More Than a Pretty View: You’re Due for a Visit to The Waterfront

By Kelly Stilwell

As usual, I asked my husband what he wanted to do for his birthday. It’s a yearly ritual for us both. My answer is usually a destination that involves packing a large suitcase and getting on a plane for many hours. If it’s a special birthday, he might say yes, but more than likely, he will just roll his eyes and buy me a book about the place I wanted to go.

My husband’s answer is always local, and this time it was Anna Maria Island. He loves the beach and believes in supporting local. What’s not to love? We do, after all, live in paradise.

So, we headed to AMI with no real plans except hitting the beach and having lunch. Where to eat is a very big decision in our house. Fresh seafood is always at the top of our list, so we decided to go to The Waterfront. Between the many choices of fresh local fish and the creatively curated wine list, it was a very good choice.

We decided to sit outside as it was a beautiful day. While my husband chose our wine, I was on the hunt for an appetizer. I could smell something wonderful coming out of the kitchen, and I was hungry. We decided to share the Steamer Bowl of PEI mussels and clams with tomato basil sauce. Tip: If you also have a hard time choosing, they will allow you to mix the two. Both were perfectly prepared, and we used the toasted bread to sop up every last ounce of the sauce.

My husband loves a good Caesar salad and devoured The Waterfront’s version, with their homemade Caesar dressing. And if there is fresh local grouper on the menu, he has to have it, preferably blackened. The Grouper Tacos were heavenly, lightly blackened and topped with a crunchy jicama slaw. Yes, I had a bite.

I had seen the Harvest Beet Salad pass by on the way to another table, and I knew right then what I would be ordering. It’s a mix of arugula, roasted beets, candied walnuts, pear, and goat cheese, and I chose to top it with perfectly seasoned grouper. It was delicious. 

If you’re not a fan of seafood, don’t worry. The menu at The Waterfront has something for everyone. Choose from appetizers like Baked Brie or the Chef’s Board featuring a daily charcuterie and cheese platter with a baguette and accompaniments. For entrees, try the New York Strip or Pork Tenderloin, both served with house potato and a seasonal vegetable. View the lunch and dinner menus on the website. The bar serves amazing craft cocktails, beer, and wine, and has a great beach vibe.

I rarely order dessert, but my husband is another story. In fact, he rarely does not order dessert. This day would be different as we were so full we decided we could not eat another bite. That was until he saw the Key Lime Pie on the menu. I told him not to look, but it was his birthday. And it was pretty incredible. Yes, I had a bite. 

You’ll find The Waterfront Restaurant at 111 S. Bay Blvd., right across from the beach, on Anna Maria Island. Hours are 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, closing at 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Featured on the back cover: Seasonal Old Fashioned featuring Blanton’s bourbon, smoked bacon & maple elixir, black walnut bitters, peated scotch cherries and a sizzling cinnamon stick.