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Bar Guide & Event Schedule
Sarasota is often called the gem of Florida’s Cultural Coast! Are you looking for ‘laid-back’ Florida? Head over to Sarasota, located along Florida’s west coast. A small city of 55,000 people, Sarasota is a short drive from St. Petersburg and Tampa. Nearby, the barrier islands of Siesta Key, Long Boat Key and St. Armand’s Key are known for their gorgeous white-sand beaches, as well as shopping, dining and galleries.
Having such a variety of entertainment, culture, dining and nightlife makes Sarasota a great travel destination and an LGBTQ-friendly community in which to work and live. And we haven’t even mentioned the weather! Downtown boasts the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, the Sarasota Opera House and several unique restaurants. As a city that celebrates diversity and inclusiveness, there are several festivals including Harvey Milk Festival in May and Sarasota Pride in October.
Antoine’s Restaurant
Intimate locale offering refined Belgian, French & Italian food, including mussels prepared 10 ways.
1100 N Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL
Bijou Garden Cafe
Upscale cafe by the opera house delivering a long list of unique wines & modern Continental dishes.
1287 1st Street, Sarasota, FL
CasAntica Ristorante
Italian favorites served in an outdoor garden or homey dining room with a fireplace & bar.
1213 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL
Der Dutchman
Casual Amish kitchen featuring a buffet and a bakery with pies & other treats.
3713 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL
Duval’s Fresh. Local. Seafood. High-end seafood dishes & choice meats are prepared in sleek, contemporary surroundings.
1435 Main St, Sarasota, FL
First Watch
Health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options.
1395 Main St, Sarasota, FL
Indigenous Restaurant
Innovative, American cuisine served in a warm, sophisticated restored home.
239 S Links Ave, Sarasota, FL
Isan Thai Restaurant
Serving Thai favorites, plus dishes from the region of Isan.
5758 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL
Jpan Sushi & Grill
Sushi & other Japanese fare are served in a modern dining room or on the outdoor patio.
3800 S Tamiami Trail #3, Sarasota, FL
Kam’s Bubble Tea & Sushi
Unassuming spot with a sushi menu, bubble teas & fruit smoothies, plus grab-&-go containers of maki.
1813 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL
Knick’s Tavern & Grill
Neighborhood watering hole offering fine American fare & a full bar.
1818 S Osprey Ave, Sarasota, FL
La Mucca Ballerina
Family-owned eatery offering the most authentic Italian food in Sarasota
1668 Main St, Sarasota, FL
MADE Restaurant
Locally sourced American comfort food is served in an airy, colorful setting. 1990 Main Str, #112, Sarasota, FL
Madison Avenue Cafe & Deli
Bright deli/bakery offering sandwiches, breakfast & coffees, plus a wine shop & a few tables.
28 N Boulevard of the Presidents, Sarasota, FL
Michael’s On East
Sophisticated New American plates in a modern setting with a chic piano lounge.
1212 S East Ave, Sarasota, FL
Mona Lisa Italian Restaurant
Traditional pasta, veal, chicken & seafood served in a cozy environment with outdoor seating.
4989 Ringwood Meadows, Sarasota, FL
Origin Craft Beer & Pizza Cafe
Casual eatery serving pizza, stromboli, wings & craft beers in a modest space.
1837 Hillview St, Sarasota, FL
Owen’s Fish Camp
Bustling locale serves up imaginative takes on seafood dishes.
516 Burns Ct, Sarasota, FL
Pangea Alchemy Lab
Selva Downtown Sarasota
Peruvian eatery dishes up inventive ceviches & cocktails in a chic elegant decor setting.
1345 Main St f4, Sarasota, FL
Toasted Mango Cafe
Eatery providing breakfast & lunch classics.
430 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL
Walt’s Fish Market Restaurant
Seafood spot in an industrial space with mounted fish & an outdoor bar.
4144 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL
Yoder’s Restaurant & Amish Village
Old-fashioned locale known for hearty American & Amish cuisine, including homemade pies.
