top of page

Hurricane Update 12/20

Anna Maria Island has made such incredible progress since the hurricanes. Most restaurants and businesses have re-opened! Below are lists of restaurants that are open and closed on the island. There are 3 cities on the island, Anna Maria (The north end of the island), Holmes Beach (where The Blue Ark is located), and Bradenton Beach (The south end of the island). Cortez is located right off the island over the Cortez bridge. A * indicates my favorite places!

Beach Showers

Holmes Beach

Open

AMI Beach Café *

(great for when you’re at

the beach near our house/

unlimited pancake breakfast)

AMI Coconuts - Delivery

Anna Maria Island Coffee Shack *

(favorite coffee/ café shop)

Baskin Robbins

Blueberries Café & Wine *

Cheesecake Cutie *

China 1

Duffy’s Tavern Bar and Grill

Dunkin Donuts

Fifty Three Fifty, The Pourhouse

Freckled Fin Irish Pub

Graze Street AMI​ *

Holy Cow Ice Cream

Hurricane Hank’s

Island Fresh Market

Isola Bella Italian Restaurant

Kiwi’s Fish n’ Chips

La Creperie

Los Chiludos

Minnie’s Beach Café

Old Hamburg Schnitzelhaus

Paradise Café and Bagels

Pizzano’s Pizza & Grinders

Scott’s Deli

Solo’s Pizza

Skinny’s Place *

(great for burgers and hot-dogs)

Topsail Steamer

Ugly Grouper *

Closed

​Beach Bistro 

Feast Restaurant 

Island Coffee Haus 

Mr. Bones BBQ â€‹

Open

AMI Beach Hut

Anna Maria General Store

Anna Maria Olive Oil Outpost

Bortell’s Lounge

Cool Beans AMI 

DBTB juice bar & bakery

Dips Ice Cream

Flip Flop Shop and Candy Stop

Ginny’s and Jane E’s (Open 12/20)

gRub Tropical BBQ (pick-up dinner available for Christmas Dinner)

Harry’s Grill

Mademoiselle Paris

North Shore Café *​

Hometown Desserts (Opening

officially in January but taking

orders for Christmas/ limited (if the front door is locked, try the side door)

Poppo’s Taqueria *

Sandbar *

Slim’s Place

Small Town Creamery

Sushi Ramen Anna Maria

The Porch

The Donut Experiment *

Two Scoops (Open 12/21) *

Waterfront Restaurant *

Pizza Social *

Closed

Anna Maria Island City Pier

and Restaurant 

Rod and Reel Pier Restaurant 

Island Ocean Star Sushi and Hibachi

White Sands

Anna Maria

Beach Playground

Bradenton
Beach

Open

Anna Maria Oyster Bar

on the Pier

Back Alley

Bamboo Island Bar

Beach House *

Waterfront Restaurant

Bridge Street Bistro

Bridge Tender Inn

Daiquiri Deck *​

Gulf Drive Café *

Island Donut Company

Island Time Bar and Grill

Oma’s Pizza and Italian *

Restaurant

Pane e Amore Italian Cafe

Salt Bar & Table *

Smoquehouse *

Tommyknockers Saloon

Closed

Blue Marlin (Opening 2025)

Cast-in-Cage Bradenton 

Beach Pier Restaurant

Island Creperie 

Island Spice

Joe’s Eats and Sweets 

Maria’s Family Place 

Open

Star Fish

Swordfish

Tide Tables * (Great food and view)

The Fox Mercantile and Coffee

Tyler’s Ice Cream

Sand

Cortez

Deserted Beach
AEnB2UqJ_chiWLvmE0N1mUyEK1grDP8C7NxUS8gC

The Blue Ark Island Guide

Below are some of my favorite things to do (and eat!) while on Anna Maria Island. 

Things To Do

IMG_1334.jpg

Historic Anna Maria City Pier

A local and tourist favorite, the Anna Maria City Pier is conveniently located at the end of the trolley stop with restaurants and ice cream nearby. There is a City Pier Grill and Bait Shop for fishing fun, and the views aren't bad either! 

​

Click Here
IMG_1120 (1).jpg

Pickle Ball Court

Pickle Ball is a fun activity for the whole family. We have paddles and balls for you on the second floor right outside the elevator.

