Month: October 2024
Best Breweries Near Anna Maria Island
Need a beer? There are some amazing Breweries Near Anna Maria Island. What is more relaxing during a beach vacation to sunny Florida than enjoying a cold beer? If you are interested in exploring local craft breweries, you have come to the right place! The Sarasota/Bradenton area is home to many independent local breweries. Many feature outdoor dog-friendly and family-friendly beer gardens. This goes perfect with our Pet Friendly Vacation Rental Homes. They also host events such as food truck rallies, trivia, yoga, and bingo nights.
Expanding out into St. Petersburg and Tampa, there are even more options for Breweries Near Anna Maria Island. These spots are within a 45-minute drive of Anna Maria Island. Several of them are local favorites that we especially enjoy. The brew masters and staff at each spot are inventive and enthusiastic about their unique brews. Well, are you ready to venture out from your fabulous Anna Maria Island vacation rental home to a Brewery Near Anna Maria Island? You won’t be disappointed! Let us show you how the AMI Locals crush some cold ones at the best Breweries Near Anna Maria Island!
Bradenton Breweries
First, let’s start in downtown Bradenton. You’ll cross the Manatee Avenue Bridge from Anna Maria Island to the Bradenton Mainland. You’ll continue down Manatee Avenue, you will find some of the best breweries.
Motorworks Brewing Company
First up is Motorworks Brewing features an amazing outdoor, dog-friendly, beer garden. It offers Cornhole, Human-Sized Jenga, Huge TV’s and more daily. It is a great place to watch the big games on TV. On the weekends they offer live music. On Tuesday nights they offer yoga in the beer garden and bingo. They have won numerous awards for their beers, including a gold medal at the 2018 U.S. Open Beer Championship for the Mango Habanero Snowflake Unfiltered IPA. I can assure you, is every bit as delicious as it sounds.
Darwin Brewing Co and Taproom
Just around the corner from Motorworks Brewery, and located right next to LECOM Park where the Pittsburgh Pirates have Spring Training, you’ll find Darwin Brewing Co and Taproom. LECOM Park is also where the Pirates minor league team, the Bradenton Marauders play. One of the best ways to relax before or after a game is to head to Darwin and grab a brew! They always have something new and interesting to try.
3 Keys Brewing & Eatery
Traveling a little further East on Manatee Avenue, you will find 3 Keys Brewing & Eatery. This brewery is family-owned and operated, and a super cool place to hang out. With a large comfy front porch and a flair for yummy beer, plus an original Nintendo, it is a great place to relax. Plus, they are also very involved in the local community. 3 Keys features a full kitchen (even with a “half-pint” kids menu!). This feature sets them apart from the usual food-truck fare you find at many craft breweries. They have a ton of board games and are very welcoming to kids and pets. Try to visit on one of their many event nights, Tuesday’s – Name that Tune Poker is especially entertaining!
Good Liquid Brewing Company
From here, you’ll head South West to US 41. You’ll travel passed Manatee Ave (SR 64), passed Cortez Road, until you get to Good Liquid Brewing Co. It is one of the newer kids on the block, but we love the energy and atmosphere of their taproom. They are owned and operated by a husband and wife team. They do some amazingly inventive things with their beer. Good Liquid features rotating small-batch brews, wine on tap, and even wine and beer slushies for the non-traditional beer drinkers in the group. Happy Hour on Tuesdays, Bingo on Wednesdays, Trivia on Thursdays, Pints & Poses Yoga on select Saturday mornings, and a monthly food truck rally… truly something for everyone!
Breweries Further South in Sarasota County.
Calusa Brewing Company
The first Brewery on our stop is Calusa Brewing. This is the one particular local brewery that really got us started on exploring taprooms and craft beer in the area. Ed, the taproom manager is a font of knowledge and appreciation for the fine art of craft beer. If you are lucky enough to visit at a time when he is behind the bar, just ask him to tell you what to try! On special “Limited Edition Can Release” Saturdays sometimes the line of people to purchase the beer is not only out of the door to the taproom… it’s outside of the parking area and into the street. Trust me, Calusa is worth a trip
JDub’s Brewing Co
JDub’s Brewing Co feels like hanging out at your coolest best friend’s house and backyard when you were growing up. It’s fun and chill, with an especially impressive Food Truck Rally on the 3rd Saturday of every month featuring the finest eats that the Sarasota area serves on wheels! My favorite part of visiting (besides the beer) is the Storm Trooper artwork over the taps.