3434 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL
performances from one of the nation’s top youth music training programs. For more info visit: tinyurl.com/yz6muz6f
OCT 7-8
DOWNTOWN SARASOTA CRAFT FESTIVAL
The show will be located in the heart of Downtown Sarasota in 5 Points Park, on Central and First Street. Sarasota is well known for its famous white sandy beaches, friendly locals and visitors and inviting architecture. For more info visit: tinyurl.com/yppsdjfs
OCT 13-15
SARASOTA ROCKTOBERFEST
October 13-15, 2023, Paragon Festivals with the Downtown Sarasota Enrichment Association bring an authentic 3-Day Oktoberfest experience coupled with fantastic live musical performances to downtown Sarasota in JD Hamel Park.
NOV 17-18
AZARA BALLET PRESENTS EXPRESSIONS
Expressions is a collection of 4 short contemporary ballets, featuring our talented ensemble of 14 professional dancers and showcasing the creative vision of emerging and diverse choreographers. This captivating production promises to ignite your emotions, as you are immersed in a world of stunning movement, evocative music, and profound artistic expression. For more info visit: azaraballet.org/performances
NOV 24-26
SARASOTA FOOD TRUCK RALLY & MUSIC FESTIVAL
Situated at the picturesque J.D. Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Drive, the rally will offer a diverse selection of food trucks, each ready to provide a unique culinary journey. From local favorites to exotic
and cool festival merchandise. For more info visit: tinyurl.com/mn722ek4
DEC 28
NUTCRACKER!
MAGICAL CHRISTMAS BALLET
The beloved family tradition is back: NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet! Gather your loved ones for the warmglow-nostalgia of America’s favorite Christmas celebration. Experience the extraordinary international cast and Ukrainian Principal Artists performing at the peak of classical European Ballet. Be transported by the magic of jawdropping acrobatics, larger than life puppets and stunning hand-crafted sets and costumes. Don’t miss this chance to experience the wonder of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet.
For more info visit: tinyurl.com/4hja7bfc
JAN 10-12
Park – the 8th annual Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival. Fun, food, festivities and relaxation begin Friday evening 4-10pm, continuing Saturday 11-10 and Sunday 11-6. For more info visit: tinyurl.com/2mamx95f
FEB 24-25
SARASOTA FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
Looking ahead for fun things to do? Please put us on your “To Do” list on February 24-25, 2024 in JD Hamel Park: the premiere of the Sarasota Festival of the Arts. The event will showcase the original works of artisans and crafters from throughout Florida and across the United States. The event is graciously hosted by the Downtown Sarasota Enrichment Association. For more info visit: tinyurl. com/3n2vszy9
Cork’s Cigar Bar
A great place to enjoy a long burn and a cold Guinness
424 Old Main St, Bradenton, FL
Michael’s On East
Sophisticated New American plates & monthly specials in a modern setting with a chic piano lounge.
1212 S East Ave, Sarasota, FL
O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill
Breezy outpost offers casual food & drinks in an open-air, tropical themed joint on the beach.
5 Bayfront Drive, Sarasota, FL
Pangea Alchemy Lab
Chic, glowing cocktail bar with a Euro vibe & nightly comfort-food plates served cafeteria-style.
1564 Main St, Sarasota, FL
Purple Rhino
Awesome Staff, Great Bar, and Quality Entertainment!
2920 S Beneva Rd, Sarasota, FL
The Beach Club
Nightspot featuring live bands 7 days a week, a rotating roster of DJs & weekly theme nights.
5151 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, FL
The Gator Club
Chill outpost in a historic building features bands & DJs in a cozy space with a trendy bar scene.
1490 Main St, Sarasota, FL
CAN Community Health
Providing the best care for those affected by HIV, Hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted diseases. cancommunityhealth.org
4440 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL
Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota
Through songs of hope and inclusion, our LGBT chorus celebrates all of humanity and inspires our community to embrace equality. diversitysarasota.org
Equality Florida
The largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s LGBTQ+ community. eqfl.org
GLSEN
A national organization fighting
PFLAG Sarasota
PFLAG Sarasota offers education, resources, and support serving Sarasota and Manatee counties. pflagsarasota.org
Prism PRISM aims to provide LGBTQ+ youth in South Florida and beyond with the education and support they need to live a happy, healthy life. prismfl.org
Project PRIDE
We celebrate and unite Sarasota’s diverse community by providing social connection and by supporting Sarasota’s LGBTQ+ people, businesses and organizations.
ppsrq.org
