Gulf Drive Cafe

Danny Camacho

2024-05

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Josh Zimmerman

2024-04

This was a random breakfast spot pick on the map. It looked interesting so we tried it. Well, it did not disappoint. The food was over the top good. And the service was fabulous, even helping us with our next stop on our west coast FL explorations. I can't say enough about the atmosphere, if my wife could rate it she would say it's a 10 out of five. And I would have to agree with her. I also thing you guys will agree unless your one of those people that dosent like sand, sunshine, and good food. Oh, and parking was plentiful in a lot across the street and it was free. Seating was also plentiful and with tons of options. Bathrooms are clean and modern and also unisex. So, if your hungry or thirsty, or looking for a cool place to relax, then go here.

LOParadise

2024-03

Fun! Beachside experience! Great! Tiki Hut bar/cafe located right in the sand. Stunning views, gorgeous sunshine and friendly staff make this the ideal way to idle away an afternoon. The rum runners will make you forget what day of the week it is and our friends loved the strawberry daiquiris. The laid-back vibe goes ideally with the beautiful gulf water. The place does get insanely popular so parking is the only issue. But it's so worthwhile to make your way here.

Yvonne Wright

2024-03

Delicious breakfast right on the beach with free parking across the street. Be sure you only go to their restaurant or they will tow your car. They have a full bar with delicious mimosas and bloody Marys. Also try the potato casserole. We got the Eggs Benedict (hugely recommend) and the seafood quiche (was very dry, will not order that again). Waitress was fantastic. I wish we had got her name.

Lola Filippatou

2024-04

Unpleasant Encounter at Gulf Drive CafeThe parking attendant at Gulf Drive Cafe on Anna Maria Island was rude and unprofessional. We wanted to park,eat lunch with my sisters and then sit on the beach. He did not greet us upon arrival and was confrontational, refusing to let us bring a backpack with towels and sunscreen to the cafe.When we asked him why, he snapped, the attendant escalated the situation, invoking religious curses on Easter Sunday, we were shocked.We told him on the spot that we are going to inform management about his unexpectible behavior,and he immediately informed us that his dad is the owner.This type of poor customer service can significantly harm the cafe's reputation and deter future customers. I provided direct feedback to the cafe management about the attendant's unacceptable behavior, he said “Do you want me to fire my son”?He left me speechless, without even apologizing!We left shocked with the lack of respect towards customers.We actually had planed to spend the day in Gulf drive, eat, drink & see the sunset.Of course it was a plus that the owner was Greek, we never imagined being cursed off by his son.

IRONMAN27

2023-08

We ate here on our first night in a week long trip to Anna Maria Island and sadly we have to say this was the least favorite of all the places we ate at. The food is about $10 overpriced on about every item they have. Guess you are paying for the beachfront property and view. The food wasn't bad, it just didn't meet the value of the prices. They ran out of a few items but they subbed them out as best they could. We had a big party and didn't have to wait long to be seated which was a good thing. I would eat here if you are looking for a last min place to eat and a place to catch a great sunset while you eat. I had the grouper sandwich and it was an extremely thin piece of fish. Son had the fish tacos and we also got kids chicken fingers. If you enjoyed this review please be sure to click the like button. Thank you!

Jon Pratt

2024-04

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Amy Shadley

2023-12

We ate here twice on our vacation at different times of day and both times were enjoyable. The patio is awesome on the beach, servers we're friendly and prompt and the food was all good. Will definitely recommend.Parking: Public lots nearby for dining and shopping only is helpful.

Chand Samaroo

2023-11

Before I made the trip across the bridge from Tampa to a getaway in Bradenton Beach, I searched local eateries and this place, the Gulf Drive Café/ Kokonut Hut was on my radar for breakfast.I was sold on the the seafood quiche immediately, and it did not disappoint...perfectly filled with fluffy eggs, crab, shrimp, and scallops baked in a lite flaky crust. Let me tell you the pineapple was the best I've ever had at any restaurant, and rivals even fresh cut from grocery stores.The best yet, you can sit under shaded umbrella tables along the beach front. The place has a Cocktail 1988 (Tom Cruise & Elisabeth Shue) Caribbean vibe to it. If you're staying along the Bradenton Beach/Cortez Beach stretch. definitely come experience the Kokonut Hut 🥥🏖️🌴Best wishes 😎ChandVegetarian options: You can get many non-meat items.

Ted Stevenson

2024-04

We stopped for breakfast. Lisa was our server and she was very good. Coffee rounds were quick and my cup never ran dry, A+.The view was fantastic, right on the beach. Tables and surfaces were clean.The food was very good.Updated: 2024. I find it interesting reviewers complaining about beach access. We went for the food with a view of the beach- not a day on the beach. Parking on the island seems to be a contentious issue.

