Sarasota, a city known for its stunning beaches and cultural attractions, has also become a haven for craft beer enthusiasts. With a growing number of top-notch brew pubs, the city offers an exciting range of craft beers to tantalize the taste buds of locals and visitors alike. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, and everything in between, this article will take you on a journey to some of the best brew pubs in Sarasota.
Calusa Brewing
Nestled in the heart of Sarasota, Calusa Brewing is a must-visit destination for beer aficionados. With a focus on small-batch, handcrafted beers, this family-owned brewery prides itself on quality and creativity. From their popular Tangerine Dreamsicle IPA to their velvety smooth Milk Stout, every sip at Calusa Brewing promises to be a flavor-packed adventure. The laid-back atmosphere, coupled with a spacious beer garden, makes it the perfect spot to unwind with friends and family.
JDub’s Brewing Company & Tap Room
JDub’s Brewing Company has established itself as a local favorite, and it’s not hard to see why. Boasting a diverse lineup of beers, including a variety of IPAs, ales, and lagers, JDub’s offers something for every palate. Their taproom provides a relaxed setting to enjoy the brews, and if you’re lucky, you might catch some live music or a fun event during your visit.
Big Top Brewing Company
Step right up to Big Top Brewing Company, where craft beer meets circus-inspired fun. This unique brewery takes inspiration from the city’s circus heritage, offering a wide selection of innovative and traditional brews. From the refreshing Circus City IPA to the dark and rich Trapeze Monk Belgian Quad, each beer carries a touch of Sarasota’s history. Don’t miss their welcoming beer garden, where you can savor your drink while taking in the Florida sunshine.
3 Keys Brewing & Eatery
For those who appreciate a cozy ambiance, 3 Keys Brewing & Eatery is a hidden gem. This community-oriented brew pub offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a popular spot for locals and beer enthusiasts alike. With an ever-changing tap list featuring a range of styles and flavors, 3 Keys is a great place to discover new and exciting brews. Pair your pint with some delicious comfort food from their menu for the ultimate dining experience.
Motorworks Brewing
While not located directly in Sarasota, Motorworks Brewing, just a short drive away in Bradenton, is worth the trip for beer enthusiasts seeking a unique setting. Set in a beautifully restored car dealership, this expansive brewery and beer garden offer an impressive lineup of craft beers. With more than 30 taps pouring various styles, including barrel-aged beers, sours, and seasonal releases, Motorworks Brewing ensures there’s always something new to try.
Conclusion
Sarasota’s craft beer scene continues to flourish, thanks to the passion and creativity of its local brewers. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or someone looking to explore the world of craft beer, the city’s brew pubs have something special in store for you. From Calusa Brewing’s artistic concoctions to Big Top Brewing’s circus-inspired charm, each brew pub offers a unique experience that celebrates the art of craft brewing.
So, the next time you find yourself in Sarasota, be sure to raise a glass at these exceptional brew pubs. Embrace the vibrant craft beer culture, and savor the sudsy delights that await you at Calusa Brewing, JDub’s Brewing Company, Big Top Brewing Company, 3 Keys Brewing & Eatery, and Motorworks Brewing. Cheers to good company, great brews, and unforgettable memories in Sarasota’s craft beer haven!
Sarasota, a city known for its pristine beaches and cultural offerings, is equally enticing after the sun sets. As dusk descends, the city’s vibrant nightlife comes alive with a diverse array of entertainment options. Whether you’re seeking a laid-back evening or an energetic night out, Sarasota has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll uncover the top-notch venues and activities that make Sarasota’s nightlife and entertainment scene truly memorable.
Theater and Performing Arts
Sarasota boasts a thriving arts community, and the city’s performing arts venues are a testament to its cultural richness. The crown jewel is undoubtedly The Sarasota Opera House, a beautifully restored 1926 theater that hosts stunning operatic performances and other concerts throughout the year. For those who prefer contemporary productions, the Asolo Repertory Theatre offers innovative plays and shows that never fail to captivate audiences. Whether you’re a theater enthusiast or just looking for a memorable night out, these venues promise an unforgettable experience.
