Guidebook for Sarasota
Drinks & Nightlife
Tavern on Main & Pizzeria
1507 Main StBest craft beer joint downtown.
Excellent brewery close to downtown Sarasota and only five blocks from the house.
24 locals recommend
JDub's Brewing Company
1215 Mango AveExcellent brewery close to downtown Sarasota and only five blocks from the house.
Excellent craft beer bar and best spot in town for local, live indie and rock bands. College/hipster bar. Good beer.
6 locals recommend
Growler's Pub
2831 N Tamiami TrailExcellent craft beer bar and best spot in town for local, live indie and rock bands. College/hipster bar. Good beer.
If you're willing to drive 10 minutes, Cock & Bull is worth it. Consistently ranked one of best bars in U.S. Some of these beers you can't find anywhere else in the region. Old celery farmhouse turned into a craft beer "tasting room". Quaint and charming with large back yard/patio area.
Cock & Bull Farmhouse ~ Pizza & Tasting Room
975 Cattlemen RdIf you're willing to drive 10 minutes, Cock & Bull is worth it. Consistently ranked one of best bars in U.S. Some of these beers you can't find anywhere else in the region. Old celery farmhouse turned into a craft beer "tasting room". Quaint and charming with large back yard/patio area.
Jack Dusty
1111 Ritz Carlton DrIf you're feeling extra classy, go to Jack Dusty in the Ritz.
Loud, smoky, and small, Memories has been around since the '40s (or something). Great spot for karaoke and watching intermingling of hipsters with old bikers/rednecks. Cheap drinks. No sleeveless shirts. You WILL smell like cigarettes.
Memories Lounge
3428 N Tamiami TrailLoud, smoky, and small, Memories has been around since the '40s (or something). Great spot for karaoke and watching intermingling of hipsters with old bikers/rednecks. Cheap drinks. No sleeveless shirts. You WILL smell like cigarettes.
Long-standing Sarasota night spot. Bar and live music stage downstairs, swanky bar with lounge upstairs. Music every night. Right downtown, and easy to sneak off to The Tavern just across the street if the smokiness bothers you.
96 locals recommend
The Gator Club
1490 Main StLong-standing Sarasota night spot. Bar and live music stage downstairs, swanky bar with lounge upstairs. Music every night. Right downtown, and easy to sneak off to The Tavern just across the street if the smokiness bothers you.
Trendy, swanky place to grab a cocktail. Right next to Florida Studio Theatre.
27 locals recommend
Social Eatery & Bar
1219 1st StTrendy, swanky place to grab a cocktail. Right next to Florida Studio Theatre.
Good place to get in some quality day drinking, especially if you like whiskey. Great house cocktail recipes.
45 locals recommend
State Street Eating House + Cocktails
1533 State StGood place to get in some quality day drinking, especially if you like whiskey. Great house cocktail recipes.
If you have time to drive up 301 to Bradenton, stop by this place for a beer. Large astroturfed outdoor seating area and plenty of live music.
80 locals recommend
Motorworks Brewing
1014 9th St WIf you have time to drive up 301 to Bradenton, stop by this place for a beer. Large astroturfed outdoor seating area and plenty of live music.
Another solid Bradenton beer maker, with GOOD live, local music. No Jimmy Buffet wannabes allowed.
21 locals recommend
Darwin Brewing and Taproom
803 17th Avenue WestAnother solid Bradenton beer maker, with GOOD live, local music. No Jimmy Buffet wannabes allowed.
Classic beer/wine only (and cash only) hangout. Walking distance from the house. This place is tiny, but good beer selection and patio out back. For dive lovers.
6 locals recommend
The Shamrock Pub
2257 Ringling BlvdClassic beer/wine only (and cash only) hangout. Walking distance from the house. This place is tiny, but good beer selection and patio out back. For dive lovers.
Cheetah Lounge
3939 N Washington BlvdFor those of you who enjoy pole dancing ladies
A little swankier than Growlers or The Tavern. Good spot for a beer or cocktail and live music. Excellent brunch on Sundays.
44 locals recommend
The Blue Rooster
1525 4th StA little swankier than Growlers or The Tavern. Good spot for a beer or cocktail and live music. Excellent brunch on Sundays.
In case you couldn't tell, I like craft beer. If you do as well, and you're on Siesta Key, this is the place for you.
11 locals recommend
3.14 Pi Craft Beer & Spirits
5263 Ocean BlvdIn case you couldn't tell, I like craft beer. If you do as well, and you're on Siesta Key, this is the place for you.
If you're into the beach / club / blue drink scene, this is the place for you.
