15 Best Bars on Anna Maria Island, Florida - Florida Travel Inspiration (2024)

Are you looking for some of the best bars on Anna Maria Island? This article will show you all the best spots with creative drinks and a lively ambiance.

Given its turquoise beaches, picturesque sunrises and sunsets, and the old Florida feel, it is easy to see why Anna Maria Island is always bursting with visitors.

And as expected with any Floridian environment, the drinking scene is alive and kicking.

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But what this quintessential Island nightlife scene lacks in clubs and dancefloors, it makes up for in sports bars, family-friendly and waterfront spots serving innovative beverages and providing an entertaining experience.

If you want to wind up your evening with a drink in hand, or are looking for fun things to do, visit one of these bars on Anna Maria Island for inventive mixology, distinct atmospheres, endless music, and unmatched service.

Planning a Trip to Anna Maria Island In a Glance

Here is a snapshot to help you plan your trip to Anna Maria Island!

How to get around: If you don’t have your own car, you can book one via Discover Cars. Alternatively, you can rent a golf cart in the many rental shops on the Island, use the free Anna Maria Island trolley that goes around various parts of the Island, rent a bike, or join guided tours.

Must-do tours and experiences: Speaking of joining tours, the ones you shouldn’t miss include; this Parasailing Adventure (5/5) to take in the beauty of Anna Maria from above, this guided kayak tour through Mangrove Tunnels in Sarasota (5/5) to spot Manatees and Dolphins.

Where to stay: Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound (9.0/10) is the best hotel to stay at in Bradenton for a luxurious vacation. You can opt for Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club, Autograph Collection (8.9/10) which is in the heart of Holmes beach and overlooks the ocean. With stunning views of the ocean and located right on Bradenton Beach, you can’t go wrong with Cedar Cove Resort & Cottages (8.8/10).

What to pack: Don’t leave sunscreen (take this one that is eco-friendly with SPF50), this beach cooler with rollers, this sand-proof beach mat, this wide-brim beach hat, a swimsuit, a beach coverup, and more.

Best Bars on Anna Maria Island

From beach-front bars to funky ones, here is a list of the best bars on Anna Maria Island for a fun night out.

1. Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier

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Drinking is elevated at Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway.

This awesome Anna Maria bar has four locations dotted around the Island, but this Bradenton beach spot located right on the historic Bridge Street Pier is a must-visit.

Funky nautical touches set the mood and the impressive bar serving delicious cocktails, wines, and draft beers heightens it.

The bar has an extensive beverage list but the key lime margarita is a must-try.

On the food menu, Oyster is the name of the game with nine serving options available, though they serve several other seafood too. Plus, gluten-free options are also offered here.

If you snag a seat on the pier (be sure to arrive early since seats on the pier are limited and fill up fast), you will enjoy breathtaking views and might catch dolphins playing in the ocean.

Beyond the bar, this spot has also become a popular place for people looking for good food making it one of the best restaurants on Anna Maria Island.

Location: 200 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217.

Contact: +1 941-778-2662

2. Slim’s place

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Root for your favorite team with cold drinks, delicious food, and a dozen big screens at Slim’s place which is believed to be the best sports bar on Anna Maria Island.

The Philly guys running this bar are passionate about their teams and work, and the action spills out onto the lively crowds that visit this family-friendly bar.

Expect impressive local craft beer, draft beers, house wines, and non-alcoholic drinks.

They also serve good food with a menu featuring the much-loved Lobster Mac and cheese, Philly Cheesesteak, burgers, and fish tacos, alongside vegan options.

At Slim’s, friends shoot some pool, tunes float out from the jukebox, and first-timers mingle with regulars.

And if you go between 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm every Monday to Friday, you’ll be able to get drinks at a good price during their happy hour dubbed, No Shower Happy Hour.

Location: 9701 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216.

Contact: +1 941-567-4056

3. Island Time Bar and Grill

Housed below the Bridge Street Bistro (a popular restaurant on the Island) is Island Time Bar and Grill where most seats offer picturesque Gulf views thanks to its location right across the beach.

Pair these vistas with their signature cocktails and daily specials and you’ll have yourself a memorable drinking experience.

There are plenty of margaritas, beach cocktails, and beers here, and the carefully curated food menu is driven by American comforts and fresh seafood.

This open-air bar is a haven for local music lovers thanks to their daily live music performances and sports fanatics will also like it here as TVs are scattered around for viewing pleasure.

With a laid-back setting that’s perfect for everyone and good food accompanied by creative drinks, Island Time Bar and Grill is one of the best Anna Maria Island bars.

And if you want to take advantage of their happy hour, be sure to pop in between 11:30 am to 5:00 pm

Location: 111 Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217.