Live Music and Nightclubs
Music aficionados will find plenty of options to satisfy their cravings for live performances in Sarasota. Iconic venues such as The Gator Club and The Five O’clock Club are beloved for their live bands and energetic dance floors. If you’re a fan of jazz, blues, or acoustic tunes, be sure to check out Blue Rooster or The Reserve, where talented musicians grace the stage, setting the perfect ambiance for a memorable night of entertainment.
Downtown Sarasota Nightlife
Downtown Sarasota comes alive after dark, offering an array of bars, pubs, and rooftop lounges for revelers seeking a lively night out. Stroll down Main Street and Palm Avenue to discover an assortment of trendy establishments like Selva Grill, serving exotic cocktails, and Clasico Sarasota, where you can sip on premium wines and craft beers. For a rooftop experience with scenic views of the city, make your way to Pangea Alchemy Lab and enjoy their innovative mixology creations.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
As one of Florida’s premier performing arts halls, the Van Wezel offers a diverse lineup of entertainment, including concerts by world-renowned artists, Broadway shows, dance performances, and comedy acts. Its stunning waterfront location adds a touch of magic to every event, making it a must-visit venue for those seeking top-tier entertainment.
Art Walks and Festivals
Sarasota’s art and cultural events aren’t limited to daytime; some of the city’s most exciting happenings take place during its lively nighttime festivals and art walks. The First Friday Artwalk in the Rosemary District is a monthly event that features local artists, vendors, live music, and food trucks, making for a fun and dynamic night out.
Conclusion
Sarasota’s nightlife and entertainment scene is a kaleidoscope of possibilities, offering something for everyone, whether you’re a theater buff, a live music enthusiast, or simply seeking a vibrant night out on the town. From the captivating performances at the Sarasota Opera House to the bustling energy of downtown’s nightlife, the city leaves no stone unturned in ensuring that its visitors and residents have an unforgettable time.
So, the next time you find yourself in Sarasota after the sun has set, venture into the city’s nightlife and entertainment offerings. Immerse yourself in the cultural experiences, dance the night away to live music, and soak in the unique charm of this enchanting coastal city when it comes alive under the moonlit sky.
Sarasota, a coastal gem on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is known for its stunning beaches, cultural attractions, and diverse culinary scene. While seafood often takes center stage, the city boasts an impressive array of taco joints that are sure to delight any taco enthusiast. Whether you’re a local looking for new haunts or a visitor eager to explore the flavors of Sarasota, this article will unveil some of the best places to indulge in delicious tacos.
Tacos Mariachi
Located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, Tacos Mariachi is a charming, family-owned taquería that consistently tops the list for taco enthusiasts. With their authentic recipes and warm hospitality, Tacos Mariachi serves up a mouthwatering selection of tacos featuring succulent meats like al pastor, carne asada, and tender barbacoa. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, making it an inclusive choice for all taco lovers.
Screaming Goat Taqueria
Nestled in the eclectic neighborhood of Burns Court, Screaming Goat Taqueria is a must-visit for those craving inventive and flavorful tacos. This cozy spot offers an exciting fusion of international influences with their signature tacos. From Korean-inspired BBQ beef tacos to Thai-infused shrimp tacos, each bite is a delightful surprise that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Flavio’s Brick Oven and Bar
While primarily renowned for their outstanding pizza, Flavio’s Brick Oven and Bar also surprises its patrons with delectable tacos that are not to be missed. Their Baja-style fish tacos, featuring crispy, beer-battered fish topped with tangy slaw and creamy chipotle sauce, are an absolute delight. It’s the perfect spot to relish tacos in a lively and inviting atmosphere.
Tacos & Tequila Cantina
For an authentic Mexican experience, Tacos & Tequila Cantina offers a vibrant ambiance and an extensive menu of traditional tacos. Located on Siesta Key, this restaurant serves up a variety of regional tacos, including Yucatan-style pork, Mexico City-style chicken tinga, and more. Pair your tacos with a refreshing margarita or one of their many tequila options for a complete Mexican fiesta.
