Breweries Near Anna Maria Island



Vacations are Better with Good Beer!

Need a beer? There are some amazing Breweries Near Anna Maria Island. What is more relaxing during a beach vacation to sunny Florida than enjoying a cold beer? If you are interested in exploring local craft breweries, you have come to the right place! The Sarasota/Bradenton area is home to many independent local breweries. Many feature outdoor dog-friendly and family-friendly beer gardens. This goes perfect with our Pet Friendly Vacation Rental Homes. They also host events such as food truck rallies, trivia, yoga, and bingo nights. 

Expanding out into St. Petersburg and Tampa, there are even more options for Breweries Near Anna Maria Island. These spots are within a 45-minute drive of Anna Maria Island. Several of them are local favorites that we especially enjoy. The brew masters and staff at each spot are inventive and enthusiastic about their unique brews. Well, are you ready to venture out from your fabulous Anna Maria Island vacation rental home to a Brewery Near Anna Maria Island? You won’t be disappointed! Let us show you how the AMI Locals crush some cold ones at the best Breweries Near Anna Maria Island!

Bradenton Breweries

First, let’s start in downtown Bradenton. You’ll cross the Manatee Avenue Bridge from Anna Maria Island to the Bradenton Mainland. You’ll continue down Manatee Avenue, you will find some of the best breweries. 

Motorworks Brewing Company

First up is Motorworks Brewing  features an amazing outdoor, dog-friendly, beer garden. It offers Cornhole, Human-Sized Jenga, Huge TV’s and more daily. It is a great place to watch the big games on TV. On the weekends they offer live music. On Tuesday nights they offer yoga in the beer garden and bingo.  They have won numerous awards for their beers, including a gold medal at the 2018 U.S. Open Beer Championship for the Mango Habanero Snowflake Unfiltered IPA. I can assure you, is every bit as delicious as it sounds.

Motorworks Brewery has Amazing Craft Beers
Darwin Brewing Co and Taproom

Just around the corner from Motorworks Brewery, and located right next to LECOM Park where the Pittsburgh Pirates have Spring Training, you’ll find Darwin Brewing Co and Taproom. LECOM Park is also where the Pirates minor league team, the Bradenton Marauders play. One of the best ways to relax before or after a game is to head to Darwin and grab a brew! They always have something new and interesting to try.

Darwin’s Brewery
3 Keys Brewing & Eatery

Traveling a little further East on Manatee Avenue, you will find 3 Keys Brewing & Eatery. This brewery is family-owned and operated, and a super cool place to hang out. With a large comfy front porch and a flair for yummy beer, plus an original Nintendo, it is a great place to relax. Plus, they are also very involved in the local community. 3 Keys features a full kitchen (even with a “half-pint” kids menu!). This feature sets them apart from the usual food-truck fare you find at many craft breweries. They have a ton of board games and are very welcoming to kids and pets. Try to visit on one of their many event nights, Tuesday’s – Name that Tune Poker is especially entertaining!

3 Keys Brewery

 

 

 

 

 

Good Liquid Brewing Company

From here, you’ll head South West to US 41. You’ll travel passed Manatee Ave (SR 64), passed Cortez Road, until you get to Good Liquid Brewing Co.  It is one of the newer kids on the block, but we love the energy and atmosphere of their taproom. They are owned and operated by a husband and wife team. They do some amazingly inventive things with their beer. Good Liquid features rotating small-batch brews, wine on tap, and even wine and beer slushies for the non-traditional beer drinkers in the group. Happy Hour on Tuesdays, Bingo on Wednesdays, Trivia on Thursdays, Pints & Poses Yoga on select Saturday mornings, and a monthly food truck rally… truly something for everyone!

Good Liquid Flight

Breweries Further South in Sarasota County.

