We’re headed down there in just over a week. Any suggestions?
Ooo, lucky you! Where you want to be about an hour before sunset is Sandbar, right near the north end of Anna Maria Island on the Gulf side. Get a table on the deck, right in the sand if you can. The beach is pure soft white powder sugar sand and absolutely gorgeous. It usually isn’t jam packed with people. It doesn’t pay to get too adventurous with the menu – what they do well, they do very well indeed, and what they don’t is very pedestrian – but my own favorite is the wasabi-encrusted salmon over salad greens. The drinks are quite good. The location is world-class special.
If you’re looking for a glorious splurge, Beach Bistro is exceptional. I’ve also heard good things about The Beach House and The Sun House, but never been myself. Also, my aunt and uncle rave about the grouper sandwich at The Rod and Reel.
Oh yes - yes yes, the Sandbar at sunset is perfection. The Beach House has fabulous mango margaritas as well as beautiful beach seating and a great sunset view.
If you get down to Longboat Key, my very favorite restaurant on that set of islands is the Dry Dock Waterfront Grill. The fresh fried clams appetizer is to die for (if you like fried clams) - whole clams, fresh and tender and just perfect! The rest of the food is top notch, as well. It’s way at the bottom of Longboat Key, almost to St. Armand’s, but it is well worth it.
Thanks for the ideas!
Anybody got anything more to add? We’re headed out in a few days.