Gulf Drive Cafe

About the Business

Specialties

Gulf Drive Café has been a part of Anna Maria Island's unique history for over thirty years. It sits directly on the spectacular sugar white sands and turquoise-emerald views of the Gulf of Mexico on Anna Maria Island's south end. A tropical family-friendly eatery that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, the Café was named one of the "Best Breakfasts in Florida" by Southern Living Magazine. Our newly renovated restaurant, bar and event space covers 450 square feet of waterfront. Offering fresh Florida seafood, cocktails and other specialties, guests of this island hot spot relish the shimmering Gulf and multi-colored sunset backdrop.

History

Established in 1981.

The current owners, George & Wendy Kokolis, purchased the historic property in 1987. The Kokolis' extensive experience in the restaurant industry has expanded over 45 years. After celebrating over 20 years as owners, they decided to renovate and expand the Café into a bar, The Kokonut Hut and event space, The Sunset by Gulf Drive Café. The property sits on 450 square feet of waterfront on the Gulf of Mexico and has many offerings for guests to enjoy. It includes delicious meals, impeccable service, cold cocktails, live entertainment and also kayak and paddleboard rentals from a local vendor. Directly in front of the business exists an underwater archeological preserve sight and famous diving spot. Local and visiting divers submerge themselves to catch a glimpse of The Regina, a Sugar barge that sank in 1940, carrying more than 300,000 gallons of molasses from Havana, Cuba.