50 Best Bars in Sarasota

“Five + stars to Mark and his team at 99 Bottles Taproom & Bottle Shop! They opened early just for our group and treated us like VIPs from the moment we walked in. This was my first visit, but definitely not my last. The staff was incredibly attentive, the atmosphere was welcoming, and the customer service was truly top-notch. Highly recommend checking this place out if you’re in Sarasota!“

“Fantastic spot! We went there for lunch today and had a great time. The food was spot on. I wish I had the downtown dip right now! We will be back!“

“Bar Hana is a wonderful place. Cocktails, food, atmosphere and service are each excellent and consistent. Classy yet casual. If you are a seasoned patron of establishments which fit this mold you will recognize the poor reviews for what they are. Bar Hana should be on your short list for a visit to Sarasota.“

“Really Great Food ,and service.“

“Amazing ambiance and food! Beautiful decor and the culinary presentation is top notch! Anthony Bourdain would be impressed! Julianna was wonderful!“

“Captain Curt's Crab & Oyster Bar: Review Overview: During a visit to Siesta Beach, we made sure to stop at Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar. The establishment is notably spacious, featuring two large outdoor Tiki areas where guests can relax with a drink or enjoy a meal. One of the Tiki areas includes a stage for live music, enhancing the lively atmosphere. Surrounding the main restaurant is Captain Curt’s Village, which offers a gift shop and several other stores within easy walking distance. The restaurant itself is clean, well-organized, and provides a laid-back vibe that we thoroughly enjoyed. Parking: Parking can be a challenge, as spaces are limited. We were able to find free parking right beside the restaurant, but there are also lots nearby available for a small fee. Service and Drinks: Our waitress, Renee, provided excellent and friendly service. We ordered Pina Coladas, served in large Captain Curt’s keepsake cups. The drinks were enjoyable, but the alcohol tended to settle at the bottom, so it’s important to stir before drinking to avoid a strong first sip. Food Experience: We sampled the clam chowder, which is advertised as the “World’s Best Clam Chowder.” While it may not be the best in the world, we found it very tasty with plenty of clams. My Captain’s Platter consisted of boiled Tripletail Fish, Bay Scallops, Gulf Shrimp, Mashed Potatoes, and mixed Vegetables, all of which were good. The Clam Basket, served with fries and Cole Slaw, was also very good. Additionally, the fish and chips were enjoyable. All food was served hot and in generous portions, leaving us both full when we finished. Overall Impression: We appreciated the quality of the food, the drinks, and the relaxed atmosphere. Overall, we would rate Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar 4 out of 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Gulf Coast Terry“

“Awesome spot to hang out. They have awesome food with the best prices around. There are always delicious specials on the board by the bar. They have darts, chess, and tons of board games. Sometimes they have baseball games on which is one of my favorite things about the place. There’s also live music and trivia on weeknights and it’s a blast! Highly recommend.“

“Loved this place for 20 years!❤️“

“Great selection. Comfortable atmosphere to enjoy a cigar and a beer (or wine). Staff is very polite and knowledgeable. Definitely making this a stop every time we visit.“

“i love it ..safe place clean and very friendly people .. 😇😇😇“

“Great staff. Family atmosphere like "Cheers". Bartenders are mixologists. Great prices and Specials. Karaoke. Pool and darts with specials on both. Foosball and dome hockey as well.“

“Awesome neighborhood bar!!!“

“In town from Baltimore with a buddy and my wife. Stopped by the Siesta Saloon last night just to check it out and ended up staying for hours. Back again tonight! Kirsten and Reina are so personable and fun. Couldn’t have asked for a better place to spend our vacati“

“Great bar with great bartenders! Ari is amazing! Officially on my top 5 all time for bartenders! Definitely recommend coming to this bar!“