The Overton
Situated in the historic Rosemary District, The Overton is a hip and contemporary eatery with a modern twist on tacos. Using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, their menu features creative combinations such as avocado and shrimp, Korean short rib, and mouthwatering vegetarian options. The chic decor and laid-back vibe add to the overall experience, making it a fantastic place to enjoy a taco-filled outing.
Conclusion
Sarasota’s taco scene may be somewhat overshadowed by its seafood reputation, but don’t be fooled! The city boasts a diverse selection of taquerías and restaurants serving up some of the most scrumptious tacos you’ll find in Florida. From authentic Mexican flavors to innovative and unique creations, Sarasota’s taco joints have something to satisfy every taco lover’s craving.
So, the next time you find yourself in Sarasota, be sure to explore these fantastic taco spots. Embark on a tantalizing journey through the city, indulging in the explosion of flavors that await you at Tacos Mariachi, Screaming Goat Taqueria, Flavio’s Brick Oven and Bar, Tacos & Tequila Cantina, and The Overton. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these top-tier taco destinations promise an unforgettable culinary experience that will leave you craving more!
Originally posted at cnbc.com
Megan Fitzgerald has always been a trivia fan, but as the director of brand experience at Talea Beer Co. in Brooklyn she wasn’t convinced it would be a good fit for the female-founded brewery.
In February, she begged friends to come to Talea’s first trivia night, fearing only a few players would show up. Instead, more than 70 patrons joined in.
When people go out, “they want something that’s enriching and engaging and is more than just taking shots or slamming beers,” Fitzgerald said. “Trivia is easy and fun, good for big groups or couples, and you can find it usually just down the block.”
After a few weeks of partnering with the NYC Trivia League to host the Wednesday night games, Fitzgerald said Talea trivia nights were bringing in nearly double the revenue of other weeknights, barring special events. The venue has consistently pulled in nearly 20 trivia teams, increasing food and beverage sales throughout the two-hour game. Bar staff get more tips, too, she said.
Across the country, bars and restaurants are adding trivia events to their weekly or monthly schedules to bring in more guests and turn higher profits. New trivia brands have popped up in big cities and small towns, while some long-standing companies have clawed their way back to pre-pandemic numbers. However, the pace of recovery has been slow as the industry faces staffing struggles, according to trivia company leaders and restaurant owners.
While some bars craft their own trivia questions, others partner with trivia or entertainment companies, which charge a flat fee to provide questions, infrastructure and hosts. The basic idea is to bring in teams who are vying for prizes, to boost business or use extra space on what might be a typically slower night — and build a new base of regular customers.
“Trivia is advantageous for us because it’s profitable to have it during those slower times,” said Nick Marking of The Tap Yard in the outskirts of Milwaukee, which has pulled in about 30% more revenue during trivia nights at its five locations.
“The shows run you a certain amount, and then the prizes also, so you have to look at if it’s worth it to have trivia in the long run considering your profit margin is anywhere between 15% and 25% in the bar world,” Marking said.
NYC Trivia League, which hosts trivia at over 100 venues across New York City, recently surpassed its weekly event count from early 2020 and the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. The league charges a flat fee for bars and is free for players.
Cullen Shaw, one of the league’s founders, said teams are larger than they were before Covid — averaging about 3.5 people — when many bars barely held on to their trivia nights. Shaw, who hosts trivia nights at The Gaf East on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, added that the league’s switch to a digital platform from pen and paper has allowed for more efficient games.
“We fill the place up, and I don’t think that would be the case if they just put on a basketball or hockey game and hoped a crowd would come in,” he said.
The growth of ‘eatertainment’
Shaw said the NYC Trivia League has recently brought in venues that never saw themselves as trivia bars, adding over a dozen to its lineup this year alone. Retention rates are up in 2023, and the league has become more selective with venues and hosts.
“I’m sure there’s a million trivia apps, but there’s just something about a group competition, there’s something about community when like-minded and competitive people get together in a space to play a silly game but everybody understands the rules,” Shaw said.
According to Mike Kostyo, a “trendologist” at Datassential, the rapid growth of trivia nights is part of a broader move toward “eatertainment,” a fusion of dining and interactive activities ranging from bar trivia to pickleball-dining concepts. Eatertainment has been beneficial for many bars and restaurants given it doesn’t significantly add to labor costs, Kostyo added.