Calusa Brewing Company

The first Brewery on our stop is Calusa Brewing. This is the one particular local brewery that really got us started on exploring taprooms and craft beer in the area. Ed, the taproom manager is a font of knowledge and appreciation for the fine art of craft beer. If you are lucky enough to visit at a time when he is behind the bar, just ask him to tell you what to try! On special “Limited Edition Can Release” Saturdays sometimes the line of people to purchase the beer is not only out of the door to the taproom… it’s outside of the parking area and into the street. Trust me, Calusa is worth a trip

Calusa Brewing

 

 

 

 

 

JDub’s Brewing Co

JDub’s Brewing Co feels like hanging out at your coolest best friend’s house and backyard when you were growing up. It’s fun and chill, with an especially impressive Food Truck Rally on the 3rd Saturday of every month featuring the finest eats that the Sarasota area serves on wheels! My favorite part of visiting (besides the beer) is the Storm Trooper artwork over the taps.

J Dub’s Brewery

 

 

 

 

Sarasota Brewing Co

Sarasota Brewing Co has been around since 1989, serving up a full menu featuring Chicago-style pizzas in addition to their beers. It’s tucked away in the Gulf Gate area so you are in a prime spot to really get that true Sarasota locals experience. They have at least 20 different seasonal brews on tap in addition to a core few that are always available.

Sarasota Brewing Company

 

 

 

 

 

Big Top Brewing Co

Big Top Brewing Co fully embraces the Circus history of Sarasota with their décor, logo, and sense of adventure in trying all sorts of (possibly) crazy ideas for flavors in their beers. I have had everything from a magnificent triple IPA to their award-winning Coconut Coffee Porter, the Hawaiian Lion. Love love love! They host indie craft markets, 5k fun runs, trivia (not to brag – but we won one time!) and more. Check them out!

Big Top Brewery

 

Food For Foodies On Anna Maria Island



If you’re a foodie then you definitely want to check out the places on this list! Anna Maria Island is known for some amazing eats and fun dining. Half the fun during a vacation should be the food which is why we wanted to put together a list of AMI Locals approved food for you foodies out there.

Wicked Cantina

If you are looking for good food and some AMAZING margaritas, then check out the Wicked Cantina. Located just off 7th St., this little restaurant is known for their burgers, tacos and seafood. And while you’re there be sure to try one of their famous margaritas.

Slim’s Place

Fresh seafood, cheesesteaks and good beer is what you will find at Slim’s Place! Slim’s is located right on Gulf Dr. and is a great place to stop if you are looking for some real Philly Steaks and real good beer. This dive is definitely a place to check out when you are in the area and need a drink.

Duffy’s

Last but certainly not least is Duffy’s Tavern! If you are looking for a good burger, then Duffy’s is the place for you. This dive has a “lay back and relax” sort of atmosphere that really helps you realize that you are now on beach time at Anna Maria Island.

Person holding a burger at Duffy's

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And if you are still wondering where to go for some good food or drinks, just give one of our AMI Locals a call. We know Anna Maria Island and the surrounding areas backwards and forward. Don’t miss out on some of these amazing local eats!

Thanksgiving on Anna Maria Island



Spending Thanksgiving on Anna Maria Island is a wonderful way to celebrate this joyous family holiday! What better way to spend this holiday than at one of our luxury vacation home. Imagine spending time with your loved ones while a sweet ocean breeze sways the palm trees around you. So, sit back, relax and let the Feast-tivities begin!

What’s For Dinner?

Thanksgiving Dinner

 

As we all know, one of the main components for Thanksgiving is food, food and more food! While you are spending Thanksgiving on Anna Maria Island you have quite a few great options that you can enjoy.

One such option is to follow tradition and spend quality time with your family preparing your favorite recipes. Use the fully stocked kitchen in your vacation home to cook. If you still want to eat in the comfort of a beautiful waterfront home, but don’t necessarily want to cook, then you are in luck! You may order an entire Thanksgiving spread from locations such as the Holmes Beach Publix and The Fresh Market just off the island on Manatee Avenue. Furthermore, both offer a tremendous array of selections for all the guests around your holiday table!

