Page 4 - First Bite Winter 2024

8
Taste Dining & Travel • Fall/Winter
More online at www.tasteweb.net

and beer! In 1971, Pat "Miss Duffy" Geyer purchased the business from Claude “Duffy” Whiteman. There have been a succession of the Geyer girls working behind the bar and grill since Miss Duffy took over in June of 1971. To this day, all five, Patti, Pam, Peggi, Polli and Penni (now in North Carolina), are still “employed” by Miss Duffy–who keeps a watchful eye from heaven above – as to how the coldest beers and best burgers are served. Welcome back after two hurricanes!
A must are the all-the-way burgers, made with fresh ground meat on an old seasoned grill. Choose an ice-cold beer from a wide assortment of bottles, or have a frozen mug of fresh beer served from the tap. A selection of sodas, juice and iced tea are also available to go with your burger, hot dog, grilled cheese, garden burger, chili or navy bean soup. During this virus situation they are doing a brisk take-out business so give a call to pick up your favorite burger today.
Attire is casual and bathing suits are welcome! Nothing fancy at Duffy’s, that’s what keeps the customers going there for all those years I imagine. Hours are from 11AM to 8PM and they are closed on Tuesdays. It’s a legend on Anna Maria Island (as was Mom, Pat Geyer). Duffy’s continues to offer beachgoers an island attitude in a ‘character’ surrounding. Stop by and see why USA Today calls it “an institution.”
A few favorite items that have been enjoyed over the years is the Jalapeño Cheeseburger, Caramelized Onion Brie Burger and Pulled Pork Carolina-style. Also try the Homemade Pastrami Sandwich, Smoked Beef Brisket or Roast Beef Sandwich as well. Very popular is the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich and their Mahi Fish Sandwich They also serve a variety of specials daily that are very people pleasing, do check them out. Wow, not just burgers anymore! Enjoy the casual lifestyle on AMI and there’s no better place for many Islanders and tourists than to make plans to chill at Duffy’s Tavern on Holmes Beach at 5808 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach (941-778-2501). Many thanks for being a Taste Dining & Travel advertiser for 33 years in every issue!
Wow, another celebration that came around so quickly! Hard to believe that the Lazy Lobster on Longboat Key is celebrating 15 years of operation. Seems way less than that when I met co-owner Michael Garey at the unopened restaurant talking about his plans. Well those plans certainly came to fruition as Garey and partners, wife Catherine, Bob Fracalossy and his wife, Kay Kwenski, have done a tremendous job in serving quality food and drink in a friendly and effi- cient atmosphere and certainly giving the people what they want. Many congratulations to them and the whole staff (who have been with them for many years)!
What’s a milestone without a celebration? Well they are cele- brating surviving two hurricanes with very minimal damage and all are thankful for that...Their recent beautiful renovations remain intact, how fortunate. To celebrate 15 years they are offering a terrific coupon in the ad next to this article with 15% off your entire check for lunch or dinner! Take a look and be sure to take advantage of this wonderful offer.
Lazy Lobster also offers early dining and a super happy hour from 3:30 to 5PM with wonderful food and drink selections to enjoy. They are also open for lunch and dinner with a welcoming outdoor din- ing area underneath a canopy of trees. Lovely! They are also partners