About
With a history dating back to the 1940s and a reputation as one of Anna Maria Island's iconic restaurants, the Rod and Reel Pier serves as your go-to for a taste of Old Florida. The iconic flavors and traditions from Rod and Reel Pier are currently available at its temporary land-based location following the original restaurant’s battles with hurricanes.
The story starts in 1947, when it stretched into the water on the north end of the island. For decades, it served as a fishing pier and restaurant. Anglers dropped their lines along the railings while families crowded the tables for fresh seafood and unmatched bay views.
Fast forward to the 1980s, when Oliver "Oli" Lemke, an exchange student from Germany, fell in love with the United States. Even after returning to Germany, he dreamed of returning to America. His opportunity came in 2023 when he purchased the Rod and Reel Pier.
However, Oli’s good fortune would be tested in 2024 when Hurricane Helene and Milton plowed into the Suncoast, destroying homes, property, and sadly, the pier and restaurant. While many would have taken this as a sign to quit, Oli pressed onward, moving to a strip mall in Holmes Beach until the beloved pier could be rebuilt.
While Oli and his crew are back on their feet, figuratively speaking, the ultimate goal is to rebuild the pier and return to its roots. Because the pier was uninsurable, Oli is raising funds with a GoFundMe page.
While the current location lacks views of Tampa Bay, it is closer to attractions like CoastLine Dolphin & Snorkeling Excursions and Anna Maria Island Beach. And since it's open from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., it makes it easy to grab a meal around your sightseeing agenda.
Visit and learn why the simple yet delicious menu keeps customers returning!
Vibe
The current location on E. Bay Street is in the Anna Maria Island Centre, a classy strip mall with a variety of businesses.
Inside, the decor is classic seafood-shack, with light nautical touches that nod to the iconic pier.
The atmosphere is homey, and the staff greets everyone with a smile. The mood is relaxed, and the everyone-is-welcome energy is a big part of what keeps people coming back.
Like its menu, dining options are simple, with tables for a laid-back meal or the bar for solo dining.
While nothing can replace the pier's waterside views and vibe, the new locale's family-friendly setting and low-key atmosphere will delight on your AMI vacation.
Rod and Reel Pier: Menu & Drinks
The menu is sparse but rich with seafood and a few land-lover favorites. The Grouper Sandwich is a popular choice and comes either blackened, fried, or grilled. No matter how you have the filet cooked, it will be flaky, fresh, and delicious. All handhelds come with your choice of fries, coleslaw, or rice.
Other notable sandwiches include the grouper reuben and the pier burger, a juicy 1/2-pound patty with all the fixings.
An entree featuring some of this and some of that is the Seafood Combo. This generous plate brings together the pier's seafood strengths: grouper, shrimp, and scallops. If you're famished, add clams for an additional cost. The seafood comes blackened, fried, or grilled with your choice of two sides.
Also noteworthy are the grouper, shrimp, fish & chips, and scallop dinners. If you're not a fan of seafood, the chicken breast dinner may hit the spot. Like the seafood, you may have it blackened, fried, or grilled, and it comes with two sides.
After a day on the beach, cruising Tampa Bay, or snorkeling near Egmont Key, you'll need a cold drink to satisfy your thirst!. Cold beer abounds, with Amberbock, Budweiser, RNR Golden Ale, and seasonal IPAs on tap. You'll also find a variety of bottled brews along with some alcoholic seltzers. Non-alcoholic options range from soft drinks, juices, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and milk.
So, add this AMI dining hotspot to your itinerary, where fresh seafood, smiling faces, and every sip and bite supports the effort to rebuild the historic pier.
Local Tips
- This is a first-come, first-served restaurant; plan accordingly.
- Order online for quick pickup to enjoy back in your Casago rental.
- Consider donating to its GoFundMe page.
- Grab a T-shirt or merch to support the pier rebuild fund.
