At the north end of the Island about a ten minute drive on the free trolley from Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals-601 Gulf Dr. N. Anna Maria Island, Florida 34217 you will find one our favourite restaurants, the Rod & Reel Pier. One of our top three favourites, it is a definite must try when you visit beautiful Anna Maria Island. This is not a fancy pier restaurant, but an Island favourite for locals and tourists and a perfect place to start your day with breakfast, enjoy a mid-day lunch meal or a relaxing sunset dinner. The restaurant is located at the end of the Rod and Reel Pier offering casual dining, serving great food at a reasonable price. The Rod & Reel serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a great selection on every menu. Seating is available inside or on the covered outside deck. They don’t take reservations so there is often a wait for a table. Our wait time isn’t usually to long and to pass the time we go downstairs to their unique bar that serves beer and wine. The staff are all very down-to-earth and make you feel at home. The menu is fairly simple, and while the menu dishes are really good, I have found their fresh seafood specials are often better. They have several specials on the blackboard and you’re given the options of having your fish fried, grilled or blackened. Our last visit the blackened Mahi dinner I ordered was the best I have ever tasted. I enjoy the Fish and Chips as well. I always like to end the meal with their delicious key lime pie.

But, it isn’t only the food we go for, the spectacular views of the clear turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge keep us coming back. I saw my one and only Green Flash while dining at the Rod & Reel, so for me it’s also the thought of seeing my next green flash. An unforgettable experience for me, one I hope everyone will get to experience.

After your meal you can watch folks fishing from the pier and enjoy the warm bay breezes. Talk to some of the locals, most enjoy sharing their stories of life on Anna Maria Island. For a small fee rent a pole and fish right off the Rod & Reel dock or walkways. With any luck you just might catch your next meal.

One more piece of beauty on Anna Maria Island awaits you in the relaxing atmosphere at the Rod & Reel Pier.

TripAdvisor Reviews April 2018

1. I love this place. Tiny little restaurant on fishing pier ot north end of island. It has spectacular views of the sunset and Sunshine Parkway Bridge to St Pete. Although they don’t have many tables, they turn over fast. Service is friendly and fast. Reasonable prices especially on beer. It’s the only place I have been able to find amberjack. Several daily fresh catch specials, grouper, ahi, tuna and steak. I always look forward to going back and have never been disappointed

2. Great location! Very informal service and set up but the staff are lovely and it is as much a locals place as it is for tourists. Head up early to watch the sunrise, you may see dolphins and can watch the fisherman at work. Great view whilst in the restaurant too. Definitely worth a trip.

3. The seafood dishes were excellent very fresh. My fried oyster platter was amazing! They don’t take reservations so you need to get there early or be prepared to wait quite a bit. They do have a bar you can order drinks while you’re waiting and have a pretty good view of the sunset. It’s not very big but it’s right over the water which was perfect for our family of six. We enjoyed watching people fish from the pier as we were waiting. We wished we had room for their key lime pie but we were stuffed!

4. As informal as it gets but great food and service, best views ! Walk up but if there is a wait, grab a brew and sit out with the fishermen and watch for manatees and dolphins

5. If you like your fish.. this is one of the best places to eat in Anna Maria. The range is huge and how you have it cooked .. blackened, chipotle .. it’s a bit more restricted for non fish eaters but burgers and sandwiches are on the menu. Busy place so will need to go put name down and then watch the world go around in the pier. My boys loved it.

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