Set the Bar

Cocktail culture on the Suncoast has never been more exciting.
On Sunday, April 19, Sarasota-Manatee Originals invites guests to raise a glass at Set the Bar, the organization’s annual cocktail competition celebrating the creativity, craftsmanship, and hospitality of locally owned restaurants across Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

Taking place at Ed Smith Stadium from 4–7 PM, Set the Bar brings together 25 talented bartenders from Sarasota-Manatee Originals member restaurants for an evening of spirited competition, inventive cocktails, and interactive tasting experiences.

Guests will sample cocktails across five spirit categories while enjoying live music, entertainment, and the vibrant atmosphere that defines Sarasota’s hospitality scene.

But Set the Bar isn’t just about cocktails. The evening also features the Bar Bites Competition, where participating restaurants present signature snack-style dishes designed to complement the cocktails being poured throughout the event. Guests sample the bites and vote for their favorite, helping crown the evening’s winners for Best Cocktail and Best Bar Bite.
The result is a lively celebration of the creativity and talent that define Sarasota and Manatee’s independent restaurant community.

Sarasota-Manatee Originals represents more than 70 locally owned, independent restaurants, each contributing to the region’s unique culinary identity. Through events like Set the Bar, the organization continues its mission to promote and sustain the restaurants that shape the character and flavor of the Suncoast.

Set against the backdrop of Ed Smith Stadium — one of Sarasota’s most iconic venues — the event transforms the ballpark into a vibrant tasting experience where guests can explore new flavors, meet the bartenders and chefs behind their favorite restaurants, and discover new local favorites.
From refreshing gin cocktails to bold whiskey creations, every drink reflects the creativity and personality of the bartender behind the bar. Paired with inventive bar bites and the energy of the crowd, Set the Bar offers an experience that is both festive and distinctly local.

For cocktail enthusiasts, food lovers, and anyone who enjoys discovering the best of Sarasota’s dining scene, Set the Bar is a chance to experience the region’s hospitality community in one unforgettable evening.

Tickets include cocktail tastings, bar bite samples, entertainment, and the opportunity to vote for your favorites.
Tickets are limited and expected to sell quickly. 21+.

👉 Purchase tickets and learn more: https://eatlikealocal.com