Updated: August 2026
Anna Maria Island sits at the edge of some of the most productive waters on Florida’s Gulf Coast, and fresh Gulf shrimp is as much a part of the island experience as the white sand and warm water. Whether you are pulling up a barstool at a waterfront tiki bar, sitting down for a proper seafood dinner, or picking up fresh shrimp straight off the boat, this guide covers every way to enjoy one of the Gulf Coast’s greatest gifts.
Anna Maria
Harry’s Grill
- 9903 Gulf Drive · Anna Maria
- 941-567-5999
- Monday – Saturday · 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday · 1:00 PM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday · Harry’s Hallelujah Brunch · 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
- Happy Hour · Monday – Friday · 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Live Music · Daily · 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Harry’s Grill is a laid-back Anna Maria Island favorite and the shrimp menu here delivers in every direction. The peel and eat is a classic, the bacon wrapped shrimp is a crowd pleaser, and the Shrimpalooza is exactly what it sounds like, a full celebration of shrimp on one plate. String-lit outdoor seating, live music every evening, and a warm neighborhood vibe make Harry’s one of those spots you keep coming back to. Fun perk: if your name is Harry or Harrietta, show proof and enjoy one free draft beer of your choice!
The Porch Restaurant
- 9707 Gulf Drive · Anna Maria
- 941-782-8683
- Daily · Lunch · 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Daily · Dinner · 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
The Porch Restaurant brings a warm, neighborhood feel to the Anna Maria Island dining scene and the Shrimp Cocktail and Shrimp and Grits are both worth your time. It is the kind of place that feels like a local secret even when it is full of visitors.
Sandbar Seafood and Spirits
- 100 Spring Avenue · Anna Maria
- 941-778-0444
- Sunday – Thursday · 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday · 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Sandbar Seafood and Spirits is an Anna Maria Island institution and the shrimp menu is one of the strongest on the island. The Cowboy Shrimp is a standout that is unlike anything else you will find nearby, while the Coconut Shrimp, Chilled Royal Red Shrimp, Shrimp Fettuccini Alfredo, and Shrimp and Grits round out a lineup that covers every style and every appetite. The Shrimp and Grits earns its spot on the quick picks list and is exactly the kind of dish that keeps people coming back.
The Waterfront Restaurant
- 111 Bay Boulevard South · Anna Maria
- 941-778-1515
- Sunday – Thursday · 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday · 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
The Waterfront Restaurant lives up to its name with stunning views and a shrimp menu that delivers on every level. The Peel and Eat, Shrimp and Grits, and Gulf Fried Shrimp are all prepared with care and served in a setting that makes the whole experience feel special. A reliable choice any night of the week.
Holmes Beach
The Chateau Anna Maria
- 5325 Marina Drive · Holmes Beach
- 941-238-6264
- Tuesday – Thursday · 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday · 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday · 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Happy Hour · 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
The Chateau Anna Maria brings a more refined approach to the island dining scene and the shrimp cocktail and coconut crunchy shrimp are worthy of the setting. A great choice when you want something a little more elevated without losing that relaxed island spirit.
The Feast Restaurant
- 5406 Marina Drive · Holmes Beach
- 941-778-5092
- Daily · 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Happy Hour · Daily · 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
The Feast Restaurant takes shrimp seriously and the menu shows it. The Coconut Shrimp is consistently praised and earns its spot on the quick picks list, but the Stuffed Gulf Shrimp and Shrimp and Crab Alfredo are equally worth your attention. This is the kind of place where you linger over a meal and leave already thinking about when you are coming back.
Freckled Fin Irish Pub
- 5337 Gulf Drive · Holmes Beach
- 941-251-3930
- Sunday – Thursday 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Happy Hour · 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Live Music · Tuesday and Thursday – Sunday 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
The Freckled Fin is a fun Irish pub with a coastal twist and the peel and eat shrimp and fried shrimp are exactly what you want alongside a cold pint. Live music throughout the week, a lively patio, and a menu that blends Irish favorites with Gulf Coast flavors make this one of the more unique dining experiences on the island. For more on the live music scene, see my Live Music Vibe on Anna Maria Island.
Hurricane Hanks
- 5346 Gulf Drive · Holmes Beach
- 941-778-5788
- Food · Sunday – Thursday · 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- Food · Friday & Saturday · 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Bar · Daily · 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Hurricane Hanks is a shrimp lover’s paradise with one of the most extensive shrimp menus on the island. The Peel and Eat, Fiery Shrimp, Island Shrimp, Shrimp Scampi, and Beer Battered Shrimp Platter give you more options than most places offer in their entire seafood section. If you cannot decide, the Beer Battered Shrimp Platter is the one that gets talked about most and for good reason.