“You’re having a lot more customers in your venue, so you need more back-of-house, front-of-house staff, but it’s not something where you need to hire somebody to manage that. It’s usually an outside vendor doing the trivia program,” Kostyo said.
According to a Datassential report from last year, 82% of Americans have been to at least one eatertainment venue, and over 50% of those diners said they were “very interested” in revisiting such an experience. Eighteen percent of respondents said they would visit eatertainment venues more often if they had regular trivia nights.
“On a trivia night, we are easily doubling our sales from the previous night,” said Will Arvidson, tasting room manager at Brooklyn Brewery, who said the space usually brings in about 150 people for its Thursday trivia event. “It’s sometimes difficult for us to sit people, but we find a way.”
Victoria Dawes and Kristina Cheng, who teamed up on a recent Thursday at Brooklyn Brewery, said they’ve been playing bar trivia for about a decade and agreed it’s more popular now than pre-pandemic. Both said they carve out time each week to bond with friends and show off their random knowledge.
“I feel like we had lost so much connection with each other, and trivia has been a particularly fun way to have very normal interactions again,” Dawes said.
The rise of eatertainment comes as inflation compels more Americans to scrutinize how they spend their money.
According to Datassential’s February Table Stakes Report, 39% of consumers said they’re pulling back on eating out, though Kostyo said cost-conscious people are looking to eatertainment venues for value when they do go out.
“A lot of consumers, they’re stuck at home all day and they don’t really socialize, so they’re looking for those opportunities from the food service industry to socialize with friends and family again,” Kostyo said.
“But that doesn’t mean that they’re back in droves,” he added.
Teams can win cash prizes — as much as $50 or $100 for first place at some bars — or shots, food or free merchandise. Those possible winnings could encourage more spending from players and potentially offset costs for budget-conscious trivia-goers.
Conrad Corretti, who says his trivia team usually places in the top five at Brooklyn Brewery and other venues, said he’s been more likely to cut back on spending on other weeknights so he can spend “more liberally” at bar trivia.
“You’re showing up with your group, and you don’t really have to interact with other people, so it’s been a good activity to hang out with people you don’t always see and have a good time,” he said.
Bumpy road to recovery
With so many new venues hosting trivia nights, Kostyo cautioned bars may “cannibalize each other” as more businesses try to plant their flag in the trivia space. He’s seen more niche topics at trivia nights pull in specific audiences.
To attract more consumers, some companies, like Geeks Who Drink, have recruited new quiz masters and brought on client managers to cultivate relationships with venues. Bryan Carr, marketing director for the trivia company, said the company launched a “twitch” quiz still running today, and it maintained its 15 plus-person writing team to keep creative content flowing.
Bringing back longtime venues and onboarding new ones has been a “slow-moving process,” but the company has continued growing its presence in cities including Denver, Chicago and Austin, Texas. It does full-service pub quizzes in around 650 venues, though that number was around 1,000 pre-pandemic.
“We try to provide venues with a great starter kit to make sure that their event gets going, and we know that it takes at times two to three months to really build up that consistent following,” Carr said. “They really can see a big difference from before they had trivia and then when they have it on these slower off-nights.”
On a trivia night, we are easily doubling our sales from the previous night. … It’s sometimes difficult for us to sit people, but we find a way.
Joshua Lieberthal, founder of California-based company King Trivia, which has venues in about 35 states, said he’s seen considerably more trivia nights today than before the pandemic. However, with tighter profit margins, many bars have been forced to do “vastly more” weekly events to stay afloat, which might explain why the company went from around 200 weekly venues in 2019 to about 325 now.
Still, about 30% to 40% of King Trivia’s pre-Covid clients went out of business, and the rebuilding process has been bumpy.
“It wasn’t like you just got back your old clients when things restarted — it was starting from scratch,” Lieberthal said. “Amazingly, we were more profitable pre-pandemic than we are today, even though we’re so much larger than we were before.”
Attendance and retention are back, more or less, to pre-pandemic levels due in part to the company’s expanded sales and customer services teams, he said. Though every week, Lieberthal said another client goes on hiatus or pushes back a launch date due to staffing troubles.
