The Top 10 Sarasota Blog
Top10Sarasota.com is dedicated to bringing you information on the best that Sarasota has to offer. But let’s face it– not everything in Sarasota can be perfect. That’s why we’ve added a blog spot to Top 10 Sarasota. Here, you’ll get the latest additions and reviews… the good, the bad, and the ugly. We’ll also bring you information on Sarasota events, so visit often if you’re looking for up-to-date information for all things Sarasota.
3800 S. Tamiami Trail - (941) 366-3100 | map | website
We’ve been dying to find more good pizza places in Sarasota. So we took a coupon from our 2007 Entertainment Book
for Crusty’s Pizza. Crusty’s is a ‘genuine’ hole-in-the-wall sort of place. It’s located on the desolate southside of Paradise Plaza on 41 and Bee Ridge (in the Border’s shopping center– it’s around the south corner of the CVS). Stepping inside, we were transported to a 70s-style Chicago pizzeria, complete with red vinyl seats, duct-taped vinyl booths, and mirrored walls. There’s even a three-seater bar. We cozied up in a booth and ordered the nachos to start. They were definitely homemade style– nothing fancy, just genuinely tasty and piled high with chili, olives, and mounds of melted cheese. We then ordered a large Chicago-style thin crust pizza. We opted for the monthly special, the Buffalo Chicken Pizza– an unusual combination of cheddar and gorgonzola cheeses, chunks of Buffalo sauce-drenched chicken chunks, bits of celery, all drizzled with Ranch dressing. The pizza was cut into squares, Chicago-style, and was truly delicious. The menu is full of typical fare such as sandwiches, salads, and a few Italian dishes. But Crusty’s is a pizza place, and we’re going to recommend it for the Top 10 in the pizza category.
Key words: Italian food, pizza, mid-town Sarasota, bar, family-friendly
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2045 Bahia Vista St - map | menu
You may have passed by this hole-in-the wall ribs joint on Bahia Vista, right across from the Michael’s on East center. We love local eateries, so we decided to try the Roadside Rib Shack. Chris ordered the Sampler Platter, which includes ribs, chicken, and pork. He got the potato salad and collard greens on the side. I got the Chicken & Ribs combo with mac & cheese and corn. The ribs were falling off the bone and had a nice crust. The chicken was unbelievably juicy and meaty. Chris’ pork was tender. The potato salad thankfully didn’t have all the sugar that so many places mistakenly add. Collards were actually great– not woodsy or stemmy at all. My mac & cheese and corn were good, but the mac & cheese did sort of taste like it was made from the box. The best part was that they put two BBQ sauces on the side (regular and hot); the hot sauce was out of this world! Overall, we were pleased with our experience (we’ll put it on the Top 10 for now), though we still prefer CBQ over any other place we’ve found so far.
Key words: mid-town Sarasota, ribs, casual, local food
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5495 Fruitville Rd - (941) 379-4444 | map — also at 5733 Clark Rd - (941) 927-8836 | map | website
With our Entertainment Book coupon in hand, we got take-out from Wings N Weenies on Fruitville (there’s another location on Clark). We ordered 15 “hot” wings, an order of “famous” curly fries, a Chicago dog, and a jumbo all-beef hot dog. After hearing how great Wings N Weenies was, we were extremely disappointed with the “hot” wings– “hot” in quotes because they were anything BUT hot. The fries were soggy as a wet dog. Speaking of dogs, the Chicago dog was wonderfully loaded up with the peppers and pickle you’re looking for. Unfortunately, my jumbo all-beef hot dog was charred to a crisp and took forever to even chew into something I could swallow. Along with crummy food, we got crummy service. On top of that, they wouldn’t take the coupon for take out. We’re usually big cheerleaders for mom ‘n pop places in Sarasota, but for wings, we’ll go with the big chain restaurant on this one– Buffalo Wild Wings.
Key words: multiple locations, wings, hot dogs, family friendly, take out
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3713 Bahia Vista St - (941) 955-8007 | map | website
Sarasota has a decent Amish population, so we’ve got quite a few Amish restaurants around town. For our first go at an Amish place, we decided to try Troyer’s, a massive Amish restaurant with a furniture and gift shop inside. We’d heard lots about how the huge portions and great value, so we were looking forward to full bellies and leftovers for lunch the next day. We both got the salad bar, which was, frankly, depressingly bad. The salad actually looked sad and wilted, the toppings weren’t that great, and the mixed salads (pasta, potato, bean, etc) were doused with too much sugar. For entrees, I got the “Better than Chicken,” which was a chicken breast covered with cheese, bacon, and mushrooms, with a side of onion rings. Chris got the fried chicken with sweet potato fries. Both dishes were okay, though my onion rings were on the soggy side. Dessert was a hot fudge brownie for me and raspberry pie for Chris. Mine was good, but nothing special. Chris’ pie seemed to be filled with canned raspberry filling, so we weren’t impressed. Overall, we were disappointed with the quality and the quantity was nothing more than what you’d get at Denny’s. In fact, the food was overpriced for what you got. We won’t be going back.
Key words: Amish restaurant, mid-town Sarasota, family friendly
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3604 Webber St - (941) 926-8486 | map | website
We’re always on the watch for great pizza, so we recently used our Entertainment Book
coupon for Vito’s Pizza and Stromboli. We ordered the White Garlic Tomato pizza and a Philly Cheese Steak stromboli. The pizza had a great garlic flavor, and the stromboli was enormous, packed with lots of steak, onions, bell peppers, and cheese. Although we weren’t disappointed per se, we felt that everything was just “pretty good”– not outstanding enough to make it to the Top 10. We’ll keep on looking for amazing pizza at a great price.
Key words: pizza, stromboli, calzones, mid-town Sarasota, family-friendly
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FYI - Now though Wednesday, January 31, you can join the National Arbor Day Foundation and they’ll send you 5 crapemyrtles for the $10 membership fee. You’ll also get a free subscription to two of the Foundation’s magazines. The trees will be 6 - 12 inches when they ship sometime between February and April, the right planting time for this tree. The National Arbor Day Foundation guarantees the trees will grow or they’ll replace them for free. This is one of the cheapest landscaping items I’ve ever heard of. The best part is, you’ll contribute to beautiful scenery and help keep the atmosphere clean.
Send your $10 check to:
Five Crapemyrtles, National Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Harbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410
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1962 Main St - (941) 366-7653 | map | website
Main Book Shop is a huge discount book store downtown. This multi-level store has more than just books, too– peruse the old music collection or the awesome vintage ad prints and postcards (my favorite part). You might not find every book or the hottest titles here, but you will find loads of popular books at much lower prices than the big chains. Main Book Shop’s location across the street from the movie theater makes it a great place to spend some time before or after a show. Main Book Shop is “so” mom-and-pop that they have beautiful kitties roaming the store (so if you’re allergic to cats, you might be careful here). We definitely recommend and support this local merchant.
Key words: discount bookstore, downtown
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There’s some fun stuff going on this weekend in town and nearby.
Are you a fan of the hit show Dancing With the Stars? The show is on the road and will be at the St. Pete Times Forum. Tickets are $48.50 - $58.50. Try our ticket outlet 
or go to the St. Pete Times Forum website.
Also, don’t forget about Miss Saigon at the Player’s Theater right here in Sarasota. This classic play will run through January 28. Check out the website for more information.
Coming up at the Van Wezel, former mayor Rudy Giuliani will give an important lecture on 9/11 and the days that followed. This is a great history lesson that speaks to today’s events. Lectures at 10:30am and 7pm. Visit the Van Wezel website for ticket information.
