Florida 2012: A Visit to the Sarasota Brewing Company

We recently traveled to sunny Florida to visit some family - and enjoy some beach time.


When scheduling our trip we had heard that the first (and only) microbrewery of Sarasota County was close to one of our favorite beaches. I visited their website prior to our trip and we made plans to head over for a lunch date. While visiting the nearby Siesta Key Beach for an awesomely lazy day on a cabana (talk about luxury) we knew it was the perfect time to order something tasty from Sarasota Brewing Company!

First impression: Interested. We pulled up to the general area of the bar and parked down the street near a few little shops and many other restaurants and bars. Upon entering the bar we noticed several college football team flags - most of which were colleges from Ohio!

Service: Just fine. We chose to sit in the dining area. We were even able to watch a soccer game on a large screen. Our waitress was attentive but quiet. She eventually warmed up to us by the end of our meal.

Food: We had an order of fish and chips and a reuben. The food was warm, tasty and perfect after a morning on the beach!

Prices & Other Notes: Affordable prices on both food and beer ($5.50 for a pint). Since we went during lunch time we did not get a good feel for a dinner or late night crowd. The website states that the bar is family friendly and has a children's menu. 

As for the beer: Since it was only lunch time we decided to order the flight of samples to taste all of their current brews on tap. (Only $4.75 for the flight)

The Sarasota Brewing Company mentioned many times (on website and on location) that their selection is often changing. During our experience this is what was on tap:

Sarasota Gold - Light golden easy drinking beer

Sequoia Amber Lager - Mild sweet amber lager

Honeymeade Ale - Sweetest of the flight. The honey was evident and was my favorite!

Maibok - Medium bodied, mildly hoppy, German lager

Sarasota India Pale Ale - Pretty tasty IPA (which are not typically my favorite)

Midnight Pass Porter - Full bodied, dark porter (received my husband's approval)

If you are ever in the area and want to visit the first and only microbrewery of Sarasota County it will be a drink or meal worth consumed! And after you visit feel free to add a comment about your experience. I hope to go back again to see what else is on tap!