Here is a short list of some of our favorite spots on the island. It is by no means an all inclusive list because there are TONS of great places. Consider it a starting point, especially if this is your first visit!

  • Ginny and Jane E's Cafe  is our absolute favorite place for breakfast. The Creme Brulee French toast is to die for. They also have smoothies! While you wait for your order to be prepared you can shop for items made by local artists. It's an eclectic, quirky little place. Always busy but worth the wait.
  • Harry's Grill has great burgers! We actually haven't tried anything else from there but it's a casual, laid back spot. We love to sit out on the patio.
  • The Doctor’s Office is a unique craft cocktail bar - Florida style. It's probably one of the only spots for real and authentic signature cocktails. We're talking boozy drinks. It's in an actual old doctor's office and appropriately themed.
  • Eat Here is another place that has good food with a trendy menu. Try the smoked fish dip! The Doctor's Office people own this. They also own Beach Bistro which is across the street on the beach near 65th. They serve cocktails on the beach after 5pm.
  • Scott's Deli serves up the best sandwiches and wraps on the island. They also have creative side salads as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options. Want to know the best part? THEY DELIVER TO THE BEACH! That's right. They deliver straight to your beach chair. That's pretty tough to beat.
  • Rod and Reel Pier is at the North end of the island and has been there since the 40’s. Hurricane Irma destroyed the Anna Maria Pier which was just right around the corner but the Rod and Reel pier remained unscathed. It's a casual place for a Grouper sandwich or other fresh fish. You can also rent a pole and fish off the pier. I've been told the ​E​ggs Benedict is amazing but I haven't ​tried for myself​ yet.
  • Hurricane Hank's is an all-around great spot. Don't be put off by the plaza location - that's where you find some of the best spots in Florida. Hank's menu offers something for everyone. Their peel and eat shrimp sold by the pound are delicious. They have excellent burgers and fish sandwiches and the pasta looks good, too! 
  • The Blue Marlin is a great spot for a nice dinner. It's down in the Southern part of the island near Bridge Street. W​hen we first ​discovered it ​we were pleasantly surprised​. I expected a hole in the wall but it's actually nicely appointed with delicious food. This is a great date night spot!
  • Also at the South end, Island Time Bar and Grill is a fun open air restaurant with yummy casual fare. There is often live music and it's a great place to go to watch a sports game. They have TV's all over the place. For a fancier atmosphere, go upstairs to Bridge Street Bistro for delicious fresh seafood entrees. The Bistro menu is also available downstairs at Island Time.
  • For pizza we highly recommend J. Burns. The whole family loves it (and being from NY we don't take pizza lightly!). It's crispy and thin and they cut it into tiny little squares. Service is friendly and takeout is available.
  • No trip is complete without a visit to The Donut Experiment. The donuts are delicious as it is, plus you get to design your own. Just fill out an order sheet indicating what type of icing and toppings you want and they'll create a fresh donut just for you!


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