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1987 Ringling Blvd - (941) 953-3313 | map | website
I grew up in California, so the menu at California Bistro Grill sounded familiar: fancy-sounding sandwiches, embellished salads, modern wraps (this is actually ‘bar fare’ in California, if you can believe it). Chris ordered the California Cheese Steak combo: a sandwich that sounded like a Philly with a choice of soup, salad, or fries. I ordered the Garlic Chicken Feta sandwich combo. We both opted for the salad with the Gorgonzola dressing, which ended up being a bit watery, though tasty. Both combos came with a drink. Despite the staple ingredients, Chris’ California/Philly lacked flavor. In contrast, my Garlic Chicken Feta was quite flavorful (and, as usual with me, lasted for an extra lunch, even though it was the size of an average burger). For what we got, we felt it was overpriced– is that a sandwich-shop thing? Luckily, we used our Entertainment Book 
coupon for $6 off. Sorry for the lack of pictures this time. We were hungry.
Key words: downtown Sarasota, lunch fare
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1995 Main St - (941) 906-9500 | map
Sometimes, you get great quality at a great price. Other times, you just get what you pay for. Our pre-cinema dinner at Bravo & Joffrey’s was the latter. Bravo & Joffrey’s is that pizza/subs place right next to the AMC theater downtown. The prices are incredible and perfect for families on a budget– $3 for half of any sandwich; sandwich and soup or salad combos for just $4.95; and huge slices of cheese pizza for just $2.75. I ordered the lasagna, which came with a big pile of speghetti and a huge garlic roll for just $4.95. Chris ordered the pepperoni stromboli at just $4.25 (no extra sides). I somehow ended up with the Chicken Parmesan, which I definitely didn’t order. Both of us ended up with barely lukewarm food with flavor that would have embarrassed a frozen Lean Cuisine.
Key words: downtown, Italian food, subs, cheap eats, next to theater
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3701 Bay Shore Dr - (941) 355-5305 | map | website
Located at the back of a quiet residential area, Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a little slice of paradise. The grounds are lush with native plants and gorgeous palms. There are endless walking trails that wind through the animal exhibits and beautiful landscape. Kids will love the kiddie play area, and can even enjoy a pony ride for just a few dollars (a couple of extra bucks will get you a photo, too). There’s a small cafe with basic foods and a gift shop with animal-themed clothes and knick-knacks. You’ll love the amazing exotic parrots, alligators, crocs, birds of prey, turtles, and even a few monkeys. Be sure to take in one of the educational shows as well. Sarasota Jungle Gardens offers you a chance to escape from the noise and clutter of city living. It’s just $12 for adults, $11 for seniors over 62, and just $8 for kids– a great bargain for a bit of heaven. We used our Entertainment Book for a buy one, get one free admission. Nice deal!
Key words: family fun, inexpensive, near the water, north Sarasota, day outing
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660 S. Washington Blvd. - (941) 952-0555 | map
Come eat with Elvis at the Waffle Stop! You’ve passed this Sarasota staple at the 301/41 junction a million times. The Waffle Stop is known for having fed Elvis back in the late 50’s, but step inside this tiny breakfast spot and you’ll know it better for its home cooking. Chris ordered the Bleu Suede Burger, a monstrous burger with bleu cheese and all the fixings. I ordered the Hunka Burnin’ Love Omlete, a deliciously spicy omlete with chunks of burger, green and red peppers, onions, and a spicy cheesy sauce. We also split the biscuits and gravy. The biscuits were maybe a bit flat, but the gravy was as good as Mom makes– creamy with chunks of savory meats. The service was prompt and friendly as we enjoyed the Elvis memorabilia. We even got to take a photo with The King’s statue on the way out. Even with all that food and atmosphere, Chris & I left spending less than $20 for the both of us. (By the way, the Waffle Stop only takes cash– something we learned the hard way.) The Waffle Stop is a *must* if you’re looking for a bit of real Sarasota.
Key words: breakfast and lunch only, cash only, cheap eats, midtown Sarasota, local favorite
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1301 N. Washington Blvd - (941) 954-4281 | map
Chris and I got a flyer in our mailbox for Sub-Conscious, a little sub shack on 301/Washington Blvd between 13th & 14th. The menu sounded tasty. Chris ordered the King Kong sandwich, so called because it’s huge: 1/3 lb of Philly steak, 1/3 lb chicken breast, and 1/3 lb roasted pork loin on a 9 1/2 inch sub roll. I opted for a ham & cheese with everything (you can ask for the cold sandwiches grilled). We shared a side order of onion rings. Chris’ King Kong could have been great, but it was painfully dry. He ended up having to add mayo and mustard. My ham & cheese was quite tasty and not at all dry, since I got it topped with the works. The onion rings were extremely soggy and undercooked, so they went mostly untouched. Sub-Conscious is way too pricey for the “sub”-par quality at dinner time, but they might be worth a shot for their great lunch deals if you happen to be in the area. Feel free to leave a comment if you’ve had a different experience at Sub-Conscious.
Key words: mid-town Sarasota, subs, lunch specials
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525 Bay Isles Pkwy - (941) 383-3475 | map | website
For a romantic dinner recently, we used our Entertainment Book coupon and headed over to Mattison’s Steakhouse on Longboat Key. Stepping inside, we were instantly pleased with the warm setting and upscale feel/decor of the restaurant. The bar area looked great just to have a cocktail, and there was tasteful live music to enjoy. For an appetizer, we had Oysters Rockefeller, which was divine and very rich. We shared a Cesar Salad (a REAL one, with anchovies) before our main courses. It was the Filet Mignon for Chris and the Grouper with truffled mashed potatoes for me. The potatoes were the best we’ve ever tasted. The grouper was flaky and perfectly cooked. The filet was a bit overdone, and the waitress was more than happy to return it to the kitchen. She even bought us some drinks for our trouble. For dessert, we ordered Bananas Foster, which was cooked tableside and had that delicious melted sugar and rich ice cream that you expect. We were extremely pleased and impressed with the service and food. Mattison’s Steakhouse on Longboat Key has an older crowd and upscale feel, so dress accordingly. Highly recommended.
Key words: Longboat Key, romantic restaurant, fine dining, reservations needed
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2724 Stickney Point Road - (941) 924-1611 | map
We randomly stopped at Ichiban one night on our way to a movie. The place was small, but with a decent amount of seating and comfy decor. Ichiban offers an all-you-can-eat sushi menu, which includes a salad with ginger dressing and miso soup, for about $18 (leftover sushi was $1.50 each piece). We opted to order separately. We each had the miso soup, which was as tasty as any other miso. We followed that with the edamame. It was quite bland compared to others I’ve tried, but the portion was generous. Then we ordered the Matina Roll (salmon, cream cheese, scallions, tuna, and avocado on top) and the spicy tuna roll. The sushi wasn’t awful, but it definitely didn’t make it to the Top 10. The fish was a bit too mushy, and the rolls were sloppily put together. They even put the ends of the rolls on our plate– you know, the butt ends that have nothing but some seaweed and rice, but no sushi. Service was prompt and friendly, but we were not impressed with the food and won’t be returning.
Key words: south Sarasota, sushi, Japanese food, Chinese food, all-you-can-eat, wine and beer only
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126 N Orange Ave - (941) 330-9100 | map | website
When it comes to beauty salons and spas, I’m a real stickler for great service and quality. Throw in affordable prices, and I’m a life customer. I’m extremely happy to report that I found all three qualities at Kubota Day Salon & Spa. You’ve probably driven by this place a million times without noticing it, and from the outside, it doesn’t look big enough to house a full-service salon and spa. But looks are deceiving. Inside is an extremely clean establishment that offers full salon services, body hair removal, massage, nails, facials, makeup, spray tanning, and products. I was helped by a woman named Shoko, who provided amazing service with a genuine smile. The prices absolutely cannot be beat. Check their website– you’ll see. Highly, highly recommended.
Key words: downtown Sarasota, full service salon, day spa
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328 John Ringling Blvd - (941) 388-0155 | map | website
Armed with our Entertainment Book coupon, Chris and I headed down to St. Armand’s Circle for lunch at Lido Grille. We indulged in the Lobster Dip appetizer, which was as delicious as promised– big chunks of lobster, salty Asiago cheese, spinach leaves, and mushrooms. I got the Blue Note burger, which is 1/3 beef with melted gorgonzola and onion cream sauce. It was excellent and cooked to perfection. Chris got the Real Grouper Sandwich, which came with a very tasty tartar sauce speckled with capers. The drinks were strong, too. Service was a bit slow, but the restaurant appeared understaffed. Overall, the prices aren’t too bad for a good restaurant on St. Armand’s. They’ve got a nice happy hour M-F as well.