45 locals recommend
The Beach Club
5151 Ocean BlvdIf you're into the beach / club / blue drink scene, this is the place for you.
Trendy, classic Siesta Key bar. Usually a reggae band playing. Tropical tiki vibe, if that's what you're into. Sicko.
51 locals recommend
Gilligan's Island Bar & Grill
5253 Ocean BlvdTrendy, classic Siesta Key bar. Usually a reggae band playing. Tropical tiki vibe, if that's what you're into. Sicko.
If you're partying on Siesta Key, elbow your way to the bar. Plastic cups, drunk locals, live music. It gets crowded but usually a good time.
167 locals recommend
Siesta Key Oyster Bar
5238 Ocean BlvdIf you're partying on Siesta Key, elbow your way to the bar. Plastic cups, drunk locals, live music. It gets crowded but usually a good time.
Good tropical vibes. Covered tiki cabana and indoor seating. Bayfront day drinkers paradise.
171 locals recommend
Oleary's Tiki Bar & Grill
5 Bayfront DrGood tropical vibes. Covered tiki cabana and indoor seating. Bayfront day drinkers paradise.
Downtown St. Pete is super rad! Lots of good food/beer/music. Quite charming. It's only about 40 minutes from the house. Just drive over the legendary Sunshine Skyway bridge. If you have time, it's worth it.
52 locals recommend
Cycle Brewing
534 Central AveDowntown St. Pete is super rad! Lots of good food/beer/music. Quite charming. It's only about 40 minutes from the house. Just drive over the legendary Sunshine Skyway bridge. If you have time, it's worth it.
Located in historic Ybor City, Tampa. It's like Mardi Gras over here. Tons of eye candy and things to do/eat/drink. About an hour away. Lots of venues for regional/national music acts. Excellent place to party.
27 locals recommend
New World Brewery
810 E Skagway AveLocated in historic Ybor City, Tampa. It's like Mardi Gras over here. Tons of eye candy and things to do/eat/drink. About an hour away. Lots of venues for regional/national music acts. Excellent place to party.
World-class beer drinkers' bar. Located in Gulf Gate, a kitschy little shopping plaza in South Sarasota. Tons of nearby bar, restaurants, and shops.
Mr Beery's
2645 Mall DrWorld-class beer drinkers' bar. Located in Gulf Gate, a kitschy little shopping plaza in South Sarasota. Tons of nearby bar, restaurants, and shops.
Have kids? Like bars? You'll be spending a lot of time here. Family-friendly craft beer bar with large fenced-in front yard. Plenty of seating and games.
28 locals recommend
Mandeville Beer Garden
428 N Lemon AveHave kids? Like bars? You'll be spending a lot of time here. Family-friendly craft beer bar with large fenced-in front yard. Plenty of seating and games.
A bit of a drive, but if you are into micro brewing and/or craft beer, then check it out. They've been open a little more than a year and seem to be doing very well. I recommend the Citronius IPA
21 locals recommend
Calusa Brewing
5377 Derek AveA bit of a drive, but if you are into micro brewing and/or craft beer, then check it out. They've been open a little more than a year and seem to be doing very well. I recommend the Citronius IPA
No plans on a Sunday? They do an open jam. Good crowd, waterfront, pool. Spacious tiki-style bar outside. Solid choice for oceanside drinking and seafood consumption. Good for kids.
Bearded Clam Waterfront Restaurant & Tiki Bar
7150 N Tamiami TrailNo plans on a Sunday? They do an open jam. Good crowd, waterfront, pool. Spacious tiki-style bar outside. Solid choice for oceanside drinking and seafood consumption. Good for kids.
An excellent brewpub for east Sarasotans, this place has been active for 3 years. You can find their beer all over town, but worth a stop if you're in the area.
30 locals recommend
Big Top Brewing Company
975 Cattlemen RdAn excellent brewpub for east Sarasotans, this place has been active for 3 years. You can find their beer all over town, but worth a stop if you're in the area.
Sarasota's newest micro-brewery (they're popping up everywhere). Find a DD and visit Big Top, Calusa, Brew Life & JDub's all in one day! Can you do it?
7 locals recommend
Brew Life Brewery
5765 S Beneva RdSarasota's newest micro-brewery (they're popping up everywhere). Find a DD and visit Big Top, Calusa, Brew Life & JDub's all in one day! Can you do it?
Entertainment & Activities
I think it's closing soon, but this legendary theater is walking distance.