​

Click Here
212 (75)_MLS.jpg

Manatee Public Beach

Manatee Public Beach is easy walking distance from The Blue Ark, and offers all you can eat pancake breakfast, lunch, and live music most evenings. There are lifeguards, volleyball nets, beach gear rental and a souvenir gift shop. 

​

Click Here
beach.webp

Horseback Riding on the Causeway

Just before you cross the Anna Maria Island Bridge, most days you'll see horseback riding, as well as jet-ski and other water sport rentals.

​

Click Here
IMG_6755.jpg

Rod and Reel Pier

The Rod and Reel Pier is located at the North end of the island, not far from the Anna Maria City Pier. There is a two-story restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is great fishing here as well, with poles that can be rented.

​

Click Here
IMG_8152.jpg

LED Kayak Tour

On some nights, kayaks can be rented for night kayaking tours. This picture was taken from the top deck of The Blue Ark. It's a magical sight!

​

Click Here
IMG_2683.jpg

H20 Water Sportz

H20 Water Sports has jet ski and boat rentals, as well as charter fishing. Fun fact - this picture was taken of my dad, brother and I over 20 years ago at the same place H20 water sports is now! 

​

Click Here
212 (80)_MLS.jpg

Island Trolley

Traveling to the pier is easy and enjoyable. There are free trolleys that run up and down the island every 20 minutes, and the trolley stop is just around the corner from the Ark (turn right when you leave the house and walk along the road until you see a bench).

​

Click Here
IMG_3221.jpg

Beach Bums Recreational Rentals and Gift Shop

There are several rental places for bikes, golf carts, paddle boards and kayaks/ kayak tours. Mention you are a guest of The Blue Ark to get 10% off from Beach Bums.​

​

Click Here
IMG_1543 (1).jpg

Shelling at Bean Point

One hidden gem on Anna Maria Island, where people like to go shelling is a beach called Bean Point. Beautiful white sand and lovely views, bean point is a bit of un-touched Old Florida. If you can find parking along the street, it's worth the effort.

​

Click Here

Closed

Closed

Food and Drink

1BE05661-9F06-4E8A-BF39-6C2BC717A995.JPG

Anna Maria Island Coffee Shack

Hands down, my favorite coffee and breakfast sandwich shop on the island. 

Click Here
IMG_1790.jpg

Poppo's Taqueria

Poppo's is a family-owned chain restaurant, but their tacos are my favorite quick lunch when at the north end of the island.

​

Click Here
IMG_1348.jpg

Island Ocean Star Sushi and Hibachi

Sushi with a view! What can be better? Fun fact - My wedding rehearsal dinner was held here!

Click Here
sandbar.jpg

Sandbar Restaurant 

Sandbar Restaurant is a longtime tourist favorite because of its location on the beach and its fabulous sunset views.

​

Click Here
IMG_5092.jpg

North Shore Cafe

North Shore is a popular cafe on the popular Pine Avenue. This cafe has all your coffee and acai bowl needs!

​

Click Here
IMG_1808.jpg

Pizza Social

Brick-oven pizza made with fresh ingredients. Located on the popular Pine Avenue.

Click Here
IMG_1353.jpg

Waterfront Restaurant 

A more elegant option for dining, is the Waterfront restaurant, located by the Anna Maria City Pier.

 

Click Here
IMG_6857_edited.jpg

Two Scoops 

Ice cream, breakfast and lunch. Although there are many ice cream shops on the island, this is my favorite by far. (Blueberry Pie and Banana Pudding are incredible).

​

Click Here
skinnys.jpg

Skinny's Place

A popular dive spot for burgers and hot dogs after a long day at the beach! Cash Only. Also, there is a fun surf shop across the street!

​

Click Here
Screenshot_9-5-2024_10526_www.instagram.com.jpeg

Ugly Grouper Seafood Restaurant

A very popular seafood and hang-out spot with live music. Family-friendly and just a short drive from The Blue Ark.

Click Here

Closed

IMG_1323.jpg

Find us on Instagram

610-883-3385

  • White Facebook Icon

Find us on Facebook

bottom of page