What is there to do in Sarasota once the sun goes down? More than you might think.
Whether you want dinner and dancing, a rooftop cocktail or a night of bar hopping, Sarasota has a spot for it. In this episode we planned the perfect night out, starting in Siesta Key Village and ending in downtown Sarasota. Here are the places from that night that are still open today.
Start in Siesta Key Village
Siesta Key Village is a small, walkable stretch of bars and restaurants just off the beach. You can park once and bar hop on foot, and the crowd is relaxed and beachy. It is a great place to start the night, especially after a sunset on the sand.
- Siesta Key Oyster Bar: a casual village favorite for seafood, drinks and a lively crowd
- Daiquiri Deck: known for its frozen daiquiris and a fun, laid-back feel
- Gilligan’s Island Bar: an island-style bar that keeps the vacation mood going
- The Beach Club: a long-running village nightspot when you are ready to stay out later
Siesta Key took a hit from the 2024 hurricanes, and the village has worked hard to get back on its feet. These spots were open when we checked, and it is always smart to look up hours before you go.
Head Downtown for Dinner and Rooftops
From the island, downtown Sarasota is a short drive. Downtown has more of a city feel, with rooftop bars, restaurants and live music close together.
- Perspective Rooftop Bar: a rooftop pool bar at the Art Ovation Hotel with views over downtown
- Selva Grill: a downtown favorite for Latin American flavors and a lively dinner
- Sage SRQ: a rooftop lounge and restaurant with downtown views
Rooftops are especially nice in the cooler months, when the evening breeze makes sitting outside perfect.
Finish the Night Downtown
If you still have energy, end the night at The Gator Club, a downtown spot known for live music and dancing. It is the kind of place locals point you to when you ask where to go after dinner.
Tips for a Night Out in Sarasota
- Use a rideshare or pick a designated driver, especially between Siesta Key and downtown
- Expect bigger crowds and longer waits in winter season
- Make dinner reservations on weekends
- Check hours before you go, since they can change by season
- Plan for the bridges to Siesta Key to be busy on weekend nights
Final Thoughts
Sarasota nightlife gives you two very different nights in one: beachy and casual on Siesta Key, then rooftops and live music downtown. Mix and match to build your perfect night.
If you are thinking about moving here and want to live close to the fun, email me at [email protected].
Next, see Siesta Key vs Longboat Key to compare two of our islands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best nightlife in Sarasota?
Siesta Key Village and downtown Sarasota are the two main areas. Siesta Key is casual and beachy, while downtown has rooftop bars, restaurants and live music.
Can you bar hop on Siesta Key?
Yes. Siesta Key Village is small and walkable, with several bars and restaurants close together.
Are there rooftop bars in Sarasota?
Yes. Downtown has rooftop options such as Perspective Rooftop Bar at the Art Ovation Hotel and Sage SRQ.
How do I get between Siesta Key and downtown at night?
A rideshare is the easiest choice. The drive is short, and you will not need to worry about parking or driving after drinks.
Watch the Full Episode
This article is based on our July 2021 episode of Lyndsey Knows Sarasota.