Football season is always an exciting time, whether you're a passionate NFL fan, following college football, or simply enjoying the camaraderie and excitement of game day. If you're visiting or staying on Anna Maria Island and don’t want to miss out on the big game, you’re in luck. The island and its nearby areas offer a variety of lively sports bars where you can cheer for your favorite team, enjoy great food, and catch all the action on the big screen.
At Once Upon A Beach, we want to ensure that your stay is as fun and memorable as possible. To help you get the most out of your football season on the island, here’s a roundup of the top sports bars on or near Anna Maria Island, where you can catch every touchdown in a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere.
1. Slim’s Place
- Location: 9701 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria
If you're looking for a cozy sports bar with a strong football culture, Slim’s Place is one of the best spots on Anna Maria Island. Known for its loyalty to the Philadelphia Eagles, Slim’s Place is a favorite among sports fans, offering plenty of TVs and a friendly, laid-back atmosphere. The bar serves a delicious menu of pub fare, including Philly cheesesteaks, wings, and burgers, making it a great spot to settle in for a full day of football.
Why It’s Great: Multiple TVs, loyal football following (especially for Eagles fans), and a welcoming sports bar vibe. The local crowd is always ready to cheer on their team.
Best For: Eagles fans and those looking for a true sports bar atmosphere with great food.
2. Hurricane Hanks
- Location: 5346 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach
Hurricane Hanks is a popular bar and restaurant located in Holmes Beach that draws in both locals and visitors during football season. With several large-screen TVs and a relaxed, beachy vibe, Hanks is a comfortable spot to catch a game. The bar offers a solid menu, including craft beers, burgers, and seafood, ensuring that you’ll have everything you need for a great game day experience. The staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is always lively during big games.
Why It’s Great: Laid-back, beachy environment with a great food and drink menu. Multiple TVs ensure you never miss a play, and the friendly vibe makes it easy to enjoy the game.
Best For: Fans looking for a relaxed, casual spot to enjoy a game without the typical rowdy bar scene.
3. Freckled Fin Irish Pub
- Location: 5337 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach
For those who enjoy the lively atmosphere of an Irish pub, Freckled Fin Irish Pub in Holmes Beach is a fantastic spot to watch football. Known for its enthusiastic support of the Kansas City Chiefs, Freckled Fin provides a fun, spirited environment with plenty of TVs and game-day specials. Whether you’re a Chiefs fan or just looking for a great place to catch the game, Freckled Fin offers plenty of seating, cold drinks, and hearty pub fare.
Why It’s Great: Lively pub atmosphere, perfect for a rowdy game day experience. Chiefs fans will feel right at home, but all football fans are welcome.
Best For: Those looking for a festive pub atmosphere with loyal fans cheering on their team.
4. Island Time Bar & Grill
- Location: 111 Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach
Located just steps from the beach, Island Time Bar & Grill is the perfect spot for catching a football game in a tropical, open-air setting. With big-screen TVs, a large outdoor patio, and a fun, energetic vibe, Island Time is a popular spot to watch sports while enjoying a cold drink and the island atmosphere. They offer a full menu of appetizers, burgers, and seafood, making it easy to spend the day watching multiple games.
Why It’s Great: Outdoor seating, multiple TVs, and a beachy vibe make it a unique spot to enjoy football while embracing the island lifestyle.
Best For: Fans looking to watch the game in a relaxed, open-air setting close to the beach.
5. The Ugly Grouper
- Location: 5704 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach
For an exciting outdoor game day experience, head to The Ugly Grouper, one of the most popular venues on Anna Maria Island. This tiki-style bar and restaurant offers a fun, family-friendly environment with large-screen TVs throughout the space, perfect for catching the game while enjoying the Florida weather. The Ugly Grouper is known for its fresh seafood, live music, and tropical cocktails, but it’s also a fantastic place to watch football, especially if you're a Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan.
Why It’s Great: Outdoor seating, great for families, and plenty of TVs. The tropical, tiki-style setting adds a fun twist to your football-watching experience.
Best For: Buccaneers fans and those looking for a lively, island-inspired spot with plenty of entertainment.
6. Bridgetender Inn & Dockside Bar
- Location: 135 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach
Located right on the Intracoastal Waterway, Bridgetender Inn & Dockside Bar offers a scenic setting for watching football while enjoying the view of the boats passing by. This charming waterside bar and restaurant features TVs both inside and outside, so you can enjoy the game no matter where you sit. The casual, laid-back atmosphere combined with delicious food and drinks makes Bridgetender a great spot for an afternoon or evening of football.
Why It’s Great: Beautiful waterfront setting with multiple TVs. A great mix of casual dining, friendly locals, and football excitement.
Best For: Green Bay Packers fans looking to watch football in a fun, beach-themed atmosphere with great cocktails.7. Drift In
- Location: 120 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach
For a more casual dive bar experience, Drift In is the place to be, especially if you’re a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. This no-frills bar on Bridge Street is known for its rowdy crowd and loyal Steelers following, making it a perfect spot for die-hard football fans who want to enjoy the game with fellow supporters. If you’re looking for a lively game day environment with cheap drinks, friendly locals, and plenty of football spirit, Drift In won’t disappoint.
Why It’s Great: Classic dive bar experience with a dedicated Steelers fan base. Drift In is all about football, cold beer, and no-nonsense fun.
Best For: Steelers fans or anyone who loves a high-energy dive bar atmosphere.
8. Daiquiri Deck
- Location: 107 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach
For a festive football experience with a beachy twist, Daiquiri Deck is a popular spot on Bridge Street, known for its tropical drinks and fun vibe. With multiple TVs and a rooftop bar, Daiquiri Deck is a great place to catch a football game while enjoying the sunset and sipping on a frozen daiquiri. The bar often caters to both Miami Dolphins and Florida Gators fans, making it a lively spot for both college and NFL football games.
Why It’s Great: Rooftop seating, tropical drinks, and a lively crowd. It’s the perfect mix of football and fun, island-style.
Best For: Fans looking to watch football in a fun, beach-themed atmosphere with great cocktails.
Experience Football Season on Anna Maria Island with Once Upon A Beach
Whether you’re a dedicated NFL fan or just love the excitement of watching the game with fellow football lovers, Anna Maria Island has plenty of sports bars to ensure you don’t miss any of the action. From lively pubs to laid-back beach bars, there’s a spot for every fan to enjoy football in paradise.
At Once Upon A Beach, we’re dedicated to helping you have the best vacation experience possible. Let us assist you in finding the perfect luxury vacation rental on Anna Maria Island, and we’ll point you to the best places to watch the game, enjoy great food, and soak up the island vibes. It’s time to gear up, grab a drink, and cheer on your favorite team!
