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Nightlife on our sleepy island.....
Anna Maria Island isn’t exactly known for its booming nightlife. Our sleepy island is very much asleep and mostly shut down after 9pm (pun intended). However, there are a few spots you can find some fun after the sun goes down while most of the people are tucked away preparing for another day at the beach. I highly recommend and suggest taking the Monkey Bus for your late night adventures. The Monkey Bus is a tips only ride on Anna Maria Island, Cortez and beyond. Just a phone call away (941) 565-6542, and as always drink responsibly!
When the sun goes down on Anna Maria Island, where do we go.....
As with all my posts I will break it down by each city so it's easier to navigate and plan your adventures
Bradenton Beach Nightlife
Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar is one of our favorites for a bite to eat, live music, and entertainment. Don’t miss a football game at the inside bar during football season, Green Bay Packers fans welcome! Coming by boat is no problem with docks available BTI is located right on the water. You can sit at the bar outside, grab a first come first serve table outside, or head inside to some AC. Bridge Tender Inn is a perfect place to grab a drink and relax. Parking in Bradenton Beach can be tricky, make sure you follow and observe all the parking signs because they will tow and ticket you without hesitation (don’t ask me how I know).
The Drift In is a dive bar on Bridge Street where you will find mostly locals enjoying a ice cold beverage. No food here, just a simple Florida dive bar. Located just off the water in Bradenton Beach on Bridge Street, views are not exactly what they specialize in. A locals dive bar is what you will find, so if that’s your thing you won’t want to miss The Drift.
Island Time located right on the corner of Gulf and Bridge Street. A covered open air bar and restaurant with TV’s, occasional live music, and bar food. A good time is had by all here when the sun goes down! Ground level you will find Island Time, upstairs is the Bridge Street Bistro. We recommend dinner upstairs at the Bistro and drinks after dinner at Island Time.
Daiquiri Deck Anna Maria sits on Bridge Street in the heart of Bradenton Beach with a roof top deck you are sure to see a beautiful sunset and enjoy the beauty Anna Maria offers. The view, seafood, frozen drinks, and live music is what makes this place so special. Open nightly until 10 or 11pm, as with all things on the island I strongly suggest calling them for their most current hours and info, we live on island time around here and things aren’t always accurate online!
- Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar – 135 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217 – (941) 778-4849
- Drift In – 120 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217 – (941) 778-8565
- Island Time – 11 Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217 – (941) 782-1122
- Daiquiri Deck – 107 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217 – (941) 253-3300
Highly recommend calling for current hours as they change seasonally, and well island time is thing….
Holmes Beach Nightlife
Dcoy Ducks what can I say this bar is a mix of locals and vacationers, located right in the heart of Holmes Beach. Easily walking distance for some, and not for others. You’re definently going to want to connect with the Monkey Bus if Dcoys is on your agenda for the night. Drinks are strong, music all depends on whos controlling the “jukebox”, and TV’s going with all the games you can argue about. You gotta love a sports melting pot and all the banter!
Freckled Fin another melting pot of locals and vacationers with live music, food, and a full bar. I’ve never had a bad time at The Fin. Located on the corner of Gulf and Holmes Blvd in the heart of Holmes Beach. A huge turn out on St. Patty’s Day as the only Irish Pub on AMI. On the menu think Cornbeef Hash and Shepards Pie, from the bar you will find local beers and all your favorite Irish treats. They have live music most nights and don’t miss karaoke!! Check their website for the current line up so you can plan your evenings of fun!
Doctors Office a small bar located right between Dcoy Ducks and Freckled Fin makes it a great bar hop while you find what makes your bunch the happiest! The Doctors Office is expanding their Doctors Garden creating a beautiful outdoor space – think small wedding venue and reception. Truly a gorgeous location with fantastic ambiance to enjoy a craft cocktails and lite bites.
Anchor Inn looking to stay out late or grab an early beverage, the Anchor is where you go! Open daily almost all day from 7am-3am. Cash only, this little dive bar is located a bit farther south on Gulf Drive. Complete with pool tables, dart boards, and golden tee. You can also enjoy your favorite sports games on the TV’s. Another locals hang out, smoking, dive bar you won’t want to miss on Anna Maria Island.
- Dcoy Ducks – 5410 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217 – (941) 778-5888
- Freckled Fin – 5337 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217 – (941) 251-3930
- Anchor Inn – 3007 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217 – (941) 778-3085
- Doctors Office – 5312 Holmes Blvd. #B, Holmes Beach, FL 34217 – (941) 213-9926
Call or check online hours as they change seasonally.
Anna Maria Nightlife
Slims Place a sports bar that is run by Philly fans, so now you know where to go if you are looking for a Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, or Sixers game. Home to no shower happy hour every Monday – Friday from 3:00-5:00. Slims is a great place for lunch or dinner. Open until 10pm most nights, with the kitchen closing at 9:30pm. Stop in grab a cold beer and enjoy the atmosphere!
Bortell’s Lounge recently reopened in 2021, this place has a long history here on Anna Maria Island. The building was originally a Sudries Drug Store, and then a VFW before the Bortell’s bought it in 1976. With the reopening that have added food to menu and completely renovated the building to a fresh new HUGE bar! Another favorite local hang out at the north end of the island in Anna Maria at Gulf and Spring Ave.
- Slims Place – 9701 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216 – (941) 567-4056
- Bortell’s Lounge- 10002 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216 – (941) 778-5487
As always this is not an all encompassing list of every restaurant, eating establishment, or bar on the island. These are a few of our favorites or places we think you might enjoy! I don’t get paid to write this, I don’t get free food or drinks from any of these establishments, these are my opinions for the purpose of this blog. I only hope that you find this helpful in your quest to find nightlife on Anna Maria Island.
