Back-to-back blows from Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene have caused unprecedented damage to Sarasota and Manatee County homes and businesses, including many of our region's most beloved restaurants, especially those dining establishments hugging our famous Gulf of Mexico coastline.
We've begun compiling a list of popular Sarasota-Manatee restaurants located on or near the Gulf, with information gathered largely from their social media, noting whether they are open or temporarily closed following the terrible winds and floodwaters from Milton and Helene.
You'll find updates from restaurants in coastal communities and islands such as Siesta Key, Anna Maria Island, Cortez, Longboat Key, St. Armands Circle, Osprey, Nokomis, and Venice. The restaurants are presented in alphabetical order. If you're an owner or manager of a waterfront restaurant in Sarasota, Manatee, or Charlotte counties and have additional information to share, please email us at [email protected].
Open or closed? Restaurants in Sarasota, Bradenton open after Hurricane Milton
Ticket Newsletter: Sign up to receive restaurant news and reviews plus info on things to do every Friday
"We're thrilled to announce that Anna Maria Oyster Bars (except Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier), are open and ready to serve you! Our teams at Landside, Cortez, Ellenton, UTC, and North Port are finally back in action with a limited menu. While our offerings may be limited, we're still serving up your AMOB favorites while you charge your devices, use our WiFi, and soak up all the A/C you need.
We are incredibly grateful that none of our restaurants sustained structural damage, allowing us to reopen relatively quickly. Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier remains paused while the island rebuilds...we're working on a reopening timeline and will keep you updated.
We deeply appreciate your patience and support as we bounce back. Your loyalty means the world to us, and we can't wait to welcome you for a meal with delicious food, warm hospitality, and the vibrant atmosphere that makes AMOB your Five Star Fun home away from home."
"Our hearts go out to all of the lost lives, displaced families, people with destroyed homes and businesses from Hurricane Helene. The Beach Bistro has survived for 40 years with barely a turned stone from storms. Helene has been the one that hurt. But we will build back better to make the Bistro great again! Please help those in need and we look forward to seeing you in the future."
"Addressing any and all rumors about Beach House right now! Our restaurants endured damage just like every other business from Hurricane Helene as well as Hurricane Milton. We have been hearing/seeing rumblings from people on social media that we will not be reopening. These rumors are 100% completely false. We are working round the clock to get back open. Just because you saw it on the Internet, doesn't mean it's true. We will be opening again. As soon as possible. Be safe. Be kind. Be compassionate."
"We are closed until further notice as we assess the damage and make repairs from Hurricane Helene. It's going to take some time, but thank you so much for your support and patience while we get things back in order. Stay safe, and we can't wait to have you back in."
"Although we will not be open for a while, please keep checking! We will be thrilled to see all of you!"
5104 Ocean Blvd., Sarasota; 941-349-1423; facebook.com/cafegabbianoitalianrestaurantandwinebar
Posted 5:02 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30 (awaiting update after Hurricane Milton):
"Dear Café L'Europe Family,
We are heartbroken to share that we at Café L'Europe have suffered catastrophic damage from Hurricane Helene. However, we are already hard at work cleaning up our beloved restaurant and taking the first steps toward rebuilding. While the road ahead is long, we hope to soon restore Café L'Europe to its former glory.
We are here for our friends and neighbors, and while we are deeply saddened by the loss our community has experienced, we know that together, we will come back stronger.
At this time, operations are paused indefinitely, but we will keep you updated. For the latest updates, please visit us at oystersrock.net/helene.
Thank you for your support. we can't wait to welcome you back."
417 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota; 941-388-3300; chacha-coconuts.com
Posted 8:10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27 (awaiting update after Hurricane Milton):
"Out of concern for our staff and guests in the wake of Hurricane Helene, Cha Cha Coconuts is closed temporarily."
"Following the impact of Hurricane Milton, the walkway at the Historic Anna Maria City Pier has suffered extensive damage. Restoring this iconic landmark will require time and careful effort. We ask for your patience and support as we work diligently to rebuild and preserve this vital piece of our island's history."