“Wow Wow Wow! Absolutely delicious and authentic Italian food! I never order pasta from a pizza joint... I'm way too serious about my pasta. I took a chance on Capo as I'd had a slice of their eggplant pizza and it was fabulous. I orded the rigatoni bolognese, and requested penne as a substitute. It was heaven. The sauce was perfect - the amount of garlic was subtley handled as was the rest of the seasoning. No bitterness and not too sweet either. You can tell the sauce had been cooked awhike and not rushed. The meat was high quality and the coupe de gras was to burrata! A huge helping of cheese right in the middle of the dish. The serving was huge... I only needed it for myself and I got 3 meals from it. Of course as all pasta lovers know it was even better the second day. I had the good fortune to be offered a meatball to try by the owner. I went back the next week for an order of meatballs and tried the gnocchi. Highly highly highly recommend giving this place a try!!!“

“best hole in the wall there is!!“

“Steamer bar is a great experience. They really nail it on the seasoning. There are lots of liquor and beer options. It's a classic for sarasota.

Edit: they are still on top of their game. Great hospitality and a fun atmosphere to keep ordering drinks and things from the seafood steamer bar“

“Every time that I go there it is fun. Always random people who know each other, greeting each other friendly. It has become a real community. But, it is not a closed society, but inviting and welcoming to others. In the past year or two, the quality of the place has improved remarkably. The staff, the owners, the guests and even the wine selection. The TVs are better, the fans are better, on and on. If you like socializing over a few cold ones, this would be a good to stop.“

“Great service and atmosphere“

“Great bar! Love the vibe. New favorite spot.“

“The vibes are amazing and the owners are great! Its a safe and inclusive space for all that are sober 💕“

“Had a great nite with Family & friends. Drinks were cold , bartenders were great attentive, and very personable. I great place to relax , meet people and enjoy being with family & friends!“

“Came here for a quick late night bite after flying into SRQ as there weren’t many places open past 10pm. We found this spot on Google and it was great! Delicious food and chill atmosphere. They also had lotsa tvs for games which is great. Would recommend the burger and buffalo mac & cheese!!“

“My sister came to visit, she's an avid electronic dartboard player. so I went on line and found Coleman's Tavern has several dart machines, we went there for drinks and darts and met a lot of nice people. Coleman's is a nice little neighborhood bar with friendly people and good service. if I lived closer I would frequent there often.“

“Happened across Scalawags after doing a quick Google search of the name while in Sarasota area. Came in about noon on a Wed, just a few mixed age locals there, friendly people, fun and good laughs! Mainly a pool tables and electronic games type bar, dimly lit. Kitchen opens about noon, had a beer on tap and ordered the Grouper Sub, which was great - would get it again. Had another beer. Cash only for Papa Ron's food menu. Bar service is Scalawags, pay separately from food - works for them and me - no problem. Will return!!BTW - The Scalawags name came to mind because of the recent Gasparilla fest in Tampa and also because there is a Scalawags Whiefish & Chips in Mackinaw City, MI that a good friend of mine created, owned and operated for 30 years - serves the BEST fresh-caught Great Lakes Whitefish anywhere! So if you ever go there - you won't be disappointed there either!“

“Alex at Office Bar SQ is super efficient, attentive, and has high energy, I would recommend this bar if you want a relaxed atmosphere.“

“Great spot! Newly felted pool tables-FREE! Pool tournament every Friday night at 7:30! Great staff! Great food!“

“Great Aerie. Very friendly. Welcome us visitors. Would recommend.“

“Cool place. Darts. Pool. Longest bar“

“We were visiting and came to watch the Liverpool game. We got to meet another Liverpool fan from NY and were delighted to have Derrick behind the bar. He was so much fun and we got to meet his mom and step dad. Such a great afternoon, thanks Derrick.“

“It is an excellent place to meet awesome local winners and is supper-friendly. I have been going here most of the week when I am in town. It is a lovely wine store and “a testing wine bar.“