Sarasota Brewing Co
Sarasota Brewing Co has been around since 1989, serving up a full menu featuring Chicago-style pizzas in addition to their beers. It’s tucked away in the Gulf Gate area so you are in a prime spot to really get that true Sarasota locals experience. They have at least 20 different seasonal brews on tap in addition to a core few that are always available.
Big Top Brewing Co
Big Top Brewing Co fully embraces the Circus history of Sarasota with their décor, logo, and sense of adventure in trying all sorts of (possibly) crazy ideas for flavors in their beers. I have had everything from a magnificent triple IPA to their award-winning Coconut Coffee Porter, the Hawaiian Lion. Love love love! They host indie craft markets, 5k fun runs, trivia (not to brag – but we won one time!) and more. Check them out!
Anna Maria Island's Resilient Spirit After Helene and Milton
As we navigate the recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Anna Maria Island stands united in its resilience. Our island’s beauty is matched only by our community’s strength and warmth as we work tirelessly to restore and make Anna Maria Island as welcoming for visitors as before the storms.
A Community United: Cleaning Up Our Island
Our ongoing Anna Maria Island hurricane recovery efforts include cleaning homes, beaches, and surrounding areas. Our dedicated team is assessing the damage and ensuring the safety of every resident and visitor. With hearts full of hope, local government focuses on removing debris, ensuring our pristine beaches and vibrant spaces are ready to welcome you back. Stay informed with this local resource.
Your Safety First
For guests with check-ins through November 15, we’re excited to offer credit toward your next stay as a means to support the recovery of our cherished community. By rebooking, you not only ensure a future getaway but also actively contribute to the rebuilding of our island. View all rentals available now. If rescheduling isn’t feasible for you, we are more than happy to issue a full refund.
Traveling to Anna Maria Island post-hurricane can still be a safe and enjoyable experience. Stay informed with the latest travel updates for Anna Maria Island, and ease your mind by considering purchasing travel insurance for your reservation—ensuring a worry-free vacation as you enjoy all that our beautiful island has to offer!
Discover Our Community
What makes Anna Maria Island special is its incredible community spirit. In the face of adversity, residents have united, proving that we are stronger together. Local businesses are stepping up, and the kindness of our islanders shines brightly. Discover which Anna Maria Island businesses are currently open and learn how you can support them. Your support plays a vital role in our recovery and helps us rebuild the island we all love.
Local Support
We’ve partnered with local businesses like Los Chiludos Fresh Mexican Grill, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck, and Salt Bar & Table to provide meals and support for Anna Maria Island residents and recovery workers. In addition to these community initiatives, we are offering temporary accommodations for displaced essential workers and families and providing assistance to our own employees affected by the storms. Our dedicated team also supplied food and drinks to first responders throughout the week.
Your support means the world to us, and we can’t wait to welcome you back to Anna Maria Island, where paradise awaits! View all available rentals to book your 2025 vacation today. Be part of our recovery story and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates!
Delicious Dining Destinations for Foodies on Anna Maria Island
If you’re a foodie then you definitely want to check out the places on this list! Anna Maria Island is known for some amazing eats and fun dining. Half the fun during a vacation should be the food which is why we wanted to put together a list of AMI Locals approved food for you foodies out there.
Wicked Cantina
If you are looking for good food and some AMAZING margaritas, then check out the Wicked Cantina. Located just off 7th St., this little restaurant is known for their burgers, tacos and seafood. And while you’re there be sure to try one of their famous margaritas.
Slim’s Place
Fresh seafood, cheesesteaks and good beer is what you will find at Slim’s Place! Slim’s is located right on Gulf Dr. and is a great place to stop if you are looking for some real Philly Steaks and real good beer. This dive is definitely a place to check out when you are in the area and need a drink.
Duffy’s Tavern
Last but certainly not least is Duffy’s Tavern! If you are looking for a good burger, then Duffy’s is the place for you. This dive has a “lay back and relax” sort of atmosphere that really helps you realize that you are now on beach time at Anna Maria Island.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates on our favorite food spots on Anna Maria Island! If you’re still unsure where to find the best dining and drinks, don’t hesitate to give one of our AMI Locals a call at (941) 757-8226. We know Anna Maria Island and the surrounding areas inside and out. Don’t miss out on these incredible local eats!
