When you’re planning a visit to Anna Maria Island, you’re surely excited about all the incredible things to do. You can spend your getaway relaxing on the white sand beaches, exploring the local historical sites, watching magnificent wildlife and trying to spot a pod of dolphins, or heading onto the mainland to find even more to do. But one thing that you can’t do without is fantastic dining!
The island is full of mouthwatering restaurants featuring all kinds of different cuisine options, but any meal is just made better when you have a beautiful view. Luckily, many restaurants here have awesome outdoor dining options so you can enjoy a great meal while you soak up the sun.
Here are a few of our favorite outdoor dining spots near our Anna Maria Island rentals!
Beach House Restaurant
If you’re searching for a restaurant that offers delicious meals while protecting the environment at the same time, Beach House Waterfront Restaurant is the place for you. Beach House was originally purchased in 1993 and was just renovated in the Spring of 2017, and today, it’s a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. Owner Ed Chiles puts the restaurant’s mission perfectly: “The goal of the Beach House is to be a world-class location that adheres to the principles of sustainability and eco-consciousness, provides guests a welcoming and comfortable environment and at the very core, is casual waterfront dining at its best.”
The menu at Beach House offers a little something for everyone, all made with only the freshest local ingredients. From appetizers like house smoked fish dip and calamari to main course selections like seafood gumbo and grilled Mahi Mahi, you can’t go wrong with anything you. select. There are also land options like the New York strip and the short rib tacos that are sure to impress. All of this amazing food is served with a simply unmatched view of the water from their incredible outdoor seating space.
Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier
One of the best places for casual and fun outdoor dining in Anna Maria Island is the popular Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier. This eatery actually has multiple locations throughout the area, but this particular spot in Bradenton Beach is perfect for those who want to meet the locals and the friendly staff, enjoy fresh seafood right from the Gulf waters, and experience it all with an incredible view. Once you visit, you’ll understand why AMOB On the Pier has been a favorite spot of locals for 20 years now!
Don’t be fooled by the name of this restaurant; there’s so much more to eat here besides oysters! You can start with an appetizer like buffalo chicken strips or the kaboom shrimp before moving on to entrée selections like sea scallops, king crab legs, burgers, chicken sandwiches, and more. Of course, they do have a huge selection of oysters, including options like tequila lime or oysters Rockefeller. Finish it all off with the perfect dessert: Key lime tarts! No matter what you choose to eat, you can rest assured that you’ll be in great company and will have a fantastic view of the bustling Bridge Street Pier and the gorgeous waters surrounding AMI.
Harry’s Grill
Sometimes, you just want to visit a place that’s casual, friendly, and welcoming, where you can enjoy some quality time with your loved ones and eat some food that’s not fussy or fancy. Harry’s Grill is the ultimate place to do just that. As soon as you walk in, you’ll be greeted with a smile and will immediately feel like you’re right at home. Make your way to the patio to enjoy the fantastic view of Anna Maria and listen to the live music while you chow down on some of the best food in town!
If you’re craving a burger, Harry’s is an excellent choice; they were voted as having the best burger on Anna Maria Island for 2019 and 2020! But that’s certainly not all that’s on offer here. You can pick from mouthwatering appetizers like bacon wrapped shrimp or fried pickles before moving on to an entrée option like the Fish Frenzy Seafood Platter or the Mahi Tacos. Not in the mood for seafood? Not to worry. We mentioned the fantastic burgers, but you can also choose nachos, chicken quesadillas, tons of sandwiches, and more. (Bonus: If your name is Harry or Harrietta and you’ve got your ID to prove it, you can get a free draft beer!)
The Ugly Grouper
Just down the road from some of our most popular rentals in Anna Maria Island is The Ugly Grouper, a fun and welcoming eatery for the whole family (even pets!). The Ugly Grouper is unique in that every single table is outdoors, so you’ve got a gorgeous view no matter where you sit! Another unique feature? The Ugly Grouper has live music performances each and every day (weather permitting), so you’ll be able to hear some of the best local talent while you enjoy a fantastic meal.
The Ugly Grouper offers up all the classic seafood favorites you’d expect, but with their own special twist. Start out with an appetizer like gator bites or the Little Ugly Clams or Mussels, then try a variety of dishes featuring the fresh local grouper, like the Grouper Reuben or Grouper Nuggets. You can also choose from sandwiches, burgers, tacos, wings, and more. They also have a huge drink menu and rotating specials so there’s something new to sample every time you visit!
Bridge Street Bistro
For an upscale meal with the perfect backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico, head to Bridge Street Bistro. This eatery offers an atmosphere that’s relaxed yet refined, striking the perfect balance for a family meal or for date night. For the best views of the water, you can dine al fresco at a table on the third floor terrace, where you’ll get a truly unmatched view of the island and the water surrounding you.
As far as the menu, you truly can’t go wrong no matter what you select, as every dish is thoughtfully prepared with sumptuous local ingredients. Appetizers like lobster dogs or blue mussels are the ultimate way to start your meal before moving forward to main course selections like the bang bang shrimp tacos, lobster mac and cheese, filet mignon, and more. Finish it all off with a mouthwatering dessert like the crème brulee flight or chocolate mousse cake! Every offering is surprisingly affordable and never sacrifices quality, guaranteeing an unforgettable meal that stays within any budget.
Plan Your Next Trip
We’re proud to maintain some of the most sought-after beach houses on the island, ideal for spending quality time with the ones you love most. Contact us today to learn more about our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals!
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Where to Stay
After exploring these amazing options for Anna Maria Island outdoor dining, it’s time to head back to your rental to relax for the evening. Luckily, each of these wonderful restaurants is just minutes away from our vacation rentals in Anna Maria Island!
