Guide to Island Time
Food scene
AMAZING BBQ! Best for carry out. Large portions and just truly the real deal for BBQ. We even did a full Thanksgiving meal from here. Update: Prices have gone up and often market price. Ask first as it can be pricy, but still the best! I guess you get what you pay for is true.
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Texas Best Barbecue
801 S Indiana AveAMAZING BBQ! Best for carry out. Large portions and just truly the real deal for BBQ. We even did a full Thanksgiving meal from here. Update: Prices have gone up and often market price. Ask first as it can be pricy, but still the best! I guess you get what you pay for is true.
A bit of a drive, but worth it! Right on the beach w/amazing indoor or outdoor seating. We love the "Seafood Rainforest" dish that is shrimp and scallops. And you can walk the pier after you eat or hang on the beach. A fun experience. Update: new favorite is crab n shrimp nachos. oh my we share as a meal w drinks by the beach
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Sharky’s On The Pier
1600 Harbor Dr SA bit of a drive, but worth it! Right on the beach w/amazing indoor or outdoor seating. We love the "Seafood Rainforest" dish that is shrimp and scallops. And you can walk the pier after you eat or hang on the beach. A fun experience. Update: new favorite is crab n shrimp nachos. oh my we share as a meal w drinks by the beach
This is our number one favorite food in Englewood. Small spot that has just a great lunch, with some flair. Don't worry not spicy just good. The lunch special is under $10 w/drink and includes plantains and columbian rice/beans. Personally I mix them together! Their other location in Punta Gorda has dinner too. Again, get the brisket dinner just amazing flavors more like a stew. Update: The breaded pork is also amazing and this is still our favorite spot for the best food.
Que-Rico Colombian Express
41 Chailett RoadThis is our number one favorite food in Englewood. Small spot that has just a great lunch, with some flair. Don't worry not spicy just good. The lunch special is under $10 w/drink and includes plantains and columbian rice/beans. Personally I mix them together! Their other location in Punta Gorda has dinner too. Again, get the brisket dinner just amazing flavors more like a stew. Update: The breaded pork is also amazing and this is still our favorite spot for the best food.
To call this a biker bar would be just wrong... It's the biggest event venue I have seen that has live music regularly, great local beer and cyder on tap, food is good, and is right next to a Harley store. Guessing the same owners. This place is not a biker dive. Its an up scale bar experience with a motorcycle theme. Very open feel. Fun for kids too, with out door corn hole and other games. Food Picks: Meatloaf and the Caprice Pesto Chicken Sandwich. The rest is hit or miss. You are there for the drinks, atmosphere, and live music.
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The Twisted Fork
2208 El Jobean RoadTo call this a biker bar would be just wrong... It's the biggest event venue I have seen that has live music regularly, great local beer and cyder on tap, food is good, and is right next to a Harley store. Guessing the same owners. This place is not a biker dive. Its an up scale bar experience with a motorcycle theme. Very open feel. Fun for kids too, with out door corn hole and other games. Food Picks: Meatloaf and the Caprice Pesto Chicken Sandwich. The rest is hit or miss. You are there for the drinks, atmosphere, and live music.
Another experience, not just restaurant. Try the sultans feast if you are there with 2 or 3 people to try it all. We added a piece of swordfish that was "off the hook" (pun intended) Didn't try the bakery but looked amazing too. Nice folks.
Ephesus Mediterranean Grill
8300 Wiltshire DrAnother experience, not just restaurant. Try the sultans feast if you are there with 2 or 3 people to try it all. We added a piece of swordfish that was "off the hook" (pun intended) Didn't try the bakery but looked amazing too. Nice folks.
In the heart of Deerborn St. It's eclectic. Sit on the deck that has a tree in the middle of it and listen to the band while eating their unique burger with prosciutto or some smoked wings. Sometimes there is a wait.
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Blue Pineapple Bistro
470 W Dearborn St.In the heart of Deerborn St. It's eclectic. Sit on the deck that has a tree in the middle of it and listen to the band while eating their unique burger with prosciutto or some smoked wings. Sometimes there is a wait.