Jessica Padgett

2023-12

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C Lovett

2024-04

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Leanne Channey

2023-10

Mornings at the beach with fresh poured coffee. Looking at the ocean and seagulls. Eating delicious Belgium waffles and seafood quiches. Drinking fresh orange juice. If this is your idea of a good morning on holiday ... you certainly came to the right place. I will most definitely be back here again and again.Service was excellent 👌Vegetarian options: SALAD / QUICHES / FRIESWheelchair accessibility: There is plenty room for wheelchair accessibility.

Christy Gill

2023-08

High prices. The kids meals were the normal boring selection like $8-10 for grilled cheese? $20+ for a salad? No thanks. The walk out to the beach is great but the patio in the setting sun in July was stifling because they have this ugly plastic covering on the fence that doesn't allow air flow. We sweated our way through dinner. They could use fans. The only great part was the view.

Karen Peyton

2024-03

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Elieen Emblidge

2023-09

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alduy tor

2023-08

Love the location, plenty of parking ( you have to cross the road) and sandy entrance to the beah. Prices are the same as many other joints around. Service, Gavin and another young man were courteous and dilligent. Food was okay, my party recomended their dishes with certainty. However, I was not plenty satisfied with my salad. I found some faults and abundance of greens. Like 70% pf my dish was just greens. Photos before and after. In general nice ambiance and will come back for grouper fried bites and humus.

Mystique

2023-08

Visited this establishment about 7pm was greeted cordially and decided to be seated at the bar. Ordered some drinks at first Coors Light and a double Tito's on the rocks with some appetizers which were Calamari and Mozzarella sticks. The drinks were served and the appetizers did take a little bit but it was understandable since the kitchen was a little backed up. Both appetizers were okay could've been better. Decided to stay a little while and order a different drink one of their frozen drinks which was the Miami Vice which was a mixture of strawberry daiquiri/Pina colada and a blue mixture, I did not like it taste wise visually it was nice but the taste was like a 7Eleven Slushy. The bar service wasn't great at the beginning our server Destiny was not very attentive or suggestive. Ordered food after a while a Turkey Club Sandwich and a Classic Burger. My Turkey Club with fries was pretty good and the Burger was good those dishes came out pretty quick can't complain about that. Above all I have to give JORDAN our bartender afterwards Props she was AWESOME, great Customer Service she actually made the night worth it. Very Attentive and Communicative her service was Too Notch!!! She actually saved the night! To those looking to visit this restaurant don't expect much but if you do sit at the bar and check if Jordan is working you won't regret it.

Coastal Key Realty

2023-06

Well, I have waited a bit to leave a review for this place because I have been torn about my feelings when I first experience golf Drive café I was in love with the environment the atmosphere, the beach the straw roof it took me away. In time as a local, I learned that the locals have a problem with some issues about this place for one the owner. Some of his actions have not been seen well to the community as well as the health inspections. That being said, I have seen a change recently and thought I would give it a try again with some family, this time I was pleasantly surprised there was no one in the parking lot yelling at me instead, there were appropriate signs I had a grouper tacos and I thought they were excellent. The drinks are a little light on the alcohol not my choice of a place to drink, but definitely come here for a snack and a really nice atmosphere. I wish they would start having a lot of good music here this would be a great place for it if the owner chooses to read this at some point or the manager, the area needs a Reggae night under the pavilion would be wonderful. There was a ton of people that would come out for that if it was well advertised.

Chris M

2023-05

Love starting our morning having breakfast on the beach when our schedules allow. Went to Gulf Drive Cafe today & were happy with our experience. Great view, plenty of seating & we could hear the staff enjoying themselves with the music that was playing. 😊The island French toast was very good as was the omelet my husband had. Prices were what we expect on the beach. We'll be back but I'll skip the mimosa next time, not worth $9 in my opinion.FYI...You park across the street for this restaurant.

Alisha Claudio

2024-01

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Amy Jones-Broker

2023-06

I am giving this establishment a four star because I’m torn between three and five if it were about the owner and the food it would be a three if it were about the atmosphere, and the views it would be at five. I was pleasantly surprised to see appropriate signs in the parking lot instead of somebody yelling at you. In addition, I notice an upgrade on the food and service since the last time I was here. My significant other will not go to this place with me however, family came in town and I thought I would give it another try. I had a grouper tacos they were wonderful. The drinks are a little light on alcohol, but the atmosphere the view is amazing. This would be a great establishment under the pavilion to have a weekly reggae night which our area really needs the beach house attempted to do it on Friday nights, but they didn’t advertise it well, but there was a huge group of reggae lovers that would be all for this.