1256 Old Stickney Point Road, Sarasota; 941-349-2800; facebook.com/claytonssiestagrilleandcatering
Posted 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13:
"Good Sunday morning, everyone!Update from CSG:The restaurant is dry and initial cleaning have taken place.The water and power are on!This morning the pressure washing crew from NuLook PressureCleaning is cleaning the rest of the parking lot and the patio, and the wine shed. The A/C units are blowing cold and holding temperature. I have everything lit up in here and all of the equipment is plugged in and running. The cooler compressors are running and all of the coolers are cold, bar and keg coolers as well. The gas is on, the kitchen equipment is good.We are ready to bring the army in this week and start final steps towards getting opened back up. It's a beautiful day on the Key! We should be back on track for our 20th anniversary celebration by end of month! Thank you to everyone for your prayers, love and support. The only thing missing now is all of our favorite people and the fun buzzy atmosphere we enjoy. We look forward to serving all of our local and seasonal regulars and visitors soon! Update again end of week.The dream lives on...because dreams are stronger than storms!"
"Columbia in Sarasota remains temporarily closed due to hurricane damage but will reopen after repairs."
4528 119th St. W., Cortez; 941-900-1506; cortezkitchenfl.com
Posted 10:03 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 (awaiting update after Hurricane Milton):
"Please bear with us as we assess damages and gather a reopening plan. We sit lower than Swordfish Grill and Tiki (which is located next door and now open for regular hours) and did have a lot of water come in. Difficult days ahead for our special little village. But we will be back."
"We look forward to welcoming you all back for upstairs dining today, featuring a select menu. Kindly note that elevator access is temporarily unavailable for scheduled maintenance."
Multiple locations in Sarasota and Manatee including on Siesta Key, St. Armands Circle and Anna Maria Island; daiquirideck.com
Posted 10:02 a.m. Monday, Oct. 14:
"Our Island of Venice & Siesta Key Village locations are now open (limited menu). We are still working hard and all other Daiquiri Deck locations will be back open as soon as possible!Current Hours of Operation: Venice - Open / Village - Open / All other locations - Closed"
"This hardworking group is ready to welcome you back to Dockside Waterfront Grill!!! It has been a grueling few days but we are thrilled to announce the reopening is tomorrow, Monday October 14th at 11am.
Please join us! Celebrate with a hug, a toast, a grouper sandwich and let's all be grateful to live in this beautiful place we call home."
412 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key; 941-383-0102; facebook.com/drydockwaterfrontgrill
Posted 8:52 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 13:
"We are so thankful for our teams' commitment to reopening and our community for all of the support during these past two hurricanes!
We can't wait to see you back starting Monday, October 14th, 11 a.m."
5808 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach; 941-778-2501; duffystavernami.com
Posted 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 (awaiting response after Hurricane Milton):
"Thank you to each and everyone that has reached out with concerns about Duffy's after Hurricane Helene. We finally got out there today (Sept. 28) to check on the property. We did have water inside, but thankfully we are intact. We will be getting busy cleaning up so that we can get back soon to doing what we love: Making those 'World famous Burgers and the Coldest Beers this side of Heaven.'"
525 St. Judes Drive, Longboat Key; 941-383-0777; facebook.com/harryskitchen
Posted 1:01 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7 (awaiting update after Hurricane Milton):
"In preparation for Milton we will be closing the corner store at 6 p.m. today. Stay safe everyone!"
"We created a Go Fund Me account that will be used to purchase gift cards and essential items that will do directly to our staff members! We are are so thankful for our community!"
"We are beyond blessed. It could have been so much worse, your prayers worked. Our hearts are with our community and those who didn't fare as well as we did. We will clean up, get back to drying out and doing what we do best: serving our guests."
"Today 10/14/2024 we will be open for business from 11:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m. Due to the boil advisory we will be serving bottled drinks and will have a full menu to offer...dine in, carry out or delivery! Just give us a call 941-260-8879 or visit our website at lennyz.pizza."
"Addressing any and all rumors about Mar Vista right now! Our restaurants endured damage just like every other business from Hurricane Helene as well as Hurricane Milton. We have been hearing/seeing rumblings from people on social media that we will not be reopening. These rumors are 100% completely false. We are working round the clock to get back open. Just because you saw it on the Internet, doesn't mean it's true. We will be opening again. As soon as possible. Be safe. Be kind. Be compassionate."