Key words: St. Armand’s circle, reasonable prices, lunch menu, outdoor seating
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230 Shopping Ave - (941) 366-0954 | map | website
This tiny shop in an oft-overlooked shopping center is one of the most unique (and reasonably priced) specialty shops in town. Sarasota Emporium is a haven for hippie-esque gifts, collectible LPs (in original sleeves), unique cards and calendars, shirts, jewelry… you get the idea. They also do framing for their extensive collection of one-of-a-kind posters and prints, or bring in your own favorites to frame. Set aside a few hours and explore all the nooks and crannies at Sarasota Emporium.
Key words: near downtown, specialty boutique, unique gifts, reasonable prices
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6392 N Lockwood Ridge Rd - (941) 360-8065 - map | website
We had a coupon for Filippo’s Pizzeria from the 2007 Sarasota/Bradenton Entertainment Book (highly recommended, especially for local restaurants. Get $5 off any 2007 book purchase, plus, free shipping if you order 2 or more books). After visiting the website, we were happy to see very reasonable prices, as well a full bar and friendly ambiance. It was somewhat busy on a Sunday at 7pm, but we were seated right away. And then… we waited. And waited. No one approached us. No one looked at us. No one even stopped by to say that they were understaffed (or whatever the problem was) and they would be with us ASAP. We waited for a full 15 minutes before someone finally took our drink order. They said they would also bring bread, which they didn’t. Needless to say, this was not a good impression.
I started with the soup of the day (white bean soup), while Chris ordered the Martha’s Vineyard salad with their special raspberry vinaigrette dressing (too sweet for us, it turned out). For the main dish, Chris ordered the pasta putanesca ($14.99), while I opted for the “most popular baked ziti special” ($9.95).
Chris really liked his spaghetti, and the portion was generous. My ziti was, in a word, enormous. It had to have been a full box of pasta on there. It was steaming hot with lots of melted cheese on top and a thick layer of ricotta underneath. For $10, I couldn’t complain, especially because it ended up lasting me for 3 more lunches.
This is a family-friendly spot (for the earlier dinner hours) in north Sarasota with reasonable prices. Don’t count on decent or prompt service, though. And if you get any bread, please save a piece for us!
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3131 South Tamiami Trail Suite 202 - (941) 953-5340 - map | website
Dr. Lori Abrams and her staff have provided some of the best service at an Ob/Gyn that I have experienced. The staff is professional, helpful, and patient. They really go above and beyond the call of duty. For instance, when my husband and I were unemployed with no insurance or income, Dr. Abrams’ staff helped me locate resources to get my medications at no cost. It was a God-send when I needed it most. Interestingly, the office has teamed up with outside doctors who provide Botox, lipo, facial peels, and other minor cosmetic procedures. All we need now is a martini bar!
Key words: Mid-town Sarasota, on the trail, doctor, Ob/Gyn, female staff
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220 Shopping Ave - (941) 365-8882 | map
This brand new buffet opened in a little shopping center near where we live, in the same center where the old Publix, LTM, the Glass Slipper, and the Dollar General (edit: Dollar General at this location is closed) are. The establishments at this shopping center haven’t had much luck staying open– but we really think that New China King Buffet has a chance! We thought it was owned by the same people who run the Oriental Buffet on Bee Ridge because they look so similar, but they’re independent of each other. New China King has an equally massive spread of all kinds of Chinese food, from sweet & sour chicken to fried rice and everything in between. They also have a Mongolian BBQ, sushi, and some kid-friendly choices like pizza, fries, and onion rings, as well as a great dessert spread. There’s plenty of seating, which is a good thing– we think this place is going to become exceedingly popular in town. Prices are extremely reasonable, especially the all-you-can-eat lunch for just $7. They also have a menu for take-out. Yummy!
Key words: near downtown Sarasota, buffet, Chinese food, cheap eats
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5401 Bay Shore Road - (941) 359-5700 | map | website
A trip to Sarasota isn’t complete without visiting the Ringling Museum. The museum is on a big plot of land and features an art museum, a circus museum, and the famous Ca d’Zan ("House of John," the Ringling’s mansion) with its spectacular grounds and views. There’s also a cafe and gift shops. The Ringling Museum always has some special events and workshops, so visit the website for the latest news.
Key words: tourist attraction, museum, local favorite, popular, family friendly
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4067 Clark Rd - (941) 922-5554 | map | website
Beer. Wings. Sports. This about sums up this very lively bar in a somewhat unlikely place in south Sarasota. This is THE place to be for the big game– it’s so popular, in fact, that you’d better get there at least an hour before the game. The food is typical bar menu but tasty. We tried the hottest wings they had an nearly had to call an ambulance. Family friendly and patio seating available as well.
Key words: south Sarasota, sports bar, family friendly, popular
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4944 South Tamiami Trail - (941) 921-5503 | map | website
Yes, Cheeburger Cheeburger is a chain restaurant, but they’ve managed to maintain quality food served home-style. Based on John Belushi’s popular Saturday Night Live skit, Cheeburger Cheeburger features down-home American cooking, large portions, and made-to-order menu items. Because they make everything on the spot, the service is probably slower than you’d expect, but it’s well worth it. The theme is decidedly 50s, so you’ll get a huge shake & malt menu, as well as flavored sodas. Cheeburger Cheeburger has hamburgers in several sizes, including their massive 1-pound burger (eat the whole thing and you’ll get your picture on the wall). You also have a large menu of burger toppings, all free with your burger order. Definitely try a basket of frings– half french fries, half onion rings . . . the best of both worlds.
Key words: American food, burgers, home style service and food, casual dining, south Sarasota
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1 South School Ave - (941) 906-1760 | map | website
After getting married, buying a house, and starting a home business all in the same year, my husband and I had quite a shock when we went to go file our taxes online as we had in the past. We decided that it would be worth our while to invest in a good accountant to show us the ropes and steer us right. John Campbell & Associates ended up being our first choice, and we couldn’t be happier with John and his excellent staff.
Key words: downtown Sarasota, professional services, accountant
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4458 Bee Ridge Rd - (941) 377-6699 | map
We’re serious– this is one of the best buffets we’ve ever tried. It’s a huge place with 4 massive buffet tables, featuring everything from sweet & sour chicken, to chicken wings, to beef & broccoli, to rice . . . you get the idea. They also serve fresh sushi and a variety of desserts. The big attraction is the mongolian BBQ table towards the back. Pick your meat and veggies and watch their chef cook it up for you right in front of your eyes. Great value for the money and the food is always fresh and delicious. The Oriental Buffet has been voted Sarasota’s best buffet for 8 years in a row, if that tells you anything.
Key words: buffet, mid-town Sarasota, local favorite, Chinese food, Japanese food, BBQ, good value, family friendly
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| Categories: Hotels. |
Do you have a favorite hotel here in Sarasota? Please share your thoughts and opinions on the hotels in Sarasota right here on Top10Sarasota.com. Your suggestion can help our local merchants, and it might be featured on Top10Sarasota.com!
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Sarasota homeowners, renters, and seasonal residents take a lot of pride in their homes. That’s why we love to shop for home & garden goods and supplies– it helps keep our city as beautiful as ever!
If you love to shop for home & garden supplies and you have a favorite spot to shop, please send in your suggestion! Top10Sarasota.com may feature your favorite local merchant on the site!
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Are you a golf fan? Do you love to fish in the local waters? Where are your favorite spots?
Send in your suggestion! You’ll help visitors and residents share all of Sarasota’s great golfing & fishing resources. Your suggestion may be featured on Top10Sarasota.com!
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When it comes to buying electronics, you want to make sure you’re getting the best service, the best selection, all at the best prices.
Do you have a favorite electronics outlet in Sarasota? Send in your suggestion and it may be featured on Top10Sarasota.com!
