Sip exotic tropical cocktails at The Monkey Room Bar
Downtown
Attention martini connoisseurs: the raspberry lemon drop martini at the Ritz-Carlton will be money well-spent. That, or the chocolate-covered cherry martini at Selva Grill’s Martini Bar.
Downtown Sarasota is teeming with bars, lounges and clubs for all tastes (and ages…over 21, that is). While the Ritz and Selva are swanky enough for donning a little black dress or a suit, several downtown venues have a more casual, island vibe.
While taking a stroll down Main Street on a weekend evening, you’ll likely hear the sounds of live music wafting over from Mattison’s City Grille. Outdoor dancing and a full bar make this casual spot a favorite among locals.
The Gator Club is a lovable dive and a downtown favorite. There is a mixed crowd that tends to be slightly older, but the live music, dancing, pool tables, lounge area and reasonably priced drinks make it fun for residents and visitors of all ages.
Evie’s Tavern draws a crowd most nights, but on Fridays and Saturdays, you may have some trouble getting through the door. However, it’s worth the wait—the drinks are affordable and strong and the crowd is easy-going. Evie’s is popular among younger people in Sarasota, particularly recent grads or college students visiting for weekends or breaks. Some patrons get dressed up while others come in jeans so, no matter your style, you’ll fit right in at Evie’s.
Nearby Horse Feathers Grill and Lounge draws in the after-work crowd with its horseshoe bar and comfortable lounge, but it fills up on weekend evenings, as well. Due to their close proximity, many guests like to float between Evie’s and Horse Feathers, though the two have distinctly different feels. Horse Feathers boasts an impressive martini list and a DJ spins Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.Midtown
Before you reach downtown, you’ll pass the Five O’Clock Club, known simply as “the 5-O” by its regulars. The bar has live music every night of the week and its acts range from local bands to well-known performers. The dimly-lit, casual spot is the perfect place to relax with a beer.
Shakespeare’s English Pub is low-key—a great spot to grab a beer and munch on some very delicious bar food.
St. Armand’s Circle
While St. Armand’s is known for its restaurants, galleries, shopping and nearby Lido Beach, it’s also home to 15 South Martini Bar. The upstairs bar has live music and dancing. Pop by after a meal at one of the popular nearby restaurants.
If you’re seeking something a little more relaxed, Cork has a beautiful bar with an extensive wine selection.
Siesta Village
Siesta Key Oyster Bar is packed on any given night. Its live music is excellent, with musicians performing everything from fun, upbeat songs to rock ‘n roll to laidback beach tunes. SKOB has a late night menu, drink specials and both an indoor and outdoor bar. The patio is usually packed to capacity, but you can squeeze inside, as well. It feels like a true beach shack filled with hundreds of your closest friends. Odds are, some of you closest friends are inside—this local favorite is a great spot for reunions.
Daiquiri Deck is an outdoor oasis of beach-y drinks, light bites and good people. The spot is usually less crowded than SKOB, making it a good place to chill out at the bar or at one of the many tables. The drink menu is almost overwhelming with its inventive, ice-cold concoctions. The orange Deck Diesel, the yellow Banana Slider or the blue Electric Lemonade will definitely add some color to your night.
Gilligan’s is another fun spot across the street. Its outdoor bar is reminiscent of one you’d find on a private beach on a remote island.
The Beach Club is indoors, but you’ll still feel like you’re on the beach with the cold beer and live music. There’s usually a band playing and the dance floor is packed. Let loose and meet some interesting people—everyone is very friendly.
Gulf Gate
Gulf Gate has a bar scene that, until recently, was untapped. The regulars keep coming back to the fun pubs like the Irish Rover, the Paddy Wagon, Badda Bing, Pastimes, Steel Can Alley and Detention. Each bar has something different to offer, whether it’s live Irish music, unusual beer on tap, a young crowd or an after-work spot for the working class. With so many different places on a two-street stretch, you can start your own pub crawl.
North Sarasota
Experience a different side of Sarasota at the Cock and Bull Pub on Cattleman Road. You’ll feel like you’re in true farm country when you roll up to this local favorite. Inside, relax on comfy sofas, shoot some pool or grab a table with all your friends. Most patrons hang outside at the picnic tables. The fire pit is a draw, but the best thing about Cock and Bull is the beer selection. The pub, which only serves beer and wine, has a legendary menu unmatched by most other places in Florida. Their beers range from the cheap classics like PBR to the difficult-to-find Lambric. They frequently have live music, as well—the shows feature local bands outside on the deck. Everyone is welcoming and you’ll find yourself seeing familiar faces each time you return.
The Bahi Hut on the North Trail is legendary among locals, but it’s also gaining national fame. Recently covered in major publications, the Hut is known for its Mai Tais. They’re delicious, but oh-so-strong, so there is a limit of two-per-customer. It’s a true dive in every sense of the word—cheesy in an incredibly endearing way. You’ll definitely want to stop by.
Longboat Key
Longboat is known more for its beach and breathtaking homes, but there is nightlife, as well. The Monkey Room at the Colony Resort serves up tropical cocktails along with live music.
Euphemia Haye’s Haye Loft closes earlier (usually around 11 p.m.), but it’s a great place to start the night—it’s quiet, relaxing and they serve up delicious coffee liquer drinks, as well as live music.
Venice
You’ll feel like you’re in Margaritaville at Sharky’s on the Pier in Venice. The frozen drinks and island music will take you away.
For such a small town, Sarasota has a big nightlife. No matter your scene, you’ll find something spectacular.
