If you’re dreaming of a Florida vacation but hoping to avoid its overrun resorts, there is no better place to visit than Anna Maria Island. Though it has modernized in the past few decades, it’s one of the last places to retain its “Old Florida” feel. Beyond its quintessential charm, there are plenty of things to do on Anna Maria Island: lazy beach days, exploring Pine Avenue, water sports, exploring nature, and much more.
However, just because you want to avoid the crowds doesn’t meet you aren’t looking for a good time! Anna Maria Island may not be as wild as other Florida locations, but there are plenty of island bars that might make you think otherwise.
From family-style restaurants to sports bars, you will find just about anything. Here is a list of some of the very best bars on Anna Maria Island!
The Doctor’s Office
Once the Island’s Doctors’ office, this space has been making people feel better since the 1950s. Choose from a wide selection of cocktails, seasonal, and ivy league drinks, and order a delicious side to satisfy your hunger. “Green hour” normally lasts from 5 to 6 p.m. and includes complimentary tastings of absinthe from the absinthe fountain.
Due to COVID restrictions, The Doctor’s office only admits “patients” by reservation. Once you have made your appointment, you can inquire about happy hour options and COVID alternatives.
The Doctor’s Office is located at 5312 Holmes Boulevard #B in Holmes Beach, where the Gulf Drive and Marina Drive split. Its opening hours are from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. most Sunday through Wednesday and until 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
The Sandbar Restaurant
This Anna Maria Island restaurant has a long tradition of serving food and drinks produced with fresh, sustainable, and locally produced ingredients. Besides its ethical stance, it offers a fantastic selection of drinks; some produced in-country and others from across the world. Sample white, red, and rose wines, craft beers, cocktails, and more. Happy hour happens at sunset so that you can indulge in an incredible view. The restaurant is located on the beach and offers outdoor dining and entertainment.
Visit the Sandbar at 100 Spring Avenue. Opening hours are from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. They do not take reservations, so be sure to show up early for the best seats!
C Coy Ducks
This popular local hangout, “Ducks” as the locals call it, is the perfect place to stay out late with friends. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 2:30 a.m., so you don’t need to worry about being forced out too early! Drinks are affordable, and there are plenty of other activities, like live music and poker tournaments, to keep guests entertained.
For a complete list of activities, Texas Hold Em Poker games take place each Monday at 7 p.m. Trivia Night is every Tuesday at 7 p.m., and karaoke takes place every Wednesday at 9 p.m. Happy Hour happens each Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., so be sure not to miss it! But regardless, any night at Ducks has plenty of excitement. Visit at 4510 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach.
Plan Your Stay
While staying in our Anna Maria Island rentals, you will be just a stone’s throw away from all the best island attractions and can easily get around the island on the free trolley. The best beaches, restaurants, and bars await you on AMI!
Hurricane Hanks
Hurricane Hank is the right place to visit if you want a meal with your drinks. Their focus is on producing fabulous food using high-quality ingredients. After the restaurant has closed, the bar remains open until 11 p.m. every night. They serve a wide selection of Hurricane Liquors, featuring hard-to-find spirits, beer, and wine. Keep your eyes peeled for unique specials like Tiki Time and Retro Hour, when flavorful drinks like Island Mojito, Hurricane Hanks Hurricane, Manhattan, Cosmopolitan, and more are available at great prices.
Enjoy your drinks by the seaside without a care in the world! You can visit at 5246 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. Kitchen hours are from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The bar is always open longer!
The Anchor Inn
This family-owned operation is another local favorite that stays open well past midnight. Here, you’ll find drinks like scotch, whiskey, vodka, tequila, bourbon, draft beers, and more. The place is a favorite spot for bikers, though don’t let that deter you. The affordable drinks and local charm are worth an evening of your stay on AMI!
The inn is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. 365 days a year and is located at 3007 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach, next to Mr. Bones BBQ.
Slim’s Place
Anna Maria Island’s number one sports bar welcomes you to kick back and order some classic American food while watching the latest game. You can catch every Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, and Sixers game around! The diner is family-friendly and welcomes children for lunch and dinner. Even the pickiest eaters will find something they enjoy: from award-winning lobster mac & cheese to fresh fish or classic burgers and pizza.
In addition to the great food and entertainment, Slim’s is the home of No Shower Happy Hour, which takes place every Monday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Both food and drinks can be bought for low prices – $4 for a Bloody Mary, $3 for Bud Light Large Pints, $5 for a cheese quesadilla, and $6 for BBQ pulled pork. Don’t miss the No Shower Happy Hour; be sure to stop by Slim’s Place at 9701 Gulf Drive!
Cortez Clam Factory
Affectionately known as “The Clam” by locals, the Cortez Clam Factory is the ideal spot for house-smoked BBQ, house-cured bacon, and fresh seafood, all at an affordable price. Its excellent food and service have consistently ranked it on TripAdvisor with a Certificate of Excellence! It’s also well-known as a five-star dive bar.
Each night, the restaurant offers a selection of specials – from Monday night taco baskets to the Friday fish fry. You can also order anything from buffalo wings to jumbo shrimp scampi off the menu. Supplement your meal with some great drinks at the bar. Happy Hour extends all day – from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.! The restaurant offers live entertainment on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons to complete the evening, featuring the best local musicians.
Visit The Clam at 10104 on Cortez Road, West. They are open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily!
Where to Stay?
After a night at the bar, you’ll want a cozy, comfortable place to sleep everything off. Our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals provide the best accommodations around, offering the perfect blend of comfort and luxury to make your AMI vacation unforgettable. All resort rooms include fully equipped kitchenettes and extraordinary views. Additionally, you will have exclusive access to the Gulf and the property’s brand-new oversized pool.