66 locals recommend
Regal Hollywood - Sarasota
1993 Main StI think it's closing soon, but this legendary theater is walking distance.
Parkway 8 Cinema
6300 Lockwood Ridge RdYou can't beat $2 per ticket for first run movies. Classic spot.
Sarasota Lanes
2250 Fruitville RdBowling is fun!
A bit of an antiquated concept, but I've been here several times and it's a fun thing to do every year or so. One of only 7 drive-ins left in Florida.
32 locals recommend
Ruskin Family Drive-In Theatre
5011 US-41A bit of an antiquated concept, but I've been here several times and it's a fun thing to do every year or so. One of only 7 drive-ins left in Florida.
Really cool "Zoological gardens". They aren't officially a "zoo" but they have a lot of animal displays. Insects, reptiles, birds, monkeys, and copious forms of plant life. The most fun thing to do is feed the flamingos. Great for the little ones.
296 locals recommend
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
3701 Bay Shore RdReally cool "Zoological gardens". They aren't officially a "zoo" but they have a lot of animal displays. Insects, reptiles, birds, monkeys, and copious forms of plant life. The most fun thing to do is feed the flamingos. Great for the little ones.
Second largest subscriber base in the U.S. Catch a show! They do stage plays, cabaret, and improv.
74 locals recommend
Florida Studio Theatre
1241 N Palm AveSecond largest subscriber base in the U.S. Catch a show! They do stage plays, cabaret, and improv.
Like baseball? This is where the Baltimore Orioles train. Cheap way to watch some MLB action in the spring months.
54 locals recommend
Ed Smith Stadium
2700 12th StLike baseball? This is where the Baltimore Orioles train. Cheap way to watch some MLB action in the spring months.
Food Scene
This place is right across the street and has excellent, cheap tacos. I usually order a half pound of carnitas and a pound of house made corn tortillas. They include sauce/toppings and it's something like $7. Many other options.
La Primavera Supermarket & Restaurant
901 N Washington BlvdThis place is right across the street and has excellent, cheap tacos. I usually order a half pound of carnitas and a pound of house made corn tortillas. They include sauce/toppings and it's something like $7. Many other options.
Ask people what their favorite restaurant in town is and you're likely to hear this one pop up quite a bit. Pho-nominal Vietnamese place with the best spring rolls in town. Closed Sunday.
40 locals recommend
Pho Cali
1578 Main StAsk people what their favorite restaurant in town is and you're likely to hear this one pop up quite a bit. Pho-nominal Vietnamese place with the best spring rolls in town. Closed Sunday.
🍕 Il Panificio Pizzeria
1703 Main StreetBecause... Pizza. Favorite pizza. Ever. NY style. Yum.
Ben & Jerry’s
372A St Armands CirBen & Jerry's!
Diner inside John Ringling's old private train car. Tons of circus photos and memorabilia from the early 20th century.
The lot it's in looks abandoned and dilapidated, but it only looks that way.
13 locals recommend
Bob's Train
2211 Fruitville RdDiner inside John Ringling's old private train car. Tons of circus photos and memorabilia from the early 20th century.
The lot it's in looks abandoned and dilapidated, but it only looks that way.
I used to go to Starbucks, but this place is much, much better. And cheaper.
119 locals recommend
Kahwa Coffee
204 2nd Ave SI used to go to Starbucks, but this place is much, much better. And cheaper.
Station 400
400 N Lemon AveTrendy brunch spot.
Word of Mouth Downtown
711 S Osprey AveGreat spot for breakfast, brunch, or lunch.
Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi
100 Central AveLike sushi? Check this place out.
This place has been around since Harry Truman was president. Great burgers, shakes and fries. Classic American burger joint.
8 locals recommend
Hob Nob Drive In Restaurant
1701 N Washington BlvdThis place has been around since Harry Truman was president. Great burgers, shakes and fries. Classic American burger joint.
Boston Market
5002 Cortez Rd WI love Boston Market. Sadly, this is the only one in the area.
Five-O Donut Co
2241 Ringling BlvdNeed donuts? I usually do. This is where I go.
Legendary seaside restaurant. There's another location near Siesta Beach. Perfect spot to drink beer and eat a deep-fried hot dog whilst wearing swim trunks.
80 locals recommend
The Old Salty Dog City island
1601 Ken Thompson PkwyLegendary seaside restaurant. There's another location near Siesta Beach. Perfect spot to drink beer and eat a deep-fried hot dog whilst wearing swim trunks.
Locals know about this place. World-class burgers and endless pints of quality brew. Great place to visit on the way to/from Siesta Key.
