Jules's Guidebook

Jules
Jules's Guidebook

Food scene

Beat places for food on or off the Keys.
Siesta Key Village has all the restaurants, bars, ice cream shops, and shopping. You’ll find open air, casual dining and live music at The Hub, Siesta Key Oyster Bar, Gilligan’s, to name a few. Fantastic Italian at Flavio’s and Cafe Gabbiano. Best breakfast at Sun Garden, there’s plenty of great little spots for breakfast on both ends of The Key
91 locals recommend
Siesta Key Village
County Road 789 Alternate
91 locals recommend
Siesta Key Village has all the restaurants, bars, ice cream shops, and shopping. You’ll find open air, casual dining and live music at The Hub, Siesta Key Oyster Bar, Gilligan’s, to name a few. Fantastic Italian at Flavio’s and Cafe Gabbiano. Best breakfast at Sun Garden, there’s plenty of great little spots for breakfast on both ends of The Key
Fresh local fish to pick up and cook at home, or go for lunch for the best fish tacos on The Key. Local catches are brought in daily
32 locals recommend
Big Water Fish Market
6639 Midnight Pass Rd
32 locals recommend
Fresh local fish to pick up and cook at home, or go for lunch for the best fish tacos on The Key. Local catches are brought in daily
Fresh local fish brought in daily for eat in or pick out your own fish and seafood to cook at home.
150 locals recommend
Walt's Fish Market Restaurant
4144 S Tamiami Trail
150 locals recommend
Fresh local fish brought in daily for eat in or pick out your own fish and seafood to cook at home.
Best variety for breakfast & lunch with fresh ingredients. Open air and indoor dining. Great local vibe
44 locals recommend
Sun Garden Cafe
210 Avenida Madera
44 locals recommend
Best variety for breakfast & lunch with fresh ingredients. Open air and indoor dining. Great local vibe
Delicious choices and lots of gluten free options. A second location in downtown Sarasota.
70 locals recommend
Toasted Mango Cafe
430 N Tamiami Trail
70 locals recommend
Delicious choices and lots of gluten free options. A second location in downtown Sarasota.
Steak and seafood in the heart of Siesta Key Village. If you want a nice dinner out, best suited for adults and smaller groups.
56 locals recommend
Summer House Steak & Seafood
149 Avenida Messina
56 locals recommend
Steak and seafood in the heart of Siesta Key Village. If you want a nice dinner out, best suited for adults and smaller groups.
Upscale dining on the water. Chef-owned and run. Tucked away on the south, intercostal side of Siesta Key. Must have a reservation, perfect for special occasions or a romantic dinner
64 locals recommend
Ophelia's on the Bay
9105 Midnight Pass Rd
64 locals recommend
Upscale dining on the water. Chef-owned and run. Tucked away on the south, intercostal side of Siesta Key. Must have a reservation, perfect for special occasions or a romantic dinner
Great local coffee and full breakfast and lunch menu. Everything from smoothies, Euro coffees & wheatgrass shots to salads, soups & paninis.
52 locals recommend
Simon's Coffee House
5900 South Tamiami Trail
52 locals recommend
Great local coffee and full breakfast and lunch menu. Everything from smoothies, Euro coffees & wheatgrass shots to salads, soups & paninis.
Hippest spot on St. Armand’s Circle for drinks and dinner. Fantastic food and atmosphere
82 locals recommend
Shore St. Armands
465 John Ringling Blvd
82 locals recommend
Hippest spot on St. Armand’s Circle for drinks and dinner. Fantastic food and atmosphere
New to St. Armand’s , fantastic seafood, salads. A broad menu with a great drink selection with a fun vibe.
14 locals recommend
Speaks Clam Bar - Seafood - St Armands
29 N Boulevard of the Presidents
14 locals recommend
New to St. Armand’s , fantastic seafood, salads. A broad menu with a great drink selection with a fun vibe.
Fantastic Downtown rooftop for cocktails. Dinner is available indoor or on the outdoor patio.
17 locals recommend
Sage
1216 1st St
17 locals recommend
Fantastic Downtown rooftop for cocktails. Dinner is available indoor or on the outdoor patio.
Perspectives rooftop bar and restaurant offers one of the best views of Sarasota Bay. Tasty lite bites and craft cocktails. Best sunset show around!
10 locals recommend
Perspective Rooftop Pool Bar
1255 North Palm Avenue
10 locals recommend
Perspectives rooftop bar and restaurant offers one of the best views of Sarasota Bay. Tasty lite bites and craft cocktails. Best sunset show around!
Open for lunch and dinner. The Happy Hour menu has many options while you wait for the sunset show. Nothing beats the views here, and has a great vibe and people watching.
72 locals recommend
The Westin Sarasota
100 Marina View Dr
72 locals recommend
Open for lunch and dinner. The Happy Hour menu has many options while you wait for the sunset show. Nothing beats the views here, and has a great vibe and people watching.
There’s almost always a wait, but the back porch is a fun spot to wait, grab a beer and listen to the live music in a fun outdoor setting. The menu is seafood based and very fresh, never disappointed.
260 locals recommend
Owens Fish Camp
516 Burns Ct
260 locals recommend
There’s almost always a wait, but the back porch is a fun spot to wait, grab a beer and listen to the live music in a fun outdoor setting. The menu is seafood based and very fresh, never disappointed.
Come for the incredible food, like your Italian Nonna used to make for Sunday dinner! Local artists on site, paintings are for sale so you can take a piece of Sarasota home with you. This is a “do not miss” locals experience. 🎨🍝🍷
8 locals recommend
Cafe Barbosso
5501 Palmer Crossing Cir
8 locals recommend
Come for the incredible food, like your Italian Nonna used to make for Sunday dinner! Local artists on site, paintings are for sale so you can take a piece of Sarasota home with you. This is a “do not miss” locals experience. 🎨🍝🍷
Old school beach front restaurant that you may pass over if you weren’t looking for it. Once inside, you’ll fall in love with the outdoor patio and glistening trees that whisper in the breeze. Mar Vista’s menu gives an upscale twist on the classics, a do not miss on the list!
88 locals recommend
Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant
760 Broadway St
88 locals recommend
Old school beach front restaurant that you may pass over if you weren’t looking for it. Once inside, you’ll fall in love with the outdoor patio and glistening trees that whisper in the breeze. Mar Vista’s menu gives an upscale twist on the classics, a do not miss on the list!
Fine dining and excellent service.
43 locals recommend
Euphemia Haye Restaurant & The Haye Loft
5540 Gulf of Mexico Dr
43 locals recommend
Fine dining and excellent service.
Fine French dining, fresh seafood dishes are artfully prepared and presented.
Maison Blanche
2605 Gulf of Mexico Dr
Fine French dining, fresh seafood dishes are artfully prepared and presented.
Hottest new spot on Longboat Key. Offers fresh fish, steaks, eclectic dishes and craft cocktails. The boat dock on the inter coastal provides great backdrop while you enjoy dinner and drinks.
65 locals recommend
Shore Longboat Key
800 Broadway St
65 locals recommend
Hottest new spot on Longboat Key. Offers fresh fish, steaks, eclectic dishes and craft cocktails. The boat dock on the inter coastal provides great backdrop while you enjoy dinner and drinks.
Hip scene for sushi and Asian inspired cocktails.
10 locals recommend
KOJO
1289 North Palm Avenue
10 locals recommend
Hip scene for sushi and Asian inspired cocktails.