More outdoor music. They are home to the Gulf Coast Banjo Society. Good BBQ if you want to eat it there. (Texas Best is just the best but small spot where its best to carry out) We love this place though and keep going back. It's right on the Myakka river. You will probably see some gators and can order gator sliders.
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Snook Haven
5000 E Venice AveMore outdoor music. They are home to the Gulf Coast Banjo Society. Good BBQ if you want to eat it there. (Texas Best is just the best but small spot where its best to carry out) We love this place though and keep going back. It's right on the Myakka river. You will probably see some gators and can order gator sliders.
It's a dive, it's right on 776 with tons of traffic, I still would go twice a week cause I LOVE chicago dogs, chicago beef, and the Elwood burger w/added blue cheese. The fries are fresh cut and there are always locals at the bar that know everyone. The owner actually owns the Tony's franchise in chicago so it's authentic. Oh and the pork chop sandwich is bone in but still really good. But start w/the 2 chicago dog special. It won't disappoint.
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Tony's Chicago Beef Co. Southside (aka Frosted Mug)
1856 S Tamiami TrailIt's a dive, it's right on 776 with tons of traffic, I still would go twice a week cause I LOVE chicago dogs, chicago beef, and the Elwood burger w/added blue cheese. The fries are fresh cut and there are always locals at the bar that know everyone. The owner actually owns the Tony's franchise in chicago so it's authentic. Oh and the pork chop sandwich is bone in but still really good. But start w/the 2 chicago dog special. It won't disappoint.
Yes, there is a theme with our recommendations... Experiences vs just food. This place is authentic Italian right in the heart of downtown Venice.
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Made in Italy
117 W Venice AveYes, there is a theme with our recommendations... Experiences vs just food. This place is authentic Italian right in the heart of downtown Venice.
This is our favorite Upper end restaurant with outstanding food, service, views, and atmosphere.
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Farlows on the Water
2080 S McCall RdThis is our favorite Upper end restaurant with outstanding food, service, views, and atmosphere.
OK, we don't normally even consider Chinese anymore. This place is the way it used to be. Perfect sticky white rice, big portions, good quality, doesn't break the bank. The mongolian beef is my favorite. Oh and the egg rolls are good too. Always busy as a local fave and they only do carry out.
Koo's Kitchen
2828 S McCall RdOK, we don't normally even consider Chinese anymore. This place is the way it used to be. Perfect sticky white rice, big portions, good quality, doesn't break the bank. The mongolian beef is my favorite. Oh and the egg rolls are good too. Always busy as a local fave and they only do carry out.
We love this place for the outside bar that is right at Englewood beach. Mixed drink BUCKETS, oh yea! Good Cuban and lobster role too. We have not eaten in the upstairs restaurant, but hear they have great food albeit on the pricy side.
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The Waverly Restaurant & Bar
2095 N Beach RdWe love this place for the outside bar that is right at Englewood beach. Mixed drink BUCKETS, oh yea! Good Cuban and lobster role too. We have not eaten in the upstairs restaurant, but hear they have great food albeit on the pricy side.
Hole in the wall, carry out only. Owner is a super nice lady. I had never even heard of a pasty. It's like stew in a home made pastry. YUMMY lunch food.
The Pasty Shop
180 N Indiana AveHole in the wall, carry out only. Owner is a super nice lady. I had never even heard of a pasty. It's like stew in a home made pastry. YUMMY lunch food.
If you are in FL and looking for an Irish Pub, this is the place! Nuff said.
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Celtic Ray Public House
145 E Marion AveIf you are in FL and looking for an Irish Pub, this is the place! Nuff said.
NEW NAME: Used to be Myakka River Oyster Bar. It's on the water, not fancy, not the food you say is the best you ever tasted, but is a place you keep going back to because they don't break the bank have nice views and the food is good. I love the Friday fish special. crispy white fish, great hush puppies, and really good slaw, with a baked potato for $10! Oh and their sangrias are $3 when on special. You won't be sorry you went there.
