Explore Charming Englewood for Superb Eats, Entertainment & Hospitality

Get away from busy cities, congested traffic and head to a small charming village in Sarasota County.

The southernmost reach of Sarasota County is home to one of Florida's finest hidden treasures: the quaint, friendly, and historically charming village of Englewood, nestled alongside the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway at Manasota Key.

You won't find skyscrapers and gridlock traffic, here, and the summers are quiet. Located just off the beaten path among the majestic live oak, sabal palmetto, and sea grapes that characterize classic Old Florida landscapes, Englewood is a unique town where relaxation is key to daily living.

Visit Englewood for a day trip — or stop in and stay for a spell — to find your own quiet place and take in the best of what the village has to offer. We'll share some of our favorites spots to treat ourselves to rejuvenating leisure, local entertainment, and delectable dining

Sunshine and Leisure by Day. Theatre Thrills By Night.

Located just minutes from Manasota Key's breathtaking beaches, Englewood's Boca Royale Golf & Country Club embraces its natural setting, offering a taste of authentic Florida with first-class leisure. This semi-private country club offers options to play golf, tennis, pickleball, croquet, and more in a lush tropical setting.

The Boca Royale Golf & Country Club is part of a 1,000-acre gated community surrounded by beautiful mature oaks, palm trees, lakes, and Florida wildlife. In addition to sports and leisure spaces, Boca Royale's Fairway Dining Room offers light dishes and fine dining, and hosts a popular seasonal Sunday Brunch. For more casual noshing, visit Boca Royale's "19th Hole" restaurant for finger fare including buffalo wings, quesadillas, and burgers.

After an active day on Boca Royale's golf course or bocce courts, unwind with a slice of drama or comedy theatre at Lemon Bay Playhouse, Englewood's long-running community playhouse located at the heart of the village on historic Dearborn Street.

Entering in its 32nd season in September 2018, Lemon Bay Playhouse will present an eclectic mix of comedy, romance, mystery-thriller, family-friendly holiday specials, and multi-genre music medleys on stage throughout the season.

Work Up and Appetite for Englewood Dining

Self-described "come-as-you-are neighborhood grill," Zeke's Uptown Bar & Grill, is located on Dearborn Street, across from the Elsie Quirk Library in Olde Englewood Village. Whether it's a gourmet breakfast, a filling lunch to fuel up for a day at the beach, or a dinner with the best surf-and-turf offerings available — Zeke's serves up something for every mood at every meal.

Zeke's Grill & Bar features 15 craft beers on draught, classic cocktails, and expertly prepared dishes ranging from the restaurant's signature brunchy "Zuevos Rancheros" to award-winning burgers, whiskey-soaked sirloin steaks, and fresh seafood dishes. Choose your favorite day of the week from Zeke's mouthwatering Daily Specials menu, or fall in love with postmeridian breakfasts with the $2.99 "two eggs with toast or a biscuit and coffee" happy hour special, offered Monday through Friday afternoons from 3:00 - 6:00.

For Caribbean-inspired fresh catch and prime USDA dishes garnished with garden-to-table herbs grown on-site, indulge in dinner and cocktails at Farlow's on the Water. Meals Farlow's are accompanied by scenic waterside vistas and near-nightly live music.

Owner, Keith Farlow, grew up in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands and is joined in the restaurant business by his wife, Laurie, whose flair for southern cooking combines with Keith's passion for tropical cuisine. From West Indies conch fritters and papaya-glazed shrimp to fried green tomatoes and asiago-gruyere cheesy southern shrimp 'n' grits, to honey-and-Caribbean-vinegar-marinated steak: Farlow's diverse menu is sure to tantalize.

Dining doesn't get much more local in Englewood than Howards Restaurant. Family owned and operated since 1955, Howards is a longstanding community cornerstone near the charming Olde Englewood village.

Chow down on classic American dining standards like sandwiches, salads, burgers, and surf-and-turf fare for lunch and dinner, and fill up on a hearty brunch (Sundays only). Howards' robust menu includes plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free dining options.

First Class Heart Care

The Englewood Community Hospital is an award-winning, full-service emergency care facility specializing in heart and vascular care.This 100-bed hospital features the amenities and highly skilled patient-care staff found in larger hospitals, but its smaller size allows for the more intimate atmosphere and personalized care that stands out in smaller hospitals.

In addition to the world-class heart and stroke care for which the hospital is best known, Englewood Community Hospital is also recognized for its joint and orthopedic care center, surgical services, wound care, and robotic surgery.