When you’re on vacation, one of the best parts is getting to try the local cuisine. While you’re on Anna Maria Island, you’ll probably want to get some delicious seafood, but one thing that you might not expect is how great the barbecue is around here! Our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals are just moments away from some of the area’s best barbecue, so be sure to try one (or several!) of these eateries while you’re in town!
Smoqehouse
One of the best fast-casual eateries in the area is Smoqehouse, operated by a husband-and-wife team who couldn’t be more passionate about barbecue. They first opened in Minnesota in 2017 and opened their second location right here on AMI just five months after that. Today, Smoqehouse is one of the most popular places to get all your barbecue favorites, including sandwiches, pulled pork, brisket, and more.
Some of the specialties on the menu here include the Smoqehouse Cuban, the Brisket Burger, the Korean Beef, and The Islander. They’ve even got a vegetarian sandwich option and can make any sandwich gluten-free! You can wash it all down with a soda or a local selection of craft beer or wine. If you’re looking for a welcoming and refined place to enjoy some mouthwatering barbecue, look no further than Smoqehouse.
Smoqehouse is located at 1701 Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach. They are open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Pig Out BBQ & Southern Soul Food
If you make your way over to the mainland and visit the city of Bradenton, you’ll find the incredible Pig Out BBQ & Southern Soul Food. Pig Masters Jimmy and Sandy Galanis are cooking up mouthwatering barbecue favorites every day of the week. They have proven their restaurant to be a favorite of locals and visitors alike. You can start your meal with classic Southern comfort foods like fried green tomatoes or fried pickles before moving on to the main event.
Enjoy sandwiches like fried catfish or pulled pork on the regular menu, or go for something unique like the Mac Daddies, the signature sandwiches here crafted with a fried mac and cheese patty! They’ve also got tons of platter selections as well as delicious fried seafood. There’s a little something for everyone to enjoy in this laid-back eatery.
Pig Out BBQ & Southern Soul Food is located at 5718 Manatee Avenue W in Bradenton. They are open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Mission BBQ
If you’ve heard of Mission BBQ before, it’s probably because there’s likely one near you! This barbecue chain has taken the country by storm and has opened up a convenient location right here near Anna Maria Island. So, what’s the mission behind Mission BBQ? “To serve you the most authentic, mouth-watering all-American food that’s done right.” Mission BBQ has a special place in their hearts for our military members and first responders, too, so you’ll know your meal is for a good cause.
For your meat selection, Mission BBQ offers mouthwatering options like brisket, pulled pork, turkey, pulled chicken, and sausage. You can also choose from a wide selection of sandwiches and sides, which include fresh-cut fries, baked beans with brisket, and Maggie’s Mac-N-Cheese. Feeling extra hungry? Make it an XL or an XXL Combo!
Mission BBQ is located at 4501 14th Street W in Bradenton. They are open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Mr. Bones BBQ
With a name like “Mr. Bones BBQ,” you know you’re in for some delicious barbecue here! This eatery has quickly become one of the most popular restaurants on Anna Maria Island, situated right in the heart of the island in Holmes Beach. Since 1992, Mr. Bones has been offering delicious made-from-scratch meals that will suit the palate of every patron. You wouldn’t think you’d be able to bring your vegan friends to a barbecue restaurant, but they’ve truly got something for everyone here!
When you pick your ribs or chicken, you can have it prepared in one of five delicious sauces: BBQ, hot BBQ, honey glaze, Mongolian, or Mandarin. In addition to their barbecue offerings, you can also find several globally inspired rice plates, tons of salads and wraps, wings, subs, Tex Mex favorites, and more. Mr. Bones BBQ is one place that the entire family is sure to love!
Mr. Bones BBQ is located at 3007 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. They are open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 12 noon until 9 p.m. They are closed on Tuesdays.
Harry’s Grill
Want a laid-back and casual eatery where you can let your hair down and just enjoy some delicious food? Harry’s Grill is the place to be. They’ve been voted as the Best Bar and Grill and Burger on Anna Maria Island in 2017, 2019, 2020, AND 2021! Bring the whole family out (even the four-legged members!) to enjoy the live music or play some cornhole while you wait for your mouthwatering barbecue to hit the table.
Start off with delectable appetizers like bacon-wrapped shrimp or fried clams. Move on to a salad or jump right into your entrée with options like Harry’s ½ Pound Cheeseburger, the Pulled Pork BBQ sandwich, or the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich. There are also tons of fresh seafood options if you’re interested in something a little different. If you’ve got a “Harry” or a “Harrietta” in your group, tell them to bring in their ID to claim one free draft beer!
Harry’s Grill is located at 9903 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria. They are open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
BubbaQue’s
Last but certainly not least is BubbaQue’s, one of the most beloved Anna Maria Island restaurants since it opened in 2008. This restaurant is a parody of all the traditions of the rural South, but since the owners are proud “rednecks” themselves, know it’s all in good fun! You’ll find classic Southern hospitality as soon as you walk in the door, and once you take that first bite, you’ll know everything was cooked with care.
A wide range of nacho options and specialty “Bubbatizers” can get your meal started off right. Then, move on to a sandwich like the Big Ol Bubba or the Texas Brisket, or go for a traditional dinner or basket. Combo plates are great for when you’re really hungry, or if you’ve got kids with you, there’s a special menu just for them. Everything is prepared fresh daily and is only made with the highest quality ingredients, and you can definitely taste the difference!
BubbaQue’s is located at 6581 East S.R. 70 in Bradenton. They are open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where to Stay
If you’re ready to try some of these mouthwatering barbecue restaurants for yourself, you’ll need a place to stay! We are proud to offer some of the most comfortable and affordable vacation rentals on Anna Maria Island, perfect for groups big and small. Want to learn more and start planning your trip down to our shores? Contact us today to get started!
