When Hurricane Irma caused major structural damage to the Historic Anna Maria City Pier on the North end of AMI, it felt like a main piece of the island’s most beloved landmarks was now gone. Thankfully, our supportive community was dedicated to bring back the pier and make a fresh start of memory-making on a new pier. One big bright spot of 2020 was the re-opening of the City Pier.
Many believe that it’s truly not a trip to AMI without a visit to the City Pier. Ideally, with an ice cream cone in hand and a fishing pole in tow. Island locals and visitors alike have created countless fond memories created on this pier. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have access to the Pier back and better than ever!
The new Anna Maria City Pier opened on a limited basis in June for the first time since the pier closed in September 2017, but full access to the $6.8 million structure and its grill and bait shop opened earlier in December. Now, you can visit the pier for a nice stroll, great meal, beautiful view, or relaxing spot to fish.
The City Pier Grill and Bait Shop, owned and operated by longtime island locals, serves an extensive and largely locally-sourced options for any craving. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a beer and wine license and features six taps offering domestic and local craft brews, along with canned beers, and a wine selection.
All seating is outdoors, offering picnic tables, high-top tables and barstools along with benches throughout the pier, and the restaurant plans to feature live music regularly. Bait shop options include live and frozen bait, tackles and fishing rod and bait bucket rentals.
Fishing coincides with the grill and bait shop hours, which are 7 a.m.-10 p.m daily.
So, we’ll see you at the new City Pier, 100 N. Bay Blvd, you can’t miss it!
Photos from City Pier Grill Facebook