Where Do the Locals Eat on Anna Maria Island?

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Where Do the Locals Eat on Anna Maria Island?

Anna Maria Island is a beautiful barrier island located off the coast of Florida. It’s a popular tourist destination, but it’s also home to a large community of locals. If you’re looking for a taste of the real Anna Maria Island, you need to eat where the locals eat.

In this article, we’ll share some of our favorite local restaurants on Anna Maria Island. We’ll cover everything from casual beachside cafes to fine dining establishments. So whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a special occasion meal, you’re sure to find something to your taste on our list.

So without further ado, let’s get started!

Restaurant Cuisine Price Range
The Island Cow American $20-$30
Anna Maria Island Cafe Italian $30-$40
The Sandbar Seafood $40-$50
Pier 22 Steakhouse $50-$60

Top 10 Restaurants for Locals

Anna Maria Island is a popular tourist destination, but there are also plenty of great restaurants that are frequented by locals. Here are 10 of the best restaurants on Anna Maria Island that you should try if you’re looking for a taste of the local cuisine.

1. The Sandbar Restaurant

The Sandbar Restaurant is a casual waterfront restaurant that serves up fresh seafood and American classics. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere and is a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family. Some of the most popular dishes at The Sandbar Restaurant include the grouper sandwich, the fish tacos, and the key lime pie.

2. The Island Grille

The Island Grille is a fine dining restaurant that offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of seafood dishes, as well as steaks, chops, and pasta. The Island Grille is also known for its extensive wine list.

3. The Rod & Reel Pier Bar & Grill

The Rod & Reel Pier Bar & Grill is a seafood restaurant located on a pier overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. The restaurant offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes, as well as burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The Rod & Reel Pier Bar & Grill is also a great place to catch a sunset.

4. The Beach House Restaurant

The Beach House Restaurant is a casual beachfront restaurant that serves up fresh seafood and American classics. The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere and is a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family. Some of the most popular dishes at The Beach House Restaurant include the fish tacos, the shrimp and grits, and the key lime pie.

5. The Madfish Bar & Grill

The Madfish Bar & Grill is a seafood restaurant that offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes, as well as burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and is a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family. Some of the most popular dishes at The Madfish Bar & Grill include the fish tacos, the shrimp and grits, and the mahi-mahi sandwich.

6. The Bridge Tender Restaurant

The Bridge Tender Restaurant is a waterfront restaurant that offers stunning views of the Anna Maria Island Bridge. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of seafood dishes, as well as steaks, chops, and pasta. The Bridge Tender Restaurant is also known for its extensive wine list.

7. The Island Cafe

The Island Cafe is a casual waterfront restaurant that serves up fresh seafood and American classics. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere and is a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family. Some of the most popular dishes at The Island Cafe include the grouper sandwich, the fish tacos, and the key lime pie.

8. The Hurricane Grill & Bar

The Hurricane Grill & Bar is a casual beachfront restaurant that serves up fresh seafood and American classics. The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere and is a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family. Some of the most popular dishes at The Hurricane Grill & Bar include the fish tacos, the shrimp and grits, and the mahi-mahi sandwich.

9. The Sandcastle Restaurant

The Sandcastle Restaurant is a casual beachfront restaurant that serves up fresh seafood and American classics. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere and is a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family. Some of the most popular dishes at The Sandcastle Restaurant include the fish tacos, the shrimp and grits, and the key lime pie.

10. The Beach Bistro

The Beach Bistro is a fine dining restaurant that offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of seafood dishes, as well as steaks, chops, and pasta. The Beach Bistro is also known for its extensive wine list.