“I was in Sarasota for 9 days I had a great time at this place. The bartenders were great. The patrons were awesome. And the bar back was even cool. Were im from they don't even talk to you unless they know you. They have a guy that is 57 years old bartending on Friday nights that is literally the life of the party. From introducing you to people to making sure your glass was always full. I didn't get down there my last night there but I will be back for the shirt they promised me. Until we meet again stay 😎“

“Best bar in all of Sarasota!!!!
It's a local spot with true regulars that have been coming here for over a decade!!!
Good ole Charlie may he rest in peace😢
But Jake and Millie some of the OG bartenders still there I love them both!!!“

“dive bar with attitude! great place“

“Very friendly, welcoming bar. Come in and introduce yourself around. We like hamburger nights for an inexpensive meal, good conversation and a couple of drinks.

Jukebox, pool table. Pinball seems out of commission though. Patio.“

“Great service and open before Milton“

“Great drinks and friendly staff!“

“I had to flag down and one time waited 5 minutes before anyone asked me for another while my empty sat at refill position on the bar. But you might get better service or noticed if you are better looking I suppose. But they where very friendly and made very good drinks.“

“Here during Spring '01, was passing through Sarasota, however stayed at the Tiny's Homes. Looked for placed that stayed open late...trek'd there, after a few down the hole trek'd back to the Tiny's. Good tunes, cool locals and just good ol fun.“

“I had a lot of fun at gateway, I just moved to Florida. But I did get a little disrespectful to one of the bartenders that works there, I definitely am sorry to her an the staff. I will not be returning though, I just don’t want to cross any boundaries. Thanks gateway❤️❤️“

“Amazing sundown experience. Started my afternoon at the Tiki bar which was a good call. They were short staffed and helping with orders on the beach. Though Solo, it was a semi quiet bar family and children friendly. Shout out to (Joe) who attended to me and was very attentive. After my meal I went to lounge. Beach waiters were attentive as well i.e water bucket and umbrella etc. I felt well attended to though I did not require much. I want to applaud management towards the etiquette and team spirit the men and women had. I could hear many complaints of orders being skipped or taking too long, yet felt the crew did thier best by compensating in other area's. I do have to say to update the beach lounge chairs they are very uncomfortable.“

“This was my first visit to 8 Ball Lounge..
I was very impressed with all of the options, games, service and management.
The GM, David, kept a great pulse on a very diverse clientele while supporting two amazing bartenders, Ms. Kate & Ms. Anna... both of whom were obviously veterans of their jobs and experts of their craft.
Dart league, pool league, Golden Tee, Punching Bag and a very clean atmosphere!!!
Highly recommend this establishment and staff!!“

“Lucas Lemig has climbed high up the ranks with his knowledge of the area, from bar scenes to his talent behind the bar top. Man never disappoints, if this gets to Lucas, let him know Roddy says quality things. I have Facundo’s contact info we’d love to present a theme night of sorts focused around his beverage. Lemig’s got my number, don’t be shy. Enjoy every bit of it my man!“

“Wonderful experience. Can't wait to go back.“

“My husband and I had a wonderful Mother’s Day at Elixir’s tea house! The service was top-notch. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting. The food was ample and delicious…I would highly recommend!!!Thank you for a wonderful Mother’s Day❤️“

“Great place for entertainment! The outdoor tiki is fantastic and the staff are friendly and attentive“

“Amazing from start to finish! Had dinner last night with 4 other ladies and EVERY single dish was my favorite! So hard to choose! The drinks, the service, the menu, the food…couldn’t have asked for a better experience! Don’t miss this place if you’re in town! Thank you Chef Jeremy!“

“Had a great experience at the bar . Our bartender was Dom and he was wonderful, always checking to make sure we had everything and everything was okay, there was a girl (sorry I didn’t get your name, but she was excellent too) the pizza was great and then burger we had was good also. We definitely recommend this place . Never had a bad meal or experience here. Thank you Yard House !“

“Look no further. Delish!! We will definitely return. YUM-a-licious!!“