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Where are your favorite places to shop for clothing and accessories in Sarasota? Do you have a great local merchant that you think should make it to the Top 10? Send in your suggestion and it may be featured on Top10Sarasota.com!
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1517 State St - (941) 957-6400 | map | website
Urban Oasis is conveniently located on State Street, one block south of Main Street downtown. Step inside and you’re instantly transported to a relaxing place far away from the busy streets outside. Urban Oasis offers waxing, manicures, pedicures, skin care, massages, and more for both men and women. Linda, the spa owner, is a fantastic professional at what she does. She has only the best people working for her. The staff at Urban Oasis love what they do and it shows. Urban Oasis is also a great place for hard-to-find makeup (Urban Decay brand– love it) and really, really cute artisan jewelry and knickknacks– perfect for a very unique gift for any occasion.
Key words: downtown, day spa, nail salon, massages, waxing
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1991 Main St # 109 - (941) 365-8165 | map | website
The Forum Salon is an intimate and tastefully decorated little spot right in downtown Sarasota. The professionals at Forum are so easy to work with and provide great service every single time. You can park right at the big garage next to the movie theater, then walk on over to get your ‘do done. The prices are about what you’d expect for a ‘nice’ salon– $33 for a men’s haircut, $43 for a women’s haircut (check their website above for the full menu and pricing). We’ve been going here pretty much since we moved to Sarasota and are both extremely happy. Oh, and the beer and wine in the afternoons doesn’t hurt either! They do validate parking as well.
Key words: downtown, professional, hair salon
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St. Armand’s is on Lido Key, and the entire circle is full of unique shops, excellent restaurants, and some of the best people-watching in town. You can go casual for an inexpensive dinner at Cha Cha Coconuts and some ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s or one of the smaller, independent ice cream stops. Then take a walk and do some free window shopping. Or, get snazzed up and drop a pretty penny at Cafe L’Europe, then head up to the Straight Up Nightclub at 15 South Ristorante Enoteca to cut a rug with your sweetheart. St. Armand’s is great for families, lovers, and friends alike.
Key words: Lido Key, local favorite, family friendly, tourist stop, good for visitors
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If you want to visit the beach without the no-man’s-land feel of some areas, head over to Lido Beach. It’s very close to St. Armand’s Circle, so after a long day in the hot sun, you can get a bite to eat or go shopping. Lido Beach boasts lots of facilities, including food, restrooms, and even a gift shop.
Key words: Lido Key, near St. Armand’s Circle, facilites, good for families
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Nokomis is actually south of Sarasota, but it’s worthy of mention because it’s one of the few places on the Gulf coast that’s actually a surfing spot. The jetties around here make it popular to hang ten, even without a hurricane passing through.
Key words: Nokomis, surfing
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Crescent Beach has a nice public park, ideal for families, and the water is deliciously warm here. You’ll enjoy plenty of sand room to park your stuff, too. You can even hit the showers before you leave to get rid of all the sand.
Key words: Siesta Key, public park, family friendly
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Palmer is further south from Turtle Beach, and runs the southern tip of Siesta Key to the northern area of Casey Key. Take a nice stroll from Siesta Key to Casey Key, now that Midnight Pass is open. Palmer Beach is a popular boating spot, but there aren’t any restrooms or concession stands.
Key words: Siesta Key, Casey Key, boating spot
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Turtle Beach is located on Siesta Key, further south from Siesta Beach. The sand here isn’t as fine and white as that of Siesta Beach, but it’s fairly popular as a local shelling spot. Turtle Beach is barebones, with no public restrooms or any of that fancy stuff. But it does tend to be quieter than Siesta, making it a nice place to spend a relaxing Sunday.
Key words: Siesta Key, shelling spot, place to take visitors, quiet beach
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Drive along Ocean Blvd. into Siesta Key. You’re there. Siesta Key’s beaches are a sight to see– beautiful, pure white sand as fine as baby powder. So fine, it sticks to you and won’t let go. Drive slowly along Ocean Blvd. and look for free parking in the small beach access lots along the boulevard. If you’re heading there anytime after Memorial Day, you’re well advised to get there very early, or else arrive at an odd time when people might be leaving. Siesta also has a nice concession and restroom area (and the restrooms are actually clean). By the way, if you’re not a year-round resident, you’ll be pleased to know that our Gulf waters are swimable even as early as February or March.
Key words: Siesta Key, local favorite, place to take visitors
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3333 N Tamiami Trl - (941) 925-FUNY (3869) | map | website
McCurdy’s is an intimate theater tucked inside a strip mall. At McCurdy’s, you can count on a good seat no matter which tickets you buy. Keep in mind that if you choose the bar-style seating at the back, you may end up sharing your table with other people (this can end up being a bit awkward, as we found out after sitting with a very poorly-matched couple on one of their first dates!). Also keep in mind that certain shows allow smoking– just call their info line and you’ll get the times and days of smoking-allowed performances. McCurdy’s actually hosts all kinds of other cool comedy things, like kids shows, comedy camps, and all-star nights. You can also rent the place out if it isn’t already book for the night. Check their website for the full events schedule. A two-item minimum applies, so be prepared to drink or order one of a few munchie foods they offer on the small menu.
Key words: comedy club, north Sarasota, good date spot
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4563 Bee Ridge Rd - (941) 342-8314 | map | website
We cautiously tried CBQ Grill one night when we were looking for BBQ that would deliver. Judging by other delivery experiences, we figured we’d get cold ribs and soggy corn by the time they got here, but we were hungry. Boy, we were wrong. The food was hot (even though delivery took an hour on Friday night), and WOW, this is among the best BBQ we’ve ever had, period. They offer several different flavors and styles of BBQ, and some amazing homemade side dishes, so check the website for a full menu and all your options.
Key words: Barbeque, mid-town Sarasota, homemade, delivery available
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1200 Old Stickney Point Rd - (941) 349-3885 | map | website
Head down way south in Sarasota, turn towards the water, and stop in at Captain Curt’s for some seafood, drinks, and fantastically fun karaoke. Captain Curt’s attracts a slightly older (and very fun) crowd– you won’t be bored here.
Key words: local favorite, south Sarasota, karaoke, seafood, full bar, live music and entertainment
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2525 S Tamiami Trl - (941) 366-8365 | map | website
The Cabana Inn is a bit of a dive, but the karaoke drunkenness is loads of fun. Currently they offer "Karaoke with Jason" on Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays (as well as a DJ on Saturday nights). Check their website for the calendar. The motel attached to the lounge isn’t much to speak of, but it’s very convenient to crash there if you’ve had a few too many while belting out "Love Lift Us Up Where We Belong."
Key words: local favorite, mid-town Sarasota, karaoke, full bar, DJ music
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3428 N Tamiami Trl - (941) 355-9849 | map
Memories Lounge is the place to make memories– then probably forget them after yet another rum & Coke. Memories is a local favorite where people gather for drinks and drunken singing. We love it!
Key words: local favorite, north Sarasota, karaoke, full bar
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1917 S Osprey Ave - (941) 364-5811 | map | website
The Tasting Room is located right next to Fred’s, across the street from Morton’s Market. This is the place to see and be seen on a Friday or Saturday night. We had a hard time categorizing it, because it’s not quite the traditional ‘nightclub,’ but not quite the traditional ‘bar,’ either. The setting is very plush and hip, with fluffy, dark benches and seats, and a killer bar. You’ll catch some live music here as well. Dress nicely– this is quite the scene.
Key words: mid-town Sarasota, close to downtown, hot spot, popular, upscale, live music, dancing, singles spot
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975 Cattlemen Rd - (941) 341-9785 |map | website
The Cock and Bull is an award-winning beer bar in east Sarasota. They feature mostly imports, in every name and brand you can think of. Warning: don’t head here for a Bud. You’ll get laughed right out the front door.
