Anna Maria Island has a lot to brag about, but one of the biggest draws to the island is the food. There’s a little something for every palate, whether you’re looking for classic American favorites or want some global cuisine. One restaurant that’s been a staple of the AMI community for years is Bridge Tender Inn. You’ll definitely want to pencil this eatery into your itinerary! Here’s everything you need to know before you visit Bridge Tender Inn, which is just down the street from many of our rentals on Anna Maria Island.
About the Restaurant
Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar (often called BTI by the locals) has been called Bradenton Beach’s most-loved sports bar and grille and Packer bar. People flock from far and wide to get a taste of the awesome food, experience the welcoming atmosphere, and catch the big game with their friends. You can reach the restaurant on foot, by car, by bike, or by boat, so there’s really no excuse for not paying them a visit!
There are actually three different spots for you to experience within Bridge Tender Inn. In the main dining room, you can enjoy any of the delicious selections on the menu and spend quality time with the ones you love most. In the Packer bar, you’ll find a casual bar for sports fanatics, where you can sit inside or outside and watch the game on one of the 18 TVs! Finally, the Tiki bar offers relaxing tropical vibes that give you a sense of peace and escape.
History
Bridge Tender Inn was first established in 1989 and has been a favorite of locals and visitors alike for over 30 years. Since its inception, Bridge Tender Inn has been voted #1 on the island four times in a row! Owner Fred Beritzal is passionate about combining great food, an awesome vibe, and a welcoming community all in one place. With the help of general manager Sue and assistant manager Shannon, Bridge Tender Inn has quickly become an Anna Maria Island staple, and it doesn’t look like that’s going to change anytime soon.
Menu
The menu at Bridge Tender Inn offers something for everyone, whether you want some fresh seafood or are looking for something a bit lighter. Start your meal with a mouthwatering appetizer like buffalo or coconut shrimp, fried oysters, or a basket of onion rings. If you want to move right on to an entrée, there’s plenty to choose from. The roast duck and chicken schnitzel are fan favorites, and seafood lovers will want to try the BTI crab cake or Gulf grouper.
If you want a lighter selection, you can choose from several soup, salad, and sandwich offerings. Soups include the chili crock, clam chowder, or black bean soup. For a salad, go for a classic like the house or Caesar, or pick something unique like the tuna wasabi Caesar or balsamic chicken. Popular sandwich selections include the classic BLT, burger, Reuben, or grouper Reuben!
Be sure to finish your meal with a sweet treat! If you really want to get in the spirit of the Sunshine State, grab a Florida classic: key lime pie! You can also choose a slice of Godiva pie, a scoop of Tyler’s ice cream, or the signature dessert, mixed berries Romanoff. You could also finish your meal with a cocktail, whether you want a classic drink or a signature BTI selection. The possibilities are endless and always delicious!
General Information
Bridge Tender Inn is located at 135 Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach, just minutes away from many of our rentals. Their hours are as follows:
- Monday through Thursday: 11 a.m. until midnight
- Friday through Saturday: 8:30 a.m. until 1 a.m.
- Sunday: 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 p.m.
If you’re driving in or riding a bike, BTI has free off-street parking to keep your vehicle safe. Visiting the restaurant by boat? Head to Mile Marker 49 to dock. BTI does not accept reservations, but you can dine in or opt for takeout with Island Eats.
Closest Vacation Rentals
Bridge Tender Inn is located in Bradenton Beach, just down the street from many of our Anna Maria accommodations. Couples and families will enjoy smaller rental options such as the 2-bed, 2-bath option Anna Maria Island Club 29. Coquina Breeze is another great option with 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, or for something slightly bigger, you might enjoy. Getaway By The Bay with its 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms.
Need something huge for a wedding party or family reunion? Not a problem! Island Sol has 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, ideal for parties of 14. The Bayfront can handle even more people with its 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Looking for something truly massive? Beach Side Paradise offers 7 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, or you can go for a whopping 9 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms in Anna Maria Grand Beach House!
Other Things to Do Nearby
Once you’re done eating at Bridge Tender Inn, there’s plenty more to discover. The restaurant is located on historic Bridge Street, where you can truly spend an entire day seeing the sights! Stroll down the street to learn about the history of the area, head into one of the local boutiques to get your souvenir shopping done, stop into another restaurant for dessert, or visit the pier to watch the sunset or cast your line to try to catch a fish.
If you want to hit the beach, Coquina Beach is a great choice. Your whole family will love splashing in the water or working on your suntan, and if you visit during the summer, don’t miss out on the Beach Market! Leffis Key Preserve is a must-see for the nature lover in your life and will give your whole group an inside look at the unbelievable surroundings of AMI.
Anna Maria Island is just seven miles long, so it’s easy for you to explore the sights in Holmes Beach and the City of Anna Maria as well. Just hop on the free island trolley to get wherever you need to go! You’re also just minutes away from the mainland, where you can explore cities like Bradenton and Sarasota.
There’s no question that Anna Maria Island is constantly bustling with things to do and see, but at the end of a long day of exploring, you need a place to rest your head. We are proud to be your top resource for beach houses on Anna Maria Island, offering accommodations that perfectly combine luxury and comfort. We provide the largest selection of vacation rentals and condo rentals on the island, so you’ll be able to find a spot that works perfectly for you.
At any point during booking or during your stay, our staff is always available to help you. We’ve got you covered if you have a question about your rental or if you need a recommendation for the best breakfast joint. We aim to treat every guest like family, and our satisfied customers often return to us again and again! Ready to book your dream getaway to AMI? Contact us today to get started!
