marina Dr

54 personas locales recomiendan

Location, Hours & Info Anna Maria Island's The Ugly Grouper 5704 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL The Ugly Grouper is always busy (great fish tacos). YES, WE OFFER TAKEOUT, BUT NOT DELIVERY AT THIS TIME. HOWEVER, TAKEOUT MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE DUE TO HIGH VOLUMES OF DINE IN GUESTS ALL SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE AND YOU MUST REGISTER FOR A TABLE AT THE HOST STAND NO, WE DO NOT TAKE CALL AHEAD SEATING OR RESERVATIONS ESTIMATED WAIT TIMES COULD CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER CHANGES YES, WE ARE 100% OUTDOORS YES, WE HAVE GLUTEN FREE & VEGAN OPTIONS YES, WE HAVE LIVE MUSIC EVERY DAY, WEATHER PERMITTING NO, SMOKING IS NOT ALLOWED INSIDE OF OUR GATES YES, SERVICE ANIMALS ARE ALLOWED

Publix Super Market at Holmes Beach

Publix Super Market is approx. 1.4 miles from the house. We tend to ride our bikes back and forth from the market or a very quick drive if you have a larger load of groceries needed. Pro tip: If you are a member of Instacart, you can order food delivery from Publix to the house. One less thing for you to worry about.

68 personas locales recomiendan

Publix Super Market at Holmes Beach

3900 E Bay Dr

68 personas locales recomiendan

Publix Super Market is approx. 1.4 miles from the house. We tend to ride our bikes back and forth from the market or a very quick drive if you have a larger load of groceries needed. Pro tip: If you are a member of Instacart, you can order food delivery from Publix to the house. One less thing for you to worry about.

The Kokonut Hut

The Kokonut Hut bar and grill offers onsite dining and takeout (delivery is not available). You can walk to the Kokonut Hut from the house (approx. 15 mins). The Kokonut Hut is a place to enjoy a cold beer or cocktail directly on the beach with water views. Check out their live music schedule on their Facebook page! Recently, There have been a few poor references about their quality of food, service and how they charge a fee to park on their property. We don’t drive…we walk and we order cocktails while we enjoy the sunset over the water. The property is on one of the most beautiful locations on AMI.

24 personas locales recomiendan

The Kokonut Hut

900 Gulf Dr N

24 personas locales recomiendan

The Kokonut Hut bar and grill offers onsite dining and takeout (delivery is not available). You can walk to the Kokonut Hut from the house (approx. 15 mins). The Kokonut Hut is a place to enjoy a cold beer or cocktail directly on the beach with water views. Check out their live music schedule on their Facebook page! Recently, There have been a few poor references about their quality of food, service and how they charge a fee to park on their property. We don’t drive…we walk and we order cocktails while we enjoy the sunset over the water. The property is on one of the most beautiful locations on AMI.

The Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar

Established 30 years ago, Bridge Tender Inn (BTI) is Bradenton’s favorite sports bar and grille to eat, drink, and socialize while watching a televised sports event. You can chug beers, eat lip-smacking food, enjoy live music, and make great memories in a comfy, laid-back setting. This Packer bar is owned by Fred Bartizal and has a staff of 50+ veteran servers who love to offer the best drink-and-dine experience to their guests. The general manager, Sue, has been here for 25+ years and the assistant manager, Shannon, has been here for 10+ years. They’re the ones that oversee making that experience happen! Voted #1 four times in a row, BTI features a casual dining setting that’s loved by locals and tourists alike.

51 personas locales recomiendan

The Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar

135 Bridge St

51 personas locales recomiendan

Established 30 years ago, Bridge Tender Inn (BTI) is Bradenton’s favorite sports bar and grille to eat, drink, and socialize while watching a televised sports event. You can chug beers, eat lip-smacking food, enjoy live music, and make great memories in a comfy, laid-back setting. This Packer bar is owned by Fred Bartizal and has a staff of 50+ veteran servers who love to offer the best drink-and-dine experience to their guests. The general manager, Sue, has been here for 25+ years and the assistant manager, Shannon, has been here for 10+ years. They’re the ones that oversee making that experience happen! Voted #1 four times in a row, BTI features a casual dining setting that’s loved by locals and tourists alike.