Dining

	*Dining - Restaurants* Note that I have indicated basically, what kind of dining spot each place is - however most if not all of them also offer a number of other items on their menu. This is also not all of them - let me know if you find one you feel should be added to our list !

Anna Maria Oyster Bar (Seafood) - this is a great seafood place for lunch or dinner, however they are not located on the Island. They actually have several restaurants in Bradenton. The closet one is on Cortez Road and is about a 20 minute drive from the house. There is another one out by the Ellington Outlet Malls, and a third one on Highway 41 going from Bradenton to Sarasota. The prices are reasonable, they serve beer and wine, and they have incredible seafood.

Banana Cabana Caribbean Grille (Caribbean) - this is a very interesting place and they offer a variety of true Caribbean food. It is mid-price and could be expensive if you take a large group in there. The place is small and has a lot of character. It is located in Bradenton Beach and is about a 10 minute drive from the House.

Beach Bistro (Gourmet) - this is a fantastic place for dinner and is considered one of the top restaurants in Florida. You will be amazed. However they are expensive, but offer those 2+ hour dining experiences. You have to have reservations and I definitely would not take the kids (unless you are celebrating a big event). They have a full bar and excellent wines. They are located on the beach in Holmes Beach and it is about a 7 minute drive from the house.

Beach House (Seafood) - this is one of the few spots South on the Island where you can enjoy a drink, have the kids run on the beach, and watch the sunset. Their prices are mid-range. They are right on the beach and about a 10 minute drive from the house located in Bradenton Beach. They serve beer and wine and usually have live entertainment every night.

Bonefish Grille (Seafood) - this is a great seafood place for lunch or dinner, but are located off the Island. They are located on Cortez Road and is about a 20 minute drive from the house. They have fantastic food, an incredible bar, and a great atmosphere. The prices are reasonable and they have a full bar.

Cafe on the Beach (American) - this is a simple-fare beach cafe. They are famous for an "all-you-can-eat" breakfast deal, pancakes and sausage. They are located right on the Beach and is at the end of Manatee Avenue. There are several beach volleyball courts there, a local sight-seeing / fishing pier, and there is a surf shop nearby.

Charlie's on the Island (American) - this is an interesting place - it's a book club /store that has a small restaurant. They have decent sandwiches and it is definitely a different place to get something to eat. Prices are reasonable and they are located in Holmes Beach, about a 6 minute drive from the House.

China One (Chinese) - this is a pick-up Chinese restaurant. Okay food, but decent enough if you are in the mood. Prices are very reasonable and they are located just South of Publix in the shopping plaza where Shells is located. It is about a 7 minute drive from the House.

Capalbo's Pizza (Pizza) - they are just off the Island on Cortez Road. They have a "pizza buffet" with a salad bar, two home made soups (daily), variety of pizza, pudding and jello for dessert, etc. overall it is fantastic. The kids love this place and you will love the prices. The pizza is great and you can also order pick-up.

But the best deal is to eat there at the buffet. They serve beer and wine. You really can't miss it, as you drive off the Island on Cortez Road it is located on the right-hand side. Note that I actually eat here about once a week myself. It is about a 15 minute drive from the House.

Cortez Kitchen (Seafood) - this is a great seafood place for lunch or dinner. They are located just off the Island off Cortez Road and is about a 15 minute drive from the house. The prices are reasonable, they serve beer and wine, and you sit out near the commercial fishing docks. They usually have entertainment and is a unique place to eat.

Da Giorgio Ristorinte (Italian) - this is a mid-price and up Italian restaurant. They offer more of a Northern Italy cuisine. They are located in Holmes Beach, about a 6 minute drive from the House. If you are taking a large group or dining on the weekends, call ahead for reservations.

D Coy Duck's Bar & Grille (American) - this is a combined bar with an extended dining area. They have decent food and reasonable prices. They have a full bar and are located in Holmes Beach about a 6 minute drive from the house. This is not necessarily a kids place, more adult.

Dips Ice Cream (Ice Cream) - this is an old-fashioned ice cream and candy store. It is about 2 blocks from the house and is one of my favorite places to go. They are about a 3 minute walk from the House and is next to Sign of the Mermaid restaurant on Gulf Drive.