Contact:+1 941-782-1122

Related Post: Airports Near Anna Maria Island

4. Anchor Inn

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For over two decades, Anchor Inn has built a name on the Island as the best spot to bond with locals and friends over fresh adult beverages and games.

An entertainment mecca, there are pool tables, dart boards, golden tee golf, and jukeboxes to keep you busy when you aren’t watching TV.

While the games will keep you entertained, the drinks will take your tastebuds to another level.

Choose from an impressive list of scotch, tequila, draft beers, and whiskey. You can even pair your drink with bar snacks like French fries, pizza, and pretzels. For smokers, you’ll be happy to know that smoking is permitted here.

Though the bar is cash-only, there is an ATM onsite to get cash if you forget to carry any.

And unlike other Anna Maria bars with a few hours of happy hour, Anchor Inn has an all-day happy hour that runs from 7:00 am to 3:00 am daily which can be seen in the affordability of their drinks.

Location: 3007 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217.

Contact: +1 941-778-3085

5. The Doctor’s Office

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Once upon a time, The Doctor’s Office was an actual doctor’s office on the Island that treated many locals.

Today, this charming, adults-only pub has become the best Anna Maria Island bar for craft cocktails.

Indulge in flawlessly-executed cocktails made by an experienced bartender in an inviting atmosphere or choose from their list of artisanal beers, wines, tequila, whiskey, and many more!

They also serve small plates of delectable bites like tacos and charcuterie, alongside vegetarian options.

During the generous “green hour,” which runs from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm daily, you can enjoy complimentary absinthe from the absinthe fountain.

Location: 5312 Holmes Blvd. #B, Holmes Beach, FL 34217.

Contact: +1 941-213-9926

6. Daiquiri Deck Anna Maria Island

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Since opening in 2020, Daiquiri Deck Anna Maria Island has become one of the most visited Anna Maria bars thanks to their creative daiquiris.

This bar strikes a casual and easygoing mood whether you are drinking in the main dining area or on the rooftop with incredible gulf views.

Patrons sip thoughtful and flavorful daiquiris, cocktails, mocktails, and many other adult beverages as they dance to the live music.

The food menu is as tasty as the drinks, with seafood, build-your-pizza, sandwiches, and their famous oysters all available for your consumption.

Stop by for Happy hour from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm daily.

Location: 107 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217.

Contact: +1 941-253-3300

7. The Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar

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The Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar pledges allegiance to sports, delicious food, excellent cocktails, and incredible live music.

The packer bar has bartenders shaking up elegant cocktails with clean flavors and 18 screens for any sporting event you may want to watch.

Though primarily a sports bar, there’s live music daily, bingo on Tuesday and Saturday, and Bar Poker on Monday and Friday, so you can be guaranteed a fun time here.

Foodies are not forgotten either! You will find grouper Reuben, sandwiches, and Baja fish tacos on the menu to munch on while you sip on creative drinks.

Sitting across the road from the BTI is the dockside tiki bar, where you can sip your drink to the serene water views.

What sets BTI from other bars in Anna Maria Island is that they allow pets in their outdoor sitting area so you can hang out with your fur baby.

Location: 135 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217.

Contact: +1 941-778-4849

Related Post: The Ultimate Guide to Manatee Beach on Anna Maria Island

8. Hurricane Hanks

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The perfect place to relax with an excellent margarita and a plate of beer-battered fish is Hurricane Hanks which keeps turning first-timers into regulars due to its casual and friendly vibe.

Pull up a seat at the bar and try out their daily specials and Hurricane Liquors and accompany them with their burgers or sandwiches which are equally delicious.

Offering one of the best happy hours on Anna Maria Island, this bar holds a “Tiki Time” happy hour with amazing Tiki-style drinks from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and a “Retro Hour” happy hour featuring classic cocktails from 10:00 pm to 12:00 am, daily.

Sports lovers are not left out as you can watch your favorite team on the many available screens.

Location: 5346 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217.

Contact: +1 941-778-5788

9. Cork’s Cigar Bar

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Everyone feels like family at Cork’s Cigar Bar. The drinks are excellent, the bartenders are knowledgeable and friendly, and the crowd is lively and ready for a good time.

An unofficial headquarter for drinks and cigars, this family-owned bar offers a nice selection of cocktails, wines, whiskeys, scotch, and Florida beers on tap.

The cigar selection is also impressive; Rocky Patel, Leaf by Oscar, and Fat Bottom Bettys are just a sampling of what is on offer here.

Live music, karaoke, and other special events always happen at this bar and if you want to get the best bang for your buck, stop by for happy hour from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm and order their highly-praised Bloody Mary.

Location: 424 Old Main St, Bradenton, FL 34205.

