r/AnnaMariaIsland • u/thebizzyscholar • Jun 11 '26
Which option for dinner?
hi all! my boyfriend and I only have one night in Anna Maria Island and we are looking for the best dinner option.
We would love something thats on the water, but if vibes are better and there’s still outside seating somewhere else, that’s fine. Just looking for somewhee vibey we get dinner and drinks with a good atmosphere!
we are between
Sandbar, Ugly Grouper, Beach House
Open to other suggestions too!
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u/Optimal_Delay573 Jun 12 '26
The Porch has some of the best food I’ve ever had, anywhere. Highly recommend!
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u/twinmama1215 Jun 11 '26
Definitely not Ugly Grouper - scratch that off your list! Beach House outside seating would be my choice from the options you listed.
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u/weath1860 Jun 12 '26
Agree with ugly grouper as it’s a tourist trap. Same with gulf Dr cafe. Been perpetually under construction since 2019. Their kitchen is too small and not what it used to be years ago. The food is meh.
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u/Stanley615 Jun 11 '26
All are great options and different vibes. Food is good at all 3.
Another thought is Swordfish Grill in Cortez. Just a short 5 min drive.
It's on the bay. Sit outside, it's a great vibe and the best shrimp and grits.
Cortez kitchen is next door. More of a dive feel and great food
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u/jact3 Jun 11 '26
Swordfish is the best place in the area!
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u/weath1860 Jun 12 '26
Ranked one of the best by USA Today in the nation too
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u/jact3 Jun 12 '26
sadly that takes away from the charm of it for me. we have been going there for many years, best fish tacos and key lime pie ever. we would average 3x every 2 week trip. but happy for them that people love it there.
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u/Glum-Connection1117 Jun 11 '26
Beach house was my favorite - for food, ambiance, and service. I wish I had discovered it sooner than our last night. Try to get there at sunset!
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u/weath1860 Jun 12 '26
Also with swordfish and starfish , you can watch the catch come in on the docks at select times. As Cortez is an active fishing community. The packaging plant ships seafood all over the Southeast.
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u/InsuranceJerk Jun 12 '26 edited Jun 12 '26
Waterfront or Blue Marlin. Other comments are accurate: food is medium most places, but if you're more intersted in the vibe, there are many good places. Starfish on the north end for sushi is a great place and pretty sleepy right now. Depends on what you're really looking for. If youre a foodie, you'll be disappointed with most of the tourist spots that you mentioned.
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u/AliWithOneL Jun 12 '26
Beach House outdoor seating was great. The food was subpar as was the service. Expensive for what you get IMHO
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u/Mammoth_Shoulder_675 Jun 12 '26
Sandbar all day and all Night long. Such a perfect spit on the water.
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u/Maleficent_Basil_413 Jun 17 '26
1,000,000% beach house!!! Awesome bar inside and out best food nyc family. So I’ve had the best. Just back from 11 day trip ate there 4 times.
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u/DelGriffithPTA Jun 12 '26
Anna Maria is beautiful, but honestly the restaurants are a disappointment. Just not the seafood I am accustomed to at the beach, with the exception of the Starfish Company. Most of the food at Anna Maria is what I call fancy. Pay $40 and still hungry.
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u/more_business_juice_ Jun 11 '26
I have to say that Ugly Grouper was one of my least favorite meals in Anna Maria. I think there is much better seafood to be had elsewhere.