Live music sounds from a sandy stage
The sidewalks don't roll up in Sarasota as the sun goes down. Au contraire…things really get going after dark.
No matter the season, it’s usually sunny in Sarasota, making the outdoor Mattison's City Grille a hot spot to cool down.
The stylishly dressed nighttime crowd is mostly middle-aged, but the sprawling corner location attracts all sorts of passer-bys. Its tiki-torch-covered patio is unmistakable, as are the sounds of live music and laughter.
The gleaming wood bar is usually dotted with regulars sampling the superb cuisine and sipping on Cosmopolitans.
After a long day, sometimes you just really need to let loose—whether that means kicking back and sipping on a cool one or tearing up the dance floor.
At Gator Club, the downstairs bar, live band and dance floor keep things lively, while upstairs, it's more laidback.
Think lounging on velvety, Victorian-style couches, chairs and settees in front of a huge fireplace as you sip Grey Goose on the rocks with your sweetie. Or head to the bar for a single malt whisky and play a game of pool.
The Five O'Clock Club is always a good bet for live music. Ditto for the Siesta Key Oyster Bar.
The Key’s excitement traces its roots back to the late 1940s when the Beach Club on Siesta got its start - and crowds continue to pack this lively spot.
Bands perform regularly, offering classic and alternative rock for the 21 and up crowd. This is one Sarasota spot where there are just as many 21-year olds are there are 40-somethings, making the Beach Club a melting pot for all of Sarasota’s partiers.
The Blasé Café is a Siesta Key gem that boasts a martini bar and lounge, serves gourmet food in an artistic setting and has an outdoor patio twinkling in white lights.
Whether you’re in the mood for kicking back with a chocolate martini or you’re up for dancing on the bar to the YMCA (yes, this happens), Blasé will keep you entertained all night long.
Want to make some music of your own? You’ll have your chance at the Siesta Key Drum Circle on Sundays. Grab your drum (or nearly any instrument) and hit the sand. If you don't play an instrument, don't worry: dance!
Dance is just what you'll do at 15 South on St. Armands Circle. With a restaurant downstairs and a martini bar and dance club upstairs, you can strut your stuff on the dance floor after sipping a martini or glass of Chardonnay. The music rotates between jazz, Latin, reggae and other genres.
Gecko's Grill and Pub in the Landings shopping center also has live music.
Cock and Bull Pub on Cattleman frequently books fun, local bands on its outdoor patio, so head out there, grab an imported beer and soak up the music under the stars.
