If you’re planning to spend Thanksgiving on Anna Maria Island, you’re in for a treat! Although AMI is known for its scenic beaches and laid-back atmosphere, the island also comes alive during Thanksgiving with an array of dining options that are sure to please every member of your vacation crew.
Whether you’re searching for a traditional Thanksgiving feast, a seafood dish, or international flavors, Anna Maria Island restaurants offer diverse tastes and settings to enhance your Thanksgiving experience. Priceless memories and delicious meals await!
Fall Weather on Anna Maria Island
As fall seasons grace Anna Maria Island, the Anna Maria Island weather creates a perfect backdrop for beachside and outdoor dining experiences. High temperatures generally hover around the mid-80s, providing a warm and pleasant day ambiance, while lows retreat to the comfortable mid-60s, bringing a gentle evening chill perfect for cozy gatherings. The mild climate is an ideal companion for enjoying the island’s natural beauty, whether you’re basking in the sun or strolling along the shore under starlit skies.
Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe
Located right on the beach, the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe offers a relaxed and informal dining venue perfect for those who want to keep things casual. With its laid-back ambiance, complete with a patio overlooking the ocean, it’s a great spot to unwind while enjoying American fare. Enjoy their famed Island Chicken Wrap, which you can customize with your choice of grilled, blackened, or fried chicken. Complement your meal with the Fuzzy Mango cocktail—a refreshing blend of vodka, peach schnapps, mango, orange juice, and passionfruit—to capture the tropical spirit of the season.
Waterfront Pier 22 Restaurant
For those craving a classic Thanksgiving spread, Waterfront Pier 22 Restaurant is an excellent choice. Their Thanksgiving feast is an array of holiday favorites, including freshly roasted turkey, house-made stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy. The feast continues with sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, freshly baked dinner rolls, and more. Finish your meal on a sweet note with their house-made pumpkin pie, a perfect ending to a filling feast. As a bonus, their holiday dinner menu is available, ensuring guests have varied options to enjoy.
Marina Jack
Marina Jack transcends traditional dining, offering both an extensive on-land dining experience and enchanting holiday cruises. Beginning at 11 am, their Main Dining Room rolls out a dinner menu accompanied by Thanksgiving specials like traditional roasted turkey with all the trimmings and an expertly prepared pepper-crusted prime rib. Located at the Deep Six Lounge and Piano Bar, the holiday spirit continues from the lunch menu at 11 am to live music later in the evening. Enhance your Thanksgiving experience by joining one of the Marina Jack II Holiday Cruises, featuring a buffet that includes Caesar salad, pan-seared mahi with saffron cream sauce, and delectable desserts like pumpkin pie, key lime pie, and chocolate fudge cake.
The Sandbar
For those seeking an outstanding beachside Thanksgiving, The Sandbar offers a holiday buffet right on the beach. This beachfront establishment is a beloved tradition on the island, where families gather to enjoy an abundant feast in a community-focused environment. This year’s buffet promises a festive spread with roasted turkey, glazed ham, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole. Don’t miss the pumpkin pie and various desserts to satisfy your sweet cravings as you celebrate the island’s natural beauty!
Blue Marlin
For seafood aficionados, Blue Marlin provides a unique Thanksgiving option by incorporating local, fresh catches into their specials and menu. Known primarily for its seafood, Blue Marlin also offers an array of dishes featuring steaks, chicken, and other land-based fare. Enjoy their signature Cioppino, a rich seafood stew comprising lobster, clams, shrimp, and local fish in a tomato broth. The freshness and creativity in their offerings set Blue Marlin apart as a special Thanksgiving treat for those looking beyond the conventional turkey dish.
Chateau
The Chateau brings elegance and variety to Thanksgiving dining with its expansive buffet and a la carte options. With three carving stations, various hot and cold stations, and an assortment of desserts, the buffet promises a memorable culinary affair. The a la carte menu further enriches the experience, featuring delicacies like butternut squash ravioli, maple-glazed salmon, and racks of lamb. For an elegant dinner, indulge in appetizers such as Beef Carpaccio, followed by entrées that boast both sophistication and flavor.
Plan Your Visit!
If you’re dreaming of escaping the cold for a warm, memorable Thanksgiving on beautiful Anna Maria Island, we’ve got you covered! At Mello on the Beach, we offer the perfect Anna Maria Island rentals for you and your crew. Book today to start looking forward to a festive and delicious AMI holiday!
SALT Bar & Table
SALT Bar & Table celebrates Thanksgiving with a twist, offering dishes embedded with creativity and flavor. Start with their delicious island poutine fries draped in blue crab béarnaise with Old Bay seasoning. Then move on to their Gourmet Burger, a hearty creation made from Certified Angus short rib brisket, served on a freshly baked brioche bun. This venue provides comfort and ingenuity, perfect for those seeking a unique Thanksgiving experience.
Mademoiselle Paris
Known for its authentic French cuisine, Mademoiselle Paris offers both its regular menu and a special Thanksgiving entrée. Delight in classics like roasted turkey with cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and green bean almondine, or explore their regular French offerings. Treat yourself to their melon and prosciutto salad, followed by the Frudi De Mare—a dish of fettuccine, shrimp, mussels, and scallops in an arrabbiata sauce.
Places to Stay on Anna Maria Island
After a day of feasting and relaxation, retreat to one of the island’s most charming accommodations. Here at Mello on The Beach, we offer an Anna Maria Island inn that provides various options for a restful stay that complements your Thanksgiving holiday. Enjoy the serene beauty of the island, stroll its beaches, and absorb the warm, hospitable atmosphere that makes Anna Maria Island an inviting holiday destination. Celebrate Thanksgiving in style at Mello on The Beach and warmth on Anna Maria Island, where delightful weather and a variety of exceptional dining experiences await your presence.
