When planning your Florida vacation, you’ll want a location that helps you escape from life’s every day worries. For the ultimate relaxing stay, visit Anna Maria Island, a quaint stretch of land that will have you swimming and dining right alongside the locals. Here, you’ll find all the fun in the sun you expect from a Florida vacation, but you won’t be fighting tons of other tourists for a spot on the shoreline. Anna Maria Island also boasts tons of incredible restaurants, and one of the most popular is the Sandbar. Read on to discover why locals and tourists alike love the Sandbar, just minutes away from our Anna Maria Island rentals.
History
More than 100 years ago, Anna Maria Island was only accessible by boat. Many guests sailed in from Tampa and came to The Pavilion, the meeting place that’s where the Sandbar Restaurant is today. It served as a casual meeting place as well as a hub for adventure, as a diving platform was installed and fishing was easy right off the side of the dock. After The Pavilion mysteriously went up in flames in 1946, two old army barracks were placed on the premises, giving life to the Sandbar.
Over the next few decades, the Sandbar met several different owners and received renovations like a dance floor. The building was damaged by a hurricane in 1950, but after years of extensive remodeling, the restaurant was repurchased in 1979 by Ed Chiles, and the rest is history! Today, the Sandbar is a favorite of many and is dedicated to maintaining the rich history of the building and the island.
Menu
At the Sandbar, you will find “authentic old Florida” recipes, made with the most ecologically responsible produce and fresh seafood pulled right from the Florida coast. Enjoy scrumptious appetizers like The Sandbar Smoked Fish Dip or sautéed lump crab cakes, or indulge in chicken and waffles, seafood and grits, or a fried shrimp platter. They also offer plenty of options that are gluten-free, such as their shrimp ceviche and islander scallops, as well as vegan options like the acorn squash and green curry or the vegan burger.
Even the littlest member of your party will love the Sandbar, thanks to the extensive kid’s menu. Your child can enjoy classics like grilled cheese and pizza, or they can take advantage of the seafood as well with fish or shrimp. When they’re done, they will get a frozen treat to help keep cool! Parties of all ages and sizes love eating at the Sandbar with its incredible food and breathtaking views.
General Information
The Sandbar is located at 100 Spring Avenue in the city of Anna Maria. They are open Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. The Sandbar does not accept reservations at this time.
The Sandbar is just one of the fantastic restaurants on AMI for you to enjoy. While this spot is more casual and laid-back, the island is also full of other eateries perfect for a fancy or date night. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, take a quick trip to nearby Sarasota for even more dining and entertainment options.
At the end of a long day of sightseeing, rest your head in one of our Anna Maria Island rentals. We have options available for parties of all sizes, and no request is too big for our team to handle. For more information on the Sandbar, other local restaurants, and our full selection of Anna Maria vacation rentals, contact us today!