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Tarpon Bay Grill & Tiki Bar
7150 N Tamiami TrailNEW NAME: Used to be Myakka River Oyster Bar. It's on the water, not fancy, not the food you say is the best you ever tasted, but is a place you keep going back to because they don't break the bank have nice views and the food is good. I love the Friday fish special. crispy white fish, great hush puppies, and really good slaw, with a baked potato for $10! Oh and their sangrias are $3 when on special. You won't be sorry you went there.
Fun Spots & Shopping
If you want a high end HUGE shopping experience go here. Biggest I have seen. Shopping all around this area.
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The Mall at University Town Center
140 University Town Center DrIf you want a high end HUGE shopping experience go here. Biggest I have seen. Shopping all around this area.
Fun boutique shopping. Good food spots. Close to Venice beaches. It's a must visit spot.
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Historic Downtown Venice, FL
101 W Venice AveFun boutique shopping. Good food spots. Close to Venice beaches. It's a must visit spot.
Great farm market with the best home made key lime pies and so much more. Best prices on local fresh fish too.
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Detwiler's Farm Market
1250 US-41 BYPGreat farm market with the best home made key lime pies and so much more. Best prices on local fresh fish too.
Englewood water Fest Block Party
49-1 S Orange AveLots of small shops and restaurants. Old florida feel, not as impressive as downtown venice.
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West Dearborn Street
West Dearborn StreetLots of small shops and restaurants. Old florida feel, not as impressive as downtown venice.
Cool boutique shopping on the pier. Several restaurants and a fun place to walk around.
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Fishermens Village Resort
1200 W Retta EsplanadeCool boutique shopping on the pier. Several restaurants and a fun place to walk around.
Beaches Close By
13 Min by Car: The is our favorite of the 4 closest beaches. Fun to walk. Note you do have to pay for parking here, but because parking is limited it is less crowded.
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Stump Pass Beach State Park
900 Gulf Blvd13 Min by Car: The is our favorite of the 4 closest beaches. Fun to walk. Note you do have to pay for parking here, but because parking is limited it is less crowded.
10 Min by car: This is the closest beach. Very popular with several bars/restaurants within walking distance of the parking lot.
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Englewood Strand
Beach Road10 Min by car: This is the closest beach. Very popular with several bars/restaurants within walking distance of the parking lot.
20 Min by Car: This beach is 1/2 was between englewood beach and Manasota Key Beach. It has free parking and is a great beach.
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Blind Pass Strand
6725 Manasota Key Rd20 Min by Car: This beach is 1/2 was between englewood beach and Manasota Key Beach. It has free parking and is a great beach.
25 Min by Car: One of our favorite beaches for watching the sunset. Free parking. 8570 Manasota Key Rd, Englewood, FL 34223
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Manasota Beach
25 Min by Car: One of our favorite beaches for watching the sunset. Free parking. 8570 Manasota Key Rd, Englewood, FL 34223
Accessible by kayak or boat only! 15 Min by car to HookedonSUP kayak rental shop and then 20 min paddle to the island dock, where they have kayak racks and boat docks. You then have access to a FAR less crowded beach! Has bathrooms and a shelter area. $3 per person but free to dock boat or kayaks. HIGHLY recommended!
Don Pedro Island
Accessible by kayak or boat only! 15 Min by car to HookedonSUP kayak rental shop and then 20 min paddle to the island dock, where they have kayak racks and boat docks. You then have access to a FAR less crowded beach! Has bathrooms and a shelter area. $3 per person but free to dock boat or kayaks. HIGHLY recommended!
Farther Away Spots
Great Lobster Bisque and seafood. Has some outside seating. Not a huge selection but really good
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KaCey's Seafood and More
4904 Fruitville RdGreat Lobster Bisque and seafood. Has some outside seating. Not a huge selection but really good
Cool local owned small chain seafood spot. I think there are 8 locations.