Key words: award-winning bar, beer, local favorite, east Sarasota
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1930 Hillview St - (941) 366-5555 | map | website
The Five O’Clock Club– also known as “the 5 - 0″ to locals– is a popular venue on Hillview Street. They offer live music every night of the week, including a super-fun amateur night on Mondays. Grab a bite at one of the many restaurant on Hillview, then head over to the Five O’Clock Club for music and dancing.
Key words: local favorite, live music, mid-town Sarasota
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1490 Main St. - (941) 366-5969 | map | website
In the same location since 1913, the Gator Club has been through many metamorphoses in its time. Nowadays, the Gator Club is probably the busiest night spot on Main Street. Downstairs, you’ll find the usual happy hour specials. But on weekend nights, Gator Club has live bands (including a great 80s cover band usually on Fridays), turning the downstairs area into a hopping dance floor. Upstairs has another full bar, pool tables, a fireplace, and big leather couches to lounge about. Go for a cocktail or a night of dancing, and enjoy this unique and historic building. Note: they don’t serve food and the entire establishment is smoking-friendly, which may bother many people. Also, if you arrive after about 8pm, you’ll have to pay a few bucks cover charge.
Key words: downtown, local favorite, live music, happy hour, dance floor, smoking allowed
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6112 South Tamiami Trail - (941) 922-7778 | map
Oak’s Open Pit BBQ serves Southern-style barbeque in a casual, south Sarasota setting. The waitresses make you feel like you’re back at home. The portions are huge, so get a great value for the money. We liked the pulled pork, the barbeque chicken, and all of the side items.
Key words: barbeque, south Sarasota, family friendly, good value
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5250 Ocean Blvd. - (941) 349-8697 | map | website
Daiquiri Deck is one of Siesta Key’s hot spots. They offer every imaginable daiquiri option you can think of, and some you’ve never thought of. The outdoor seating is great for happy hour people watching (happy hour 3-7pm every day). They do have a food menu to soak up all that alcohol goodness you’ll be enjoying at the deck.
Key words: happy hour, Siesta Key, outdoor seating, popular
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4791 Swift Road - (941) 922-0703 | map
It’s no wonder that Bangkok Restaurant has gotten so many accolades from the locals. The attention to detail– from the decor, to the service, to the food– is outstanding. Try anything curry on the menu, and enjoy the rest of their delicious selections. You’d never guess that this place is located in a regular old strip mall.
Key words: Thai food, south Sarasota, popular
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516 Burns Ln - (941) 906-1884 | map | website
Famously located under the huge Banyan tree next to the Burns Court cinema, 5 One 6 Burns offers lovely, fine dining in a very romantic atmosphere. All of their dishes incorporate something unexpected to bring the food to a new level: yellowtail snapper with caramelized cauliflower, a burger with shallots and fontina cheese, or a chorizo and smoked salmon pizza, for instance. We love the service and the quality of the food, as well as the cozy location. Great for dates, too.
Key words: romantic, upscale, local favorite
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1568 Main St. - (941) 330-1080 | map
Ralph’s has a fairly simple menu, offering both breakfast and lunch fare, but everything is outstanding. We’re huge fans of their Reuben sandwiches (probably the best in town), their crispy french fries, delicious potato salad, tuna melt, their omlettes (all of them), and pancakes (ditto). The inside decor is very creative, and the outdoor patio is comfortable and offers wireless internet access.
Key words: downtown, breakfast, lunch, deli
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1578 Main St - (941) 955-2683 | map
Pho is a staple soup of Vietnamese food (don’t ask us what the Cali part is). At Pho Cali downtown, you’ll find traditional, authentic Vietnamese food that promises to deliver something truly unique. We love the Vietnamese pancakes, and the restaurant serves 17 different kinds of Pho (priced according to ingredients, starting at around $6). This restaurant is wildly popular, so don’t be surprised if the seats are taken during mealtimes.
Key words: Vietnamese food, downtown, popular
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417 Burns Ct - (941) 362-9562 | map
Located in lovely Burns Court, El Habanero offers the area’s most authentic and delicious Cuban food. We love the maduros, the ropa vieja, and the Cuban sandwiches are the best we’ve tried. The setting is very homey (we think this used to be a real house?), the service is pleasant, and it’s lively and busy at mealtimes.
Key words: Cuban food, downtown, Burns Court, good for dates, near movie theatre, local favorite
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5027 Ocean Blvd - (941) 346-1709 | map
It’s easy to find Mexican and South American food around here, but Spanish food is a different story. Seahorse Tapas is the closest we can find that we like. They offer traditional Spanish dishes like meatballs in almond sauce, asparagus with Serrano (ham), and other Spanish ingredients. Seahorse dabbles in other influences like French and Italian, but the overall feels is in line with the Spanish tapas tradition.
Key words: Spanish food, Siesta Key
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5900 S. Tamiami Trail - (941) 926-7151 | map
Simon’s is a local favorite, serving both breakfast and brunch (and coffee) in south Sarasota. From the homemade granola to the organic salads, Simon’s emphasizes healthy fare without ever sacrificing taste. Simon’s offers daily vegetarian and non-veg specials, along with unique coffee drinks. Friendly service.
Key words: south Sarasota, local favorite, healthy food, vegetarian friendly
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7523 South Tamiami Trl - (941) 926-0441 | map
Jameson’s is known locally for its emphasis on healthy, organic foods and ingredients. The serve breakfast all day, starting at 8am. Mindy’s omelet and the french toast are our favorites, and don’t forget about all the fresh-baked goodies and tasty lunches too. Jameson’s also offers daily specials along with their regular menu.
Key words: Breakfast, healthy, vegetarian friendly, south Sarasota, local favorite
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4804 S. Tamiami Trail - (941) 922-0032 | map
Thai Garden is open for lunch and dinner in a south Sarasota location. Their roast duckling is everybody’s favorite, so don’t miss it.
Key words: Thai food, south Sarasota
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1420 Main St - (941) 364-5775 | map
Authentic Thai cuisine in a casual downtown location. Tropical Thai has quickly become a favorite in this area. They offer a full array of foods in different levels of spiciness, along with loads of vegetarian and macrobiotic selections.
Key words: Thai food, downtown, vegetarian friendly, popular
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3434 Bahia Vista St - (941) 955-7771 | map | website
Yoder’s is one of the most popular Amish restaurants in Sarasota. We definitely recommend the breakfast, pastries, and pies– you can feed an army with these portions. The main dishes are amazing, and perfect for hungry families. Prices are extremely reasonable for the quality, quantity, and service that you get. They recently started accepting credit/debit cards. Dinner is very busy, so go early or get ready for a wait.
Key words: local favorite, Amish food, homemade, authentic, mid-town Sarasota
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1920 Hillview Street - (941) 952-0045 | map | website
Yet another great Hillview Street restaurant. Hillview Grill is extremely popular for lunchtime, serving generous portion of all sorts of food. You’ll get great burgers and a big Caesar salad, or check out the chicken mac ‘n cheese for the early bird special. Open for dinner, too.
Key words: mid-town Sarasota, popular, American food
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6090 North Lockwood Ridge Road - (941) 359-3658 | map | website
Located just south of University on Lockwood Ridge, Empress Garden has an expansive and very reasonably priced menu. We ordered the “family special” for 2, which includes 2 main entrees. We opted for the chicken Pad Thai and the beef with snowpeas. The dinner also came with 2 soups (we chose egg drop), 2 egg rolls, and a carton of white rice. We were extremely impressed with how fresh everything tasted. The food was absolutely delicious, the egg rolls excellent, and the soup was much better than other egg drops I’ve tried. All of this food for under $20 makes Empress Garden an incredible deal for such great taste and quality. They recommend reservations on the weekends, so call and see how busy they are first. Check their website for the full menu and prices.
Key words: cocktail bar, take out, Chinese food, Thai food, north Sarasota
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1100 North Tuttle Ave - (941) 365-0434 | map
When we want Chinese takeout, we almost always order from Uncle Wen’s. The service is very fast, and the food is always great. Try their egg rolls, crab rangoon, egg fu yong, kung pao chicken, general Tso’s . . . you get the picture. We highly recommend their very generous combination plates– for one low price, you get your choice of soup, egg roll, and hearty dish. They deliver, too.
