About
There's nothing quite like a toes-in-the-sand spot for fresh seafood, ice-cold beverages, and Gulf views. You'll find this and more at Beach House Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria Island.
Our story starts in 1979, when restaurateur Ed Chiles purchased his first restaurant, Sandbar. Once an old Army barracks from Lakeland Air Force Base, he transformed it into one of the island's most sought-after spots. In 1989, he bought Mar Vista on Longboat Key, whose history dates to 1913 as a fishing, bait, and waterfront business.
With the success of these two restaurants, he rolled the dice in 1993 and opened Beach House Waterfront Restaurant. As his largest restaurant, his challenge was filling it with diners nightly, which he did with renovations, reasonably priced seafood, and a beachside setting.
He retired from the restaurant biz in 2024 and sold his three restaurants to the Beachside Hospitality Group, which continues his legacy today.
Because the restaurant is centrally located, it's the perfect place to refuel after a day at Anna Maria Island Beach, CoastLine Dolphin & Snorkeling Excursions, and Anna Maria Island Adventures Boat Tours.
So add Beach House Waterfront Restaurant to your list for a time-tested eatery where quality food, a beachfront setting, and AMI history meet.
Vibe
Finding this dining spot is easy-peasy! It's the first business you'll find on Gulf Drive N just past Cortez Road West.
The long structure exudes modern touches, like the front entrance overhang with its wooden underside. The off-white colored facade blends with the sand, while the touches of color add to its Old Florida vibe.
The contemporary design motif continues inside, with light woods, nautical touches, chrome accents, and unobstructed ocean views. While the decor is polished, the space still feels warm and calm.
While indoor dining is plentiful, the outdoor options are the most popular. The covered back deck has ceiling fans and an expansive bar complete with various flat-screen TVs. Beyond this section is beachside dining, where sand and blue umbrella-covered tables await.
Whether you seek a romantic meal on the sand, celebratory drinks at the indoor bar, or an expansive room for your group of family, this eatery delivers!
Beach House Waterfront Restaurant: Menu & Drinks
When you only need a light meal, explore the Appetizers. From shrimp, grouper nuggets, spicy lamb meatballs, and crispy Brussels sprouts, there's something for every diet and craving.
Like any stellar seafood restaurant, you'll find the raw bar at the Beach House doesn't disappoint. Aside from the oysters, the Latin-inspired Hamachi Ceviche is a winner. A filet of hamachi is marinated in blood orange with charred pineapple, red onion, pickled Fresno chiles, and cilantro.
Regarding seafood, handhelds like the Gulf grouper tacos and lobster roll, plus entrees, deliver. The Creamy Shrimp Linguini features royal red shrimp sautéed with garlic and fresh tomatoes in a white wine cream sauce. It's served over linguini pasta with a scoop of lump crab.
If you're not a fan of seafood, there are plenty of other options, like the Original Smash Burger. This handheld features two 4-oz patties smashed with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle on a toasted Brioche bun.
The grilled 6-oz filet mignon is a steak lover's dream. Grilled to your liking, it comes with garlic butter and your choice of a premium and one regular side.
Drinks shine, like the Poppin Paloma, a refreshing spin on a margarita, with Fletcha Azul blanco tequila, ruby red grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, soda, and a lava salt rim. For a mojito on steroids, try the Frozen Lime-Lada. This libation features Bacardi Lime, fresh lime juice, and a creamy pina colada mix. Topping it off is a Cruzan Black Strap rum floater with whipped cream, while crumbled graham cracker lines the rim.
Beach House Waterfront Restaurant is Florida coastal living at its best. Here, fresh fare, toes-in-sand dining, and refreshing drinks are a long-standing staple that must be experienced to be believed.
Local Tips
- The kids' menu makes the Beach House family-friendly.
- Book your wedding or special occasions for a Gulf-front setting.
- Check the website Entertainment tab for its live music schedule.
- There is complimentary valet when entering from the north driveway and paid self-parking in a south lot and across the street
- This is a first-come, first-served eatery; plan accordingly.