“Because everyone gets paid more, because it’s hard to staff, you need more people working behind the scenes to make it all happen,” Lieberthal said. “That’s an unfortunate reality that the breakeven point is much higher in this industry than it used to be, but thankfully so many venues want to run shows that it’s doable.”
For Wisconsin-based America’s Pub Quiz, founded in 2007 by Michael Landmann, everything from staffing to the cost of pencil boxes has slowed the company’s pace of growth compared to before the pandemic.
By 2020, the company had 205 venues in eight states. It’s now back to around 175 despite having to start from scratch and contend with higher costs of doing business.
The company created an online system that could handle dozens more teams, but Landmann noticed many venues were unable to keep up with increased demand. Others with ample staff couldn’t find a suitable trivia host.
Tyson Sevier, general manager at Omaha, Nebraska-based Varsity Sports Cafe, which has partnered with America’s Pub Quiz for a decade, said locations have often been short one or two employees on a busy trivia night. That’s a far cry, he acknowledged, from the “employee horror stories” he said he’s heard from other bar owners in the city.
Still, trivia nights at Varsity Sports Cafe pull in $2,000 to $3,000 more compared with other weeknights, he said.
“We have more and more people calling that want to play, so I think that there’s definitely an interest such that only a couple of bars had trivia years ago and now it seems like every bar has it,” Sevier said. “You have to do it now to be competitive.”
You are sitting at a bar trying to take part in a friendly trivia night and you end up with a question that just has you baffled. You have no idea what the answer is and because of this you are going to end up losing yet again. What can you do next time to ensure you are the trivia night champion when it is all said and done?
Believe it or not, there strategies that you can follow to help you win at trivia. These are all tried and true tactics that are going to give you a leg up over your competitors. When you participate in any trivia night that is hosted by Trivia Nation, you have be prepared to bring your best game. This means doing everything from preparation, having the right teammates, having the proper attitude, and so on. Mashing all of these things together is going to give you a real chance to leave that trivia night as champion. Let’s take a closer look at 10 tips to help you win at trivia night.
Preparation
You need to do some preparation beforehand if you want to be a true trivia night champion. The best way to do this is to think about the typical questions that may be asked. If you are in the Jacksonville, FL area for a trivia night, maybe know some facts about the city, sports teams, and so on.
Have a Positive Attitude
You are never going to win anything if you do not have a winning attitude! Go into every trivia night with an attitude where you think and you assume that you are going to leave there as the winner.
Be Open-Minded
Those that get trivia night questions correct the majority of the time are going to be the most open-minded. These are the people that can think outside of the box and really use their brain to figure out whatever question is going to be thrown their way.
Utilize Your Smart Friends
It does not hurt to have a little help from some friends when you are in the middle of a trivia night battle. Have some friends with you that have a lot of trivia knowledge so you can form a winning team.
Let Your Team Members Talk
When you try and dominate a trivia game, you are going to more than likely block out someone who may have the correct answer. You want to let your team members talk and have their voices heard so that they can get the answer to you if they know it.
Follow Your Gut
You want to follow your own gut instinct. When you do this, you are going to be basically following what you think the answer is initially. Typically when you start to question your gut is when you get in trouble and can make major mistakes.
Be Timely at the Start
If you show up to trivia night late, you are not going to have much of a chance at winning anything. This could result in you being on a bad team, missing questions, and so on.
Fuel Your Body
You need to do more than drink at a trivia night. Fuel your body with some quality pub food so that you can have the energy needed to think things through and respond when questions are asked.
Focus on the Fun Factor
You need to have fun when you are taking part in a trivia night. Do not take things too seriously where it really can ruin the whole experience. Focus on the fun factor to get the most of the night out.
Win in a Humble Manner
When you win at trivia night, you do not need to go gloating to everyone around you. Win and remain humble. There are plenty of people around you that could beat you next week!
Trivia night is a lot of fun no matter where you take part in it. Those hosted by Trivia Nation make for great nights out where the competitive juices can get flowing and the laughter goes from start to finish. The next time you want to try and win at a trivia night think about these 10 tips and how you can apply them to your game.
