Craving smoky, slow-cooked goodness by the beach? Anna Maria Island might be known for its fresh seafood and tropical vibes, but it’s also home to some seriously satisfying barbecue.
Whether you’re in the mood for tender ribs, juicy brisket, or pulled pork piled high on a bun, this laid-back island serves up BBQ with a side of Gulf Coast charm.
In this post, we’re diving into the best spots to grab finger-lickin’ barbecue on Anna Maria Island—no grill required.
The Feast
- 5406 Marina Drive · Holmes Beach
- Open · Daily · 4:00 to 9:00 PM
- Happy Hour · Daily · 4 to 5 PM
The ribs at The Feast are slow-braised for four hours until fall-off-the-bone tender and dressed with Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce for a rich, tangy flavor. Served as a hearty rack, they’re a comforting, satisfying option perfect for dinner after a day on the island.
gRub Tropical BBQ
- 415 Pine Avenue · Anna Maria
- 941-900-2874
- Open · Monday through Saturday · 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM
- Happy Hour · Monday through Saturday · 3:00 to 5:00 PM
gRub Tropical BBQ is a modern, fast-casual eatery that fuses traditional smoked barbecue with bold, tropical-inspired flavors. Specializing in dishes like brisket, honey spare ribs, mojo pork, and the popular Willow Wrap (a sweet-chili BBQ pork sandwich with slaw), gRub delivers a creative twist on classic BBQ. The menu also features standout sides such as banana bread and coconut cream corn. The menu clearly designates gluten free, lactose free, and vegan options.
With a laid-back, open-air atmosphere and garage-style doors that bring the outdoors in, the space offers seating inside and a few breezy seats outside. gRub is a flavorful island-inspired take on Southern comfort.
Hurricane Hanks
- 5346 Gulf Drive · Holmes Beach
- 941-778-5788
- Open · Food · Sunday through Thursday 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- Open · Food · Friday and Saturday 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Open · Bar · Daily · 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM
The Bar‑B‑Q pork ribs at Hurricane Hanks feature their signature sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. They are slow-cooked for hours until fall‑off‑the‑bone tender. These ribs deliver a rich, tangy kick that keeps folks coming back for more.
The ambiance at Hurricane Hanks blends laid-back island charm with a lively bar-and-grill vibe—making it the perfect spot to dig into their tender, smoky Bar-B-Q pork ribs after a sunny day on Anna Maria Island.
Smoqehouse
- 1701 Gulf Drive North · Bradenton Beach
- 941-242-5340
- Open · Monday through Saturday · 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
This fast-casual favorite serves up inventive BBQ fusion, blending classic smokehouse techniques with unexpected flavor twists across the menu. From house-smoked cheeses to hand-cut fries and chips, nearly everything is made from scratch for maximum freshness.
Popular picks include the Brisket Burger, Korean Beef Burger with ginger lime slaw, and hearty poutine fries. Located right on Gulf Drive, Smoqehouse delivers big flavor and generous portions at an affordable price. It’s a go-to spot for creative barbecue that doesn’t sacrifice value or quality.
Until next time…
· izzy
Anna Maria Island is more than a quaint beach destination with white sand and turquoise waters. Beyond the laid-back atmosphere, the island is a shopper’s paradise. Whether you are searching for the perfect outfit, a locally crafted good, a special souvenir, or just simply browsing, AMI hosts plenty of shops to satisfy your shopping cravings.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and finding the perfect restaurant can make a significant difference in starting your day off right. Anna Maria Island is home to many delicious breakfast restaurants with each spot offering a unique style and flavor.
Below is a list of restaurants for breakfasts on Anna Maria Island.
Key lime pie was officially declared Florida’s state pie in 2006.
While the Florida Keys are most commonly associated with Key lime pie, the entire state of Florida crushes on the dessert.
Here are the places on and near Anna Maria Island to grab a slice.
Anna Maria Island is the perfect place to immerse yourself in a tropical island atmosphere. From upscale cocktail lounges to tiki bars to dive bars, AMI has a variety of spots offering happy hour deals.
Below is a list of bars and happy hours on Anna Maria Island to enjoy adult libations and soak up the island’s culture.
It is a quintessential beach day – crisp blue skies, warm sunshine, and a cool Gulf breeze. The last thing you want to do on this prefect day is leave your comfortable beach chair when hunger and thirst strikes.
Anna Maria Island offers many choices for food and beverage delivery right to your beach chair.
Several restaurants on Anna Maria Island accept reservations offering a convenient way to enjoy the island’s vibrant dining scene.
Below are Anna Maria Island restaurants that accept reservations so you can enjoy your meal with minimal or no wait!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.