Top ten favorited Sarasota watering holes missed out on USA TODAY's Yearly Bars Exceptional List
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Sarasota, Florida, is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant arts scene, but it's also home to a diverse and dynamic bar scene. From tiki bars to craft beer pubs, there's a watering hole for every taste. Here's a roundup of some of the city's most popular bars that offer unique experiences.
Bahi Hut
Located at 4675 N. Tamiami Trail, Bahi Hut is Florida's oldest tiki bar and the country's longest-running "tiki treasure." Established in the 1950s, this iconic bar is famous for its secret-recipe Mai Tais, which come with a two-drink limit.
O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill
After an eight-month closure caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton, O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill reopened in May 2023. Located at Bayfront Park, Sarasota, the bar offers signature cocktails, including dangerously good frozen favorites like the Mudslide. The reopening saw the debut of a bigger, better, open-air tiki bar on June 29, 2023.
Shamrock Pub
A neighbourhood hangout, Shamrock Pub boasts a smart, fun staff, plenty of history, and a wide selection of craft beer taps. It's a great place to unwind and enjoy a cold one.
The Old Salty Dog
This local favourite made USA TODAY's Bars of the Year list in 2022. Situated on Sarasota's City Island, The Old Salty Dog offers a laid-back atmosphere and a variety of drinks.
Pangea Alchemy Lab
Hidden on Main St., Sarasota, Pangea Alchemy Lab is marked by minimal signage and accessible only through a blink-and-you'll-miss-it alley. This cocktail haven offers a moody, vintage-chic lounge atmosphere and a menu that balances timeless classics with creative concoctions. The Sazerac, with "stiff bourbon up front" and a "sweet maple finish," is a popular choice.
SKP Tiki Bar at Siesta Key Palms Resort
For a low-key, Old Florida vibe, head to SKP Tiki Bar at Siesta Key Palms Resort. This bar offers frozen favourites, a signature Bahama Mama, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Shakespeare's Craft Beer & Gastro Pub
Tucked away in a nondescript strip mall, Shakespeare's Craft Beer & Gastro Pub offers a cozy atmosphere that readily transports guests from the Florida heat to a dark, cool English pub setting. The pub serves 17 rotating craft beers and seven mainstay drafts, including international classics and local standouts. Plus, it's known for its 11 signature burgers, especially the Caramelized Onion & Brie Burger.
The Gator Club
While not yet on USA TODAY's Bars of the Year list, The Gator Club in Sarasota has earned a spot for 2024. This bar offers a lively atmosphere and a variety of drinks.
Crescent Club
Located on Siesta Key, the Crescent Club has been serving cold drinks and local stories since 1949. The bar offers a dimly lit, smoky, no-frills atmosphere that exudes Old Florida dive-bar charm.
The Beach Club
The Beach Club in Siesta Key Village, open since 1947, added a food menu earlier this year. This beachside bar offers a laid-back atmosphere and a variety of drinks.
Brewster's Gastropub
Brewster's Gastropub on Main Street, Sarasota, is a popular spot for craft beer, cocktails, and gastropub-style food.
For more options, check local Sarasota-oriented publications or recent reviews in Florida-focused food and drink media. These sources frequently highlight notable venues before national lists do. The Sarasota Magazine "Best Bars" feature is a good start.
- The world of media has featured Bahi Hut, an iconic tiki bar in Sarasota, as it is Florida's oldest and the country's longest-running "tiki treasure."
- Business owners in the entertainment industry in Sarasota, such as those at O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill, have had to adapt to challenges like hurricanes, as evident by their eight-month closure and subsequent reopening in May 2023.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts might be interested to know that The Old Salty Dog, a local favourite, made USA TODAY's Bars of the Year list in 2022, offering a laid-back atmosphere and a variety of drinks.
- Food-and-drink aficionados can explore Pangea Alchemy Lab, a cocktail haven in Sarasota, known for balancing timeless classics with creative concoctions, such as the popular Sazerac with a "stiff bourbon up front" and a "sweet maple finish."
