Don’t sleep on Fla.’s Siesta Key Village
Again ranked among the best beaches in the United States by Tripadvisor, Siesta Beach on the north end of Siesta Key remains the most popular place to visit in Sarasota County. Especially during spring break, which, yes, is right around the corner.
Siesta Beach provides the perfect setting for swimming, sunbathing and perhaps a few games of beach volleyball. Eventually, though, even the most devout sun lovers will want to seek food, drink and probably some shade – while following social distancing guidelines and other pandemic precautions.
Luckily, Siesta Beach visitors will find Siesta Key Village less than a mile away. It’s a vibrant mix of restaurants, bars and shops that should appeal to beachgoers of all ages.
Here are some of our favorite spots.
3.14 Pi Craft Beer & Spirits
5263 Ocean Blvd.; 941-346-1188; siestapi.com
At the south end of Ocean Boulevard away from the more crowded sections of the village, 3.14 Pi Craft Beer & Spirits offers an impressive craft beer selection and cocktails to pair with some of the best comfort foods on Siesta Key. Plus, there’s plenty of outdoor seating spilling out into the parking lot shared with sister restaurant Blasé Café.
Blasé Café
5263 Ocean Blvd.; 941-349-9822; theblasecafe.com
Here’s where locals have been going to enjoy martinis in a wonderfully eclectic, European setting for nearly a quarter century. The cafe serves many of the same comfort foods as its nextdoor sister business 3.14 Pi, along with items such as the Famous Crab Bisque and 1997 Salad. Like Pi, there’s indoor and outdoor seating, with a large tent where guests can often enjoy live music.
The Cottage
153 Avenida Messina; 941-312-9300; cottagesiestakey.com
At once trendy and cozy, Cottage is one of the best restaurants on Siesta Key, specializing in seafood dishes. Popular items include the lobster bisque, bronzed black grouper and Siesta seafood scampi. It also has an impressive cocktail list, featuring a must-try jalapeño watermelon margarita.
Daiquiri Deck
5250 Ocean Blvd; 941-349-8697; daiquirideck.com
This local chain remains famous for its frozen daiquiris, essentially alcoholic slushies, including the potent Deck Diesel concoction of orange, vodka and grain alcohol. The original Daiquiri Deck is on Siesta Village’s main drag, and it has other locations including a multifloor spot on south Siesta Key as well as the newest one, which can be found to the north on Anna Maria Island.
Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill
5253 Ocean Blvd.; 941-346-8122; gilligansislandbar.com
Featuring tropical-style indoor and outdoor bars, a dance floor and an area for bands to perform, Gilligan’s offers plenty of options for day drinking and nightlife action, plus a full menu of fun beach food. Come spring break season, it also hosts bikini contests, with one such showdown even making its way onto an episode of “Siesta Key.”
The Hub Baja Grill
5148 Ocean Blvd.; 941-349-6800; thehubsiestakey.com
A great spot to enjoy libations, live music and beachy grub, The Hub specializes in Mexican-inspired food and drinks, including a variety of margaritas available by the glass or, watch out, pitchers. There’s indoor as well as covered patio seating along Ocean Boulevard across the way from Beach Club, making it prime for people watching.
Il Panificio
215 Avenida Madera; 941-800-5570; panificiousa.com
A local tradition dating back to 1991, when the family-owned business opened its original pizzeria in downtown Sarasota, this new location can be found within a stone’s throw of Ocean Boulevard. Il Panificio specializes in Italian thin-crust pizzas prepared with high-quality toppings. The pizzeria also serves appetizers, deli sandwiches, beer, wine and assorted desserts.
Island House Tap & Grill
5110 Ocean Blvd.; 941-487-8116;
If you’re looking for a top-shelf burger and pint pairing, here ya go. The rotating list of local and national craft drafts, cans and bottles nicely complement the tasty burgers and tacos, fresh fish and chicken sandwiches.
MVP – My Village Pub
5200 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key; 941777-6787; mvpsiestakey.com
Siesta Key Village’s only sports bar, MVP is a fun place to enjoy the big game or just people watch from under the big clock at the outdoor bar, stretching about halfway around the building, or from the al fresco tables along Ocean Boulevard. Enjoy American comfort foods, including burgers, chicken wings and The Big Daddy Pretzel accompanied with a side of some highly addictive beer cheese.
Mojo Risin’ Coffee Co.
5251 Ocean Blvd.; 941-349-6656; mojorisincoffee.com
Located next door to Gilligan’s in the space formerly known as LeLu Coffee, Mojo Risin’ brings a tropical twist to the coffeehouse, with an interior sporting decor such as surfboards, an outdoor courtyard, a drink list that includes a Siesta coconut mocha, and a food menu featuring acai bowls. It also serves cocktails, including classic tropical drinks and coffee-themed concoctions like an espresso martini or Kentucky cold brew.