3 Signature Dishes at the Rod and Reel Pier Restaurant

Once a local secret, The Rod & Reel Pier Restaurant is one of the more popular Anna Maria Island restaurants. It’s the perfect spot to get traditional fish and seafood specials – a little taste of Old Florida.

The Rod & Reel offers classic coastal dining at the end of the pier, overlooking the vast Gulf of Mexico waters. Casual but tasty, this bar and grill is the perfect spot to enjoy a laid-back meal and a cold beer on your vacation getaway.

The menu is full of much-loved fish and seafood dishes – so full, in fact, that you might have a hard time ordering. To make it a little easier, we’ve narrowed the menu down for you a little. If you’re not sure what you’re in the mood for, order one of these three signature dishes, and you’re sure to be convinced.

The Mexican Grouper

Though you can get this tasty fish grilled, blackened, or fried, it’s really the blackened option that brings this dish to a new level. The Mexican Grouper is topped with grilled onions, peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, and a splash of salsa to delight the Mexican-craving palate.

The Mexican Grouper can be ordered as a filet with sides, or as a sandwich. Upgrade your sandwich to include a side of fries, onion rings, coleslaw, or salad for $1.25.

Seafood Combo

Indecisive restaurant-goers rejoice!

The seafood combo is designed for those who want a little bit of everything – there’s nothing wrong with wanting a mixture. This triple-threat plate consists of grouper, shrimp, and scallops prepared to your liking. It comes with a side of rice, coleslaw, vegetables, or French fries.

And if that wasn’t enough variety, you can add fried oysters and clams for $2 each.

Pier Burger

It doesn’t get much more “signature” than the name-bearing sandwich, the Pier Burger. If you aren’t in the mood for fish, order this juicy half-pounder. The Pier Burger comes with your choice of French fries, rice, or coleslaw.

Get it topped with a range of additions, such as mushrooms, fresh peppers, provolone cheese, bacon, and salsa, among others. If you want a little bit of seafood, too, you can ask for a side order of oysters, scallops, clams, or shrimp.

Though the Pier Burger is the signature sandwich, you also have chicken breast, a steak and cheese, BLT, and the “Krab Cake” options.

Location & Hours

The Rod and Reel is located at 875 N. Shore Dr. in Anna Maria. It is open every day of the week from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. You may want to call ahead for reservations, especially during any holiday weekend, as it can fill up. The summer season is busy at the pier, but it slows down in the fall. If you do have to wait a while for a table, fear not. One of the best ocean views on the island, the pier offers a unique, open-air waiting room until your table is ready.

Restaurant Reservations

You have a diverse line-up of excellent waterfront Anna Maria Island restaurants to choose from while on vacation, each with something a little different to offer. Most specialize in fish and seafood, but what more could you want? You are, after all, vacationing at a rental on Anna Maria Island, an island known for its saltwater delicacies.

Plan Your Stay

We help you select a few perfect options for your romantic getaway, family-friendly adventure, or an extended stay on Anna Maria Island.

For the best Anna Maria Island vacation, be sure to book a few things – restaurants, attractions, and, of course, accommodations – in advance. While it’s nice to have some flexibility in your schedule, you don’t want to miss out anything – especially dining at some of the not-so-hidden gems on the island, like the Rod & Reel.

Book Your Anna Maria Island Rental

Also, be sure to find comfortable accommodations to match your waterfront dining experience. Check out our list of rentals on Anna Maria Island and find the one that suits your needs best.