About Us

The Ugly Grouper is a local, laid-back restaurant located on Anna Maria Island, Florida. It started with a pretty simple idea: create a fun, outdoor spot where people could relax, eat great local seafood, listen to live music, and enjoy the island vibe — but with a quirky twist.

The name “The Ugly Grouper” comes from the fact that grouper fish (which is super popular to eat in Florida) aren’t exactly known for being the prettiest fish in the sea — they’re kind of big, rough, and, well… ugly!
So the founders decided to embrace the humor in that and build the brand around it.

One of the big centerpieces — the massive Ugly Grouper metal statue — was custom-built by a local artist, who used scrap metal to create it. The idea was to have something really unique that people would want to take pictures with, and it quickly became a local icon and a must-stop photo op on Anna Maria Island.

Over time, the Ugly Grouper became known not just for its food (especially grouper sandwiches and fresh seafood), but also for its:
   •    Outdoor dining
   •    Live music
   •    Family-friendly atmosphere
   •    Kids play area & games

It’s really a mix of island casual, and a big focus on community — especially after surviving hurricanes and rebuilding stronger.
The restaurant today has a huge outdoor patio, tons of live entertainment, and remains a popular spot for both locals and tourists.