Contact: +1 941-744-2589

10. Bamboo Island Bar

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There aren’t many bars in Anna Maria Island that can hold a candle to the stellar cocktail selection like at Bamboo Island Bar.

And to top it off, the food menu influenced by flavors from all over the world is something to boast about.

Snag a table for two at this elegant establishment and sip some well-crafted mojito while sharing global-Brazillian gourmet plates.

And it’s not just its epic selection of food and drinks that has kept it on top of its game as one of the best Anna Maria Island beach bars!

The chandeliers, the touches of greenery, the friendly service, and the intimate atmosphere makes this bar perfect for date nights and special occasions.

Location: 119 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217.

Contact: +1 941-803-6416

11. Freckled Thin Irish Pub

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Locals in the know frequent this beach-themed Irish pub for some of the most delectable drinks on the Island and daily live music entertainment.

The beverage menu offers tap beers, cocktails, wines, and specialty shots. While sipping fun cocktails or taking shots at Freckled Thin Irish Pub, be sure to try their comforting bites as well.

The menu is stocked with classic Irish dishes, seafood, pizza, sandwiches, soups, and salads.

Beyond the drinks, local artists create a lovely atmosphere with good music daily, and karaoke and trivia nights take place on Mondays and Wednesdays to take your experience to the next level.

Location: 5337 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217.

Contact: +1 941-251-3930

12. D Coy Ducks Bar & Grille

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D Coy Ducks Bar & Grille is the quintessential bar for late-night drinks and endless fun activities if you want to enjoy the Anna Maria Island nightlife.

From Texas Hold Em Poker games to Trivia Night plus karaoke and live music on weekends, there are plenty of entertainment choices for everyone.

On top of the wide selection of drinks, Ducks’ kitchen also churns out sandwiches, salads, burgers, and classic American bar foods to complement the drinking.

They do have Happy hour runs from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday and Saturday for those who want to get more for less.

Location: 5410 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217.

Contact: +1 941-778-5888

13. The Kokonut Hut

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Cool ambiance, well-executed cocktails, and scenic Gulf views make The Kokonut Hut one of the most popular bars on Anna Maria Island.

Just steps away from the beach, this thatched-roofed beach bar on Anna Maria island serves creative drinks with the signature Frosty Factory Boozy Slushies being the headliner in their creative beverage menu while treating you to stunning views of the Gulf. And if you visit at the golden hour, you’ll be treated to a beautiful sunset.

All week, you can enjoy live music and dance in the sand to your favorite tunes by making your own selection at the Touchtunes Jukebox.

Besides drinks, they also serve lunch and breakfast if you’re looking for the best breakfast places on Anna Maria Island.

Before leaving, purchase souvenirs and tasty desserts from the gift shop to remember your trip to this beautiful Island.

Plus, the bar is dog-friendly so you don’t have to leave your furry friend at home.

Location: 900 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217.

Contact: +1 941-778-1919

14. 88 Live Piano Bar and More!

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88 Live Piano Bar and more! is where locals and Island visitors love to gather for good drinks and unrivaled live music and comedy shows. And as its name suggests, you’ll be impressed by the piano performances.

A lineup of top-shelf liquors, signature cocktails, and beers start the beverage menu, followed by an Italian-inspired food menu of pizza, salads, and sandwiches.

Stop by to enjoy live performances from some of the finest musicians, vocalists, and pianists while taking in the electric vibe that reminisces a nightclub.

And if you want to bring your creative side to work, pop by on Sundays where you’ll be able to create your own bloody Mary.

Being one of the most popular Anna Maria Island bars, it’s usually packed so we highly recommend making reservations to get a table.

Location: 6640 Cortez Rd W Suite A, Bradenton, FL 34210.

Contact: +1 941-900-1133

15. Fanatics Sports Bar & Grill

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If you’re looking for a less crowded bar on Anna Maria to grab a beer with friends, then head to Fanatics Sports Bar & Grill.

A regular spot for locals, although the beverages are a worthy draw, the pool tables, darts, and weekly poker gamers make a compelling case for spending an entire evening here.

As for sports lovers, get your jersey ready to cheer for your favorite team on the many screens onsite that show a number of sports games.

Smokers are permitted to puff some smoke inside the bar which can be an advantage or a disadvantage depending on how you look at it.

Location: 4669 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton, FL 34210.

Contact: +1 941-761-0833

Final Thoughts on the Best Anna Maria Island Bars

These bars on Anna Maria Island are all great places to meet up with friends, go on dates, mark a special occasion over creative beverages, or enjoy the nightlife of Anna Maria Island.

While adult beverages are the highlights of these Anna Maria bars, some which up delicious food that pair well with the drinks they serve.

So the next time you travel to Anna Maria Island, be sure to use this list to find your perfect spot but remember to always drink responsibly!