"Hurricane Milton Update: As of Saturday October 12, we are open with regular hours. We hope to welcome you in!"
1601 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota (also has Venice Island and Siesta Key locations); 941-388-4311; facebook.com/theoldsaltydog
Posted 11:38 a.m. Friday, Oct. 11 (along with photos of damage to the building):
"Not the news you want to share. We WILL be back. #saltystrong"
1475 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice (also has City Island and Siesta Key locations); 941-483-1000; facebook.com/osdvenice
Posted 5:42 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13:
"Happy to report that we have every intention to open our doors tomorrow at 11! Our staff is eager and ready to see you all and share some much needed time together! Our super smart tech savvy friends hope to have us set with 4G internet before we open, but of course cash on hand is always a good idea under these circumstances. Come join us for a cold drink, some good food and even better company!"
5 Bayfront Drive, Sarasota; 941-953-7505; olearystikibar.com
As of Oct. 2, O'Leary's remains temporarily closed while crews continue to repair the damage.
"Thanks to our incredibly hard working team, we are thrilled to be open our regular hours. The seafood is fresh, the salads abundant, the mariners' seafood boats are sailing and the crab claws are ready for your delight. Give yourselves a break from clean up and meet us at the creek. The temperature is starting to cool and our outdoor patios and large indoor waterfront dining rooms are ready for you to relax and enjoy lunch, dinner and happy hour every day. Large parties always welcome and takeout welcome. Come join us as we welcome #SarasotaStrong!"
"We hope you are safe and well in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. Our thoughts are with everyone in our community during this challenging time.
We are grateful to announce that Pier 22 will be reopening today at 11:30 a.m. to welcome you back. We remain committed to providing the quality service and care that you know and trust.
If you need a moment of comfort or a place to reconnect with friends and family, we are here for you. Thank you for your support as we navigate this recovery together. Take care, and we look forward to seeing you soon!"
"We are excited to welcome you back to Pop's Sunset Grill today at 3 p.m.! Our hearts go out to the people and business in our community while we continue cleaning up.
We are grateful to members of our Pop's Team, vendors and friends for helping us to get cleaned up, product received and prepped! Join us for live music at 6 p.m. in the tiki, full dinner menu and full bar!"
875 N. Shore Drive, Anna Maria; 941-778-1885; rodreelpier.com
The Rod and Reel Pier, established in 1947 and home to a restaurant on two floors at the end of the pier, appears in Herald-Tribune staff photos to have been completely wiped away by Hurricane Milton, following severe damage caused by Hurricane Helene.
"Addressing any and all rumors about Sandbar right now! Our restaurants endured damage just like every other business from Hurricane Helene as well as Hurricane Milton. We have been hearing/seeing rumblings from people on social media that we will not be reopening. These rumors are 100% completely false. We are working round the clock to get back open. Just because you saw it on the Internet, doesn't mean it's true. We will be opening again. As soon as possible. Be safe. Be kind. Be compassionate."
"Exciting announcement this morning from sunny Venice! We are beyond thrilled to share that Fins at Sharky's will reopen tomorrow, Tuesday 10/15. They will be serving a hybrid menu of Sharky's and Fins fare. We hope to see some of our locals upstairs tomorrow! At Sharky's, we are making amazing progress. So. Much. Sand. Yes, as you can see, lots of sand has been moved and you can now see the floor! Tables are set under the tent (well, tent frame for now!) and chairs as well. There's so much to be thankful for. We still have lots of work to do and taking it one day at a time. But we are looking forward to opening our doors soon!!"
Shipwrecked Bar & Grill will be open tomorrow from 11 a.m.-9 p.m., ready to serve up delicious food and ice-cold drinks! After the storm, there's no better way to unwind -- come join us for a great meal and a refreshing drink!
Posted 11:17 a.m. Monday, Oct. 7 (awaiting update after Hurricane Milton):
"Siesta Beach Eats is closed until further notice as we continue cleanup from Hurricane Helene and prepare for incoming Hurricane Milton. Stay tuned to our social media pages for updates. Stay safe out there, Siesta Key!"