There are many different options that you can run with. You can sit in and watch a movie on television or go to a movie theater. You could go out and get some food with friends. One of the best options though is to attend a trivia show.
Trivia shows are becoming all the rage across the state of Florida and abroad thanks to our team at Trivia Nation. We work diligently to make trivia shows true destinations 7-days a week, no matter where you are located. So what makes these trivia shows so special? How do they stand above the other options for entertainment on a typical weeknight or weekend night?
A Unique Experience
Trivia shows are true unique experiences. What this means is that what you’ll get at a trivia show put on by Trivia Nation you simply cannot get anywhere else. There are many bars that are going to offer trivia nights, but they really aren’t going to be much in terms of true entertainment. These trivia nights are going to just be a bartender reading off of a piece of paper some questions for people to answer. There really is no show, no flash, no entertainment value.
What a trivia show put on by Trivia Nation in Florida and Georgia is all about a true entertainment experience. This means putting on a show that includes some comedy, lots of laughs, and some quality professionally organized trivia. The end result is a unique experience.
It’s No Fun Sitting At Home
Another reason to go out to a trivia show is simply that it is no fun just sitting at home. Trivia Nation puts on shows across the state of Florida and Georgia pretty much every night of the week. You can find a trivia show in your area simply by searching on their website and finding when the show will take place. Why sit at home when you have access to these shows at some great bars?
Get Out With Some Friends
It is a lot of fun when you have a fun and entertaining show to take part in with some friends. Trivia shows are all about teams and having a good time in a social environment. When you have a group of friends out with you at a trivia show, it is going to bring everyone that much closer together. Once the trivia show gets going, the drinks are flowing, and the food is plentiful, you’ll all have smiles on your faces and be happy you are there together.
Challenge Your Mind
Trivia shows are all about entertainment, but they are also going to get your brain working. You want to challenge your mind when you go out for a night so that you can keep yourself on-point and have some fun in the process. Taking part in a bit of a competitive trivia show can be a fun thing. You don’t have to be afraid of challenging your mind and seeing what you know for trivia compared to your friends and others.
Check Out a New Bar
It never does any harm to check out a new bar in your area. Trivia Nation has trivia shows around Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando and Miami. This means that there are always going to be new bars that you can check out that are going to be hosting these trivia shows. Check out the listing of what is available and use a trivia show as a reason to see where you can go next for a night out.
Trivia shows are unique in terms of the entertainment that they provide. They deliver a competitive environment while allowing you to team up with friends, have a lot of laughs, and enjoy everything that the trivia has to offer. When you are looking for a fun activity to do and get out for a night, go check out a trivia show. There are probably several taking place right in your city on this very night.
It is a great way to get a group of friends together, go out somewhere, and just enjoy the company of one another. There are ways that you can work to win as a team at trivia night. There are far too many teams at trivia night who work in silos and end up losing as a result. Putting in some work can help you function as a unit and come out with a victory.
Keep an Open Mind
The first thing that you want to do is to keep an open mind. This means being open to everyone’s opinion and allowing every single person to have a voice. You never want to just ignore people when it comes to trivia. Even someone who is terrible at trivia may have the answer to a question that you have absolutely no idea as to what the answer is. Having this level of awareness is going to allow you be able to take advantage of the knowledge of each and every person.
Don’t Discount the Random Guess
You never want to discount the random guess. How many times at an Orlando trivia night have you had an idea of what the answer is, but never said it as you thought it was too random to ever be right? This happens far more often than you think. When a team member has a random guess and you have nothing better to go with, give it a shot. You never know when that answer is going to be correct and you’ll get points out of it as a result.
Name a Leader
Every team does need a leader in some capacity. This is going to be the person that spearheads everything and makes the final decision as to what answer to submit for the team. When you have no leader, you may end up with no direction and not getting answers in on time or accurately. A leader should be one that can hear everyone out, but also make a decision that is in the best interest of the team.
Winning at an Orlando trivia night is not going to be an easy task. The events that we put on at Trivia Nation are second-to-none. You are guaranteed to have a lot of fun, a lot of laughs, and really be entertained. To come out victorious though, you need a team willing to work together.