Updated: April 2026
Golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with fresh Gulf flavor—crab cakes on Anna Maria Island aren’t just a menu item, they’re part of the island’s coastal identity.
From waterfront restaurants with sunset views to tucked-away local favorites in Cortez and Longboat Key, each spot puts its own spin on this classic seafood staple. Some go traditional Maryland-style, others lean tropical with mango salsa or creative aiolis—but all lean into one thing: fresh, simple, coastal cooking done right.
Below is your curated guide to the best crab cake (and crab cake-inspired) dishes across the island and nearby villages.
Beachfront & Waterfront Favorites
These are the classic island crab cake spots where the view is just as important as the plate. Expect Gulf sunsets, casual coastal service, and straightforward preparations that let the seafood shine. For more waterfront dining inspiration, see tmy Ultimate Guide to Waterfront Dining on Anna Maria Island.
Beach House Waterfront Restaurant
- 200 Gulf Drive · Bradenton Beach
- 941-779-2222
- 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Happy Hour · Daily · 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM · inside bar only
Two jumbo lump crab cakes, golden and tender, served with garlic herb mayo over red pepper remoulade. A classic beachfront plate best enjoyed at sunset.
Gulf Drive Cafe & Kokonut Hut
- 900 Gulf Drive North · Bradenton Beach
- 941-778-1919
- Cafe · Sunday – Thursday · 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Cafe · Friday & Saturday · 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Hut · Open · Daily · 7:00 AM to Midnight
- Live Music · Daily · 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Mini crab cakes served with tropical sauces like mango papaya salsa—laid-back, beachy, and family-friendly with live music.
Sandbar Seafood and Spirits
- 100 Spring Avenue · Anna Maria
- 941-778-0444
- Daily · 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Jumbo crab cake served beachside with bright citrus notes and full Gulf views—simple, fresh, and unmistakably island.
The Waterfront Restaurant
- 111 Bay Boulevard South · Anna Maria
- 941-778-1515
- Sunday – Thursday · 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday · 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
While known for grouper cakes rather than crab, this is one of the most iconic waterfront dining spots on the island—perfect pairing of atmosphere and coastal flavors.
Elevated & Creative Takes
These kitchens lean a little more chef-driven, with crab cakes that come dressed up—think tropical flavors, refined sauces, and plated dishes that feel a step above casual beach dining.
Bridge Street Bistro
- 111 Gulf Drive · Bradenton Beach
- 941-782-1122
- Sunday – Thursday · 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday · 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Happy Hour · Daily · 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Crab cake finished with spicy remoulade and paired with elevated sides like corn and bacon risotto or seasonal vegetables. A more refined island dining experience.
The Chateau Anna Maria
- 5325 Marina Drive · Holmes Beach
- 941-238-6264
- Tuesday through Thursday · 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Friday and 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
Caribbean-style crab cake topped with mango salsa and avocado aioli—bright, tropical, and a standout for flavor creativity.
Casual Island Favorites
These are the fun, social spots where crab cakes show up alongside live music, cocktails, and a relaxed “stay awhile” atmosphere.
Daiquiri Deck
- 107 Bridge Street · Bradenton Beach
- 941-253-3300
- Sunday – Thursday · 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday · 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Happy Hour · Daily · 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM · 8:00 PM to close
- Live Music · Friday, Saturday & Sunday · call for times
Crab Cake BLT with bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, and lemon aioli on a toasted roll. Fun, casual, and perfect for a lively night out.
Hurricane Hanks
- 5346 Gulf Drive · Holmes Beach
- 941-778-5788
- Sunday – Thursday · 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday · 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Maryland-style lump blue crab cakes are served drizzled with a zesty Cajun remoulade—simple, flavorful, and perfect for both lunch and dinner.
Salt Bar & Table
- 2519 Gulf Drive · Bradenton Beach
- 941-896-9897
- 3:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Live Music · Friday & Saturday · 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Happy Hour · Daily · 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
The Crab Cakes at Salt Bar & Table are served with a vibrant red pepper reduction and creamy avocado crema, offering a flavorful and visually stunning seafood dish.
Cortez Fishing Village
This is the most authentic seafood corner of the region—dockside markets, fishing boats nearby, and crab cakes that focus on freshness over fuss. For more on this area, see my Ultimate Guide to the Historic Cortez Fishing Village.
Star Fish Company
- 12306 46th Avenue West · Cortez
- 941-794-1243
- Tuesday through Saturday · 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM
- Sunday and Monday · 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Fresh daily crab cakes made simply—letting the sweet Gulf crab speak for itself. No fuss, just freshness.
Swordfish Grill
- 4628 119th Street West · Cortez
- 941-798-2035
- 11:00 AM-o 5:00 PM
- Happy Hour · Monday – Saturday · 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Live Music · Daily · evenings · Saturday & Sunday additionally in afternoon
Florida-style crab cake served with zesty remoulade, plus live music and waterfront tiki vibes.
Longboat Key
Just over the bridge, these spots offer a quieter, slightly more polished dining experience with lighter, often more modern takes on crab cakes.
The Lazy Lobster
- 5350 Gulf of Mexico Drive · Longboat Key
- 941-383-0440
- Monday – Friday · 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday · 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Crab cake salad with strawberries, pecans, cucumbers, and house vinaigrette—light, fresh, and unexpected.
Mar Vista
- 760 Broadway Street · Longboat Key
- 941-383-2391
- Monday – Friday · 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
- Saturday & Sunday · 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
House-made crab cake sandwich with arugula, pickled onion, and remoulade on toasted bread—classic coastal comfort.
The Shore
- 800 Broadway Street
- 941-259-4600
- 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Happy Hour · 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
100% jumbo lump crab cake served with watermelon radish slaw and miso ginger aioli. Clean, modern, and beautifully plated.
Final Bite
Anna Maria Island’s crab cakes are more than just a menu item—they’re part of the island’s coastal charm. Whether enjoyed with a waterfront view or at a laid-back local favorite, each one captures the fresh flavors and relaxed pace that define dining here.
For the best experience, plan your visit during the island’s most comfortable seasons using The Climate of Anna Maria Island: What You Need to Know, and consider pairing your meal with a night out from my Live Music Vibe on Anna Maria Island guide. When you’re ready to explore even more standout dining spots, explore my Anna Maria Island Restaurant Guide is a great next stop for continuing your island food adventure.
Until next time…
· izzy