5238 Ocean Blvd., Sarasota; 941-346-5443; facebook.com/skoysterbar
Posted 6:41 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7 (awaiting update after Hurricane Milton):
"Bring it on Milton!! Closed until further notice for the safety of our guests and our amazing staff. SKOBFAM will see you all after this nasty hurricane passes! Stay safe everyone!!!"
"Siesta Key Summer House Steak & Seafood fared well! Our hearts are with Siesta Key as we all recover and rebuild. Our tiny village has a ton of heart!"
3901 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach; 941-778-7769; skinnysplace.com
Posted 7:38 p.m. Friday, September 27 (awaiting update after Hurricane Milton):
"Our hearts are heavy today (Sept. 27) as we see the damage left behind by Hurricane Helene. Anna Maria Island has always been a resilient community, and together we will rebuild and restore the place we love!!
We want to sincerely thank everyone who has reached out with well wishes and prayers -- your support means the world to us. We're still assessing the damage to here and will provide updates as we move forward. In the meantime, let's we hope to continue to uplift our neighbors and local businesses! Together, in time, we will rise again, stronger than ever!"
"First things first: our mascots Snookie & Bandit are OK post Hurricane Milton. As is Snook Haven, thank goodness! No water made it into the restaurant either.
The storm was scary and intense, but we are already focusing on recovery & rebuilding. Thank you to the endless outpour of love and support - it means so much to us.
We will post updates as we navigate through the process of recovery and are working hard already to reopen our doors to you! We are still without power and our team is working to remove storm debris to make it safe for customers to return.
We can't wait to see our Snook friends and customers again super soon."
"Speaks Lakewood Ranch will officially re-open today, 10/12/24, at 4 p.m. with a limited menu. We can't wait to welcome you back!
Speaks Saint Armand's Circle is temporarily closed, but we'll keep you posted on reopening plans. Follow us here for updates.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted by the storm. Stay safe, everyone."
"Starfish is still closed after Hurricane Helene and Milton. We are cleaning up and going to open as soon as we can. This week there will be a supplies tent set up for people in the community in need of water, diapers, paper products, cleaning supplies, canned goods and more. Hours Monday 12-4 Tuesday-Friday 10-4."
"We're relieved to share that, while the impact of Hurricane Milton brought some of the worst winds we've seen, the damage to Swordfish Grill was minimal, and as of today, our power has been restored. This means we're now able to get back to work, preparing to reopen our doors and welcome you all back. Although Cortez was spared from additional storm surge damage with Milton, the back-to-back storms have left a profound impact on our community, and many of us are still reeling.
Reopening will take time. We need to bring back all of our equipment, restock our food supplies, and make repairs to the property. At the same time, our team is working hard to restore their own homes, and our hearts go out to our neighbors still without power and those who have lost their homes and businesses. We can't express enough how much we stand in solidarity with all the restaurant workers who have been without work for weeks and everyone in our community hit hard by these storms.
Swordfish Grill will reopen, and when we do, we'll continue to be a place for friends, family, and neighbors to gather and find comfort. Until then, please take care of each other."
"Tide Tables was a mess again but we are cleaning it up and when it's safe and we have power we will be ready to serve you!!"
8875 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota; 941-346-2207; facebook.com/turtlessiestakey
Posted 9:24 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 3 (awaiting update after Hurricane Milton):
"Turtles is open! Thankfully, our damage was minimal and we look forward to having you join us to relax, unwind and have a wonderful meal. Our thoughts are with all of the businesses and homes affected by Hurricane Helene and we hope you and your loved ones are safe."
"Still standing and better days are coming. Thank you to everyone who has reached out and checked on us. We are incredibly grateful to report that our staff is safe. We know many of you are dealing with the aftermath of Helene and now Milton, and our hearts are with you.
While we were impacted by both storms, we are working & hope to reopen as soon as possible. Please continue to check social media for updates.
"We're alive!!!!! And we didn't flood this time!! Definitely some cosmetic wounds, but no substantial damage like last time!! This means we can continue to make repairs from Helene without having to backtrack too bad from Milton!"
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]. Email entertainment reporter Jimmy Geurts at [email protected]. Support local journalism by subscribing.