Your next trip to Anna Maria Island is sure to be full of fun in the sun, enjoying the breathtaking beaches, experiencing unique historical sites, and shopping for the perfect souvenir to remember your travels by. However, there’s one activity that you just can’t avoid on your next trip: eating! Thankfully, there are all kinds of delicious Anna Maria Island restaurants for you to check out during your vacation.
No matter what kind of cuisine you’re in the mood for, Anna Maria Island and the surrounding areas are sure to have it. But if you really want to experience one of the best restaurants on Anna Maria Island, you have no choice but to visit The Porch Restaurant. This eatery is just moments away from our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals and is sure to impress the whole family.
The History
Before you head to The Porch, you might be interested in a bit of the backstory. This restaurant has a truly fascinating history! The story starts all the way back in 1913 when the original building was built and sold to a man named Professor Nichols, who uses the building as a rental property and a winter getaway. The building, known as The Royal Palms at the time, was one of the first buildings to exist on the island.
For around 30 years, this building existed as the Sign of the Mermaid in Anna Maria Island. This restaurant was a favorite of locals and visitors alike, and now, The Porch Restaurant is becoming just as much of a local staple.
The Restoration
It goes without saying that the building where The Porch Restaurant is located is one of the most fascinating historical structures on the island. So, when the owners decided they wanted to restore this incredible building, the community was ecstatic. So far, the main areas of the restaurant that have been restored including the fireplace, the floors, and the bar.
The fireplace is one of the main focal points of the building and was restored over 15 months throughout 2020 and 2021. Over the years, the fireplace was covered with layers and layers of paint, so the owners decided to see what the fireplace held underneath. Today, it’s much more reminiscent of its original state and has been restored to look as good as new. You can see progression photos on the restaurant’s website!
The floors in this building date back more than 100 years and were constructed of heart pine. Although previous owners covered the stunning hardwood floors in carpeting, the current owners decided to bring back the hardwood as it was meant to be. Today, the original flooring has been restored to its shining glory and is one of the most beautiful parts of the building!
Finally, you can’t visit The Porch Restaurant without spending some time at the bar. The bar top was custom framed and offers a stunning place to sit down and grab a drink. Be sure to look up to spot the custom light fixture, too! They’re still working on finishing up the bar, so there’s no telling how much more beautiful it’s going to get!
Plan Your Visit
Our rental properties offer something for every request, including specialty properties like our Anna Maria Island rentals with a pool. You can always expect to find amenities like high-speed internet, fully stocked kitchens, spacious living and dining areas, and more. On top of that, you’ll benefit from thorough customer service coming from the most dedicated group of locals. Our staff is always available to answer your questions or help recommend the best things for you and your group to do while you’re in town.
Menu
Of course, there’s so much more to The Porch Restaurant than the beauty and history of the building itself. You’re also going to want to know about the food! Everything on the menu is carefully crafted in-house, from scratch, using no preservatives or additives. You can rest assured that you and your family are getting delicious and responsibly prepared meals that you won’t soon forget!
When you come in for dinner, there’s seemingly no limit to the mouthwatering dishes you can try. Get started with appetizers like Coastal Calamari, Smoked Swordfish Dip, or a Chef’s Board. Then, move on to a steak entrée like the filet mignon or ribeye, or select another entrée like the Tamari Maple Glazed Salmon, the Grilled Lamb Chop, or the Portobello Lasagna. Don’t forget to finish off with a dessert option like the Key Lime Pie, Chocolate Mousse Cake, or Burnt Basque Cheesecake!
Are you traveling with the family? Guests of all ages are sure to enjoy their meals at The Porch! The kids’ menu offers a little something for everyone, so even the pickiest palates are sure to leave satisfied. Your kids can select a cheeseburger, hand-breaded chicken strips, beef tips, or mac and cheese. Pair it with a side like garlic parmesan mashed potatoes, Brussel sprouts, hand-cut fries, and more!
No dinner is complete without a refreshing drink to enjoy as well. Luckily, The Porch has all kinds of drinks for you to pick from. Starting with beer, you’ll find all your favorite bottled varieties, such as Michelob Ultra, Bud Light, and Corona. You can also get local draft beers for something truly unique! Not in the mood for beer? They also have many wine options, including sparkling, red, and white options. Finally, you can select specialty beverages like spritzes, sangrias, mimosas, and bellinis.
Directions to The Porch Restaurant
Now that you know all the delicious food and drinks you can experience at The Porch Restaurant, all that’s left is to tell you how to get there! Thankfully, it’s not too far away from our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, no matter which side of the island you’re staying on.
The Porch Restaurant is located at 9707 Gulf Drive in the city of Anna Maria. Gulf Drive is the main thoroughfare of Anna Maria Island, so it shouldn’t be hard to find this restaurant! You’ll find The Porch on Gulf Drive between Palm Avenue and Palmetto Avenue. It’s located near other popular Anna Maria Island businesses such as the Anna Maria Island Creamery and Bakery and Robinhood Rentals AMI.
You can enjoy a meal at The Porch every day of the week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Currently, The Porch is not accepting reservations and is serving guests on a first-come, first-serve basis instead.
Visiting The Porch is just one of the fun things to do in Anna Maria Island, Florida, but there’s so much more to discover on the island. Regardless of what your dream vacation looks like, A Paradise Rentals is here to help you make it happen! We are proud to offer a wide range of Anna Maria Island rentals to suit the needs of any individual, couple, or family.
So, are the beaches of Anna Maria Island and the mouthwatering food of The Porch calling your name yet? Contact us today to get started planning your trip!
