Updated: May 2026
- 5808 Marina Drive · Holmes Beach
- 941-778-2501
- Monday, Wednesday – Saturday: 11 AM · 8 PM
- Tuesday: CLOSED
- Sunday: 12 PM · 8 PM
- website
Long before Jimmy Buffett composed Cheeseburger in Paradise, the beach, burgers, and cold beer were already a way of life in Florida. Duffy’s Tavern has been proving that point since 1971.
Located in Holmes Beach across from City Hall, this converted auto garage has been an Anna Maria Island institution for over five decades — and it shows in the best possible way. License plates and memorabilia gifted by loyal customers cover every inch of the walls. The bar is always humming. The flat screens are always on. And the burgers are exactly what they should be.
The Atmosphere
Duffy’s is casual in the way that only a place with fifty years of confidence can be. Air-conditioned indoor dining, outdoor picnic tables, and a screened-in porch give you options. Bathing suits are welcome. Attire is whatever you wore to the beach. As a kid I loved coming here because they sell Coke in old-fashioned glass bottles — and that detail alone tells you everything you need to know about the place.
Several flat screens play sporting events around the clock, and with great draft beer deals Duffy’s is a prime spot to spend an afternoon cheering on your favorite team with a cold one in hand.
The Drinks
Duffy’s pours the coldest Budweiser drafts on the island — a frosty 10-ounce mug for a dollar, all day, every day. If you’re with a group, a pitcher is six dollars. They also serve other draft and bottled beer selections, and wine by the glass for those who prefer it.
The Food
The classic cheeseburger is the reason people come and the reason they keep coming back — a medium-sized patty dripping with greasy goodness, yellow American cheese, crisp iceberg lettuce, thick tomato, white onion, and mayo on a bun. USA Today readers named it one of the best burgers in the country in 1989 and Duffy’s has continued collecting awards and praise ever since.
A word of advice — do not order fries. Duffy’s doesn’t serve them and trying to order them is the clearest tourist giveaway on the island.
What you should order: the chili dog made with Pat’s secret Cincinnati chili recipe, the navy bean soup, the potato salad, and the collard greens. An assortment of potato chips rounds out the menu.
Order at the bar and bus your own table. That’s the Duffy’s way.
If you’re on a mission to find the best burger on the island, don’t miss my Ultimate Guide to the Best Burger on Anna Maria Island.
The Geyer Family
No visit to Duffy’s is complete without knowing the story behind it.
Pat and Ed Geyer purchased Duffy’s Tavern in 1971. Pat went on to serve as mayor of Holmes Beach from 1990 to 1994 — and as the story goes, she originally bought the tavern to keep her five daughters out of trouble. After Pat’s passing in 2010, her daughters Patti, Pam, Peggi, Penni, and Polli carried on the tradition. Today Pam is in the kitchen with Polli and Peggi behind the bar. The paper menus still feature Pat raising a mug of beer — a detail that says everything about how this family runs their business.
Before You Leave
Pick up a Duffy’s t-shirt, hat, or mug on your way out — they make for one of the better souvenirs on the island. And grab a copy of one of the island’s two local papers at the entrance while you’re at it.
Coastal Close
Duffy’s Tavern is one of those places that reminds you why Anna Maria Island is different. No frills, no pretense, just a cold beer, a great burger, and a family that has been doing this right for over fifty years. Go once and you’ll understand why people keep coming back.
Until next time…
· izzy