Long before Jimmy Buffet composed Cheeseburger in Paradise, the beach, burgers, and beers have been a staple of Florida life.
Since 1971, when Pat and Ed Geyer purchased Duffy’s Tavern, the restaurant has been the Anna Maria Island landmark for the local burger. These days you can see their daughters carrying on the tradition of great food with a local attitude.
Located in Holmes Beach across from Holmes Beach City Hall, Duffy’s casual ambiance blends well with a day of swimming in the salty waters. The converted auto garage has air-conditioned indoor dining with a large wrap around bar, outdoor picnic tables, and screened-in porch seating.
The walls are covered with license plates and memorabilia gifted to the restaurant by loyal customers.
Several flat screens are always playing sporting events and with great draft beer deals Duffy’s is a prime spot to enjoy a few cold ones while cheering on your favorite teams.
Best known for burgers, but Duffy’s is also famous for pouring the coldest Budweiser drafts in a frosty 10-ounce mug for a buck…all day, every day. If you are bellying up to the bar with a group of friends, a pitcher of ice-cold Budweiser at $6 is another great deal. They also serve other beer selections on draft and in bottles.
If you not a beer drinker, Duffy’s sells wine by the glass. As a kid I loved going to Duffy’s because they sell coke in the old-fashioned glass bottles.
Whether you are a sports fan or simply a burger connoisseur, Duffy’s is a must try on the island. USA Today readers named Duffy’s hamburger one of the best in the country in 1989 and since then this AMI treasure has continued to receive awards and praise.
Duffy’s classic cheeseburger served “all the way” is a medium sized patty dripping with greasy goodness, yellow American cheese, crisp iceberg lettuce, thick tomato slice, white onion slices, and mayo on a bun. Duffy’s offers additional specialty burgers.
DON’T order fries – they don’t serve them and trying to order them is a clear tourist giveaway. Do try the chili dog made with Pat’s secret Cincinnati chili recipe, navy bean soup, potato salad, and collard greens. They also sell an assortment of potato chips.
Do order at the bar and please bus your own table.
Finally, a write-up on Duffy’s would be complete without mentioning the Geyer gals and its matriarch Pat Geyer. Pat served as mayor of Holmes Beach from 1990 to 1994. As the story goes, Pat purchased Duffy’s Tavern to keep her five daughters out of trouble. After Pat’s passing in 2010, her daughters Patti, Pam, Peggi, Penni, and Polli continued running the family business. Today, Pam is in the kitchen, with Polli and Peggi behind the bar. The paper menus showcase Pat raising a mug of beer.
Duffy’s Tavern sells commemorative souvenirs such as t-shirts, hats, and mugs. Don’t miss picking up a copy of the island’s two local papers at the entrance. Lastly, as with many places on the island…attire is casual and bathing suits are welcome.
Operations
- 941-778-2501
- 5808 Marina Drive · Holmes Beach · google map
- Monday, Wednesday to Saturday: 11 AM · 8 PM
- Tuesday: CLOSED
- Sunday: 12 PM · 8 PM
- No reservations
- Cash only
- website
Wrap Up
Locals and visitors flock to Duffy’s Tavern!
Until next time…
· izzy
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