Since it's the central area, that means everywhere on the island is easily accessible. It's quick and easy to visit Bradenton Beach and other popular spots further south on the island, and you'll be right next to Palma Sola Causeway, which makes accessibility a breeze if you want to visit attractions further afield.
With plenty of incredible places to eat throughout Anna Maria Island, so many of them are actually right in Holmes Beach. If you're looking for the best places to eat in Holmes Beach, look no further!
We've compiled a list of our favorite restaurants in the area, so you can enjoy a delicious meal without having to worry about where to go. From seafood to Italian cuisine, there's something for everyone here.
So check out these great restaurants and start planning your next vacation today!
Most Affordable Restaurants in Holmes Beach
Duffy's Tavern Bar & Grill
Photo Credit: jordan_c_941 via Instagram- Address: 5808 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach
- Hours: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM Wednesday through Monday; Closed Tuesdays
Though they are famous on AMI for their juicy burgers, non-meat eaters will also find plenty of offerings to enjoy. In addition to the burgers, we recommend trying the pulled pork and the potato salad. The beers are always cold and the vibe is always jovial at this established eatery.
As a heads up, Duffy's Tavern is a cash-only establishment, so be sure to hit the ATM - there is conveniently one located inside.
Skinny's Place Inc.
Photo Credit: visit_bradenton via Instagram- Address: 3901 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach
- Hours: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM Daily
Similar to Duffy's, Skinny's Place is also a cash-only establishment, so be sure to take out some money from the ATM before you head there.
Scott's Deli
- Address: 6000 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Saturday; Closed Sundays
You'll find all the classics here, as well as plenty of breakfast options. We are still drooling over The Maple Leaf, which is made with fried eggs, peameal Bacon, provolone cheese, and roasted red pepper jelly on an English muffin. For lunch, you can't go wrong with a classic such as the Cuban or Reuben.
But the sandwich that's got everyone in a frenzy is the BBQ Ranch Turkey Wrap with Bacon and Cheddar. If they have them on special, the street tacos are also worth a shot!
Mid- Range Restaurants in Holmes Beach
The Feast Restaurant
- Address: 5406 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach
- Hours: 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM Daily
You've got to try some of their locally-famous pizzas, particularly the Margherita. The burgers here are also touted as some of the best on Anna Maria Island, made with Wagyu beef.
Hurricane Hanks
Photo Credit: iain__ford via Instagram- Address: 5346 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach
- Hours: 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM Sunday through Thursday; 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM Friday and Saturday
Don't let the outdated interior decor (and exterior, for that matter) fool you — this place knows its stuff when it comes to serving delicious (though somewhat basic) dishes with attentive service. Though many diners in the area prefer to visit a restaurant on the water with views of the Gulf, Hurricane Hanks more than makes up for it with the quality of their food.
They also have fun, themed hours such as a Tiki Happy Hour from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and Retro Nights during the closing hours of each day.
Isola Bella Italian Eatery
Photo Credit: isolabellaitalianeatery via Instagram- Address: 5904 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach
- Hours: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday; Closed Sundays
We're obsessing over the Burrata Antipasto with paper thin slices of fresh Prosciutto di Parma as an appetizer. For entrees, you can't go wrong with the Shrimp Fra Diavolo, Chicken Parmigiana, or the Ragu and Meatballs. Yum!
This food is stick-to-your-ribs good, this yummy Italian restaurant is the perfect option for a filling meal after spending the day soaking up the sun in Holmes Beach.
The Ugly Grouper
Photo Credit: tmb913 via Instagram- Address: 5704 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach
- Hours: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM Daily
It's also exclusively outdoor seating with big industrial fans, so you'll want to make sure that the weather is nice before heading over - not a tall order in Holmes Beach, as the weather is usually very pleasant
Once you get there, we strongly suggest you try the Grouper Tacos, Grouper Sandwich, Pesto Shrimp Fettuccine, or the Pulled Pork Sliders. You can't go wrong with any of their menu items, especially the selection of fresh seafood, which explains why it's so busy! The portions are huge, so bring your appetite!