Beaches

Pack your cooler and beach chairs. There are 12 public access points, parking can be a challenge if you’re not there early. Or park in the larger main public lot off beach road. Larger lot also has close access to the handicapped “Mobi-mat” which gives wheelchair access through the sand. Main Siesta key public beach also has a restaurant and bathrooms.
798 locals recommend
Siesta Beach
798 locals recommend
Pack your cooler and beach chairs. There are 12 public access points, parking can be a challenge if you’re not there early. Or park in the larger main public lot off beach road. Larger lot also has close access to the handicapped “Mobi-mat” which gives wheelchair access through the sand. Main Siesta key public beach also has a restaurant and bathrooms.
A smaller and more narrow beach than Siesta Beach. Often times, less crowded and easier to grab a parking spot. Bring your own snacks and drinks, and gear, this beach is more remote and self serve!
91 locals recommend
Turtle Beach
91 locals recommend
A smaller and more narrow beach than Siesta Beach. Often times, less crowded and easier to grab a parking spot. Bring your own snacks and drinks, and gear, this beach is more remote and self serve!
Steps from St. Armand’s Circle, a great wide beach with lots of parking in the public lot.
442 locals recommend
Lido Key Beach
400 Benjamin Franklin Dr
442 locals recommend
Steps from St. Armand’s Circle, a great wide beach with lots of parking in the public lot.
Venice beaches provide a different view of the area and experience. Spend your beach day hunting for shark teeth, have lunch and drinks at Sharky’s on the pier. Plenty of public parking, public restrooms and beach showers.
138 locals recommend
Caspersen Beach
Harbor Dr
138 locals recommend
Venice beaches provide a different view of the area and experience. Spend your beach day hunting for shark teeth, have lunch and drinks at Sharky’s on the pier. Plenty of public parking, public restrooms and beach showers.
Dog friendly beach with lots of room to walk and socialize your fur babies. Attached to Casperson Beach. Easy parking and has several dog washing stations on the way out.
8 locals recommend
Paw Park Beach
1900 Harbor Drive South
8 locals recommend
Dog friendly beach with lots of room to walk and socialize your fur babies. Attached to Casperson Beach. Easy parking and has several dog washing stations on the way out.
AMI “ is north of Sarasota in Bradenton and can be laden with traffic during season, but it has a local laid back beach charm and great new pier at the very northern end. There are several different beaches you can drive and park Coquina Beach, Beer Can Island, and many smaller public access points to tuck into along the drive from Longboat Key and through the beach town.
374 locals recommend
Anna Maria Island Chamber
5313 Gulf Dr
374 locals recommend
AMI “ is north of Sarasota in Bradenton and can be laden with traffic during season, but it has a local laid back beach charm and great new pier at the very northern end. There are several different beaches you can drive and park Coquina Beach, Beer Can Island, and many smaller public access points to tuck into along the drive from Longboat Key and through the beach town.
Largest beach on Anna Maria Island, parking can be a challenge during high season. Worth the effort for beautiful sunsets.
11 locals recommend
Holmes Beach
4000 Gulf Dr
11 locals recommend
Largest beach on Anna Maria Island, parking can be a challenge during high season. Worth the effort for beautiful sunsets.
Coquina beach has several launch spots for boats and jet skis, a fantastic Tiki bar, Restaurant, public showers and gift shop. Plenty of parking too.
19 locals recommend
Coquina Beach South Boat Ramp
1465 Gulf Dr S
19 locals recommend
Coquina beach has several launch spots for boats and jet skis, a fantastic Tiki bar, Restaurant, public showers and gift shop. Plenty of parking too.
Great local spot for fishing and and picnics. Bait shop and restaurants near by.
47 locals recommend
South Jetty Beach
2000 Tarpon Center Drive
47 locals recommend
Great local spot for fishing and and picnics. Bait shop and restaurants near by.

