Things to do near Lakewood Ranch - Downtown Sarasota

One of the questions we get asked most often is: How close is Lakewood Ranch to other cities and things to do?

Well, good news! Sarasota is an amazing city less than 30 minutes away from Lakewood Ranch with TONS of dining options, bars, happy hours, theater, and more!

In this video, we highlight a few places we have visited and love, but there are so many more to discover!
 
Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse –
Entering this restaurant is like stepping back in time to the gilded age – all rich wood, plush velvets, and ambient lighting. It reminds me of an older, swanky New York steakhouse, and that vibe is not created by accident. The Happy Hour menu at the bar is one of the best in Sarasota with bar bites starting at $5 and crafted cocktails starting at $7. There is an extensive wine list and amazing a la carte menu in the dining room, as well, in case you want to extend your stay beyond Happy Hour!

Our Faves: The Rose All Day cocktail and the Calamari App.

Check out the full menu here:
http://www.hydeparkrestaurants.com/menus/index.htm
 
Grand Cru Wine Bar –
If you love trying different types of wine and beer, this is the place for you! Featuring a unique self-service pouring system, this wine bar offers a great variety on tap, as well as in bottles. They have a Pint Night special on Tuesdays for the beer lovers out there, and a Ladies Night special each Thursday, which includes a great deal on a charcuterie board. (Because who can have wine without cheese?!)

Our Faves: Naughty Monk Brewing Blonde Ale (local beer!) and Fiorelli Winery “Chill” (local wine!)

Plan your visit here: https://www.gcwinebar.com/
 
State Street Eating House & Cocktails –
The vibe in this Mid-century Industrial chic lounge cannot be replicated anywhere. It is truly a testament to its original glory days. As their website claims, “The space, that was recently a defunct bakery has been restored to its Mid–Century bones. From the utilization of  its original exposed rafters to the use of reclaimed lumber, iron and concrete features”, this is one place you NEED to experience. The hand-crafted cocktails are extremely unique (and award-winning!) and the food is innovative and fresh.

Our Faves: YAAAS Queen cocktail and the Charcuterie board. Also the fries with pink sea salt. Also the Brussel sprouts. Also the… you get the point.

Start drooling here: https://www.statestreetsrq.com/dinner.html

Also featured in the video is the Gator Club, a Sarasota staple that features live music each night, and Boca Sarasota which is an amazing farm-to-table spot with Happy Hour all night on Tuesdays!

We can’t wait to share more of Sarasota with you. If you are looking for other great spots to visit, this article lists some more amazing options: https://www.sarasotamagazine.com/articles/2019/10/29/best-restaurants-sarasota
 
Thanks for joining us on this journey and stay tuned for more Sarasota fun!

​Leave a comment with some of YOUR favorite spots for us to check out...

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