Tiki bars, often in their own kitschy ways, are reminiscent of exotic paradises. It should come as no surprise then, that Sarasota, an exotic paradise in itself, is scattered with them.
The tiki culture actually began in the ‘30s in Los Angeles, when Don the Beachcomber (and later, Trader Vic's) popped up. The Beachcomber closed its doors in the late ‘80s, but Trader Vic's lives on and even has a location right here in Sarasota. Most of the infamous tiki originator's U.S. locations are in California and major cities. Sarasota is the only small city on the east coast that is part of the chain. It's also the only location to have "Island Bar and Grill" in its name. Giant tikis, multiple bars, including an outdoor one, and retro decor are just a few of the things you'll find in addition to their world-famous mai tai.
Mai tais are really what make a tiki bar, well, a tiki bar. While the debate over who invented the mai tai (Trader Vic's versus Don the Beachcomber) still rages, there's also a debate about what goes into the drink. The cocktail almost always contains rum, Curaco, lime juice and pineapple juice, but variations include guava juice, mint, creme de almond and both light and dark rum. Most mai tais are yellow, though other colors are often seen. As the story goes, the mai tai was named after an exclamation by a Tahitian friend of Trader Vic's upon tasting his unique concoction.
When we think of tiki bars, we typically think of tiki huts--outside. There are, however, indoor tiki bars, as well. A tiki bar is defined by its decor, in addition to its drinks, which is an ode to Polynesian culture.
Just as the mai tai varies from place to place, Sarasota's tiki bars each offer up something special and completely original.
Trader Vic's may be the most well-known tiki spot in the world, but O'Leary's Tiki Bar and Grill is perhaps the best known in Sarasota. Its location is breathtaking, situated by the bay at the marina. Tucked behind picnic tables and the restaurant O'Leary's, the tiki bar is exactly what you'd think of when hearing the words. It is the quintessential tiki hut.
Not only does O'Leary's serve as a beautiful place to watch a sunset, it's the perfect place to kick back, relax and really feel like you're on vacation. This is especially true with locals, as its location in downtown Sarasota makes it a great happy hour stop. It can be a challenge to get a seat at the hut, day or night, due to its popularity, but you can order a drink at the bar, mingle and hang out by the water until one opens up. Unlike many outdoor bars outside of Sarasota, O'Leary's has the capability to make blended frozen drinks. In the late afternoon or evening, you can often enjoy some live beachy music. Try requesting "Escape: the Pina Colada Song." It'll go great with their delicious pina colada.
While O'Leary's is known for its ambiance, Bahi Hut is best known for its mai tais. It's locally famous for serving up what are often described as truly lethal concoctions. Its decor is tiki, but it epitomizes the term "dive." Located on the side of 41, it's an unlikely location for a tiki bar, but certainly worth a visit. Bahi Hut limits your mai tai intake to just two, so you can only imagine what's inside, but don't worry--you can order as many other drinks as you'd like. It seems like nearly every Sarasota local has a story about a time at the Bahi Hut, so if you're looking for a night you'll always remember (or maybe you won't), add it to your to-do list.
The Casey Key Tiki Bar, located at Casey Key Fish House, will make you feel like you're on spring break year-round. The tiki hut is big and outdoors, provides shade on all of our sunny Sarasota days, is often crowded and has delicious daiquiris. There's also a giant Captain Morgan statue there, which always keeps things interesting.
Have a cheeseburger in paradise at Sniki Tiki, the tiki bar at Captain Curt's on Siesta Key. Conveniently located by the beach, the spot serves up great food, drinks and live music. You can't beat the proximity to Crescent Beach and, if the quirky name tells you anything, you're guaranteed to have a good time.
Live music, a long happy hour and a location close to the airport make the Bearded Clam Restaurant and Tiki Bar a desirable stop. The tiki bar is right on the water. On the opposite side of Sarasota County is Flounders Restaurant and Tiki Bar. The tiki bar faces Englewood Beach and offers island food and music.
When you go:
Trader Vic's- 351 N. Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota, 941-378-3900, www.tradervics.com
O'Leary's- 5 Bayfront Dr., Sarasota, 941-953-7505
Bahi Hut-4675 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, 941-355-5141
Casey Key Tiki Bar- 801 Blackburn Point Rd., Osprey, 941-966-1901, http://caseykeyfishhouse.com/tikibar.html
Sniki Tiki- 1200 Old Stickney Point Rd., Siesta Key, 941-349-3885, www.captaincurts.com
Bearded Clam- 7150 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, 941-355-2600, www.thebeardedclamsarasota.com
Flounders- 1975 Beach Rd., Englewood, 941-460-8280, www.floundersonthebeach.com