Key words: mid-town Sarasota, cheap eats, Chinese food, take out, delivery available
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1859 Hillview St - (941) 330-8071 | map | website
Pacific Rim is one of the most popular places on popular Hillview Street. The food here is outstanding, as is evidenced by the crowds at meal times. The sushi at Pacific Rim is something to behold. Head over for lunch and hope you get a table.
Key words: Japanese food, Thai food, local favorite, mid-town
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1924 S. Osprey Ave. - (941) 955-9856 | map
More than just a deli, Morton’s is all things fresh and delicious. Specialty sandwiches, cheeses, pastries, a butcher, and more. For catering services, Morton’s is THE way to go in Sarasota.
Key words: deli, mid-town Sarasota, gourmet food, specialty foods, catering, local favorite, market
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1825 Hillview St - (941) 330-9302 | map
When Southside Deli says it’s the busiest deli in Sarasota, they’re not kidding. Southside is on Hillview, making it very popular for the business folks on this busy street. We suggest you call ahead or fax in your order if you’re in a hurry. Otherwise, enjoy their new patio expansion (this place used to be tiny), along with new coffee drinks, smoothies and such they’ve added to the menu. After you’ve eaten more than you can handle, take a walk around this popular area.
Key words: local favorite, deli, mid-town Sarasota, cheap eats
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1410 Main St - (941) 957-6433 | map
Ah, Patellini’s. Among the best pizza in Sarasota. Located downtown, this hole-in-the-wall local favorite has pizza, subs, calzones, and more. It’s the perfect place to stop off for a slice before heading over to one of the downtown bars, or stop in with the family for amazing pizza and goodies. Our one complaint is that they charge per topping for the pizza (which came as quite a shock to us the first time we ordered there) . . . but it’s worth it in this case, believe us.
Key words: pizza, downtown, local favorite
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1970 Main St - (941) 365-4122 - map | website
Mediterraneo has a great location downtown– just across the street from the movie theaters, just down from the bookstore and other local merchants. They have a nice outdoor patio that’s almost always full. Go for the pizza or some of their reasonably priced pasta dishes. Stay for the lively ambiance and great people watching.
Key words: downtown, popular, outdoor seating, Italian
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1592 Main Street - (941) 365-2234 | map | website
Located in a prime downtown location, El Greco is a local favorite Greek restaurat. This place is wildly busy at lunch and dinner. Luckily, you can call ahead to place your order (many business folks do at lunchtime). The service and table turnover is fast and friendly. The menu has Greek favorites like spanakopita, Greek salad, and an excellent tzatziki sauce with pita bread. But by far, El Greco is famous for its great gyros. You’ll also find some pizzas and sandwiches for the kids.
Key words: Greek food, downtown, local favorite, family friendly, fast lunch, cheap eats
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4410 South Tamiami Trail - (941) 922-1585 | map | 1720 Cortez Road W., Bradenton - (941) 758-6478 | map | website
Demetrio’s has two locations– one in south Sarasota, and one in Bradenton. This is a family-friendly place with an extensive Italian menu. The pizza is, of course, the main draw. You can feed a lot of people for not a whole lot of money. Check out Demetrio’s website for the menu and prices.
Key words: family-friendly, Italian, pizza, multiple locations, Bradenton, south Sarasota, popular
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1703 Main St - (941) 366-5570 | map
Great downtown location, homey ambience, cheap eats, authentic Italian food . . . what more could you ask for? Il Panificio has all this and more. Step inside and it’s ultra casual. Take a look around– a small Italian deli to the side, and loads of imported Italian items: olives, olive oils, spices, etc. Definitely a great place for a very filling and very cheap lunch that tastes like homemade.
Key words: Italian, cheap eats, downtown, fast lunch, take out, pizza, Italian deli, authentic, homemade
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4000 Cattlemen Rd - (941) 342-1649 | map
Sugar & Spice has "family" right in the name. Get ready for generous portions and homestyle Amish cooking. Everything is homemade and absolutely delicious. Sarasota has a distinct Amish community, so don’t miss out on their friendly, authentic service, food, and ambience.
Key words: family-friendly, Amish food, homemade, authentic, casual
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1100 N Tuttle Ave - (941) 955-5093 | map | website
El Patio Latino has 3 locations– Lima, Peru; Barcelona, Spain; and right here in Sarasota, Florida. It may seem a weird mix of locations, but the restaurant’s founder has lived in all three places. El Patio Latino features authentic Peruvian food, but the regular shows make this a great place to take visitors. Check out their website for a full menu and calendar of events.
Key words: good for visitors, Peruvian food, authentic, live shows, mid-town Sarasota
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420 Saint Armands Cir - (941) 388-3964 | map | website
Crab and Fin has been in St. Armand’s Circle since 1978, so you know they’re doing something right. They serve fresh seafood and feature a family-friendly enviornment, full bar, outdoor seating, and more. We took the in-laws and ordered littleneck clams and calamari to start, both of them delicious. Then we had grouper and sea scallops. The scallops were smaller than most sea scallops I’ve had, but they were still tasty. Dessert was the best– chocolate souffle and peanut butter pie. The souffle was ridiculously sinful and just enough to not make you feel too guilty. The peanut butter pie was almost ice-creamy cold and luscious. The dinner hours make the place feel slightly upscale, and the prices are definitely not casual, so be prepared. The menu changes every day as well. Check the website for typical dishes.
Key words: seafood, St. Armand’s Circle, early birds, outdoor seating, full bar
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8076 N Tamiami Trail - (941) 359-3690 | map
Primo is popular with hungry families looking for a good value for their money. Primo serves huge portions and has a great Italian menu that should have something for everyone in the family. Wine list too for the adults.
Key words: family friendly, Italian, north Sarasota
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2033 Vamo Way - (941) 966-5688 | map | website
Roessler’s consistently gets good reviews for good reason. The food, service, extensive wine list, and romantic ambience give Roessler’s a good name. So does the fact that they’ve been featured in Wine Spectator and Gourmet Magazine, and have already been voted one of the best Continental cuisine places in the city. Roessler’s mixes it up with some other flavors, too– check out the website for the full menu. Highly recommended.
Key words: romantic, Continental cuisine, south Sarasota
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1400 Main St. - (941) 952-1170 | map | website
Patrick’s has a great bar, great burgers, and great steaks. This is a popular downtown restaurant that attracts business-types during lunch and happy hour. It’s always busy here, but take time to enjoy their juicy steaks.
Key words: steakhouse, downtown, popular, happy hour, business lunch
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4994 S Tamiami Trail - (941) 922-4908 | map | website
Sweet Tomatoes — a.k.a. Souplantation on the West Coast — is a popular chain of all-you-can-eat buffet soup, salad, pizza, pasta, and dessert. The salad bar is full of every imaginable thing for everyone in the family. They also offer a few staple soups (chili, vegetarian chili, clam chowder, etc) as well as special soups, pasta dishes, focaccia, pizza, frozen yogurt . . . Can you tell we go here a lot? This is a very popular chain that has managed to not only keep fresh, quality foods, but has also expanded their menu over the years to appeal to everyone. Great for early birds and families, too.
Key words: family friendly, early birds, vegetarian-friendly, buffet, all you can eat, popular, salads, healthy, south Sarasota
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1121 S Tamiami Trail - (941) 954-1423 | map
The Sahara Cafe is located in a very popular section of mid-town, near Hillview, the hospital, and lots of other businesses. Sahara gets loads of business from these folks. Good news for vegetarians and vegans is all the meat-free, healthy items you’ll find on the extensive menu.
Key words: vegetarian-friendly, vegan-friendly, mid-town, popular, middle Eastern food
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6551 Gateway Ave. - (941) 922-9115 | map | website
"Le Parigot" means "the Parisian." Charming interior and affordable Continental cooking make Le Parigot a good choice for south Sarasota. The owners here know what they’re doing– they’ve been in the restaurant business for a long time. Check out Le Parigot’s website for more info and the menu.
