Not much compares to finishing off the day during a relaxing vacation with a nice, ice-cold beer. While it’s always fun to check out a local bar or go out with your buddies to buy a six-pack, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a brew right where the magic happens.
Experiencing the spectacular flavor of a locally-crafted beer is a surefire way to add some excitement to your getaway to-do list. Luckily, at one of the many breweries near Anna Maria Island, you can do just that. There’s a large number of local breweries in the area, and the selection might seem a bit overwhelming at first.
To help with that stress, here’s a list of some of our favorite local breweries so you can go on a journey to discover your new favorite craft beer at Anna Maria Island. Remember, be sure to always drink responsibly!
Big Top Brewing Company
Big Top Brewing is incredibly proud of its hometown in Sarasota and seeks to embody the area’s great, artistically influenced culture in its brewing. Inspired by the area’s deep history in the arts, Big Top seeks to emulate that artisan skill with each new brew they create. Their craft beers are made with passion, care, and respect for Sarasota’s great and vast history.
One of the draws that get people coming back to Big Top is its widely recognized and extensive list of beers. From red ales to lagers, IPAs to ciders, and a special rotating tap, you are guaranteed a new and unique experience each time you visit. Be sure to regularly check their list in case there’s something special that catches your eye! Their rotating tap changes each week, so don’t wait: Step under the Big Top and have a taste for yourself!
3 Keys Brewing and Eating
Voted the best brewery in the Tampa Bay area, 3 Keys is an iconic brewery that specializes in fun for the whole family. Along with refreshing craft beers, 3 Keys also has a large selection of pub-style meals to choose from, as well as weekly and daily events to keep the environment exciting and community oriented!
Though the events that are hosted at 3 Keys often vary, with frequent new additions, this is the current schedule of weekly events running at the brewery:
- Sunday nights are “General Trivia” nights with host Steve-O, running from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- On 3 Keys’ “Magic Mondays”, you can join the local magician Orlando for a night of incredible close-up magic that runs from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Tuesdays, hosted by Steve-O entertainment, is “Music Trivia Poker” night! Trivia is free to play, and guests have the opportunity to win some amazing prizes! This event typically runs from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- On Thursdays, you can join 3 Keys for its signature “Brewery BINGO” nights! Running from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Bingo is free to play and always includes a slew of prizes from free beer to gift certificates!
- On Friday and Saturday evenings from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m., you can join 3 Keys in its spacious beer garden for a live musical performance from one of many local artists.
Darwin Brewing Company
Darwin Brewing is incredibly proud of its strong and stable roots in Bradenton, Florida. The company was initially born back in 2012 from a Latin American gastropub. Since then, its role in the community has become undeniably essential, aiming to give back and support Bradenton through frequent partnerships with local organizations, all while providing the public with some delicious craft beers.
Referring to their selection of brews as “Evolutionary Florida Beers,” Darwin uses ingredients that are local to Florida to create a high-quality, localized experience. Typically, the company brews six beers year-round, four seasonally, as well as a variety of specialty beer throughout the year. Whether you want a pint, a can, a bottle, or a flight, make sure to add Darwin to your list of stops at breweries on Anna Maria Island.
Plan Your Visit to Anna Maria Island
Whether you’re searching for vacation homes, condos, or beachfront rentals in Anna Maria, we’re sure to have an accommodation that will suit your wildest dreams and greatest expectations. For even more information regarding our rentals, feel free to contact us today!
Motorworks Brewing
Motorworks Brewing was the very first brewery to open in Bradenton, built back in 1923 out of an old automobile dealership. Since then, Motorworks has boasted its unique flavors, massive beer garden (the largest in the state), as well as their newest location in Orlando. Motorworks is one of few local beer gardens that are extremely dog-friendly, so make sure to take your pup along for the ride!
Every third Sunday of the month, their beer garden features a “Yappy Hour Pet Extravaganza” in which guests are encouraged to bring along their furry friends for an evening of entertainment, food trucks, and of course, Motorworks’ many delicious craft beers. Motorworks has an amazing and rare combination of novelty and quality. Don’t miss this one-stop shop for both a cold brew and an unforgettable piece of Bradenton’s history.
Slim’s Place
If you’re searching for an Anna Maria Island brewery that’s catered especially towards sports fanatics, Slim’s Place is certainly your go-to destination! Voted the best sports bar on Anna Maria Island, Slim’s is an excellent spot to not only grab a locally crafted beer, but also to chow down on some delicious bar food while watching the game. During weekdays, be sure to take advantage of Slim’s “No Shower Happy Hour” for specials on both food and drinks from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.!
Something unique about Slim’s is that it is oriented around Philadelphia, PA. Whether it be the Phillies, Flyers, Eagles, or Sixers, you’ll be able to catch the game there. Not to mention, in honor of the city, you can get yourself an incredible Philly Cheesesteak!
Where to Stay on Anna Maria Island
No matter which of these fantastic breweries catches your eye, our Anna Maria rentals are a short distance from each other! Though Anna Maria Island encompasses three different towns in its entirety: Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, and the city of Anna Maria, they’re all located a short distance from one another and don’t leave the rest without their unique spoils and attractions. In these towns, renters have the option to pick from an array of vacation homes or condos depending on your preferences. Vacation homes are the perfect selection who those who prefer seclusion and privacy during their island getaway.
