Dress It Down and Hit These Dive Bars for a Relaxed Night Out in Sarasota

If you’re looking for a night out in Sarasota, you’ve probably already got quite the exciting list of locales to hit! You might be planning to spend your days on the beaches of Siesta Key, heading into town to check out the restaurants, learning about the area’s history, and more. You might even want to treat yourself to a night out on the town before heading back to our nearby Siesta Key house rentals.

Downtown Sarasota Bars

However, you don’t have to get all dressed up and do something fancy to have a great time.

When you just want to take it easy and have a relaxing evening with your friends, you can do that at any one of the most popular downtown Sarasota bars! Here are a few of the most beloved spots that we recommend you check out while you’re in town!

Old Packinghouse Café

Taking a trip to the Old Packinghouse Café is one of the best ways to leave your worries behind and let your hair down. As soon as you step inside, you’ll understand why this destination is well-loved by locals and visitors alike! Throughout the establishment, you’ll get to hear the incredible talent of local musicians, and when the hat gets passed around, be sure to leave a tip!

Of course, you can get a variety of assorted delicious beer, wine, and cocktail selections to wind down the evening. There is also an extensive menu full of burgers, sandwiches, Cuban dinners, fresh seafood, and more. While you can certainly come in later in the evening, those who want to save a bit of money should visit during happy hour, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day.

The Old Packinghouse Café is located at 987 S. Packinghouse Road. They are open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Tommy Knockers

Tommy Knockers is everything you probably imagine when you think of the classic beachside bar. The atmosphere is always welcoming and comfortable, and there’s tons of fun to be had on any given evening! Of course, you can get any beer or cocktail you might have in mind, meaning this is the perfect place to come if you’ve got a big group of friends with you. Everyone will have their tastes accommodated. 

You can stay at Tommy Knockers late into the evening to experience awesome live music, and, depending on when you come to visit, you might even get to get in on a fun event! Contact Tommy Knockers on their Facebook page to learn more about what might be going on while you’re in town. 

Tommy Knockers is located at 2641 Mall Drive. They are open daily from 12 noon to 2 a.m.

Hob Nob 57

Hob Nob 57, also known as the 57 Tavern, is the ultimate pub experience right in the heart of Sarasota. If you’re looking to watch the big game, this is the place to do it, since they’ve got a dozen huge TVs around the bar! Hob Nob 57 has been serving Sarasota visitors and locals since 2004, and everyone loves the incredible music, fun pool tables, and extensive happy hour every day from noon to 7 p.m.

If you’re visiting later in the week or on the weekend, Hob Nob 57 has something special for you. This establishment has karaoke and a DJ every Thursday starting at 9 p.m.. They also do karaoke on Fridays starting at 9 p.m. If you’re visiting on Thursday, take advantage of Ladies’ Night from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., which offers $1 wells and drafts and $2 call drinks! 

Hob Nob 57 is located at 3355 17th Street. They are open daily from 12 noon to 2 a.m.

Salty Jims

Are you looking for Sarasota bars that make you feel like you’ve escaped to an island paradise? Then Salty Jim’s is the place you’ll want to be. Here, the entire staff and locals make you feel like family. Many of the locals in the Sarasota area consider Salty Jims to be their dive bar of choice! While you can come in for a delicious breakfast or lunch, Salty Jims is most popular around dinnertime and into the evening.

Here, you can experience live music every single week out on the outside patio, perfect for enjoying a relaxing evening as you sip a beer or a specialty cocktail. They’re constantly hosting fun events all year long, especially when the holidays roll around, and their website is a great place for staying informed. Best of all, this eatery’s convenient location right in the heart of Sarasota means you can get there from any other activity you might have enjoyed during the day. 

Salty Jims is located at 3655 Webber Street and Beneva Road. They are open daily from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Conveniently Secure a Ride

Anytime we talk about visiting Sarasota bars, we like to mention the importance of securing a  ride for convenient transportation. Popular ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in this area. Best of all, Siesta Key isn’t far from the downtown Sarasota area, so you’ll be able to get a safe and affordable ride back to your rental. To make things even easier for you, make sure to download the app for Uber or Lyft on your phone before you head out to the bar!

Siesta Key Vacation Rentals

When it comes to places to stay in Siesta Key, look no further than Siesta Key Luxury Rental Properties (SKLRP). We are proud to offer some of the most luxurious vacation rentals near all the best Sarasota attractions. No matter how large your group or what specific amenity you’re looking for in your Siesta Key rental, we can help you find the perfect place for you to stay.

Each of our Siesta Key vacation homes is designed with you in mind and feature breathtaking amenities like spacious living and dining areas, fully equipped kitchens, high-speed Internet access, lush outdoor spaces, and so much more. During your stay with us, we will stop at nothing to make sure your vacation is nothing less than perfection. Our team is always available to answer any questions or concerns that might come up.