Harry’s Grill is the kind of Anna Maria Island place people stumble onto once and then plan their whole trip around.
It sits just far enough off the beaten path to feel like a discovery, but not so far that you have to work to find it. Grab a seat on the lit patio, settle into the pet-friendly backyard with your dog at your feet, or pull up to the bar inside. There’s live music, a come-as-you-are atmosphere, and the kind of easy island energy that makes a quick stop turn into another round.
If you’re headed to the beach and just want food to go, the Beach Box lets you order ahead online and skip the wait. If you’re staying awhile, even better. Harry’s is built for lingering.
And if you’re wondering where to start, Harry's Cheeseburger is always a good idea.
Harry’s burgers have been voted Best Burger on the Island by Sun Magazine readers for nine consecutive years, a streak that started back in 2017. That would be enough for some restaurants to hang their whole reputation on, but at Harry’s, the burger is just the beginning.
The people make the story…
Mark and Jan Labriola have owned the restaurant since November 2014, after building careers far from the restaurant business: Jan as a mortgage broker in Texas, Mark as a construction manager and later a national safety director. The 2008 economic downturn sent them looking for a new path, and it eventually led them to Anna Maria Island.
The building had already cycled through a barber shop, a florist, a video store, and an ice cream shop before it became a bar. It ran for seven years as "Feeling Swell" under four different owners, and then a couple from Georgia briefly took it over and renamed it Harry's, after the husband, whose middle name was Harold. When the Labriolas bought it, they kept the name. "I thought, well, that's not a bad name for a restaurant, we can turn it into a theme" Mark says
Inside, the Harry Wall is covered with photos of famous Harrys, from politicians and actors to historical figures to the kinds of faces that make people stop and guess while they wait for their food. And if your name happens to be Harry, or Harrietta, show them your ID, and you’ll get a free draft beer.
The restaurant also has a mascot of sorts. Mark and Jan’s coati mundi, Taz, passed away soon after acquiring the restaurant, but still shows up on the logo, giving the place one more detail you won’t find just anywhere.
A loyal team, and a chef named Jesus
“We have a very dedicated staff,” Mark says. “A lot of our people have been here for years. Linda's been here eight years, and my chef is going on three years.” The story behind hiring his current chef is actually pretty funny, and also a huge blessing.
It starts with an employee named Angel, who decided it was time to leave his position as assistant cook. When the woman who was scheduled to be interviewed to replace him couldn’t make it in for the interview, she recommended her cousin come in her place. After greeting him, Mark asked his name.
Jesus. He said
Pronounced hey-ZEUS.
“I just lost an angel, and I got Jesus instead,” Mark quipped. “You’re hired.”
In all seriousness, he credits Jesus with really helping to elevate the menu, which has been his vision for 10 years.
The Catch of the Day rotates through eight or nine different types of fish, depending on what looks best at the market. The Shrimpalooza, a plate full of 29 shrimp cooked any way you like, is one of the top sellers. Thursday through Sunday, they bring out the prime rib after being aged six weeks, and it's tender enough to cut with a butter knife. In season, it’s every night.
The Clam Linguini comes from Mark’s family recipe, and Jesus picked it up quickly. He also added mushroom ravioli, bringing in Italian influence from his own family life. Billy Jack’s Gumbo comes from Jan’s father’s recipe, who was a Louisiana fisherman. It’s made with a slow roux and house-made fish stock. Even on hot days, people still order it.
And the onion rings have their own claim to fame. The recipe came from friends in Hawkins, Texas, and once landed in Southern Living magazine.
Live Music and Harry Hour
Food may be the reason people first walk in, but the music is one of the reasons they stay.
Harry’s Grill has world-class, award-winning music and entertainment seven nights a week. On Sundays, you’ll typically find Skip Eaton performing classic rock favorites, and Mondays bring Steve Arvey, one of the most renowned cigar box guitar players in the world. Tuesdays bring a fun, interactive performance with Scotty Yates, who turns the crowd into part of the band, complete with percussion instruments.
Wednesdays are reserved for mystery musicians, bringing a fresh mix of styles and sounds each week. And Pamela K. Ward provides entertainment Thursday through Saturday, with a wide range of styles and any and all types of requests.
And then there’s one of the most special Sundays on the island…
Soon after buying the restaurant, Mark started hosting what he calls Harry’s Hallelujah Brunch, a Sunday morning tradition that runs every Sunday rain or shine. "It's church in a bar," Mark says. There are no pews, just barstools, and the bandstand is the pulpit.
Guests are invited to “come as you are.” It’s the island, and casual attire is completely acceptable. This spiritual revival runs from 10 am to 11:30 am and features a FREE home-cooked breakfast, worship singing, and a short message to help start your week off right. It’s definitely a popular experience, with all seats filling up so quickly during the busy season that they have to turn some guests away.
Plan your visit
Harry's Grill is located at 9903 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Visit HarrysGrillAMI.com to learn more, and follow Harry’s Grill on Facebook for all the latest updates.
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