No matter the time of year or where you are in the world, sometimes the craving for a burger just hits hard. If you find yourself in Anna Maria Island at one of our cozy beachfront vacation homes, rest assured you won't be disappointed with the wide variety of burger joints scattered across our little slice of Floridian paradise.
We've compiled this list of the absolute best burgers on Anna Maria Island to make your search an easy one. From beachfront burger joints to upscale bistros, we've got you covered. Get your appetite ready!
Duffy's Tavern
Photo Credit: Nick
- Address: 5808 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL
- Price Point: $
- What to Order: Fresh Jalapeno and Havarti Burger
Duffy's Tavern is an institution on AMI. While many of the restaurants here on the island have been around for quite a while, the draw at Duffy's is something different. This no-frills tavern is known for its cold beer and delicious food, boasting great burgers in particular.
The Fresh Jalapeno and Havarti Burger is perfect for someone who is looking for an interesting combination of flavors with a kick. A fresh-ground beef patty is smothered with Havarti cheese, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, mayo, and fresh jalapenos. Duffy's doesn't serve fries, but their homemade potato salad is to die for.
Smoquehouse
Photo Credit: Yelina Gato
- Address: 1701 Gulf Dr. N, Bradenton Beach, FL
- Price Point: $$
- What to Order: The Brisket Burger
Smoquehouse is one of our favorite places to get lunch on Anna Maria Island. It showcases an interesting concept that plays with the ways in which different cuisines utilize fire and smoke in their cooking. It should come as no surprise that this results in some pretty delicious, smoky burgers!
Unfortunately, the menu is quite small and they usually only feature one burger on the menu, which changes regularly based on seasonality and availability of ingredients. A recurring burger that is offered at Smoquehouse is the Brisket Burger, a brisket patty topped with smoked cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and a house burger sauce on a toasted bun. It's definitely worth a stop!
Skinny's Place Inc.
Photo Credit: James Peters
- Address: Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL
- Price Point: $
- What to Order: Fatty Cheeseburger and Onion Rings
Skinny's Place in Holmes Beach is where you can find some of the best burgers on Anna Maria Island. It was established all the way back in 1952, so they've had plenty of time to perfect their craft. This rustic beach cafe might look more like a shack than a restaurant, but don't let that fool you. The burgers here are second to none.
Don't miss the Fatty Cheeseburger, a classic American double cheeseburger fresh off the grill with lettuce, tomatoes, onion, pickles, and optional mayo. And do yourself a favor - skip the fries here at Skinny's for the best onion rings on the island.
The beer? Served ice cold in a frosted mug, perfect for the Florida heat.
Harry's Grill
Photo Credit: Harrys Grill
- Address: 9903 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, FL
- Price Point: $$
- What to Order: Harry's Half Pound Bacon Cheeseburger
Harry's Grill is a yummy neighborhood joint known for their sizzling burgers and ice cold craft beer. Since 2017, they've been consistently voted 'AMI's Best Burger.' We love the Harry's Half Pound Bacon Cheeseburger with a side of their crispy Seashore Fries. For a classic burger made to perfection, Harry's Grill is a great choice.
Take advantage of their daily 'Harry Hour,' where you'll receive $1 off all draft beers, drink specials, and live music. If your name is Harry or Harietta, and you have your ID or another way to prove it, you get a free draft beer of your choice! Furry friends are welcome on the outdoor patio.
Bridge Tender Inn Dockside & Tiki Bar
Photo Credit: Joseph Gagliardi
- Address: 135 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, FL
- Price Point: $$
- What to Order: Meatless Burger
Regardless of whether you're vegan or vegetarian, or just hoping to boost your veggie intake, we couldn't create a list of the best burgers on Anna Maria Island without mentioning the best meatless burger on the island!
At the ultra laid-back Bridge Tender Inn, vegetarians who are craving a tasty and satisfying burger are sure to love the Meatless Burger. Don't worry, carnivores; they've got plenty of options for meat eaters as well.
Hurricane Hanks
Photo Credit: Kasey Hodges
- Address: 5346 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL
- Price Point: $$
- What to Order: The Decadent Burger
Hurricane Hanks is a fun, casual eatery that is known for their quality food and fresh ingredients - and the mouth-watering burgers are no exception! Hurricane Hanks is where you want to go if you want artisanal toppings and innovative flavor combinations.
The Decadent Burger lives up to its name. Blending sweet and savory flavors, the Decadent Burger is topped with Applewood smoked bacon, melted Pepper Jack, crisp arugula, and a flavorful fig jam that steals the show.
Island Time Bar & Grill
Photo Credit: Cihan Gerikoglu
- Address: 111 Gulf Dr. S, Bradenton Beach, FL
- Price Point: $$
- What to Order: Outlaw Burger
This popular Bradenton Beach restaurant is among the top places in the neighborhood to grab a juicy burger on Anna Maria Island. An offshoot of its more upscale parent restaurant, Bridge Street Bistro, Island Time Bar & Grill is committed to serving quality food in a friendly and warm environment.
For some interesting flavor combinations, you've got to try the Outlaw Burger. A flavorful 1/2 pound beef patty is served on a Brioche bun with Pepper Jack cheese, Tobacco Onions, Bourbon BBQ sauce, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. Trust us on this one!
Slim's Place
Photo Credit: Dwayne Howell
- Address: 9701 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL
- Price Point: $
- What to Order: The Pounder
Run by a couple of guys from Philly, Slim's Place is a local sports bar with 11 TVs and burgers to write home about. If you're looking for a high-energy place to grab a burger with friends or family, with friendly service and quality food, you've found it at Slim's Place.
Be sure to save your appetite for this one, as their signature burger is not for the faint-hearted. The Pounder is made with two char-grilled 8 oz. Angus beef patties piled high with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and onion. But the best way to enjoy the Pounder is to get it 'all the way' with bacon, mushrooms, grilled onions, and a fried egg.
Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe
Photo Credit: Christopher Rueda
- Address: 4000 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL
- Price Point: $$
- What to Order: Classic Cheeseburger
We'll admit it: half of the appeal of getting a burger at Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe is the ambiance - toes in the sand, the sound of the waves lapping at the shore, sun kissing your skin. The burger list here is no-frills, classics only. You won't find any fancy toppings or excessive creativity here. But you will find simple ingredients prepared to perfection in one of the most beautiful eating environments imaginable!
This Holmes Beach restaurant offers a wide variety of side dishes to pair with your burger. You can choose Chili Cheese Fries, Regular Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, Curly Fries, Cole Slaw, Onion Rings, or Cheese Fries with Bacon.
Enjoying the Best Burgers on Anna Maria Island
No matter if you're in the mood for a classic American cheeseburger, or looking for something more creative with toppings, finding delicious burgers on Anna Maria Island is a piece of cake. From waterfront restaurants to no-frills diners, each of these burger joints offers its own take on this American classic.
Haven't booked your vacation rental on AMI yet? Get in touch with us today at Anna Maria Island Beach Rentals to discuss your dream getaway!