While the summer season officially starts on June 21st, we’re already feeling that summertime heat! This is the perfect time to start planning outdoor activities and backyard meals. Whether you’re craving burgers, hot dogs, or tacos, we’ve got you covered! Here are a few of the best places in Bradenton to grab a quick and casual treat.

Skinny’s Place

Few things complete a beach day better than a tasty and juicy burger. Skinny’s Place, is the kind of place where you go while your bathing suit is still wet and sand is between your toes.

Just cross the street after a swim in the Gulf of Mexico at Anna Maria’s Public Beach, and Skinny’s is there, nestled under some beautiful old trees. Founded in 1952 and still going strong, this iconic local restaurant has only changed hands between family members.

Their burgers come in increments of a ¼ lb. The Skinny Burger is a single patty, the Fatty Burger is a double patty, the G3 is a triple patty and the Pounder is a 4-patty burger or cheeseburger.

Burgers are only the beginning at Skinny’s Place, you can also get a Grilled All Beef Hot Dog with cheese, chili, or both. The chili is Grandma’s Homemade Chili, great on a hot dog but delicious on its own. Onion Rings, Curly Fries, and Buffalo Chicken Pieces are also all on the menu. 

Skinny’s Place is located at 3901 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217 
Open 7 days a week between 11:00 am and 8:00 pm
941-778-7769
Visit their Website or Follow them on Facebook

Duffy’s Tavern

Also on Anna Maria Island, you will find Duffy’s Tavern, an establishment that first opened in 1958 under the ownership of Claude “Duffy” Whiteman in a two-story shack across the street from the Manatee Public Beach. It has since relocated to the former Island Body Shop building in Holmes Beach.

Duffy’s Tavern is well known for their cold mugs of beer, burgers, sandwiches, and soups. Nothing tops a long day of summer fun better than ice-cold beer.

Their menu is a bit more extensive and they offer a variety of burger combinations. The “All the Way” Hamburger or Cheeseburger; Brie & Caramelized Onions Cheeseburger; Crumbled Blue Cheeseburger; Tex Burger and Fresh Jalapeños Cheeseburger.

Sandwiches include a Ham Sandwich, Ham & Cheese, Hot Dog, Chili Dog and how do I love the Braunschweiger Sandwich! Navy Bean Soup and Chili complete the soup list. One thing I must tell you, they don’t have fries. No fries! It’s shocking, I know, but nobody seems too upset because everything else is so delicious.

Duffy’s Tavern is located at 5808 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
Open Monday – Saturday 11 am to 8 pm / Sunday noon to 8 pm
Closed Tuesday * 941-778-2501
Visit their Website or Follow Them on Facebook

Willy-Yums

Nobody does hot dogs better than Willy-Yums on 14th Street. They’re best known for their Hot Dogs and Combos with traditional toppings such as mustard, onions, relish, and ketchup.

You can select All Beef, Vienna Beef, Jumbo, or Polish Sausage.  Then you can add your “style” choosing from Chicago Style, New York Style, Detroit Coney, Frito Pie, Bacon Mac & Cheese, or Pizza Dog.

Do I have your interest already?

They also have Pressed Cuban Sandwiches, Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches, Chicken Cordon Blue sandwiches, and Burgers. Burgers are ¼ pound patties that can be dressed with cheese, bacon, and guacamole.

Willy-Yums has been family owned since 2017 and they also have a food truck for parties and fundraising events. Outdoor dining is available at the restaurant. 

Willy-Yums is located at 2003 14th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Open Monday – Saturday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm (later on weekends) 
Closed Sunday * 941-243-6906
Follow them on Facebook

Birdrock Taco Shack

So you want some funky tacos for a hot summer day? Birdrock Taco Shack is the place for tacos…and cool people.

These aren’t your typical tacos – they’re unique and delicious creations from Chef David Shiplett’s inspiration.

I recommend starting with Lobster Nachos, or Iced Yellowfin Tuna poke served with lime chile, cucumber, avocado, and tomato.

Taco selections range from a Chicken Taco Tinga with tomato pico, cabbage, jalapeno cream, and corn tortilla; to Pekin Duck Taco – almond kung pao with red slaw, sesame, and flour tortilla.

You also won’t want to miss out on the Blue Crab California Taco Roll made with avocado, cucumber, red slaw, corn tortilla, and lime mayo.

On the burrito list, you’ll find a Thai Shrimp Peanut Burrito with rice, ginger cabbage, cilantro, and chile; or a Beef Short Rib Burrito with Korean BBQ , queso, rice, and tomato pico. These are just a few examples, but you get the vibe. You can get that summer feel all year round at this popular taco joint located in Bradenton’s Village of the Arts. 

Birdrock Taco Shack is located at 1213 13th Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Open Tuesday – Saturday 12:00 noon – 9:00 pm
Closed Sunday and Monday * 941-545-9966
Visit their Website or Follow them on Facebook

Which of these summertime hot spots is your favorite? Where should we go next?
Drop a comment below!