By: Susan Finch
Sarasota, Florida’s beautiful landscape along the Gulf of Mexico makes it a stunning place to work and play. But it’s more than just beaches, business, and great dining. Sarasota also offers an incredible cultural scene from art galleries to a professional symphony and a thriving local music scene. You could go out to dinner just about every night of the week and never be at a loss for live music and fare from bar favorites to fresh oysters. Here are five places to plan your next outing to see live music at Sarasota restaurants, pubs, cafes, and beyond.
5 O’Clock Club
Sarasota’s iconic Five O’clock Club first opened its doors as a liquor store in the 1950s and was quickly transformed into a live music venue. After changing hands a few times over the years, it’s now owned by serial bar operator, the Evie’s Group, who reopened the Five O’clock Club in 2017 with a fresh new look. Guests can still hear the live music they love on a larger stage, as well as watch one of the many HD Tv’s or shoot a game of pool. You’ll find a rotation of Sarasota events and music from local and national acts including jazz, blues, funk, rock, and a full bar.
The Blue Rooster
The Blue Rooster in Sarasota prides itself on simple, fresh food prepared with respect for their southern roots. Guests come for the New American Southern fare with a twist and soak up Sarasota’s best live entertainment with a high-tech sound system and jukebox style atmosphere. Blues, gospel, music inspired by the South, and modern hits are on regular rotation at The Blue Rooster. But if you’re not a night owl and want to enjoy the food at this premier Sarasota restaurant, come for the Gospel Brunch Buffet every Sunday where brunch lovers craving fried chicken and waffles are entertained from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm.
Siesta Key Oyster Bar
Siesta Key Oyster Bar’s beachy, casual patio draws seafood lovers looking for laid-back fun with tasty bar fare classics, cold brews, and live music. Order up fresh oysters, crab legs, or classics like a juicy burger or wings and settle in for an evening of music. Live music rotates regularly, but the weekly fun typically includes open mic night, folk, country, classic rock and more and a wide variety of different bands who call the Sarasota area home. Come by S.K.O.B.every night of the week to hear something new and sample the varied menu at this favorite Siesta Key restaurant and bar.
Burn’s Court Bistro & Wine Bar
To change-up, your live music and casual bar rotation, try the Burns Court Bistro & Wine Bar to enjoy more Sarasota events and live music. Fresh ingredients across a varied menu include garlic butter shrimp, skirt steaks, alfredo pasta dishes and other European classics with upscale touch. Plan to come during dinner for nightly music starting around 7:30 pm featuring a heavy rotation of jazz and blues. Guests cozy up in this French-inspired cafe and enjoy the patio, local artwork, and live jazz nights.
The Gator Club
Serving as Sarasota’s premier downtown watering hole since 1913, The Gator Club boasts a restored original brick building with a flavor of New Orleans or New York City nostalgic style. Stop by with friends and listen to a roster of Rhythm and Blues and Top 40 hits. Along with traditional beers and cocktails, guests can choose from over 260 whiskeys and house-pickled barrels or other robust spirit collection to sip while listening to Evening fun includes rock, dance music, funk, soul, karaoke and more. Look for special event nights like Jamaican Rum Punch Night drawing crowds to this Sarasota restaurant.
Marina Jack
There’s nothing quite like listening to live music along the waterfront, and Marina Jack in downtown Sarasota delivers. Music lovers enjoy the breeze rolling off the Gulf Coast of Mexico for waterfront dining. Or head to the marina’s Blue Sunshine Patio and Deep Six Lounge & Patio Bar for nightly acts including jazz, acoustic, rock, original songwriting, and favorite hits. Order up sandwiches, appetizers, soups, salads, and gluten-free options while savoring the sunset over the Gulf. Beyond live music, Marina Jack also offers brunch buffets, sunset dinner cruises, and special event nights to keep guests coming back.
The best part about Sarasota events and live music scene is it’s full of locals who love their beachside city and sharing their music with the crowds. Support local musicians with your choice from jazz to rock and stay for the cold brews, cocktails, spirits, and tasty food.