Domino's (Pizza) - this is your standard pizza pick-up or delivery place (no dine-in). It is located in Holmes Beach, about a 6 minute drive from the House. I would recommend ordering and then picking up your food - delivery is not always fast and your food will be hotter if you pick it up.

Duffy's Tavern (Burgers, etc.) - one of the old-time favorite places on the Island. They have $1 drafts and a burger that is unique. The kids love this place and it is very reasonable, but sometimes very crowded. It is located in Holmes Beach, about a 6 minute drive from the House.

Euphemia Haye (Gourmet) - this is a fantastic place for dinner and is considered one of the top restaurants in Florida. You will be amazed. However they are expensive, but offer those 2+ hour dining experiences. You have to have reservations and I definitely would not take the kids (unless you are celebrating a big event). They have a full bar and excellent wines. They are located on Long Boat Key and is about a 15 minute drive from the house.

Ginny & Jane E's Coffee Shop (Coffee, Pastries) - this is right at the end of our street (2 minute walk) and offers a variety of coffee and pastries. This is also an antique type store where you can buy a variety of items. They have an Internet Cafe (just in case our Internet is down) along with a flower shop. Take time to go in here and check it out.

Gulf Drive Cafe (American / Seafood) - this place is right on the Beach and has great food. You can sit inside or out and they have a large variety on the menu - great sandwiches. They serve beer and wine only. The prices are very reasonable and you get a lot to eat.

Hurricane Hanks (American) - this is a decent place to eat and is also a night spot. They offer a full bar with a small dining area. The food is good and the prices are right. It is more of an adult place then for kids, as seating is limited. They are located in Holmes Beach about a 7 minute drive from the House.

Joe's Eats & Sweets (Ice Cream) - this is large "home-made" ice cream shop and is located in Bradenton Beach. It is about a 10 minute drive from the House.

Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant (Seafood) - this is a another unique seafood restaurant and is located on Long Boat Key Island just South of Anna Maria. Their prices are mid-price. They are about a 20 minute drive from the house. They serve beer and wine and are located right next to Moore' Stone Crab.

Moore's Stone Crab (Seafood) - this is a unique seafood restaurant and is located on Long Boat Key Island just South of Anna Maria. Their prices are somewhat expensive, as they get a lot of tourists. They are about a 20 minute drive from the house. They serve beer and wine, but are famous for Stone Crab (when they are in season).

Mr. Bones BBQ (Ribs) - this is probably one of the best rib places I have ever eaten at. They have an unusual atmosphere - but very entertaining. Prices are mid-range and the place is small, no reservations - you usually have to stand in line, but it is worth it. They are located within a 10 minute drive of the house in Bradenton Beach.

Old Hamburg Tavern (German) - if you are in the mood for authentic German food then this is the place. It is somewhat pricey but very authentic. They are located in the Shells shopping plaza next to Publix and is about a 10 minute drive from the house. They serve beer and wine.

Oma's (Italian & Pizza) - in my opinion the best pizza on the Island and they deliver. They are great for dine-in as well for a variety of Italian items and pizza. They serve beer and wine. The kids will love this place. It is located in Bradenton Beach, about a 10 minute drive from the House.

Ooh La La ! (French / Continental Bistro) - if you are in the mood for authentic French food then this is the place. It is mid-price and up. They are located in the Holmes Beach shopping plaza next to D Coy Duck's and is about a 7 minute drive from the house. They serve beer and wine.

Paradise Bagels & Cafe (American) - this is a bagel shop and a cafe. They offer some unique cuisine and is an interesting little place to eat. They have great bagels and are located in the Shells shopping plaza next to Publix, about a 10 minute drive from the house.

Peaches (American) - this is only a Breakfast and Lunch place. They have a large menu, decent prices, and you get a lot of food. They are located in the Shells plaza next to Publix in Holmes Beach. It is about a 10 minute drive from the House.