Isola Bella Italian Eatery
- 5904 Marina Drive · Holmes Beach
- 941-242-5309
- Monday – Saturday · 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Isola Bella brings an Italian perspective to Gulf shrimp that is genuinely worth seeking out. The Gamberi Fritte and Shrimp Fra Diavolo are both standouts, with the Fra Diavolo delivering a spicy, bold flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of fresh Gulf shrimp. A welcome change of pace for anyone who wants something a little different from the typical coastal menu.
Kiwi Style Fish and Chips
- 3608 East Bay Drive · Holmes Beach
- 941-704-5040
- Monday – Saturday · 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Kiwi Style Fish and Chips brings a New Zealand-inspired approach to Gulf Coast seafood and the shrimp and chips and shrimp taco are both solid, satisfying options. Casual, quick, and a great stop when you want something simple and delicious without a long wait.
Rod & Reel
- 3246 East Bay Drive · Holmes Beach
- 941-778-1885
- Daily · 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Rod and Reel is a classic Anna Maria Island name with a laid-back charm. The shrimp po’ boy, peel and eat, and shrimp dinner are all straightforward and satisfying. Nothing fancy, nothing fussy, just good Gulf shrimp done right.
Slim’s Place
- 9701 Gulf Drive · Anna Maria
- 941-567-4056
- Tuesday – Sunday · 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Monday · 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Happy Hour · Monday – Friday · 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Slim’s Place earns the top spot for most creative shrimp dishes on the island and it is not particularly close. The Sriracha Shrimp Lettuce Wrap, Thai Chili Basil Citrus Shrimp, Thai Shrimp Ramen Bowl, Sriracha Shrimp Po Boy, Shrimp Taco, and Island Shrimp Wrap represent a level of creativity and global inspiration that sets Slim’s apart from everything else on the island. If you are the type of eater who loves bold flavors and unexpected combinations, do not miss this one.
The Ugly Grouper
- 5704 Marina Drive · Holmes Beach
- 941-896-8033
- Daily · 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Live Music · Daily 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Live Music · Saturday and Sunday 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
The Ugly Grouper delivers on shrimp in almost every direction. The Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Coconut Shrimp, Crab Stuffed Shrimp, Pesto Shrimp Cavatappi, Fried Shrimp Dinner, and Coconut Shrimp Dinner give you a lineup that covers appetizers, pastas, and full dinners with equal confidence. The Pesto Shrimp Cavatappi earns its spot on the quick picks list for best shrimp pasta and is one of those dishes that surprises you with how good it is. Do not leave without snapping a photo with the iconic 3,180-pound Ugly Grouper statue.
Bradenton Beach
Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier
- 200 Bridge Street · Bradenton Beach
- 941-778-2662
- Sunday – Thursday · 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday · 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier is a beloved island institution and the shrimp menu here is as varied as it gets. Start with the shrimp ceviche or peel and eat before moving on to the kaboom shrimp, which is one of those dishes that earns its name. Coconut shrimp rounds out the appetizer lineup, while the shrimp and grits, shrimp dinner, and coconut shrimp dinner give you plenty of options for a full meal. It is the kind of place where you could visit multiple times and order something different every single time.
Bamboo Island Bar
- 119 Bridge Street · Bradenton Beach
- 941-803-6416
- Monday – Thursday · 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM
- Friday & Saturday · 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Bamboo Island Bar brings something truly unique to the shrimp conversation with their Alcapulco and Honolulu, dishes that stand out on an island where most menus lean toward the familiar. If you are the type of traveler who loves discovering something unexpected, this is your spot.
Beach House Waterfront Restaurant
- 200 Gulf Drive · Bradenton Beach
- 941-779-2222
- Daily · 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Happy Hour · Daily · 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM · inside bar only
Beach House Waterfront Restaurant is one of the most scenic dining experiences on Anna Maria Island and the shrimp menu lives up to the setting. The Chilled Royal Red Shrimp is a standout, delicate, sweet, and best enjoyed slowly with a view of the water. The Coconut Shrimp, Shrimp Po Boy, Creamy Shrimp Linguini, and Fried Shrimp Platter round out a lineup that covers every craving from light and refreshing to rich and indulgent.
Blue Marlin Seafood Restaurant
- 121 Bridge Street · Bradenton Beach
- 941-896-9737
- Friday & Saturday · 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Tuesday – Thursday · 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Live Music · Friday and Saturday · 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Blue Marlin Seafood sources directly from the Cortez fishing fleet, which means the shrimp on your plate was in Gulf waters not long before it reached you. The Florida Cracker Shrimp, Gulf Coast Shrimp Spread, Shrimp Puffs, and Shrimp and Grits are all standouts on a menu that takes boat-to-table seriously. The intimate outdoor Trapyard courtyard setting and live acoustic music on weekends make it one of the most special dining experiences on the island. Reservations are required on nights with live music so plan ahead. For more on Bridge Street dining, see my Ultimate Guide to Bridge Street on Anna Maria Island.