16 locals recommend
Shakespeare's Craft Beer and Gastro Pub
3550 S Osprey AveLocals know about this place. World-class burgers and endless pints of quality brew. Great place to visit on the way to/from Siesta Key.
Sun Garden Cafe
210 Avenida MaderaDelightful restaurant. Highly recommended.
If for some strange reason you are lurking near Palmetto, FL, Rodney's is cheap, fast, and delicious. Yuge portions. Highly recommended.
Rodney's Jamaican Grill
420 8th Ave WIf for some strange reason you are lurking near Palmetto, FL, Rodney's is cheap, fast, and delicious. Yuge portions. Highly recommended.
Another solid choice for Vietnamese cuisine if you're in North Sarasota. These girls are super sweet.
LeAnh's Vietnamese Restaurant
2901 N Tamiami TrailAnother solid choice for Vietnamese cuisine if you're in North Sarasota. These girls are super sweet.
Widely considered the best restaurant in town. It's expensive and worth every penny.
80 locals recommend
Indigenous Restaurant
239 S Links AveWidely considered the best restaurant in town. It's expensive and worth every penny.
With some of the best seafood in town, this place has a lovely back yard with lots of tables and a stage for live music. Not crazy expensive, either. Good choice for a nice dinner out.
260 locals recommend
Owens Fish Camp
516 Burns CtWith some of the best seafood in town, this place has a lovely back yard with lots of tables and a stage for live music. Not crazy expensive, either. Good choice for a nice dinner out.
Believe it or not, Sarasota has a large Mennonite population and Der Dutchman is a dream buffet of perfectly crafted home cookin'. If you like fried chicken, roast beef, green beans, mashed taters, and corn, then this place is a MUST.
57 locals recommend
Der Dutchman Sarasota
3713 Bahia Vista StBelieve it or not, Sarasota has a large Mennonite population and Der Dutchman is a dream buffet of perfectly crafted home cookin'. If you like fried chicken, roast beef, green beans, mashed taters, and corn, then this place is a MUST.
Great, cheap spot to get any kind of sandwich you could reasonably want. Decor hasn't changed much since 1981
12 locals recommend
Main Bar Sandwich Shop
1944 Main StGreat, cheap spot to get any kind of sandwich you could reasonably want. Decor hasn't changed much since 1981
Great choice for breakfast or brunch. As a bonus, they serve liquor (i.e. Bloody Mary time).
70 locals recommend
Toasted Mango Cafe
430 N Tamiami TrailGreat choice for breakfast or brunch. As a bonus, they serve liquor (i.e. Bloody Mary time).
My pick for Chinese buffet aficionados. Large selection, plenty of seating, central location. Sometimes you need seven pounds of lo mein.
Oriental Buffet
4458 Bee Ridge RoadMy pick for Chinese buffet aficionados. Large selection, plenty of seating, central location. Sometimes you need seven pounds of lo mein.
If you're stranded on University Boulevard, or just got out of a movie at Parkway 8, this is solid option for a pint and a helping of cottage pie. British pub through and through.
The White Horse Pub
6240 Lockwood Ridge RoadIf you're stranded on University Boulevard, or just got out of a movie at Parkway 8, this is solid option for a pint and a helping of cottage pie. British pub through and through.
A fun place to bring the family... Haven't been there in years but have fond memories. Ramshackle, sea-themed decor. Try one of the combo pots.
57 locals recommend
Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar
5353 S Tamiami TrailA fun place to bring the family... Haven't been there in years but have fond memories. Ramshackle, sea-themed decor. Try one of the combo pots.
If you like Denny's and Waffle House but want the "real" version, this is the place. Gets crowded, but it's cheap and tasty. Great for hangovers on a budget.
7 locals recommend
Crager's Restaurant
7218 N Tamiami TrailIf you like Denny's and Waffle House but want the "real" version, this is the place. Gets crowded, but it's cheap and tasty. Great for hangovers on a budget.
Ate here with my parents a few weeks ago, and holy crap. If you find yourself on Clark Road in need of some excellent Italian cuisine, Goodfellas will win you over. Pizza, Pasta, sandwiches. They do it right.
Goodfellas Cafe & Winery
4571 Clark RdAte here with my parents a few weeks ago, and holy crap. If you find yourself on Clark Road in need of some excellent Italian cuisine, Goodfellas will win you over. Pizza, Pasta, sandwiches. They do it right.
Great sandwich shop located on the first floor an office tower downtown. Sandwiches are about $10 a pop and boy, are they worth it. Great for carry out.
Michelle's Brown Bag Cafe
1819 Main StGreat sandwich shop located on the first floor an office tower downtown. Sandwiches are about $10 a pop and boy, are they worth it. Great for carry out.