Rod n' Reel Pier (Seafood) - this is another great seafood place for breakfast, lunch or dinner and you can walk there in about 15 minutes or 3 minutes by car. The prices are very reasonable, they serve beer and wine, and you can watch people fish. You can see this pier from the City Pier and I believe they have the best breakfast on the Island.

Rotten Ralph's (Seafood) - this is yet another great seafood place for lunch or dinner. It is a little longer walk, but you can do it in about 18 minutes (5 minutes by car). The prices are reasonable and they have a full bar. You can walk around the marina and look at all of the huge yachts. They have an "all you can eat" fish and chips deal that is the best in the State.

Seafood Shack Restaurant (Seafood) - this is just off the Island on Cortez road. Their prices are reasonable and they get a lot of tourists. They are about a 15 minute drive from the house. They serve beer and wine.

Sharky's Steak & Sea Grille (American) - this is probably the place to go for red meat. They have an assortment of steaks, prime rib, and usually have a "surf n' turf" special every week. They offer karaoke on certain nights and they have a decent bar as well - full service. Prices are reasonable and you get a lot to eat. They are located down toward Bradenton Beach and is about a 10 minute drive from the house.

Shells (Seafood) - this is one of the best seafood places to take the whole group. The prices are very reasonable and you get a lot of food. You will definitely have "take-home". They serve beer and wine and are located in a shopping plaza next to Publix. They have fresh seafood daily and offer specials. It is a large restaurant and you can usually get seated pretty quickly even for large groups.

Sign of the Mermaid (Gourmet) - this is a fantastic place for dinner. They are mid-range to higher in price, but offer those 2+ hour dining experiences. You should make reservations and I would not take the kids (order them pizza). Again - they are 2 blocks from the house.

Skinny's Place (Burgers, etc.) - a new burger joint to compete with Duffy's - they have $1 drafts and a burger that is unique. Another place that the kids love and it is very reasonable, but sometimes very crowded. It is located in Holmes Beach, right next to the Cafe on the Beach at the end of Manatee Avenue. It's a 6 minute drive from the House.

Solo's Pizza (American & Pizza) - they have great pizza as well, different style than Oma's. They are have a decent bar and dining area, a pool table, darts, etc. They serve beer and wine. The kids will love this place. It is located in Bradenton Beach in the Shells plaza next to Publix, about a 10 minute drive from the House.

Starfish Seafood Company (Seafood) - this is a great seafood place for lunch or dinner. They are located just off the Island off Cortez Road and is about a 15 minute drive from the house. The prices are reasonable, they serve beer and wine, and you are near the commercial fishing docks. You can also buy fresh seafood from their market.

Stonewood Grille & Tavern (Seafood) - this is a great seafood place for lunch or dinner. They are located on Cortez Road and is about a 20 minute drive from the house. They are in the same shopping plaza as Bonefish. They have fantastic food, an incredible bar, and a great atmosphere. The prices are reasonable and they have a full bar.

Subway (Sandwiches) - this is the only "chain" fast food place on the Island. It has both dine-in and pick-up. Obviously affordable and they have daily specials as well. They are located in the Shells shopping plaza next to Publix and is about a 10 minute drive from the house.

The City Pier (Seafood) - this is a great seafood place for lunch or dinner and you can walk there in about 10 minutes. You can watch people fish here or go fishing yourself. The prices are reasonable, they serve beer and wine. It is located at the end of the fishing pier at the end of our street.

The Sandbar (Seafood) - this is one of the best spots to enjoy a drink, have the kids run on the beach, and watch the sunset. Their prices are mid-range, and it is a favorite each year for returning tourists. The restaurant is right on the beach and is about 3 to 4 blocks from the house. They have a full bar and usually have live entertainment every night.

Two Scoops (Ice Cream) - this is another ice cream shop and is located in the shopping plaza (where the post office is) right across from the City Pier. It is about a 5 to 6 minute walk from the House.

Waterfront (Seafood) - this is a great seafood place and they are open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. They are at the end of our street heading toward the City Pier. They have Maine Lobster, great Lobster Bisque, along with a full menu. The prices are reasonable, they serve beer and wine. You can walk there in about 5 minutes from the House.

This site was last updated 10/16/07