Social Eatery & BarThe best bars in Sarasota are scattered throughout the city, and there's a little bit of something for everyone.
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is known around the area for having an impressive wine menu that can be enjoyed by the glass or by the bottle. The chain is award winning and is also made popular because of the variety of seafood, chops, and indulgent desserts that are featured on the menu.
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
2001 Siesta Drive, Suite 101
Sarasota, FL 34239
(941) 358-9463
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 60 reviews
Cock & Bull is known as the place to go when you want to drink great beer the way it was meant to be drank. They serve their beers in the proper glasses, and the correct temperatures – and there's a number of awards that have been won by the bar over the years as well. Vertical IPA tastings go on and there's a food menu here as well.
Cock & Bull
975 Cattlemen Road
Sarasota, FL 34232
(941) 363-1262
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 68 reviews
Gecko's is the ultimate neighborhood sports bar where there's always games on the TVs. It's possible to enjoy a wide array of happy hours and is available all day every day. There's a late night menu for the late night games, too.
Gecko's Grill & Pub
1900 Hillview Street
Sarasota, FL 3423
(941) 953-2929
Yelp: 4 stars, 51 reviews
At the Ivory Lounge, you can enjoy an upscale atmosphere with a wide array of scotch and whiskey at the bar. It's a top nightclub and cocktail bar, so you can find a little bit of everything. Plus, they are considered be the pioneer of the VIP bottle service.
Ivory Sarasota
1413 Main Street
Sarasota, FL 34234
(941) 388-7869
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 14 reviews
Lono Tiki Bar is well known by the locals and business; people are always stopping in on their way home from work. There's a full bar, a full menu, as well as a tropical atmosphere with a pool in the background to help even the most stressed professionals relax.
Lono Tiki Bar
1660 South Tamiami Trail
Osprey, FL 34229
(941) 966-2121
Yelp: 5 stars, 1 reviews
Casey Key Fish House has been around for a while, and while it doesn't look like much from the outside, it has a lot of great outdoor seating. The fish is as fresh as you can get and the tiki bar is always packed, which serves a full bar featuring friendly bartenders.
Casey Key Fish House
801 Blackburn Point Road
Osprey, FL 34229
(941) 966-1901
Yelp: 4 stars, 167 reviews
The best cocktails in Sarasota are served up here, with a unique list of cocktails that includes some of the harder to find liquor in the area. Their White Manhattan is amongst one of the top drinks. There's also a lot of great food, including the pizza and grouper.
Social Eatery & Bar
1219 1st Street
Sarasota, FL 34236
(941) 444-7072
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 103 reviews
Captain Curt's has become a favorite because it's across the street from the beach. It's also known for live music as well as a karaoke bar. Pairing any of the cocktails or beers with the clam chowder is always a good idea.
Captain Curt's
1200 Old Stickney Point Road
Sarasota, FL 34242
(941) 349-3885
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 177 reviews
As for the bar with the best outdoor space, it has to be Blu Mangrove Grill, which allows you to see the beautiful marina. The patio is large and you can always find something to eat and drink. The happy hour is generous and the bang bang shrimp is a must order menu item.
Blu Mangrove Grill
102 Riviera Dunes Way
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 479-7827
Yelp: 2.5 stars, 56 reviews
This is one of the more expensive bars in Sarasota, but well worth it. The building has been restored and has antique brass light fixtures, exposed brick walls, and more. A sophisticated crowd gathers here and it's possible to enjoy intimate conversation.
Gator Club
1490 Main Street
Sarasota, FL 34236
(941) 366-5969
Yelp: 3 stars, 30 reviews
With over 70 years of history, the Beach Club is one of the top bars in the area. There's indoor seating with plenty of TVs for watching games as well as outdoor eating where there's always a view. Valet parking is available and while the ambience is a bit of a dive, people continue to visit because it's not kid friendly and there's a full bar.
Beach Club Siesta Key
5151 Ocean Boulevard
Sarasota, FL 34242
(941) 349-6311
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 28 reviews
The Café Lido & Tiki Bar is part of the Ritz Beach Club, but open to everyone. It's open in the afternoon and provides incredible views of Lido Beach while the wind blows in your hair. Margaritas are their specialty.
Café Lido & Tiki Bar
700 Ben Franklin Drive
Sarasota, FL 34236
(941) 388-2161
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 29 reviews
This is the ultimate bar for a first date because it's got a charming atmosphere and a full bar that allows you to impress with wine, martinis, and more. It's also been voted as the Best Italian Restaurant by readers of the Sarasota-Herald Tribune.
Caragiulo's
69 Palm Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34236
(941) 951-0866
Yelp: 4 stars, 87 reviews
Green Zebra has a wide array of vegan options, including smoothies and juices that are fresh made. Green power smoothies pair well with fresh summer salads and a chia seed pudding adds a unique dessert option.
Green Zebra Cafe
476 John Ringling Boulevard
Sarasota, FL 34236
(941) 363-6934
Yelp: 5 stars, 26 reviews
There aren't too many LGBT bars in Sarasota, but Barrel 87 has friendly staff, a manager that cares, as well as a fun atmosphere. Open until 2 am, it's beer and wine only. There's also smoking allowed, which is a plus for many.
Barrel 87
6587 Gateway Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34231
(941) 922-6969
Yelp: 3 stars, 3 reviews
Carmel is a wine bar and Mediterranean kitchen that has done well in Tampa, and now one opened in Sarasota. There's a wide array of wines to be enjoyed by the glass or by the bottle and the extensive menu leaves diners intrigued and happy.
Carmel Kitchen
8433 Cooper Creek Boulevard
Bradenton, FL 34201
(941) 893-5955
Yelp: 4.0 stars, 94 reviews
