Sarasota

@ZAP, @scrappacito posted this just a few months back (in September) so I would think it's still on point:

I live in Sarasota.
Beer bars: Mr Beery's, Tap 72, Mandeville Beer Garden
Growlers: Craft Growlers to Go, Ranch Growlers to
Go
Sarasota area Breweries: Calusa, Big Top, JDubs, Darwin, Motorworks
Bottle Shops: Shortstop Market​

Calusa is probably the only one of those breweries I'd describe as "can't miss." There is also a Total Wine a stone's throw from I-75 along University Parkway. It might be a good place to stock up on Florida/Tampa Bay-area beers for your time here.

Finally, and perhaps unnecessarily, I would add that SRQ is just an hour south of Tampa/St Pete so if you need a non-beach day, it's not that far. Have fun while you're here; cheers!

 

Also live here and agree 100% with the above post. If you don't go to Calusa, you've made a serious mistake. I'd say everything else is negotiable.

For other beer bars, you may want to check out Tavern on Main downtown. They had a few different Funky Buddha beers on tap yesterday, including Last Buffalo.

Also, if you're near the south bridge to Siesta, there is a newer TW a couple of miles south on route 41 that would be much closer than the one on University. But if you do head out to university, you should also check out the new Dub Shack satellite branch of JDubs. They just had a soft opening yesterday and I believe should be open this weekend.

 

Calusa is a can't miss, as others above already mentioned. They just bottled their citra hopped IPA, so you can take that home with you if you're inclined. Siesta Key Rum makes award winning rum if you want to check out a distillery also.

On the key, I highly recommend Cevichela - a little taco and ceviche place that makes outstanding food.

Off the key, I'd recommend Owen's Fish Camp (they don't take reservations however), Shore Diner on St. Armand's Circle, and Selva.

 

Agreed on Calusa. Zero Zero if available, also Citronius.

I stop for growlers and a pint while I wait every time I'm passing thru.

Right off Clark Rd / 72, less than 5 mins from I-75.

 

I have to say that Calusa is the spot in Sarasota. I went there Wednesday for the first time. They had three IPA's on all of them were very good. Also, the coffee cinnamon brown ale on nitro was outstanding as well. Definitely go here!

 

If your on the key check out 3.14 PI/Base Cafe. Craft focused beer bar right on the key. Great spot.

 

I also like Calusa but JDubs and Big Top are also great choices to visit while in town. Check Calusa's hours. They are closed Mondays and open weekdays at 2 pm.

 

Hard to say. It comes and goes, so what's happening now may be much different than what is happening in March. When it's here, it can vary in intensity from annoying to stay far away from the beach at all costs. Hopefully it clears out by the time you visit.

It can also be quite localized, so that one beach is unusable, but another a few miles away is fine. I have not heard about the current warnings, but FWIW I watched the sunset on Friday night from Longboat Key (north end of the Sarasota beaches) and didn't notice any signs of red tide, so it can't be that bad or widespread right now.

 

@rightcoast7 did a great job of summing up red tide. The only thing I'd add is that it's often a bigger deal for those with respiratory issues (e.g., asthma). But six weeks is a pretty long time for a bloom to hang around.

 

Like everyone stated above Calusa is a can't miss. Jdubs is good too but don't waste your time at BigTop. Calusa just started brewing a Southern Equinox DIPA and it is fantastic. They will also be releasing a BA imperial brown soon that is supposed to be insane... Cheers!

 

When was the last time you spent any time at Big Top ?

 

I live less than 2 miles from Big Top, stop in there every few weeks. They have a few that are good, but nothing that is great. I like their Hawaiian Lion and some of their smaller batch releases. The BA Ashley Gang that they released around Xmas was awful. Their BA Okefenokee wasn't too bad though.

IMO, if you are going to hit up breweries in the area, this would be my last option.. Calusa and Jbuds are both 10* better

 

I would really try to fit going to calusa in your itinerary.

 

I would go as far to say that Calusa should be at the top of your list. It's really that good.

 

I second (third) this statement. Don't miss Calusa this batch of Citronius is awesome!


If You really want to fit two places in and try different things my second spot would be craft growlers to go.

 

piggy backing here on this thread...my parents are vacationing in the sarasota area and I was wondering what is available in beer stores to bring back? I've had jai alai and some funky buddha from years past, but are things like civil society available in stores? Also, any recommended florida ipas that can be bought in stores?