Tie Dye Sky & AMI Guide Book
Here are some of our favorite restaurants...if you try something not on this list, let us know about your experience!
Anna Maria Beach Cafe - Walking distance from our house! On the morning you don't want to make breakfast, check them out for their famous for their all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast. Located in the heart of Manatee Public Beach, it's great for quick bites or afternoon/evening drinks right on the beach. If you do go for drinks, be sure to grab one of the Anna Maria Beach Cafe souvenir glasses (plenty in our cupboards to enjoy a discounted price).
Bridge Tender Inn - This is a hopping outdoor dining & live music experience. Dockside dining and drinks at the end of Bridge Street.
Harry's Grill - To be honest, we haven't been here ourselves, but have heard wonderful things. Plan on casual outdoor dining with live music in the afternoons.
North Shore Cafe - Another Pine Avenue experience. It's another on our list to try as we've heard they have great coffee and a wonderful breakfast. You can sit by the channel for a relaxing view with the chance to see manatees or dolphins swimming by.
Pizzano's Pizza - Our family LOVES this pizza! Our favorite is the Detroit-style pizza (usually pepperoni). Delicious!
Rod & Reel Pier - Every bite counts! They lost their restaurant during the hurricanes and they are hoping to get their restaurant back on the water. Please consider supporting them even if it's just for a cold one! Their current location is walking distance (or a quick golf cart ride) away. Famous for their grouper sandwich, but we find their shrimp tacos to be amongst the best on the island (maybe best we've ever had anywhere)! We hope to see them back on the water soon!
Scott's Deli - They deliver to the beach! The sandwiches are lovely.
Skinny's Place - This is one of our absolute favorites! Best burgers on the island (the onion rings and curly fries are pretty stellar too). Been on the island since 1952. Our kids love the nostalgic root beer in glass bottles and for the adults, they have the frosty mugs to keep your drink cold. Did we mention you are a quick 2-minute walk from Tie Dye Sky AMI?
Star Fish Company - This is one of our favorite spots for fresh seafood (in Cortez...cannot take your golf cart there)! Full disclosure, expect longer wait times for food (because it's so good!). Their coconut shrimp is lovely and when stone crab is in-season, look out! Certainly ask what's in-season or the catch of day!
The Donut Experiment - Located on Pine Avenue. It's a magical place - especially with the whole family! Customize your own freshly-made cake donuts and watch them create your masterpiece right in front of you!
The Sandbar - A staple of AMI since 1979! A stunning place to sit outside and catch the sunset. We love having our feet in the sand while having one of their tropical drinks. I believe they still offer valet parking which is kind of nice. Be sure to get there early (wait times can be long), especially during peak season!
The Waterfront Restaurant - Not for the kids, but perfect date-night spot! Fun atmosphere for a nice dinner either in their dining room of on the porch! Overlooks the bay.
Tide Tables - Another one of our favorites just over the Cortez Bridge (so no golf cart), it's our other go-to for fresh seafood overlooking the AMI sound. The grouper bites and grouper tacos are some of our go-tos.
Two Scoops - Just off Pine Avenue and right across the street from the AMI City Pier (on the bay-side). Our family's go-to spot for ice cream. A short (and fun!) golf cart ride away.
On Island Activity recommendations
Our family has created so many memories and there is no one-size fits all solution here. We've listed a few of our favorites over the years and hope you consider many of them to make the most of your family's vacation.
Captain Bam's Jungle Float - Our family just tested the waters with them in June of 2026. While our 11-year old son and 9-year old daughter absolutely loved it (they want to go back and dad agrees), our 7-year struggled a bit. Was just a bit "too adventurous" for her blood.
Love That Permanent Jewelry - Our girls did just enjoy this experience with mom. They love their new jewelry and mom enjoys hers just as much. We highly recommend!
Off Island Exploration
Did you realize that AMI is located within a 2-hour drive of a dozen MLB teams' Spring training Grapefruit League games?
Busch Gardens Amusement Park - need I say more?
Mote Aquarium - great for those rainy days (if it's not fully booked). Reservations in advance are required!
Tips
Something to consider is your arrival/check-in time. It can be frustrating once arriving at the island during peak season as the bridges on/off the island can get backed up. One of those busier timeframes is around 4:00 pm on Saturdays. Traffic can be nuts and grocery stores can get busy. There is a Publix right across the street from our home (that may make that initial arrival easier for your necessities). It's within walking distance, but we also utilize Wal-Mart delivery for convenience as well.