Bridge Street Bistro
- 111 Gulf Drive · Bradenton Beach
- 941-782-1122
- Sunday – Thursday · 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday · 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Happy Hour · Daily · 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Bridge Street Bistro brings shrimp into an entirely different setting, a third-floor dining room with panoramic Gulf views. The Prawns with Garlic and Spanish Paprika stand out here, served over yellow rice with vegetables, a Mediterranean-leaning preparation that feels distinct from the fried and grilled shrimp found elsewhere on the island. It is the kind of dish that makes shrimp part of a full dining experience rather than a quick bite, ideal for a date night or a special occasion with a sunset view to match.
Bridge Tender Inn Dockside & Tiki Bar
- 135 Bridge Street · Bradenton Beach
- 941-778-4849
- Daily · 11:00 AM to 11:30 PM
- Live Music · Daily · afternoon and evening
Bridge Tender Inn is a classic waterfront experience and the shrimp menu covers all the bases. The Shrimpcargot is the dish that gets people talking, a creative spin on escargot that is uniquely Anna Maria Island. The Buffalo Shrimp, Coconut Shrimp, Shrimp Po Boy, and Shrimp Dinner round out a lineup that works whether you are stopping in for appetizers or settling in for a full meal. Arrive by boat, golf cart, or flip-flops and let the waterfront do the rest. For more waterfront dining, see my Ultimate Guide to Anna Maria Island Restaurants with Boat Parking.
Daiquiri Deck
- 107 Bridge Street · Bradenton Beach
- 941-253-3300
- Sunday – Thursday · 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday · 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Happy Hour · Daily · 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM · 8:00 PM to close
- Live Music · Friday, Saturday, and Sunday · call for times
Daiquiri Deck is the spot for anyone who wants their shrimp with a little more flavor experimentation. The Shrimp Wreck’d and Po’ Boy are the standouts, both letting you customize your way to exactly what you want. The hand-breaded shrimp comes tossed in your choice of K-pop Hot Honey, Teriyaki, BBQ, or Buffalo, while the Po’ Boy lets you pick shrimp cooked grilled, blackened, or fried, piled high with shredded lettuce, tomato, and red onion. It is the kind of menu that rewards coming back and trying it a different way every time.
Gulf Drive Cafe & Kokonut Hut
- 900 Gulf Drive North · Bradenton Beach
- 941-778-1919
- Cafe · Sunday – Thursday · 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Cafe · Friday & Saturday · 7:00 AM to 9:30 PM
- Hut · Daily · 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Live Music · Daily · 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
The Kokonut Hut is one of those quintessential Anna Maria Island spots where everything just clicks. Cold drink in hand, live music in the background, Gulf views straight ahead, and a plate of peel and eat or coconut shrimp that does not disappoint. It is the kind of meal that tastes even better with sand between your toes. For more on the live music scene here, see my Live Music Vibe on Anna Maria Island.
Island Time Bar & Grill
- 111 Gulf Drive South · Bradenton Beach
- 941-782-1122
- Wednesday – Saturday 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – Tuesday 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Happy Hour · Monday – Friday 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Live Music · Daily 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Island Time Bar and Grill keeps things casual and fun with coconut shrimp, peel and eat, and bang bang shrimp tacos that have developed a loyal following among regulars. The open-air patio, daily live music, and laid-back atmosphere make it easy to settle in for the evening.
SALT Bar & Table
- 2519 Gulf Drive · Bradenton Beach
- 941-896-9897
- Daily · 3:30 PM to 10:00 PM
- Happy Hour · Daily · 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
- Live Music · Friday & Saturday · 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
SALT Bar and Table offers a chic coastal dining experience and the Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail is a clean, classic choice that lets the quality of the Gulf shrimp speak for itself. Globally inspired dishes, locally sourced ingredients, and an extensive craft cocktail menu make this one of the more sophisticated stops on the island.
Cortez
Cortez Kitchen
- 4528 119th Street · Cortez
- 941-900-1506
- Sunday – Thursday · 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday · 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Live Music · Friday through Sunday evenings
Cortez Kitchen sits in the heart of one of the last remaining working fishing villages in Florida and the shrimp menu reflects that heritage in every dish. The Royal Red Shrimp, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Kickin Shrimp Bowl, Shrimp Po Boy, and Shrimp Basket are all prepared with the kind of confidence that comes from being this close to the source. The Kickin Shrimp Bowl earns its name and is one of the more memorable dishes in the area.