Key words: Continental cuisine, south Sarasota
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3688 Webber St - (941) 925-3639 | map | website
Nellie’s Deli is famous for it’s big old, traditional deli-style sandwiches. But Nellie’s is more than a deli. They have a great market with fresh produce and other goodies, and the catering is great. Don’t miss their soup specials. And, best of all, they deliver!
Key words: mid-town Sarasota, deli, fresh produce, delivery available, local favorite
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525 Saint Jude’s Dr - (941) 383-0777 | map | website
For a Continental experience right on Longboat Key, Harry’s is where you go. The menu and the wine list are expansive. We highly recommend the prix fixe (fixed price) menu, but explore the menu and try some of Harry’s delicacies. There’s a great deli take-out and catering available, too. Though Harry’s isn’t extremely expensive, it is a little on the pricier side. Visit Harry’s website for prices, a full menu, recipes, and more.
Key words: Longboat Key, continental cuisine
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2 Marina Plaza - (941) 365-4232 | map | website
Marina Jack is a Sarasota landmark. The waterfront views are a must-see. The plaza is actually a group of dining establishments. You can hang out downstairs for a casual lunch or happy hour, or head up to the Bayside Dining Room for fine dining. If visitors are in town, or you need a great view for a romantic dinner, head on over to Marina Jack.
Key words: good for visitors, mid-town Sarasota, waterfront, great view, casual dining, fine dining, outdoor seating
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201 Gulf of Mexico Dr. - (941) 383-5593 | map | website
For fine dining on Longboat Key, Chart House delivers. Everything on the menu is spectacular. And this is another restaurant chain that hasn’t sacrificed the quality. To top it off, Chart House has an incredible view of the water, making it perfect for a romantic date, or a great place to show off to visitors. Check their website for current specials.
Key words: Longboat Key, romantic, waterfront view, good for visitors, upscale
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1451 1st Street - (941) 955-8500 | map | website
Anyone who’s gone veg knows about Whole Foods, and we’re lucky to have one in Sarasota. An amazing take-home buffet with healthy fare, a huge market of natural foods, cosmetics, and drinks makes Whole Foods a health mecca.
Key words: vegetarian-friendly, downtown, supermarket
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301 S Pineapple Ave - (941) 365-4430 | map
For cheap eats, creative pizza, and even vegetarian-friendly fare, head on over to Mickey’s. The lunch special is the best, with one low price for all-you-can-eat salad and fresh, thin-crust pizza. Indoor and outdoor seating, and it’s perfect for a casual (and fast) business lunch.
Key words: cheap eats, downtown, pizza, lunch special, vegetarian friendly
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1371 Main St - (941) 951-6896 - map | website
Cafe Amici is further down Main Street (towards the beach), so it’s easy to pass right by it. But we highly recommend that you stop in and visit this family-owned Italian restaurant. Even with a fairly small dining room, Cafe Amici continues to impress with its incredible, authentic daily specials. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, and the service is intimate and attentive.
Key words: Italian, downtown
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1572 Main St - (941) 354-3131 | map | website
Nature’s Way Cafe is in a nice downtown location. So after you finish your fresh veggie wrap, soup of the day, or smoothie, wander over to the local bookstore or check out a movie. Nature’s Way does serve breakfast, too, if you want a healthy alternative to that fried bacon or greasy sausage.
Key words: healthy, vegetarian, downtown
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1 N. Lemon Ave - (941) 330-0440 | map | website
Mattison’s is actually a local chain of restaurants, with each one offering different types of cuisine (check the website for details). Mattison’s City Grille is in a perfect downtown location, and the open-air patio lends itself to great people watching– and the perfect place to hear their live music. The menu isn’t expansive, but the bar is, and Mattison’s is a popular destination.
Key words: downtown, local favorite, happy hour, live music, outdoor seating
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1923 Ringling Blvd - (941) 955-9179 | map | website
The Silver Cricket is an extremely popular downtown restaurant featuring creative tapas. They use Asian, Italian, French, Cajun, and other culinary influences to create delicious appetizer-style delicacies. Come for the live music Wednesdays through Sundays, too. Dress on the nicer side for this place (though no jackets are necessary), as the Silver Cricket is quite the scene.
Key words: popular, downtown, happy hour, live music
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1508 Main St - (941) 955-7545 | map
In a perfect downtown location, Pastry Art serves consistently delicious pastries, coffee, and teas. They have a few seats inside to enjoy your coffee, or sit outside to people watch or turn on your laptop.
Key words: pastries, homemade, downtown, coffee, tea
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417 Saint Armand’s Cir - (941) 388-3300 | map
With live music, great people watching, and a lively Caribbean-influenced menu, Cha Cha Coconuts is always busy. They claim their specialty is the ribs, but we’ve tried almost everything on the menu and haven’t been disappointed. Snag a patio seat if you can. Casual atmosphere.
Key words: casual, St. Armand’s Circle, happy hour, popular
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1212 East Ave - (941) 366-0007 | map | website
You’d never guess that there’s a fine dining establishment in this strip mall, but Michael’s on East is full of surprises like that. Attractive decor, amazing food, great for lunch and dinner alike.
Key words: mid-town Sarasota, local favorite
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403 N. Tamiami Tr - (941) 364-4641 | map
The owner and chef is a native Italian, and his passion for cooking is evident in the quality of the food. The menu changes about once a month at this relatively new restaurant, so you’re always in for a new experience whenever you go.
Key words: Italian, authentic, near downtown
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440 Pineapple Ave (Burns Court) - (941) 362-9006 | map | website
If you’re looking for exquisite Italian food and great ambiance, Uva Rara will serve you right. This charming restaurant features Italian specialties in a romantic setting. Right across the narrow street from Burns Court Cinema, Uva Rara makes a great date spot. Call for reservations and bring some extra cash, as it’s on the pricey side.
Key words: Italian, downtown, Burns Court, romantic, great date spot, close to movies, expensive
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431 Saint Armands Cir - (941) 388-4415 | map | website
Take a seat on the outdoor patio or the tasteful indoor dining room at this local favorite on St. Armand’s Circle. Cafe L’Europe is slightly upscale without being overly pretentious. The food is exquisite and the people watching is great outside. The service can be lackluster on busy evenings, though.
Key words: outdoor dining, St. Armand’s circle, good date spot, continental cuisine
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5540 Gulf of Mexico Dr - (941) 383-3633 | map | website
You’ll need a nice set of clothes and a reservation for this local favorite fine dining spot. This intimate restaurant has won loads of Golden Spoon awards, making it a great upscale place to show off to visitors. Euphemia Haye is famous for its incredible duck, but you won’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Be sure to head upstairs after dinner for a truly unique dessert experience.
Key words: upscale, fine dining, Longboat Key, good for visitors
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6604 Gateway Ave - (941) 925-2400 | map
Word of Mouth is a local favorite with a large variety of breakfast items. They really have spread their fame through "word of mouth"– they almost always have a waiting list, so be prepared.
Key words: local favorite, south Sarasota, breakfast
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4982 S. Tamiami Trail - (941) 925-3955 | map
This popular south Sarasota deli is great for an inexpensive breakfast or lunch. Service and table turnover is fast, too, so you won’t get stuck waiting forever.
Key words: fast service, south Sarasota, deli, inexpensive
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Munchie’s 420 Cafe - 6639 Superior Ave - (941) 929-9893 | map | website
Munchie’s is open from 4:20pm to 4:20am. If you can’t read between the lines there, we don’t know what to say. This hole-in-the-wall place has some of the weirdest and tastiest munchie food you can think of. Sandwiches with fries, cheese whiz, chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, and ketchup– all on one sandwich. Huge quesadillas, delicious fried cheese broccoli bites, and things you’ve never heard of before, and probably never will again. Check their menu online (link above to the site) for the wildest menu ever. Delivery takes forever, though, so you might consider the trip down to south Sarasota for this.
