Main Bar has been my go-to for a quick lunch for decades whenever I'm in town. I typically order take out before noon, as it gets crowded when court is in recess for lunch. It's a no-frills establishment with tables close together. and a dish of soft mints at the front counter. There are interesting photos from the circus on the walls, as I believe prior owners performed with Barnum & Bailey. The showstopper is the New Yorker - thinly sliced rare roast beef, tomatoes, and horseradish sauce on a soft warm kaiser roll. I prefer the dab of potato salad over the slaw. Other tried and true favorites -- the sultan salad (greek with tuna fish on top), the italian (what main bar is famous for), and gazpacho. But I don't think you can go wrong here. I just can't stop ordering the new yorker. oh, plan to smell like onions if you dine in. just part of the charm.
kim p
Staff was nice but they Cheap on meat high on price $11 for a 9” sub with literally 1 slice of meat See photos go to publix and get a real sub
Gena C
Oh my first bite was heaven. These guys can make a sandwich!!!! I loved it.. Had turkey breast, provolone (extra) great white roll, mayo, vinegar, olive oil, tomato, lettuce and onion. It just was wonderful. Wish I lived around the corner. Not cheap, two sandwiches and one tea was $27 which I thought was high. I didn't get chips or any side with my sandwich. Would have expected a bag of chips. But still I'd go again and again. Too good!!!!!!
GR260
For starters, we love the retro feel of this place. It feels like it's frozen in time... in a very positive way. Then there's the food. We both ordered the Famous Italian. With absolutely fresh meats and veggies, plus wonderful bread, this sandwich is perfect. I love the hot peppers... just enough and just the right kick. Can't wait to go back.
chriswG1841PM
Corn beef sandwich and a beer for lunch. Service was quick. Sandwich was just ok, not all that much meat and came with a pickle. In and out in less than 20 minutes. Thought $25 including tip was a little high.
DrMike60
A family run small shop with a big sandwich menu, fair prices for a downtown restaurant and QUALITY food. The server was especially helpful, we met the chef ( cool) and other family members. Corned beef was very filling, beer on tap ( Amber Bock my favorite) and overall I don’t know why it took us so long to try it. Parking can be a hassle downtown but find a way to visit this diamond. They’re in business for decades for a reason. Enjoy!
ggFromFla
Staff very good about sanitation and distancing. Also very attentive. I did not care for the hot corned beef sandwich (on rye.) The meat was warm, but chewy - a lot of fat. I have had better food at this place, but this time - no.
aslal
The Main Bar Sandwich Shop is simply delicious (with some amazing Sarasota Circus history pictured on its walls.) We loved our lunch of the soup of the day which was a j*** chicken, full of flavor and filling. The sandwiches were just what we were hoping for great bread, and a variety of meats and topping choices that were fresh and tasty. There are so many yummy choices on the menu we will definitely be back. Michelle made the whole experience enjoyable, she was attentive, professional, and pleasant.
949jakes
Excellent Cuban sandwich great cold draft beer. great service . We will be back next time in Sarasota.
patriciahR4705IK
For years this was one of our favorite lunch spots. Then several years ago we move from Sarasota and moved back to North Carolina. Recently we visited the Sarasota area for a month and fell in love this is place again. From the delicious sandwiches, salads, soups and those chocolate chip cookies, you'll never be disappointed.
Had soup and a Mediterranean plate. Really tasty and filling. Got there too late and they ran out of the tomato basil soup or I would have had a second bowl.
Main Bar has been my go-to for a quick lunch for decades whenever I'm in town. I typically order take out before noon, as it gets crowded when court is in recess for lunch. It's a no-frills establishment with tables close together. and a dish of soft mints at the front counter. There are interesting photos from the circus on the walls, as I believe prior owners performed with Barnum & Bailey. The showstopper is the New Yorker - thinly sliced rare roast beef, tomatoes, and horseradish sauce on a soft warm kaiser roll. I prefer the dab of potato salad over the slaw. Other tried and true favorites -- the sultan salad (greek with tuna fish on top), the italian (what main bar is famous for), and gazpacho. But I don't think you can go wrong here. I just can't stop ordering the new yorker. oh, plan to smell like onions if you dine in. just part of the charm.
Staff was nice but they Cheap on meat high on price $11 for a 9” sub with literally 1 slice of meat See photos go to publix and get a real sub
Oh my first bite was heaven. These guys can make a sandwich!!!! I loved it.. Had turkey breast, provolone (extra) great white roll, mayo, vinegar, olive oil, tomato, lettuce and onion. It just was wonderful. Wish I lived around the corner. Not cheap, two sandwiches and one tea was $27 which I thought was high. I didn't get chips or any side with my sandwich. Would have expected a bag of chips. But still I'd go again and again. Too good!!!!!!
For starters, we love the retro feel of this place. It feels like it's frozen in time... in a very positive way. Then there's the food. We both ordered the Famous Italian. With absolutely fresh meats and veggies, plus wonderful bread, this sandwich is perfect. I love the hot peppers... just enough and just the right kick. Can't wait to go back.
Corn beef sandwich and a beer for lunch. Service was quick. Sandwich was just ok, not all that much meat and came with a pickle. In and out in less than 20 minutes. Thought $25 including tip was a little high.
A family run small shop with a big sandwich menu, fair prices for a downtown restaurant and QUALITY food. The server was especially helpful, we met the chef ( cool) and other family members. Corned beef was very filling, beer on tap ( Amber Bock my favorite) and overall I don’t know why it took us so long to try it. Parking can be a hassle downtown but find a way to visit this diamond. They’re in business for decades for a reason. Enjoy!
Staff very good about sanitation and distancing. Also very attentive. I did not care for the hot corned beef sandwich (on rye.) The meat was warm, but chewy - a lot of fat. I have had better food at this place, but this time - no.
The Main Bar Sandwich Shop is simply delicious (with some amazing Sarasota Circus history pictured on its walls.) We loved our lunch of the soup of the day which was a j*** chicken, full of flavor and filling. The sandwiches were just what we were hoping for great bread, and a variety of meats and topping choices that were fresh and tasty. There are so many yummy choices on the menu we will definitely be back. Michelle made the whole experience enjoyable, she was attentive, professional, and pleasant.
Excellent Cuban sandwich great cold draft beer. great service . We will be back next time in Sarasota.
For years this was one of our favorite lunch spots. Then several years ago we move from Sarasota and moved back to North Carolina. Recently we visited the Sarasota area for a month and fell in love this is place again. From the delicious sandwiches, salads, soups and those chocolate chip cookies, you'll never be disappointed.
Restaurantji Recommends
Had soup and a Mediterranean plate. Really tasty and filling. Got there too late and they ran out of the tomato basil soup or I would have had a second bowl.