In addition to the desserts at these stores, you can also order sweets from local island bakers. This will complete your Anna Maria Island Thanksgiving feast. One such choice is ordering a delectable homemade pie from Chef Molly at The Travelling Gourmet. Her kitchen is located within the walls of the local Community Center of Anna Maria Island. Her freshly prepared foods and pies are an amazing addition to any meal.

Another delicious dessert option, is a stop at Hometown Desserts located on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. Try the Key Lime Coconut Cake! You won’t be disappointed! Lastly, you can indulge in a selection of gourmet chocolates & truffles from famed chocolatier William Dean available at the Island Creamery and Bakery on the corner of Gulf Drive and Palm Avenue. These exquisite treats are sure to impress your Thanksgiving guests that join you for dinner on Anna Maria Island.

Gourmet Chocolate from Island Creamery

However, cooking isn’t for everyone. If you desire a true Anna Maria Island vacation free from all your holiday duties, then make a reservation at one of these popular dining destinations. For a unique Thanksgiving dinner, head over to the Anna Maria Island Beach Café. Stuff your bellies beachside with their casual and family friendly Thanksgiving Buffett, all the while basking in the warm Florida sunshine and listening to the relaxing sound of the Gulf of Mexico.

On the other hand, perhaps you are in the mood for a more formal option. If this is the case, then head out to Pier 22 in downtown Bradenton and enjoy a lavish, homemade style Thanksgiving meal complete with a panoramic riverfront view. In the same fashion, you can head just south of Anna Maria Island to dine and celebrate at Marina Jacks with sweeping views of Sarasota Bay. Or go a step further and book a table on one of the Marina Jacks II Thanksgiving Dinner Cruises. Sail through the waters and enjoy a spectacular meal and live entertainment. Any of these is sure to create wonderful and special memories for you and your family!

I Am Stuffed! Now What?

You Can’t Beat an AMI Sunset

 

With full hearts and bellies, head out to the beach for a nice sunset stroll. After all, our sunsets and beaches are what Anna Maria Island is famous for! All of our vacation homes are within a short walk to the sand. Or maybe you were lucky enough to reserve one of our Gulf Front Properties! Either way, it is a must-do, peaceful addition to your Thanksgiving plans!

Go Shopping!

Are you ready to shop yet? Keep the Thanksgiving holiday spirits going and head out for some serious shopping  just off Anna Maria island! First, join the bargain hunters out at the Ellenton Premium Outlets. With a  wide selection of stores such as: Adidas, Banana Republic, Gymboree, Chico’s, and more, you are bound to find any gift you are searching for! Next, you can visit some wonderful shops at the University Town Center. This breathtaking mall is where you can find Santa Claus waiting for the little ones to visit.

Any Other Fun Activites?

Amazing Seafood and Great Live Music

Be sure to keep an eye on our Events Calendar to stay up to date with all the Anna Maria Island and surrounding area festivities! Furthermore, check out details here for both the Sarasota Medieval Fair and the Lakewood Ranch Seafood & Music Festival which are happening during the weekends surrounding the Thanksgiving holiday!

For additional advice, be sure to ask your personal property manager or give us a call in the office. We love nothing more than sharing all of our local Anna Maria Island knowledge and activities with our guests! You can also check out our Things To Do link on our website for fun options for the entire family. But let’s be honest, sometimes it feels good to just Relax by the pool of your vacation home! We cannot wait to see you all this Thanksgiving on Anna Maria Island! Life is good when you Vacation Like A Local!

 

A Walk At City Park On Anna Maria Island



Looking for a quiet park to have a picnic or maybe take the family for a stroll? Head over to the city park on Anna Maria Island and enjoy the peaceful, water front views. This park also has picnic tables and paved walkways so everyone can come along and have a blast. Located at the end of 69th street and Holmes, it’s an easy spot to get to no matter where you are on the island.

Looking for Directions to the park? Click Here

There are also tons of other place to check out on the island. If you aren’t familiar with everything to do on Anna Maria Island then you should check out our Things To do page and find out just how much this area has to offer.