Annaliza Fornatora

2024-03

I live here and come to the Gulf Cafe almost every weekend. The parking fee is expensive but convenient and the drinks are always good! Our server was exceptionally great yesterday.Dietary restrictions: Several vegetarian options and gluten freeParking: Paid parking is $30

Michael C. Delapena

2023-05

What a great place to share a pitcher of cold beer and watch a beautiful sunset. The food was also pretty good. I ordered the shrimp Diablo pasta and it had a great kick. My partner ordered the shrimp platter which came with soggy broccoli. Otherwise it was tasty. Our server Brandon was super friendly and efficient. I would rate this restaurant higher except for the prices which are a bit steep. I'm sure the location is a reason for the higher prices but honestly there are a lot of restaurants on Anna Maria Island with a great view. Still it was worth the visit.Parking: They have dedicated free parking across the street

Billy Maslin

2023-09

The food was decent. Unfortunately, the service was not. First, the server completely forgot two of our beverages. Then, they brought out 3 of the 5 orders in a reasonable amount of time. 15-20 minutes later, the last two orders had not come out. I had to flag the waiter down since he very skillfully waited on the table next to ours while avoiding all eye contact with us. 5 minutes longer (or more) the last two finally came out. Mind you, these two orders were caprese sandwiches. So, again, lettuce on a piece of toast took 25-30 minutes LONGER to prepare and serve than three hot meals.I do not eat until all people at the table have been served because I would consider that rude. Plus, we all rode together, so either way, half the people would be sitting and watching the others eat until everyone was finished. Therefore, my lovely fried shrimp were nice and room temperature by the time I finally got to eat.We were seated outside, and it was 98° out, and never once did they offer a drink replenishment.I have been visiting this place since the 90's when I first started visiting the island. Unfortunately, I will never go there again.In case the restaurant responds with "well, it was the lunch hour rush", I added a photo showing how empty the place was. I guess other patrons have learned not to waste their money here either.

Meghan Evans

2024-04

Vibe was definitely awesome. Our server was extremely busy and did not make it to our table enough and I had an issue with my dish, but he was really friendly and apologetic. They took it off my bill because I was unable to eat it. So they accommodated considering, which was appreciated. The rest of the table enjoyed the food and I still tipped well. Timing just threw things off. I'd definitely still go back next time I'm on the island!

Robert Clark

2023-12

Just happened upon this jewel . The breakfast was DELICIOUS ! Sitting right on the beach ….only topped by the sweetest waitress Brittany . It is a dreary day but she made us feel so relaxed in a true vacation mode.She is awesome . We made reservations to come back this afternoon for the sunset . Please tell all of your staff , even the ladies at the front desk THANK YOU for just being them

Corky Devendorf

2023-11

The sign says KornerHut. Either way, service was excellent. Atmosphere... Well you are ON the oceanWhat else do you need? We both had the grouper sandwich for $23 a piece, as I recall. MAYBE $12.95 anywhere else. And at the Moose down the road on the same beach.It was good, but overpriced in any other setting.Hamburg was $19. which I use as a reference point. Comparable is $10 off the beach, for which you are paying. I'm not really complaining about the prices as I expected them to be higher, but to give reference points for those wondering.Half of the patio tables are literally sitting in the beach sand. Other half are on brick pavers.Very nice new Tikihut bar area. Well attended. Looks like they have quite the football crowd. And it's on the ocean... Did I mention that.I did notice a couple who brought their very well behaved labradoodle without issue from management.Their boardwalk is made of synthetic lumber and is VERY wavy. Made me think my water was alcoholic. I noticed as my wife does have some ambulatory issues and it is very uneven. Not an issue at all if healthy.Many had on beachwear and a coverup as far as dress goes, so casual isn't quite far enough to describe it. Others had on golf attire.I would not want to eat there on a hot day. Saw no fans. And if it's to windy I could imagine sand getting into your food. You are outside. But we faced neither obstacle.Overall a solid 4.5 iny book.Parking: Across the street and at a busy time, I could imagine very limited.Kid-friendliness: Small kiddie menu. Those I saw were more interested in the beach.Wheelchair accessibility: No problem, except the uneven boardwalk area between outdoor dining and bar area. See above.

Susan Allen

2022-05

The food was excellent. I had the Reuben sandwich. It was stacked high and the Thousand Island dressing was served on the side. I had plenty for my dinner and then next day, too. My dinner companions enjoyed their food as well. They had the grouper Reuben and the grouper plate. The dining is all open-air. They host special occasions. We were there on the Saturday night of Easter weekend and it was very busy. We waited about 30 minutes to be seated. The server was real quick to get drinks and our order, but a little hard to catch later. Another server brought our food. When we stopped another server with requests, they attended to the first one themselves and someone else took care of the other. So although they were very busy, they still took care of their customers. And the sunset was gorgeous!Features: Masks were not required.

Jason Glaza

2022-05

Amazing food. Great setting. We had breakfast and couldn’t have been happier with our choices. Service wasn’t the fastest and a few other tables got their food before us even with arriving after us, however. The staff was friendly and as before the food was amazing.