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Pinchers
900 Venetia Bay BlvdCool local owned small chain seafood spot. I think there are 8 locations.
Yes it's an hour away, yes its a market w/a carry out sandwich shop, but YES the panini pressed cuban and other sandwiches worth it! Everything is fresh dutch made. Desserts and all kinds of jellys and cheeses and meats...
Martin's Country Market
1999 SE Hwy 70Yes it's an hour away, yes its a market w/a carry out sandwich shop, but YES the panini pressed cuban and other sandwiches worth it! Everything is fresh dutch made. Desserts and all kinds of jellys and cheeses and meats...
Sweet Treats
Almost walking distance! Get the Englewood Special Acai bowl! You won't be sorry. I'm picky on soft serve and would say theirs is just OK. But the Acia bowls are amazing.
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Swirls-N-Curls Ice Cream
6945 Sunnybrook BlvdAlmost walking distance! Get the Englewood Special Acai bowl! You won't be sorry. I'm picky on soft serve and would say theirs is just OK. But the Acia bowls are amazing.
My wife and step-dad LOVE this place for their home made ice cream flavors. I am an ice cream snob and would say its alright. LOL We are from Cincinnati where we have Flubs soft serve, Greaters Ice Cream shops, and UDF malts. SOOOO I'm a bit spoiled. BUT, compared to the other ice cream spots in FL that are just disappointing if you are hankering for some this one is above par.
Lickity Split Cafe
2828 S McCall RdMy wife and step-dad LOVE this place for their home made ice cream flavors. I am an ice cream snob and would say its alright. LOL We are from Cincinnati where we have Flubs soft serve, Greaters Ice Cream shops, and UDF malts. SOOOO I'm a bit spoiled. BUT, compared to the other ice cream spots in FL that are just disappointing if you are hankering for some this one is above par.
I am adding this place also to the Sweet Treats section. Why? Because they have great ice cream AND the best key lime pie and many say some of the best cheese cakes. While it is a grocery store / market inside you will see folks in their cars eating ice cream.
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Detwiler's Farm Market
1250 US-41 BYPI am adding this place also to the Sweet Treats section. Why? Because they have great ice cream AND the best key lime pie and many say some of the best cheese cakes. While it is a grocery store / market inside you will see folks in their cars eating ice cream.
Activities
They rent Kayaks and SUPs. I like this place because of their locations (which is where you will end up kayaking). They have a location right in the stumps pass parking lot and that spot is a great kayak spot. They also have a location by Don Pedro where you can put in and kayak over to the state park. Seems like a great adventure.
Hooked on SUP
900 Gulf BlvdThey rent Kayaks and SUPs. I like this place because of their locations (which is where you will end up kayaking). They have a location right in the stumps pass parking lot and that spot is a great kayak spot. They also have a location by Don Pedro where you can put in and kayak over to the state park. Seems like a great adventure.
Rent it all! Boats, Jet Skis, Bikes. We have not used them but they are right on beach road and have heard they are nicer than some of the other rental spots on beach road.
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Allure Boat Rentals
1937 Beach RdRent it all! Boats, Jet Skis, Bikes. We have not used them but they are right on beach road and have heard they are nicer than some of the other rental spots on beach road.
Site says they do tours in Venice and Sarasota. We did one in Sarasota and it was SO MUCH FUN! But the company we used is out of business, even though they are selling still on the discount deal sites. Beware and call first. Zegway by the Bay is still around as of this post.
Zegway by the Bay
62nd StreetSite says they do tours in Venice and Sarasota. We did one in Sarasota and it was SO MUCH FUN! But the company we used is out of business, even though they are selling still on the discount deal sites. Beware and call first. Zegway by the Bay is still around as of this post.
10 Min by Car: Triple Trouble Charter Fishing. 941-234-3094 is the number in the photo. We have not used them but they seem popular and a close by hidden gem.
260 Maryland Ave
260 Maryland Avenue10 Min by Car: Triple Trouble Charter Fishing. 941-234-3094 is the number in the photo. We have not used them but they seem popular and a close by hidden gem.