Very charming spot located in Payne Park with live music on Fridays & Saturdays (usually). Friendly staff, outdoor seating. Adjacent to Sarasota PD and skate park.
Cafe in the Park
2010 Adams LnVery charming spot located in Payne Park with live music on Fridays & Saturdays (usually). Friendly staff, outdoor seating. Adjacent to Sarasota PD and skate park.
Sightseeing
This is a fun place to kill an hour or two. Walk the docks, see all the boats. Visit Island Park and sit by the dolphin fountain, or check out O'Leary's tiki bar. Plenty of grass as well. Good views of downtown and Sarasota Bay.
257 locals recommend
marina jacks
2 Marina PlazaThis is a fun place to kill an hour or two. Walk the docks, see all the boats. Visit Island Park and sit by the dolphin fountain, or check out O'Leary's tiki bar. Plenty of grass as well. Good views of downtown and Sarasota Bay.
Super cool aquarium. Pet rays and other things! They have manatees and a bunch of exhibits.
532 locals recommend
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
1600 Ken Thompson PkwySuper cool aquarium. Pet rays and other things! They have manatees and a bunch of exhibits.
Parks & Nature
A big, white sand beach adjacent to a shaded park with plenty of grills and picnic tables.
29 locals recommend
South Lido Park
2201 Benjamin Franklin DrA big, white sand beach adjacent to a shaded park with plenty of grills and picnic tables.
Siesta Beach
Ranked #1 beach in the U.S. by Forbes Magazine.
Check out what Florida looked like one million years ago. This vast expanse of scrub palm is crawling with gators and other wild life. Cool way to spend an afternoon... a bit rough in the summer, however.
382 locals recommend
Myakka River State Park
13208 State Rd 72Check out what Florida looked like one million years ago. This vast expanse of scrub palm is crawling with gators and other wild life. Cool way to spend an afternoon... a bit rough in the summer, however.
These gardens are botanical. Very pretty. Right downtown.
433 locals recommend
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
1534 Mound StThese gardens are botanical. Very pretty. Right downtown.
Essentials
Because... eventually, you'll need groceries. Or not.
40 locals recommend
Publix Super Market at Broadway Promenade
1044 N Tamiami TrailBecause... eventually, you'll need groceries. Or not.
Whole Foods Market
1451 1st StIn case you need expensive, yummy groceries.
Shell
300 N Washington BlvdGood place to buy beer. Also, Dunkin Donuts attached.
Sarasota Memorial Hospital
1700 S Tamiami TrailJust in case...
Hey, it's random, but if you need any micro-blading (semi-permanent eyebrows) or lash work done, these are you girls.
Lash Studio SRQ
6623 Gateway AveHey, it's random, but if you need any micro-blading (semi-permanent eyebrows) or lash work done, these are you girls.
Publix Super Market at Bay Street
2031 Bay StPublix, Publix, Everywhere.
Venture south for Trader Joe's, hands down my favorite grocery store in town. Also very close to Best Buy and Barnes & Noble (anyone buy books anymore...?)
110 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
4101 S Tamiami TrailVenture south for Trader Joe's, hands down my favorite grocery store in town. Also very close to Best Buy and Barnes & Noble (anyone buy books anymore...?)
Arts & Culture
John Ringling's house. Built in the 1920s, U.S. registered historic site. Beautiful grounds with huge bayside promenade. Take a tour of the house, it's cool.
87 locals recommend
Ca d'Zan
5401 Bay Shore RdJohn Ringling's house. Built in the 1920s, U.S. registered historic site. Beautiful grounds with huge bayside promenade. Take a tour of the house, it's cool.
About 3 miles north, this is a fun place to visit if you are into 19th century Romantic artwork. Private collection of John Ringling. Free on Mondays.
540 locals recommend
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
5401 Bay Shore RdAbout 3 miles north, this is a fun place to visit if you are into 19th century Romantic artwork. Private collection of John Ringling. Free on Mondays.
Great selection of old, famous, or just plain kick-ass vehicles. History, man. They also do a lot of live music, mostly tribute acts i.e. "Buddy Holly tribute" or "Johnny Cash tribute". Right across the street from Ringling Museum.
60 locals recommend
Sarasota Classic Car Museum
5500 N Tamiami TrailGreat selection of old, famous, or just plain kick-ass vehicles. History, man. They also do a lot of live music, mostly tribute acts i.e. "Buddy Holly tribute" or "Johnny Cash tribute". Right across the street from Ringling Museum.