Music, Nightlife and more: What to do after dinner is over in Sarasota

Sarasota County has fine dining and amazing restaurants in bulk. But it’s not just great food that draws in crowds — enjoy unique nightlife and music experiences at local bars and restaurants.

Dinner might be over, but does that mean the night is? In Sarasota County, it certainly doesn’t have to be. While the raucous dance club scene might be a bit slim, there’s still plenty to enjoy and experience before winding down at the end of the night.

All the way up …

New downtown hotels including Art Ovation and The Westin have both opened roof top bars that offer dazzling views of downtown. For guests at the hotels, the pool is open as an added amenity. Enjoy signature drinks and light appetizers at both locations and lounge in patio furniture while soaking in a view of the sunset! Not quite as high up, a Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar has two second-story bars, one on St. Armands Circle and the other off Stickney Point on Siesta Key. True to its namesake, chill out on a hot night and enjoy classic blended daiquiris, margaritas and much more.

Jammin’ on the water

Not as high in the sky, but still with great views, there’s plenty of locations to enjoy music and water, such as O’Leary’s Tiki Bar and Marina Jack. Both are open till 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and feature live local bands and are located near Bayfront Park in downtown Sarasota. The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota’s Lido Key Tiki Bar and Jack Dusty also offer views for visitors and hotel guests. Enjoy frozen specialties and signature drinks such as pina coladas, margaritas and Mai Tais.

Established staples

Attached to the Golden Host Resort is the Bahi Hut — Florida’s oldest Tiki Bar. The Mai Tai at the Bahi Hut is a rite of passage and tradition for many, but beware, the drink is not for the faint of heart (or liver.) For visitors that are a little bit, or a lot a bit country, visiting the White Buffalo Saloon is a must. Located a bit out of town, this big bar and restaurant is a hub for line-dancing enthusiasts and country-music lovers. For blues aficionados, check out the Blue Rooster, an authentic and creative southern-food and feel-good music joint. Jam with Al Fuller every Wednesday, listen to national acts on the weekends and gospel brunch every Sunday.

Late night fun

A true landmark, Siesta Key Oyster Bar in Siesta Key Village offers a laid-back atmosphere with more than 21 beers on tap and live music every day and night. Feel like belting out a ballad to your closest friends and some folks you just met? Head to Captain Curt’s for karaoke Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Visitors staying in Englewood can head to the Placida Pearl Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays for a true nightclub experience. Side note: this establishment also receives rave reviews for sushi!

Explore the area

Siesta Village, St. Armands and downtown Sarasota are all vibrant nightlife locations with many bar, clubs and late night eateries to explore. Have fun and be safe!