The Sandbar on Anna Maria Island has been the definition of Old Florida beach dining since the site was first claimed as a gathering spot in 1911, when the island could only be reached by boat. The current owners took over in 1979 and have built it into one of the most celebrated restaurants in Manatee County — not through reinvention, but through staying true to what makes it work. Toes-in-the-sand dining on the Gulf, sustainably sourced Gulf-to-table seafood, stone crab and oysters on the half shell, and a full bar with sunset views that arrive on schedule every evening. The wait can stretch past an hour during high season. It’s worth every minute, especially with a frozen cocktail in hand while you watch the sun go down.
