Let us be your spirit-ual guide on this journey to catch a good buzz while on vacation. From dollar beers to bogo mai tais we’ve got you covered on all things happy hour. Finding a vacation rental on Anna Maria Island for Easter weekend can be a hard enough task, finding a place to drink shouldn’t be. For transportation, we suggest using the trolley and doing the local trolley crawl or calling the monkey bus. Beach cruisers are a great way to get around but after a few cold ones with the boys we don’t condone it. Catching a shark, getting a nice tan, or finding the love of your life in the back corner of Bortell’s lounge are things to brag about, getting a B.U.I. (Biking While Under the Influence) isn’t one of them.

Duffy’s Tavern is our go to for cheap beer, great burgers, and an amazing atmosphere. Closed Tuesday. A no-frills place where you order at the bar and bus your table. The beer is $1.50 for a mug or $9 for a pitcher. This spot caters to locals and travelers alike so expect it to be bustling.

From there, head North on the trolley to Harry’s bar and grill. They have a special called “Harry Hour” from 3-5 with drinks specials and live music. Tuesday night is karaoke night so if you’re feeling adventurous and feel that your singing in showers have paid off then come on down. Please call our office in advance so we don’t make the mistake of coming while you’re down there belting your heart out to Seal’s “Kiss from a Rose”.

After a few drinks at Harry’s take a dive across the street at Bortell’s lounge. No clear happy hour but the drinks are cheap and the pool tables make this local hangout a box to check on our list. This is a bar, no food so make sure you eat at Harry’s or Duffy’s before or just stick with the liquid bread. Remember this is a marathon, not a sprint.

Sunset is approaching and there’s no better place to catch the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico than the Sandbar and Beach House restaurants. The Sandbar is a stone throw away from Bortell’s and the frozen drinks are on point. While watching the sunset try and see the “green flash”. According to local legends, the green flash can be seen when the top of the sun is level with the Gulf of Mexico and right when it descends below the sea, a green flash is emitted. Let us know if you see it, we’re still waiting for our chance.

The sun has set and if you played your cards right you can continue on into the night. Bridge street is where the action is at night with various bars and restaurants. Island time and Blue Marlin have the live music, Drift-in and Sports lounge are the more dive bar scenes. If you don’t fancy a trip down to Bradenton Beach we suggest you hit up the Freckled Fin, the Doctor’s Office, Hurricane Hanks, or Decoy Duck’s. All of these bars are located in or around the Holmes Beach Shopping Center. Now we can’t guarantee the drinks will be cheap after 8pm but these spots are a great time that is usually filled with live music. We hope this guide has helped you in your task of finding a place to catch a cool buzz while on vacation just like Jeff Spicoli would have intended.

Don’t forget, tipping is more than just a city in China. Tip your bartender!!!

Sunny Regards,

Ginger