15 Best Bars on Anna Maria Island, Florida
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.
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
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
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
Photo via 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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
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!
