Toasted Mango Cafe
Really excellent breakfast and sandwich cafe, located not far from the Hyatt. Definitely a local favorite.
First Watch
Health oriented breakfast and lunch restaurant chain. Solid vegetarian and low carb options for those that need, but their regular food is pretty great as well.
Spice Station
Can be a bit tricky to get in to, as they only take reservations for parties of 6 or more. Really awesome Thai, though, and worth the hassle.
State Street Eating House & Cocktails
Modern contemporary place with an inside and outside seating and a great lounge with fantastic drinks. Best option for those who want to go from dinner out to drinks out in one go.
Mediterraneo
A little more upscale Italian. This was our first ‘dinner out’ in Florida and Mediterraneo continuously impresses. If they have a risotto special, don’t ask questions and order it.
Selva Grill
Selva focuses on fusion-style Peruvian cuisine. Really, really good. The whole fried fish is Liz’s favorite, and it really is a whole fish so make sure to stare back. :) The ceviche is on point as well.
LATE NIGHTS
State Street Eating House & Cocktails
Classic old school cocktail bar with an insanely good whiskey collection. Adam says you’re required to try the Old Fashioned here. Liz says its the Bramble. We say its both. They also have a great restaurant attached that we mentioned above.
PERSPECTIVE Rooftop POOL BAR @ Art Ovation
New rooftop bar to Sarasota atop the Art Ovation hotel. Direct elevator access so no worries about getting there. Really beautiful views for an evening out.
Cask & Ale
Awesome bar with local brews on tap and a good selection of cocktails. Honestly probably where you should go… try a draft from Motorworks or Darwin’s.
BEACH TIME
SIESTA KEY BEACH
Consistently awarded as one of the best beaches in the country and even the world, Siesta Key is perfect white sand spread in every direction. Because of how awesome it is, it can definitely be overrun by visitors, but if beaches are your thing this is a do-not-miss. Take an Uber - parking sucks.
COQUINA BEACH
The ‘local alternative’ to Siesta. Not quite as perfect, and not as much built up in the area, but parking is usually accessible and you can usually find space easily. This is Adam and Liz’s beach of choice. A bit north of Sarasota, getting there is easy. Whatever transportation you prefer will work.
EXPLORE
Ringling & Ca d’Zan
For those historically minded, the Ringlings and Potters were key figures in the history of Sarasota and Manatee counties. The Ringlings used Sarasota as their winter home when off season from the traveling circus, and their estate is now a museum to that. Included in the estate, however, is a fantastic art collection that is definitely worth seeing for those inclined.
Drum Circle Distillery
Drum Circle makes some of the best rum in the world under the brand Siesta Key Rum. Their Distiller’s Reserve will make Scotch drinkers prefer Rum, its that good. Tours are regular and the tasting room is generous. Try the Coffee Rum for something a little different.
Mote Aquarium
The Mote is an aquarium dedicated to preserving the local Gulf sealife, including Manatees and Turtles. Quite a bit more complete than you might think, this is a great option for family trips or those looking for a change of pace.
Busch Gardens (Tampa)
Not much more to say than rollercoasters and animals. Its about an hour and a half away from our locations, so this will take a bit of a trip.
Motorworks Brewing
Motorworks is a local brewery with a pretty large array of beer. Their lawn is a great place to hang out with a kolsch and snacks on an afternoon.
Darwin’s Brewing and Taproom
Just down the street from Motorworks, better beer but a smaller place. Hit them both. :)