Local commerce

The Compound Surf and clothing store. Buy Stand up paddle boards, fly fishing rods, fishing gear, beach and surf style clothing and shoes. Staff offers fishing guides and great recommendations for local water activities.
Saturdays during season, stroll the streets and find local fruit & vegetable stands, plants, flower, trendy artisan cheese, fresh breads, pastas, farm fresh eggs and more. Coffee & food vendors with seating to sit and enjoy live music.
136 locals recommend
Sarasota Farmers Market
North Lemon Avenue
136 locals recommend
Saturdays during season, stroll the streets and find local fruit & vegetable stands, plants, flower, trendy artisan cheese, fresh breads, pastas, farm fresh eggs and more. Coffee & food vendors with seating to sit and enjoy live music.
It’s a quick drive to get to St. Armand’s Circle from anywhere. Loaded with boutique shopping and restaurants to meet every craving. Shops of note: Tommy Bahamas, Lily Pulitzer, Shore, Ana’s, Apricot Lane, and Alvin’s just to name a few. St. Armand’s is a great place to explore, shop and dine. Grab an ice cream at Kilwin’s and stroll over to Lido beach for a sunset.
358 locals recommend
St Armands Circle Shops
300 St Armands Cir
358 locals recommend
It’s a quick drive to get to St. Armand’s Circle from anywhere. Loaded with boutique shopping and restaurants to meet every craving. Shops of note: Tommy Bahamas, Lily Pulitzer, Shore, Ana’s, Apricot Lane, and Alvin’s just to name a few. St. Armand’s is a great place to explore, shop and dine. Grab an ice cream at Kilwin’s and stroll over to Lido beach for a sunset.
Great resource for all things fishing, rods, reels, bait shop, SUP and kayak rentals, and fishing guides.
6 locals recommend
Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports
6018 S Tamiami Trail
6 locals recommend
Great resource for all things fishing, rods, reels, bait shop, SUP and kayak rentals, and fishing guides.
CircuSoul Yoga
4141 S Tamiami Trail
28 locals recommend
CB's Saltwater Outfitters
1249 Stickney Point Rd
28 locals recommend
Yoga and Spin classes set in a serene outdoor and indoor setting. Best teachers and variety of classes in town!
7 locals recommend
Pineapple Yoga Studio
517 S Pineapple Ave
7 locals recommend
Yoga and Spin classes set in a serene outdoor and indoor setting. Best teachers and variety of classes in town!

Traveler advice

Getting around

Free shuttles on Siesta Key

The Frog Hopper (844) 376-4467 and Johnny’s Siesta Key Free Rides 941- 928-9200 are both free, tip-based local ride service provided by the Siesta Key restaurant community. You can grab a free ride from one end of Siesta Key to the other. You can call ahead or flag one down, but please don’t forget to tip your drivers. Usual response time is 15-20 minutes if you call ahead.
Getting around

Airport Driving Service

Castle Concierge is a car and home service specialist that offers airport transportation, home grocery delivery prior to arrival and more. They have Accredited NHWA References Insured & Bonded Won Best of 2021 white glove service Sarasota Magazine Readers Choice Award https://castleconciergefl.com or call 941.504.4770 michelle@castleconciergefl.com
Getting around

Golf cart rentals

Golf carts can be an easy way to get around Siesta Key and nearby neighborhoods. There are several golf cart rental companies you can Google. I recommend Sarasota Free Golf Carts, a small company, where the owner, Jake Desrosiers, will delivery the cart to you! Www.sarasotafreegolfcartrentals.com Longboatfun@outlook.com Call his mobile direct if you like, (941) 539-1917 tell him I sent you.
Don't miss

Private boat tours

Recommended by The Compound Shop, locally run private boat tours available through Captain Barefoot, John Wessel