Sarasota County beach bar named one of best in Florida by Southern Living
A popular waterfront restaurant in Sarasota County has been named among the best beach bars in Florida.
Southern Living, the lifestyle magazine that debuted in 1966, recently published an article titled "The 12 Best Beach Bars in Florida for Sun, Surf, and Stiff Drinks." The Sunshine State is represented from the Panhandle to the Keys.
The list includes two favorites from the Tampa Bay area: Jimmy B’s Beach Bar on St. Pete Beach, which was featured in our USA TODAY Network's list of best beach bars in 2021, as well as Salt Shack on the Bay in Tampa, which was recognized on The New York Times' list of best restaurants in 2023.
For Sarasota and Manatee counties, Southern Living chose the celebrated Venice dining and drinking destination, Sharky’s on the Pier.
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Sharky’s on the Pier in Venice named among best beach bars in Florida
Previously voted best beach bar in Florida, Sharky's is a Venice landmark dating back to 1987. Located at the base of the Venice Fishing Pier first built in 1966, Sharky's places guests right on the sand of the beach Brohard Park overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. In addition to boasting spectacular sunsets, Sharky's has live music most evenings.
Sharky’s serves a full food menu with popular items such as fried shrimp, chicken fingers, and their "famous grouper wrap." However, they're probably best known for a drink roster that includes a bunch of signature frozen beverages such as their list of margaritas.
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Southern Living recommends this margarita at Sharky’s on the Pier
Southern Living praised Sharky's for "serving up seafood and stiff frozen cocktails" and recommends the Megalodon Margarita (tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, sour mix, and fresh Florida orange juice.) "The two-story deck is a prime spot for taking in the sunset, or you can watch it from the lower level with your toes in the sand," reads the Southern Living blurb.
Did you know?
Sharky's more upscale sister restaurant, Fins at Sharky's, is located next door also overlooking the Venice Fishing Pier and the Gulf of Mexico on the south end of the island of Venice. Opened in 2013, Fins features outdoor seating as well as indoor dining behind polished windows overlooking the water. Open for lunch and dinner, Fins is best known for its steak and sushi.
If you go
Sharky's on the Pier is at 1600 Harbor Drive S. Venice. For more information or to make a reservation, call 941-488-1456 or visit sharkysonthepier.com.
Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. He can be reached by email at [email protected]. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota County beach bar named one of best in Florida
