The Sandbar Tiki Bar and Grill

We pulled in and parked. A man waived us down as we were crossing the parking lot. He said that we could only valet park. I asked where the restaurant parking was and he said “this is the restaurant parking” but you can’t park here. So we are parked, walking towards the restaurant, he told us that he was hired to manage the parking lot and unfortunately we could not park there but we are welcome to park elsewhere and walk to the restaurant. There is no way I will ever get my partner to go back there. I’m assuming he was going to take our keys and repark it? It’s a tiny parking lot, he could have moved it over a few spots or across. I’ve never been told basically to leave by someone managing the parking lot.

We’ve been coming here for several years. There has always been mist fans and other fans but last night was miserably hot. No fans in the tiki area or in other eating areas that I could see. Yes on the very small dance floor. But as before the remodel the dance was so small it’s hard to even dance. I really thought the redo would make it more comfortable. Nope just more seating areas.

I usually only give reviews if the food or service was excellent but this was not. If you want microwaved previously frozen food definitely go here and sit with the flies. Our appetizer came in its original microwave packaging and was still somehow cold. (spinach artichoke dip) It was also just really bad, think dry stouffers frozen spinach loaf. The gator bites were good my husband said. His seafood trio was not. The grouper tasted more like cheap frozen fish. Scallops same. Everything was too salty. My mahi tacos were supposed to be blackened but tasted like they had just italian seasoning with heavy oregano. They were cold. They had microwaved some congealed shredded cheddar cheese on them which somehow made them worse. Tried the “baked” mac n cheese but couldn’t stomach one more microwaved food item that was congealed/cold. The atmosphere was nice. Our waitress spent most of her time on her phone in the corner with other people running her food.

There last may and coming back this may. Can't wait to see yall. Great food, fantastic atmosphere and all the drinks you could wish for. our favorite spot.

Good food and good bands play there

Took part in free line dancing Wednesday and it was sure a workout and fun.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Awesome place good music and great food ! Always a good time !

Had a great drink called Strawberry shortcake. Delicious, food was great and was really quick. Sat outside on the canal

Good food & great service by McKenzie. The band “The Dukes of Brinkley” was awesome.

Chris the manager was very friendly and helpful. Staff was fantastic music was rocking and food was delicious. DEFINITELY the best spot in the area.

We visited with friends for the first time. Great outdoor atmosphere with very good entertainment. Fast friendly service and delicious food. They have a large menu with wonderful selections. I had the Sandbar Bomber Burger delicious with 1/2 pound brisket Burger which was loaded with extras. My wife had the Chef Salad with hugh portion of Blackened Grouper. We thoroughly enjoyed the food. Full bar and large specialty beer selection. We will gladly return.

Hangin out in Manasota Key, we decided to come here. First night food was awesome as well as Matt our bartender. So good we came a second night. Food was just as good and Becca at the bar was awesome. A must try spot. Oh and great music.

Outdoor tiki area seems nice particularly if you’re there for the band. I ate inside which was cosy. Food was good although on high side for dinners. I had the blackened mahi-mahi sandwich which was very good.

Love this place. We like to sit outside and enjoy the live music. The drinks are really good, and the food is always great. We especially appreciate the customer service, they always make you feel welcome.

Great low key atmosphere at this tiki hut style restaurant with daily live entertainment. Enjoy some food before looking at the drum circle at dusk on Engelwood beach on Sundays. Just order something simple as flat bread or coconut shrimp not the fish tacos as you go to this restaurant for the atmosphere, not the food.