But before you go, consider sharing these best Anna Maria Island bars if you found the article helpful!

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15 Best Bars on Anna Maria Island, Florida - Florida Travel Inspiration (2024)

FAQs

Is Anna Maria Island for old people? ›

Anna Maria Island is ideal for seniors looking for a relaxing and enjoyable trip. The pristine beaches and nice weather make it a great place to stay.

How do you spend a day at Anna Maria Island? ›

Must-Sees & Dos for Your First Visit to Anna Maria Island
  • Bean Point. Bean Point may be our favorite beach on Anna Maria Island. ...
  • Rod and Reel Pier. ...
  • Anna Maria City Pier. ...
  • Bridge Street Pier. ...
  • The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature. ...
  • Anna Maria Island Historical Museum. ...
  • The Ugly Grouper Statue. ...
  • Bridge Street Market.
Jan 17, 2024

What is the vibe on Anna Maria Island? ›

A Caribbean vibe prevails with balconies overlooking pristine blue waters and a sprawling, zero-entry pool flanked by palm trees. Reserve a poolside or beachfront cabana for privacy and easy dips in the ocean. Remember the name Anna Maria. Just don't tell the locals you heard about it from us.

Why is Anna Maria Island so popular? ›

"The northernmost of three cozy beach towns on a seven-mile-long island, Anna Maria is packed with so much old-Florida charm—from its sun-faded architecture and ice cream shops to beachside seafood shacks—it's essentially a 1950s time warp," writes Liz Newman, who is listed as the site's former Miami editor.

What is the average age in Anna Maria Island? ›

In 2021, Anna Maria, FL had a population of 944 people with a median age of 65.3 and a median household income of $85,729.

What celebrities go to Anna Maria Island? ›

Celebrities Tim McGraw, Cameron Diaz, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Chris Martin also visited AMI. Some other famous names in the entertainment industry are selling or renting out their homes for vacation.

Is the trolley on Anna Maria Island free? ›

Anna Maria Island Trolley operates daily at no cost to riders . The trolley runs from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. and visits each stop approximately every 20 minutes.

What month is best to go to Anna Maria Island? ›

The best time to visit Anna Maria Island is all year round depending on why you are visiting. Our tourism score for weather is very high January, February, March, April, October, November and December. May and September are shoulder tourism scores with June, July and August half of May and September.

Is Anna Maria Island expensive? ›

With lodging costing an average $294 per night for its most affordable double room, Anna Maria Island was Florida's most expensive spring destination and fifth overall in the United States, according to a survey by cheaphotels.org.

What is red tide Anna Maria Island? ›

The red tide is an explosion of algal growth that causes the ocean's surface to turn a vibrant shade of crimson or other colors. They are found throughout the world and are caused by a particular algae called Karenia brevis. Red tides create a reddish-orange film washing up on otherwise pristine shores.

What are the three towns on Anna Maria Island? ›

There are three towns on AMI: Anna Maria in the north, Holmes Beach in the center, and Bradenton Beach on the south side. You can take Gulf Drive from one end to the other in about 25 minutes by golf cart.

Can you drink on the beach in Anna Maria Island? ›

Don't Bring Prohibited Items

Beachgoers should also remember not to bring prohibited items to the beach. Some prohibited items include: Alcoholic beverages.

What makes Anna Maria Island unique? ›

Despite its small size, the City of Anna Maria has a rich and diverse cultural scene celebrating the island's unique heritage and beauty. The city's culture is influenced by its history as a small fishing village and its location on the Gulf of Mexico, which has shaped its cuisine, art, and music.

Who owns the beach house on Anna Maria Island? ›

Ed Chiles, Founder

From that landscape, Ed Chiles was born into a family centered on celebrating Florida's natural beauty and resources.

Is it safe to swim in Anna Maria Island? ›

Be cautious at all times. Never swim alone. Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard-protected beach. On Anna Maria Island, there are two public beaches—Coquina Beach and Manatee County Public Beach—that have lifeguards present between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

What are the demographics of Anna Maria Island? ›

Anna Maria Demographics

White: 98.3% Two or more races: 1.33% Native American: 0.36% Black or African American: 0%

Is Anna Maria Island Florida crowded? ›

It's no secret that Anna Maria Island is a tourist destination year-round, but there are times of the year when you can visit without the massive crowds. Winter tends to be the off-season for tourists on the barrier island. Fewer crowds can be the best thing that ever happened to your getaway.

How walkable is Anna Maria Island? ›

Anna Maria Island is an extremely walkable island. You can go out for leisurely strolls, walk to dinner, and enjoy a healthy jog or bike ride as the sun comes up or goes down. Find an Anna Maria Island vacation rental that has a parking space, and leave the car in it. You're on vacation.

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