Best Restaurants by Cuisine

In addition to the top 10 restaurants listed above, there are also a number of other great restaurants on Anna Maria Island that specialize in different cuisines. Here are a few of the best restaurants on Anna Maria Island by cuisine:

For Seafood:

  • The Sandbar Restaurant
  • The Island Grille
  • The Rod & Reel Pier Bar & Grill
  • The Beach House Restaurant
  • The Madfish Bar & Grill
  • The Bridge Tender Restaurant
  • The Island Cafe
  • The Hurricane Grill & Bar
  • The Sandcastle Restaurant
  • The Beach Bistro

For American Cuisine:

  • The Beach House Restaurant
  • The Madfish Bar & Grill
  • The Bridge Tender Restaurant
  • The Island Cafe
  • The Hurricane Grill & Bar
  • The Sandcastle Restaurant
  • The Beach Bistro

Restaurants with Views

If you’re looking for a meal with a view, Anna Maria Island has plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few of the most popular:

  • The Sandbar: This beachfront restaurant offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. The menu features fresh seafood, steaks, and burgers.
  • The Island Grille: This restaurant is located on the rooftop of the Island House Resort. It offers panoramic views of the island and the surrounding area. The menu features American cuisine with a Mediterranean twist.
  • The Beach Bistro: This restaurant is located on the beach, just steps from the water. It offers outdoor seating with views of the Gulf of Mexico. The menu features fresh seafood, pasta, and pizzas.
  • The Sandcastle Cafe: This casual restaurant is located on the beach. It offers indoor and outdoor seating with views of the Gulf of Mexico. The menu features American cuisine with a Southern flair.
  • The Hurricane Grill & Bar: This restaurant is located on the water. It offers outdoor seating with views of the Intracoastal Waterway. The menu features seafood, steaks, and burgers.

Family-Friendly Restaurants

Anna Maria Island is also home to a number of family-friendly restaurants. Here are a few of the most popular:

  • The Island Mermaid: This casual restaurant offers a kid-friendly atmosphere and a menu that includes burgers, pizzas, and pasta dishes.
  • The Beach House Cafe: This restaurant is located on the beach and offers a casual atmosphere and a menu that includes seafood, sandwiches, and salads.
  • The Donut Hole: This donut shop is a popular spot for breakfast and lunch. It offers a variety of donuts, as well as sandwiches and salads.
  • The Island Pizza Company: This pizza restaurant offers a kid-friendly atmosphere and a menu that includes pizzas, pasta dishes, and salads.
  • The Island Shake Shack: This ice cream shop is a great place to cool off on a hot day. It offers a variety of ice cream flavors, as well as milkshakes, sundaes, and floats.

These are just a few of the many restaurants that Anna Maria Island has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a family-friendly meal, you’re sure to find something to your taste on the island.

So come on down and enjoy all that Anna Maria Island has to offer!

Q: Where do the locals eat on Anna Maria Island?

A: There are many great restaurants on Anna Maria Island, but some of the most popular with locals include The Sandbar, Rod & Reel Pier, and The Island Grill. These restaurants offer fresh seafood, delicious cocktails, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Q: What is the best time to go to these restaurants?

A: The best time to go to these restaurants is during the off-season, when the crowds are smaller and the prices are lower. However, they are all still popular with locals during the peak season, so you may have to wait for a table.

Q: What are some other things to do in Anna Maria Island?

A: In addition to dining, Anna Maria Island offers a variety of other activities, including swimming, sunbathing, fishing, boating, and shopping. There are also several historical sites and museums on the island.

Q: How do I get to Anna Maria Island?

A: Anna Maria Island is located off the coast of Florida, about 45 minutes from Sarasota. You can get there by car, ferry, or plane.

Q: What is the best way to get around Anna Maria Island?

A: The best way to get around Anna Maria Island is by car or bicycle. There are also a few public transportation options available, such as the Island Trolley and the Anna Maria Island Shuttle.

Anna Maria Island is a beautiful place to visit, with something to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quiet beach vacation or a more active one, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for on AMI. And if you’re looking for great food, be sure to check out some of the local favorites listed in this article. You won’t be disappointed!

Author Profile

Kelsey Hammons
Kelsey Hammons
I was born and raised in the fabulous state of Maryland but recently decided to pack up my stuff and move to the Midwest city they call Chicago.

I hope to capture all of my life’s adventures of living in the windy city. AKA the food I cook, my journey to the Chicago Marathon, the books I read and the trashy TV shows I watch. I’m a health-nut, book-worm and exercise fiend.

Join me, Kelsey, on this exciting journey as I embrace the challenges and joys of my new life in Chicago. From mastering the art of healthy cooking to hitting the pavement for marathon training, my blog is a window into my world of self-discovery and fun.

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