Key words: late night food, munchie food, south Sarasota, delivery available
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9105 Midnight Pass Rd - (941) 349-2212 | map | website
Enjoy a lovely bay view, indoors or outdoors, with creative continental food, though the menu is expansive enough to incorporate some Asian and American flair too.
Key words: bay view, Siesta Key, seafood, continental cuisine
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Inside Westfield Shoppingtown at Southgate - U.S. 41 (Tamiami) and Siesta Drive - (941) 363-0211 | map | website
A great Italian restaurant inside the mall?? Believe it. Cosimo’s is always hopping because the food is great and reasonably priced. Families love it– spend the day shopping, then stop off for a delicious meal with a menu that has something for everyone. Or pick up a slice of pizza or calzone at the small (and always busy) take-out window.
Key words: mid-town, in the mall, local favorite, family friendly, Italian
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1345 Main St - (941) 362-4427 | map | website
Selva Grill is hardly a secret in Sarasota, but it might not be one of the first restaurants you hear about. The menu is incredibly tasty, and the restaurant has won plenty of awards for it (including one of the Top 10 West Florida restaurants). The downtown location is perfect– so is the fact that they serve until 11pm Monday-Thursday, and until midnight on the weekends.
Key words: downtown, local favorite, award winning, creative cuisine, open late
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4001 S. Tamiami Trail - (941) 928-4848 | map | website
Cafe Baci has won plenty of awards, and it’s not hard to see why. Reasonable prices, nice Trail location, casual atmosphere. Check out their website for the full menu, as well as some free recipes. Then head over to Cafe Baci to enjoy the real deal. Good early bird specials.
Key words: Italian, mid-town, reasonable prices, local favorite
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5238 Ocean Blvd - (941) 346-5443 | map | website
Drive down Ocean Boulevard on almost any given day, and you’re bound to see the outdoor patio at the Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB) spilling over with people (which makes it a great place to take visitors). There’s often live music, so it can get pretty loud and fun. Chris ordered the “happy hour” oysters-on-the-half shell special: $5 for 12 oysters. We shared a calamari appetizer, which was extremely good. Chris then had the shrimp skewers and I had the seared scallops. Chris liked his shrimp, but my scallops were pretty sandy (scallops shouldn’t crunch) and fishy-smelling. The rice that came with both was probably Uncle Ben’s. Each entree came soup or salad (we opted for the Cesar, which was nothing to write home about). This casual seafood joint is the place to see and be seen, great for people watching and cocktails, happy hour and live music. Don’t wear anything nice here– this is a shorts and flip-flops kind of place. Be sure to use your Entertainment Book
coupon for $8 off an entree.
Key words: local favorite, seafood, cocktails, outdoor seating, casual, Siesta Key, happy hour, live music, near the beach
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6621 Midnight Pass Rd - (941) 349-1792 | map | website
Unique Peruvian cuisine in a charming setting. Javier’s has some American-style favorites for all the family, and mixes it up with authentic Peruvian food, right on Siesta Key. Try the chicken tamale for something different.
Key words: Peruvian food, Siesta Key
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1991 Main St - (941) 955-4457 | map | website
This extremely popular downtown restaurant has a creative menu, swanky full bar, great service, and lovely outdoor and indoor seating. It’s close to all of the downtown amenities (movies, bookstore, shops), and the ambiance is refined and romantic without being intimidating, making it a great date spot. Check out some of their wine and food tasting events for a real treat.
Key words: great date spot, downtown, local favorite, outdoor seating, creative menu
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1526 Main St - (941) 365-6800 | map | 5050 N Tamiami Trail - (941) 355-7700 | map | website
This is a local favorite, family-friendly restaurant with two convenient locations. Silly name aside, Barnacle Bill’s has a wide range of quality seafood in a casual but never sloppy environment. Waiters are nicely dressed, service is very prompt, and even the kids are welcome.
Key words: seafood, family friendly, multiple locations
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6700 S. Tamiami Trail - (941) 924-9442 | map | website | online reservations
If you’ve never eaten at Ruth’s Chris, now’s the time to try it. Although it’s a nationwide chain, Ruth’s Chris is synonymous with amazing filets, upscale ambience, and excellent service. No jacket is required here, but don’t wear jeans– and do wear loose-fitting pants, because you won’t be able to stop eating. Don’t miss out on the sweet potato casserole, which will give mom’s cooking a run for her money. Reservations recommended, which you can make online at the above link.
Key words: South Sarasota, upscale, steakhouse, American food
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2001 Siesta Dr. - (941) 358-9463 | map| website
Next door to the Social Security office, on the corner of two major thoroughfares, is Fleming’s Steakhouse, arguably one of the best steakhouses in the city, if not all of Florida. Dim lighting, impeccable service, and a mouth-watering menu make Fleming’s a popular upscale restaurant. Reservations recommended.
Key words: steakhouse, mid-town, fine dining, upscale, romantic restaurant
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6631 Midnight Pass Rd - (941) 349-4024 | map | website
With a name like “Miguel’s,” you might think you’re in for Mexican food. But tucked in the corner of this small strip mall is some of the finest upscale Continental cuisine you’ll find in Sarasota. The ambiance is romantic and refined. Incredible Dover sole and the rack of lamb are cut tableside right before your eyes. The bananas foster and the cherries jubilee for dessert will bring tears of joy to your eyes. Dress nicely– this is not a jeans-and-t-shirt restaurant.
Key words: upscale, Continental cuisine, romantic restaurant
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5023 Ocean Blvd - (941) 349-0158 | map | website
With picnic benches on the outdoor patio, cold beer on tap, and a name like "The Old Salty Dog," you can guess that this is casual Key dining. The Old Salty Dog has sandwiches, burgers, salads, and a few appetizers, but the real draw is the amazing fish & chips with malt vinegar that will outdo any fish & chips you’ve ever tasted.
Key words: Siesta Key, outdoor seating, casual dining, family friendly
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1553 Main St - (941) 906-9575 | map
In a charming downtown location, C’est La Vie offers wonderful French cuisine in a casual and affordable environment. Most of the staff are native French speakers, making for a very unique experience. The outdoor sidewalk cafe is a great place to sit under the shade trees and enjoy a delicious latte, crepes, salad, or one of their must-taste sandwiches. The morning pastries are so good, you won’t settle for a donut ever again.
Key words: downtown, French food, pastries, coffee shop, outdoor seating, local favorite, authentic, Continental cuisine
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1620 Gulf Of Mexico Dr - (941) 383-6464 | map | website
Sarasota residents voted The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort as the best brunch place in town, and the dining room has a bevy of awards to its credit. Given the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Gulf at Longboat Key, along with the great service and food, it’s not hard to see why. This is a great place to take visitors or enjoy a lovely spring Sunday morning.
Key words: Longboat Key, scenic dining, great for visitor
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1701 North Washington Blvd - (941) 945-5001 | map
Get ready for a truly unique experience. The Hob Nob is an open-air restaurant with a distinctly retro flair and a wide variety of people who frequent the place. You’ll see everyone from bikers to business folks at any given point. Stop in for their inexpensive and tasty breakfasts, or chow down on a burger at lunchtime.
Key words: outdoor seating, cheap eats, fast service, north Sarasota
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1395 Main St - (941) 954-1395 | map
First Watch is one of the most popular downtown spots for breakfast and lunch. Their menu has sinfully delicious items as well as plenty of healthy fare. The service is very prompt and attentive here. You can easily do lunch in 30-45 minutes, even when the place is packed (which it often is). Don’t miss this one.
Key words: downtown, fast service, popular, breakfast, lunch
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1111 Ritz Carlton Dr - (941) 309-2000 | map | website
Yes, you probably guessed that brunch at the Ritz is no cheap affair. But this is some of the fanciest, tastiest brunch food in Sarasota. The spread covers everything from smoked salmon, to caviar, to gourmet waffles, and everything in between. As you’d expect, the service is absolutely impeccable. If you plan on going for a popular holiday like Mother’s Day, book a good time in advance.
Key words: upscale, brunch, good for visitors, Gulf-front
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