Tavern on Main

Bar, Beer-to-go

1507 Main St
Sarasota, Florida, 34236-5802
United States

// CLOSED //
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.74
Reviews:
6
Ratings:
12
pDev:
5.7%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
 
Rated: 4.81 by Blwissler from Pennsylvania

Oct 01, 2015
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Rated by zchatta

5/5  rDev +5.5%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
Great selection great people good atmosphere
May 15, 2015
 
Rated: 4.21 by tommy5 from Michigan

Feb 26, 2015
 
Rated: 4.5 by mattreitz49 from Florida

Oct 13, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by Flat_Top from Florida

Sep 24, 2014
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Reviewed by JonB-SRQ from Florida

4.72/5  rDev -0.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.75
Update - Tavern on Main is adding 30+ taps to bring them up to ~ 60 taps (YOWZA)
The Launch Party is currently set for Weds, Feb 26, 2014

There's an Event for it on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1446000518948472/

The review -

I first came in here when it was still the 'Blue Owl' - didn't do a lot for me then. Now it's different.

In the last year, I have become a regular. I have always liked beers, stouts and ales - but I didn't know a lot about them. The Tavern on Main is very low-key and friendly, lots of locals. The beer-keepers are a knowledgeable group and always up to helping with suggestions.

That has made a big difference for me. I used to be a Cock & Bull fan when they were on lower Main Street - there it was the owner and the atmosphere (in particular Trivia Cards). Now, I have learned a bunch just by asking questions at the right moment. Selection? They always have new taps running, I can't get to try everything, but I make a reasonable effort, LOL. I'm not certain on the count, but I'm sure it's around the 30 range, including one bank of nitro taps. I hear they have sake as well (have not tried), also wine and some bottle domestics.

A recent favorite was the Swamphead 'Smoke Signal' Smoked Porter - which got me the info on 'what is the difference between a porter and a stout?' I also discovered 'sours' here. I also enjoy the reasonably frequent free tastings, as you don't get to see/try everything. (also not bad for catching a cap or T-Shirt). I have only missed a few, as they do a good job with Facebook getting the events published.

As I said before, the staff is pretty on top of things, and if I miss anyone in this thanks, it's unintentional. It's rarely so busy (except possibly Friday nites) that you can't get in some beer education. So thanks Corey, Joseph, Laslo (Jack) and Emma for the excellent service and suggestions (none of which have broken my piggy bank so far).

It's a small place and the crowd is very mixed (and friendly). It's a non-smoking bar inside, and there are a pair of wooden counters and two tables and chairs in the outside foyer where you can catch a puff, or enjoy your cigar. It also has a pool table that is in good repair and free trivia consoles that are interactive with several of the monitors in the bar area (haven't tried that) Forgot - Darts, too.

No food, but there are many many restaurants within a block. I should also say this place is 'very clean'.

So, I give Tavern On Main an "A+" in the category of Affordable and Friendly.

I think its well worth a stop...
Jan 27, 2014
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Reviewed by FMPSRQ from Florida

4.72/5  rDev -0.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.75
Biggest & best collection of beer on Tap in the city.
Very convenient spot being located right on Main St, near Lemon Ave.

Experienced and passionate about beer bartenders make a big difference when it comes to craft beers. They can guide you on a tour of flavors that will surely find exactly what your palate is looking for.

Darts, Pool, Music, Selection & Location....great pub (Tavern:-)

Cheers
Jan 01, 2014
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Reviewed by goflyjay from Florida

5/5  rDev +5.5%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
Great little pub with a great craft beer selection and very knowledgeable staff that Sarasota really needed. Very clean and you won't leave smelling of smoke. Pool table, darts, video trivia and great TV's to watch the games. If you are looking for a great place for a craft beer in downtown Sarasota, this is the best place.
Dec 26, 2013
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Reviewed by SchroederSRQ from Florida

5/5  rDev +5.5%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
Best place to get a great beer, and meet great people. The location is perfect right on Main St, and the staff is VERY knowledgeable about the beer they server. Even if you don't like beer... I challenge you to go to the Tavern and ask them to find you one you will not only like, but LOVE!
Dec 26, 2013
 
Rated: 5 by SegretiF from Florida

Dec 26, 2013
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Reviewed by PorterLambic from Florida

4.44/5  rDev -6.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
What? A cool beer-oriented place in downtown Sarasota? Not since the Cock & Bull left 12 years ago has there been a beer bar worth stopping at on Main St.

The selection is well rounded and well chosen, IPAs, stouts, hefes, seasonals, Ta Henket, cider all on tap. Southern Tier, Cigar City, Widmer, Dogfish Head, several European selections. I never got to the bottle choices but they did have Samuel Smith (including Oatmeal Stout) as their "chosen" bottle beers.

The staff, especially Caroline, are very friendly and very helpful. I was in on a Tuesday late afternoon and a few regulars were in as well as off-duty staff. It is a very fun and welcoming place. Beers were served promptly and in appropriate glassware.

Several small tables as well as the bar area plus a small outside seating area (for smokers?) give plenty of choices on where to sit. A dartboard and small stage round out the place.

One minor off note: 1/2 of the bar has yet to be finished. Its stained and sanded but needs to have the nice, liquid-proof polyurethane coat put on. Regardless, I will be back.
Jul 25, 2012
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Reviewed by dmincer from West Virginia

4.44/5  rDev -6.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
This is a craft beer lover's place. Dogfishhead Theobroma and Ta Henket both on tap. Some other interesting choices. A lot of craft beer staples--victory golden monkey, young's double chocolate stout, blue point's toasted lager, a couple left hands, a Brooklyn. All beers you'd be perfectly happy with. But the rarities are well chosen. Theobroma? Not a lot of places with that on tap. Ta Henket was really interesting. Also Sam Adams' Griffin's Bow-- I'm trying to get a handle on what I'm tasting and can't, but it's great. All in all 31 taps with well thought out choices. Like this place a lot.
Jul 20, 2012
Tavern on Main in Sarasota, FL
Place rating: 4.74 out of 5 with 12 ratings