I’ve traveled to some pretty extraordinary places in search of transcendent meals, but sometimes the most magical food experiences happen when you least expect them, hiding in plain sight on a sunny Florida island.
The Ugly Grouper in Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island isn’t trying to be fancy, and that’s precisely its charm.
This open-air eatery with its weathered wood and laid-back vibe has mastered something special – seafood that’s so fresh and well-prepared it makes you wonder why you’d ever eat anything else.
While the restaurant’s name spotlights the grouper (which is indeed exceptional), it’s their shrimp tacos that nearly made me miss my flight home…