Don’t Miss a Game: Football Season on AMI

Playoff season is finally here! Even if your team didn’t make the cut, this season is one not to be missed! While we anxiously await who will make the Super Bowl, you can fill out your bracket and plan your perfect postseason schedule ahead of time with this guide to some of the best ways to take in the games leading up to the big one on February 8th, 2026. 

The Best Places to Watch the Game

Anna Maria Island is full of places to take in the game. From Old Florida sports bars to family friendly venues there is some place for everyone on the island. Below are just a few of our favorites. 

Drift-In Ami 

120 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, FL, United States, 34217  

Drift-In is located on historic Bridge Street and is a unique part of the island’s history. This bar was once owned by Babe Ruth and has been a community staple since 1925—over 100 years! Known for its ice-cold cocktails and welcoming atmosphere, this bar offers card games, live music, karaoke, and, more importantly, large televisions so you don’t miss the next big game! 

Slim’s Place 

9701 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, Florida 34216

This Philly-themed sports bar has something for everyone. With an extensive menu of pub fare, pasta, and some of the best burgers in town, no one will go hungry while cheering on their favorite team. Voted #1 Sports Bar on the Island, it is easy to see why Slim’s is one of the best places to take in a game.   

Bridge Tender Inn

135 Bridge St Marker 49, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

The Bridge Tender Inn is home to the Packer Bar, a casual bar for sports fanatics. Featuring over 18 screens, you won’t miss a moment of action while relaxing with a drink here. Stay a while and enjoy delicious food while supporting the community, as Bridge Tender gives back to the local charity, Vintage Paws. A staple of AMI for 30 years, you’ll want to stop by to see what makes this particular bar so special.

Island Time 

111 Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

Want to take in the game while still enjoying a relaxed island atmosphere? Island Time is the right spot for you. The food here features fresh ingredients and from-scratch recipes, so you can enjoy bistro-style dining in a sports-friendly atmosphere. Find yourself a seat at the bar in front of one of the many big screens, order your favorite drink, and get ready to cheer for your team. 

Bortell’s Lounge 

10002 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216

Fully equipped with 9+ televisions and complete sports packages, it doesn’t matter which team you are rooting for; Bortell’s Lounge will have that game available. Newly remodeled, Bortell’s has been a part of the community since 1976.  They feature Monday Night Football, draft, and food specials that should not be missed! 

Freckled Fin

5337 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217 

American football may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of an Irish Pub, but trust us when we say that Freckled Fin is one of the best places to watch the game on the island. With happy hour specials and a diet-restricted inclusive menu, everyone can have fun at the Freckled Fin. Featuring 13 Big-Screen TVs & NFL Sunday Ticket, you can catch every game plus more sports action. As a bonus, this venue is also family and pet-friendly.

Sports Lounge 

118 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL, United States, Florida

If you are looking for a good ol’ fashioned sports bar, the Sports Lounge is just the place for you. Do you like to keep busy while watching the game? The Sports Lounge features full-sized shuffleboard and billiards to keep you playing while your team takes on the competition. Or take it all in and grab a seat at this no-frills sports bar that knows what is really important— the drinks and the game. 

Ugly Grouper 

5704 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217 

Check out the amazing Ugly Grouper statue that made this restaurant famous, before grabbing your seat at the bar. Settle down in front of one of the 9+ TVs with sports packages ready to show your team at their best. With some of the best seafood on the island, this laid-back outdoor venue is one of the most unique locations AMI has to offer, and a must-see for visitors and locals alike. 

Watching the Game in Your Home Away From Home

Sometimes, nothing beats taking in the game at home, where you can be your most comfortable self. Settle into any of our luxury rental homes, order in, and get ready for the game. Each of our homes features large-screen HDTVs with crystal-clear pictures, comfortable seating, and welcoming spaces for you and your family to spend time doing what you love—watching the game.

Cloud 9

Welcome to paradise. Cloud 9 has everything you need to enjoy your perfect game day. Cloud 9 features an open floor plan that combines a kitchen, dining, and lounge area, with a large HDTV and comfortable couches, perfect for gathering your loved ones and watching the game. Can’t agree on which game to watch? Each bedroom also features a large HDTV, so no matter which room you are in, you won’t miss any of the action. 

Shangri-La

Looking for a luxury getaway that is perfect for the sports fan in your life? Shangri-La is the perfect home for you. Play a game of shuffleboard while watching your favorite team take on the competition. Or maybe you prefer billiards or a game of cards? Shangri-La features multiple game rooms and lounges, ideal for post-season football enjoyment. With multiple large HDTVs for you to enjoy the game on throughout the house, Shangri-La is the perfect home-away-from-home for all the sports fans out there. 

Gearing Up For the Big Game: Stocking Up On Snacks 

So you have decided to settle in for the game. Stock up on snacks or call in for carry-out from some of our favorite places on the island just in time for game day. 

Anna Maria Island General Store

503 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216

Stock up on your favorite grocery snacks, or take home a deliciously stacked sandwich or order of wings from this local community staple. Their deli specials will have you drooling and make your gameday prep easier than ever. 

Graze Street AMI 

3218 E Bay Dr Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Looking for something to make your gameday spread stand out. Graze Street AMI creates some of the best charcuterie offerings out there. They also offer gourmet sandwiches with the finest fresh ingredients the island has to offer. They also offer baked goods, signature cookies, and dips and spreads! Call ahead to reserve yours just in time for the big game! 

Hurricane Hanks 

5346 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Wings and football are synonymous, and if you want the best wings on the island, you go to Hurricane Hanks. The wings are tossed in your choice of sauce, including hot, medium, mild, BBQ, teriyaki, or garlic parmesan, so you can customize your order to your desired level of spiciness. Available to go so you can enjoy them at home while you watch the game, is there anything better than this? 

Pizzano’s Pizza and Grinderz

5318 Marina Dr. Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Nothing goes better with a game than a good old-fashioned pizza, and if you want some of the best local pizza, Pizzano’s is the place for you. With limitless topping options, there is sure to be a pizza to please everyone in your party. Did we mention they do wings, too? 

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Football is for everyone, and no matter how you decide to enjoy the game, Anna Maria Island has something for you. Contact Serendipity today to start planning your luxury vacation getaway in time for the big game.