Sarasota?

Headed for a week in Sarasota, and I'm not optimistic about the eating situation down there.

It's my sense that there are an awful lot of overpriced, underwhelming places in that part of the word. Any recommendations of decent food of any description would be very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

smcb

I go to Sarasota once in a while, but don't eat out too much while there. I found some useful suggestions in this thread on Sarasota posted here a few months ago: http://roadfood.com/Forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2669&SearchTerms=sarasota

Hi - there is a great little place in Cortez, FL - we found it by accident... Star Market Seafood, 12306 46 Ave. W.
Cortez is on Anna Maria Island and not built up, very "old Florida". The Star Market is a retail shop that sells dinners out the back window that you eat on the dock. Couldn't be any more casual or fresh. Just a short drive from Sarasota.

For a burger/ drive-in place go to the HobNob. Seafood, go to Phillippi Creek Seafood on the main drag s. of town or Moore's Stone Crab at the end of Longboat Key. We visit these places every year we go there

oh yes,definitely hit the 'HOBNOB' not only for burgers but delicious hot dogs as well. In dontown Sarasota,on main st.,katty-corner to the First Baptist Church,is a little dive of a pizza joint(3 tables) where you can get the best pizza in Florida(skip the puns folks) and by the slice as well....owner was a marathon runner and grew up in Brooklyn,the man knows pizza!

You missed Ophelia's on Midnight Pass and How about The Summer House. Both a bit pricy but great places.

Captain Brains Seafood just North of the Airport on the same side of the street has great sea food...but this is Florida and seafood is good and fresh here. The Grouper is being caught again this week and always a nice choice but so is the Tilapia and Amber Jack. If you haven't been to Bone Fish Grill, by all means do. It is a chain owned by Outback...but worth the trip.

There is a little place next to Marina Jacks (not what it use to be) that is native Florida...O'Leary's . Good for a cold beer and a grouper sandwich for lunch.

Don't over look The Beach House, South end of Anna Maria near Coquina Beach (the best beach around), and The Sand Bar on the Northern tip of AMI. Both owned by the same guy. Great views, good food, music, you know the Fla. thing. How about The Sea Food Shack? It's on the West side of the Cortez Bridge.

If you take the Cortez bridge from the island (going West) at about 118th St. is Cortez Kitchen...It's where the fishing boats come in and the sea food is just caught! Picnic tables, cold beer and the best fried, broiled or sautéed sea food on earth! Yes Moor's Crab house is good it's on Broadway the last street on Longboat's North end. Don't forget to make a left on Longboat Drive from Broadway before you go to Moor's and see all the wild peacocks who have made that neighborhood their how for many many years....one of our best kept secrets.

The Beach Cafe is still only serving pancakes because the remodeling continues...and it continues to be a favorite for breakfast. There is Rotten Ralph's on the North end of AMI, The Beach Bistro ($$$$) but worth the money, and The Rod and Reel Pier still has breakfast lunch and dinner N. AMI)...another breach favorite. Mangrove Grill is a new place with wonderful food and on the River in Palmetto just across the 41/301 Bridge. Because I don't know where you are staying it's hard to pick out palaces.

Try Fred's in Sarasota and Sam Sneed's, both local haunts...across from Monroe's Market. We locals also like the Anna Maria Oyster Bar on US 41 near the airport...a good Italian place for veal is Coco Mocco's also on 41 (The Trail).

As you can tell I am on the North side of Sarasota (just another big town) and we eat out a lot. So I know that side best. If you are not eating on the beach or inter costal waterway....you will find the best restaurants in strip malls....not stand alone restaurants like up North...Don't over look these places...you will find exceptional restaurants tucked away in a strip mall...and do have a Cuban Sandwich while you are here....they are just

I will second Phillippi Creek Marina/Restaraunt. While not as good as it was 10 years ago, it is still worth the stop.

The Columbian Restaraunt, St. Armands. Go for the salad if nothing else.

Rosey: That's a great list of Sarasota restaaurants that i just might get to sample sometime this winter. As you are not all that far from Tampa Bay, you might be interested in the meetup being planned by Kristi S. for sometime in january or february. If you areintersted get in touch with Kristi thru the address on the members list.

Cheers, John

Thanks Jon, will do....but you know how this time of the year is...It got cold up North so I'm hanging out the B&B sign (again/still)...in-laws-out-laws and everyone in between! I wish they would just send the grandkids!
Rosey

quote:

Originally posted by seafarer john

Rosey: That's a great list of Sarasota restaaurants that i just might get to sample sometime this winter. As you are not all that far from Tampa Bay, you might be interested in the meetup being planned by Kristi S. for sometime in january or february. If you areintersted get in touch with Kristi thru the address on the members list.

Cheers, John