Star Fish Company
- 12306 46th Avenue West · Cortez
- 941-794-1243
- Tuesday – Saturday · 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM
- Sunday & Monday · 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Star Fish Company is one of the most authentic dining experiences in the entire area, sitting right on the docks of Cortez with views of the working fishing fleet. The Peel and Eat, Royal Red Shrimp, Coconut Shrimp, Gulf Shrimp Dinner, Shrimp and Grits, and Shrimp Po Boy are all prepared simply and expertly, letting the quality of the Gulf shrimp do the talking. The Royal Red Shrimp earns its spot on the quick picks list and is one of those dishes that makes you understand why people drive out of their way to eat here.
Swordfish Grill
- 4628 119th Street West · Cortez
- 941-798-2035
- Daily · 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Happy Hour · Monday – Saturday · 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Live Music · Daily · evenings · Saturday & Sunday additionally in afternoon
Swordfish Grill brings serious creativity to the Cortez dining scene and the shrimp menu is one of the most exciting in the area. The Firecracker Shrimp, Coconut Shrimp, Peel and Eat, Hand Breaded Fried Shrimp Basket, Firecracker Shrimp Tacos, and Shrimp and Grits give you a range that goes from classic to bold without missing a beat. The Firecracker Shrimp and Firecracker Shrimp Tacos are the dishes that set Swordfish apart and both are genuinely memorable.
Tide Tables Restaurant
- 12507 Cortez Road West · Cortez
- 941-567-6206
- Daily · 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Tide Tables sits right on the water in Cortez and the Peel and Eat, Shrimp Po Boy, and Shrimp Basket are all served with the kind of straightforward honesty that fits the setting perfectly. It is a no-fuss, all-flavor experience with one of the best waterfront views in the area.
Longboat Key
Mar Vista
- 760 Broadway Street · Longboat Key
- 941-383-2391
- Monday – Friday · 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM
- Saturday & Sunday · 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM
Mar Vista is one of the most beloved waterfront dining spots in the area and the shrimp menu is a reflection of everything that makes it special. The Tropical Shrimp Ceviche earns its spot on the quick picks list, bright, fresh, and perfectly suited to a warm Gulf Coast afternoon. The Chilled Peel and Eat, Sweet and Spicy Shrimp, and Fried Shrimp Platter round out a lineup that covers every mood and every appetite.
The Lazy Lobster
- 5350 Gulf of Mexico Drive · Longboat Key
- 941-383-0440
- Monday – Friday · 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday · 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM
The Lazy Lobster on Longboat Key is worth the short drive for shrimp lovers. The lineup here is impressive, with a Shrimp Salad Sandwich, Key West Shrimp, Shrimp Scampi, Shrimp Sophia, Coconut Shrimp Salad, Coconut Shrimp, and Big Bang Shrimp all on offer. The Shrimp Sophia and Key West Shrimp are the two that stand out as truly unique and both are worth ordering.
The Shore
- 800 Broadway Street · Longboat Key
- 941-259-4600
- Daily · 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Happy Hour · Daily · 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
The Shore on Longboat Key brings a more refined approach to Gulf shrimp with the Deep Water Pink Shrimp Ceviche and Guacamole, a combination that is as creative as it is delicious. It is a sophisticated stop for those who want something a little more elevated on their way through Longboat Key.
Fresh Shrimp to Take Home
Just across the bridge from Anna Maria Island sits Cortez, one of the last remaining working fishing villages in Florida and one of the most special places on the Gulf Coast. Fresh Gulf shrimp does not get any more local than this. For the full story behind this historic community, my The Historic Cortez Fishing Village: My Insider Guide is worth a visit before or after your meal.
Cortez Kitchen
Cortez Kitchen is an excellent option for sourcing fresh local shrimp while you are in the village. Worth calling ahead to check availability as it varies by season and catch.
Star Fish Company
Star Fish Company sells fresh Gulf shrimp directly to the public right from the docks in Cortez. It is as close to the source as you can get and the quality speaks for itself. If you are staying in a vacation rental with a kitchen, picking up fresh shrimp here and cooking it yourself is one of the most authentic things you can do on this trip.
A few tips for buying and cooking fresh Gulf shrimp:
- Gulf white shrimp is most abundant in the fall but available much of the year
- Bring a cooler to keep your shrimp fresh on the way back to your rental
- Fresh Gulf shrimp cooks in just two to three minutes and needs very little seasoning to shine
- Ask the locals what came in that day as availability changes often and they are always happy to point you in the right direction
Coastal Close
Gulf shrimp is one of those things that tastes different when you are this close to where it came from. Whether you are pulling apart a peel and eat at a tiki bar, digging into a creative shrimp dish at a spot you never would have found without this guide, or cooking up a fresh catch from Cortez in your vacation rental kitchen, Anna Maria Island delivers the real thing every time.
For more on dining around the island, check out my Anna Maria Island Restaurant Guide.
— izzy