Where to Find the Best BBQ On Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island is known for a lot of things, but one of the best parts of our little island paradise is the food. There’s truly something for every palate here, from fresh seafood to American classics to favorite dishes from around the world. One thing you might not think of when it comes to Anna Maria Island food, however, is BBQ!

The Anna Maria Island BBQ scene is lively and delicious, so while you’re in town, you definitely need to make a stop at one (or all!) of these incredible joints.

Mr. Bones BBQ

Mr. Bones BBQ has been serving Anna Maria Island’s guests and locals since 1992 and has been family-owned and operated from the start. They are well respected in the area for their complete and total transparency. While they do use suppliers for some of their basic ingredients, the vast majority of food here is completely homemade, including all five of their signatures BBQ sauces. They’ve been doing things right for almost three decades, and their dedication has certainly paid off.

Once you walk in, you’ll immediately be greeted by the friendly staff and will be blown away by the comforting atmosphere you find. Everything at Mr. Bones is done with love, so eating here is just like eating a meal at your grandmother’s house. All of your classic BBQ offerings can be found on the menu, like ribs, BBQ chicken, and BBQ pork. But it doesn’t stop there! You can also enjoy classic Southern dishes like jambalaya and shrimp and grits. The ½ pound Bones Burger, Congo Chicken, and BBQ Pork Sub are all popular menu items as well. They also have a few Tex Mex items on the menu, as well as a ton of sides, virtually countless beer options, and several mouthwatering desserts! 

You might not think that a BBQ joint is the first place that vegetarians and vegans would choose to eat. But the family behind Mr. Bones doesn’t want anything stopping guests from making memories here. That’s why they’re proud to offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free entrees! Thai Curry Tofi, Sesame Peanut Noodles, and Vegetarian Tikka Masala are just a few of their options for these groups. While specialty dishes are clearly marked on the menu, be sure to let your waiter or waitress know of your dietary needs so that they can take extra care to avoid cross-contamination and prepare your food properly. 

Mr. Bones BBQ is located at 3007 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach.

Smoqehouse

Smoqehouse is one of the most unique restaurants in Anna Maria Island, and it’s certainly not your average BBQ joint. This eatery is a made-from-scratch kitchen offering up all your favorite Southern fare. The Smoqehouse story begins with the Kubes family, a husband-and-wife pair that (sometimes!) gets help from their three kids. Their first location opened in 2016 in Fairbault, Minnesota. The idea evolved with the inspiration from their friend Adam. Once they began their mission to create Smoqehouse, they were unstoppable; they launched a GoFundMe to raise the last of their funds and met their goal within 24 hours! This dedication led them to another Minnesota location before moving to Florida and opening in both Sarasota and Anna Maria Island.

The menu here offers a little something for everyone, putting a twist on your idea of classic BBQ. More “typical” offerings include the Pulled Pork, Smoqehouse Cuban, and Brisket Burger. They also serve up several internationally inspired dishes like the Korean Beef and The Islander. Vegetarian? There’s a special dish for you that includes fresh ingredients like summer squash, red peppers, goat cheese, mustard BBQ, and greens. If you’re gluten free, you can request that any sandwich be prepared without a bun and served on a bed of greens instead.

You’ll find much more than the entrees on the menu, of course. The sides here embody everything you want next to your BBQ meal, including hand-cut fries, hand-cut chips, coleslaw, and the ever-changing side of the day. As a truly family-friendly restaurant, they also have a great menu for kids with selections like mini pulled pork, mini BBQ chicken, mini cheeseburger or hamburger, and grilled cheese. Every kids’ meal comes with a Cutie, fries, and a drink. Smoqehouse is a destination where the whole family can enjoy a great meal in an inviting and fun atmosphere. 

Smoqehouse is located at 1701 Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach. 

Pig Out BBQ and Southern Soul Food

Sometimes you just crave classic Southern soul food. For some of the most mouthwatering Southern food in Anna Maria Island, you’ve got to visit Pig Out BBQ and Southern Soul Food. It’s so much more than just the cuisine here, though; the atmosphere is equally as important. As soon as you walk in, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a family reunion where everyone is excited to see you. The staff here treats every single guest like one of their own, and that’s part of the reason why this joint has been an Anna Maria Island staple for years. (Even if you don’t eat in, you can get their incredible food to go!)

The menu here screams “soul food,” and there are so many awesome dishes to choose from, you might have a hard time narrowing it down! Start out with an appetizer like the fried pickles, fried mac and cheese, or smoked chicken wings. Then check out the platters, where delicious offerings like beef brisket, baby back ribs, and fried catfish dominate the menu. Every platter comes with your choice of two sides and your choice of Tangy Caroline or Sweet BBQ Sauce. For your sides, there’s a wide range to intrigue you, including fried okra, baked beans, collard greens, and more!

But it doesn’t stop there. They’ve also get several sandwich options, including variations that they call The Mac Daddies: signature sandwiches served with a fried mac and cheese patty! If you can’t decide on just one thing, go for a combo platter to give you a little taste of several items. Finally, the kids aren’t left out here, with special kids’ offerings including a corn dog basket, shrimp dog basket, cheeseburger, hamburger, or Beanie Weanies. If you’re truly on the hunt for some delicious Southern food on the shores of AMI, look no further than Pig Out. 

Pig Out BBQ and Southern Soul Food is located at 5718 Manatee Avenue West in Bradenton.

Mission BBQ

Mission BBQ is a chain restaurant, but don’t let that steer you away! They’re one of the most family-friendly restaurants in Anna Maria Island, and they’re just as welcoming and inviting as any of the local joints. The “Mission” behind Mission BBQ comes from a desire to serve those who have served our country so bravely. The first Mission BBQ location opened on September 11, 2011, 10 years after that fateful day that changed Americans’ lives forever. Mission BBQ founders Bill and Newt believe there’s nothing more American than BBQ and nobody more American than our first responders, soldiers, police officers, firefighters, and others that strive to keep us all safe.

Luckily, you don’t have to be a first responder or soldier to enjoy the mouthwatering food they’re serving up at Mission BBQ! The menu at their Bradenton location is full of smokehouse classics for all to enjoy. Their selections from the “Meat Market” include brisket, pulled pork, turkey, pulled chicken, and sausage, and they all come with hot cornbread. You can also choose a Smokehouse Signature like the BAY-b-Back Ribs or St. Louis Style spare ribs. Sandwich selections include favorites like brisket and turkey, among others. Can’t pick just one? Make it a combo!

Mission BBQ also has a few salad options to keep things light or to complement your meal, and there are plenty of made-from-scratch sides to round out your experience. When you pick your drink (like soda, lemonade, sweet tea, and more), consider having it in The American Heroes Cup. You get to keep the glass, and $2 of your purchase will be donated to support nonprofits throughout the community and the country. Mission BBQ is always providing mouthwatering dishes in support of our nation’s heroes.

Mission BBQ is located 4501 14^th Street West in Bradenton.