Anna Maria Island Beach CafE
Photo Credit: mwbressler via Instagram- Address: 4000 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach
- Hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Daily
This is a great option if you are looking for a place to spend a few hours and traveling with kids in tow. There are beach volleyball nets set up right next to the restaurant, so you won't have to worry about boredom setting in if the adults want to have an extra drink or relax a little longer. They also boast live music 7 days a week!
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe has a fairly large menu with something to suit every person's palate. For breakfast, hungry eaters can enjoy All-You-Can-Eat Pancakes or their huge Bagels! They also have plenty of traditional egg dishes such as Fried Steak & Eggs and a variety of Omelets. Don't forget to try their smoothies, either! The lunch and dinner menu is pretty basic, with offerings such as Fish & Chips, Seafood Platters, a wide variety of sandwiches, and all of the fried sides you could dream of.
It's not exclusively a seafood restaurant, however, and you can find plenty of sandwiches and salads without seafood. Despite the menu items seeming a bit boring, the quality of food is actually very good.
Los Chiludos Fresh Mexican Grill
Photo Credit: localsrealtygroup via Instagram- Address: 3232 E Bay Dr, Holmes Beach
- Hours: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday through Saturday; Closed Sundays
Though it's far from fine dining, if you need a break from the seafood extravaganza, this one is a good call (though, in all fairness, they do use seafood in some of their dishes as well!). We love the jovial ambiance and bright colors, not to mention the flavor-packed menu offerings.
Graze Street AMI
Photo Credit: grazestreetami via Instagram- Address: 3218 E Bay Dr, Holmes Beach
- Hours: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM Wednesday through Saturday; 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM Sunday; Closed Mondays & Tuesdays
We really enjoyed the Beachy BLT, a classic taken to the next level with the addition of lemon aioli and peach jam.The shop also offers plenty of goodies for a DIY, at-home brunch, such as charcuterie, cheese, local honey and jam, freshly baked sweets, bagels, and more.
High End Restaurants in Holmes Beach
The Doctor's Office
Photo Credit: alexlewy via Instagram- Address: 5312 Holmes Blvd. #B, Holmes Beach
- Hours: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM Sunday through Thursday; 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM Friday and Saturday
If you're a craft cocktail enthusiast or looking for a place for a special occasion, The Doctor's Office is the best high-class option for dining (and imbibing) in Holmes Beach. You can order up classics such as The Aviation or The Last Word or try something new and innovative, such as their very own Eleanora, which is a perfectly balanced blend of Mezcal, Creme de Violette, Velvet Falernum, Hellfire Bitters, Blackberry Egg White Cloud with a Tajin Rim. Delish!
The drinks aren't the only thing to rave about at The Doctor's Office. The food is seriously scrumptious as well. With a small menu that changes according to local ingredients and seasonality, you can expect dishes such as Maple Leaf Duckling Tacos (yum!!), Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail with Horseradish Remoulade and Lobster Cargot, which they affectionately dubbed "better than the chewy little slugs."
Their cheeky menu also makes us smile! Make a reservation; it's a small place that's growing steadily in popularity.
Beach Bistro Wine Bar & Lounge
Photo Credit: maggie.maurer via Instagram- Address: 6600 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach
- Hours: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM Daily
The only thing that would make this place more inviting is if they offered world-class tasting menus artfully prepared - and they do! For their signature tasting menu, you have a selection of options from which to choose for each course, making this a great option to sample all of your favorites.
The menu is $125 per person with optional drink pairings at an additional $60 per person.If you prefer to dine outdoors with your toes in the sand, they have beachfront dining available as well! We strongly suggest recommendations for this gem.
Enjoy the Best Holmes Beach Restaurants
Make your Anna Maria Island vacation even more special by dining at a handful of the island's top places to eat. We're sure of one thing — you definitely won't go hungry while visiting Holmes Beach!
Ready to appease any budget or cravings, this list of great food spots will keep your belly and your wallet happy on your beach vacation.
