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Old 11-13-2015, 06:15 PM
 
137 posts, read 194,002 times
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Gulfview across from the beach in Englewood. Good food and service and you can watch a beautiful sunset on the gulf.
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Old 11-13-2015, 06:59 PM
 
Location: Sarasota, FL
132 posts, read 152,752 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by loves2read View Post
Not to be a wet blanket but we have eaten at Casey Key Fish House several times and I don't get the appeal

The service was about as lack-luster as the food...and we have eaten there in and out of season...
Was just there tonight and the lines going out the door. Fun vibe and good food. My partner had the swordfish and said it was awesome. Beautiful sunset too.

It's popular for a reason ... but the service is quick and not super special (it's a place outdoors and undercover ...).

Different strokes for different folks. Nothing fancy about the place, just has a fun vibe.
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Old 11-13-2015, 07:58 PM
 
37,315 posts, read 59,832,630 times
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My complaint was that we have been there Casey Key several times (crowded and not) and had relatively average food and service
and I stand by that--
Sure people go there--just like they go to Pop's or Sharkey's on the Beach--
both places that get lots of customers but I think are over-rated...

my take is that when customers spend as much or more on their drinks as their meals they usually have a good time...
and I don't have anything against drinking or having a good time--so it's not Puritan ethics behind my comments
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Old 11-14-2015, 12:32 PM
 
77 posts, read 104,652 times
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Thanks so much for all the ideas!!! We will want to take my son to some waterside eateries for sure just because he doesn't get to see them but then we will want to go somewhere that just has great food whether it's in a plaza or on the highway.
I think I would like to try that Gulfview in Englewood, perhaps that would be nice for the two of us on our anniversary.
As far as him having a good time... I know in th evening he would love to go somewhere where he can see drinking and music at night and again I'm not sure where that would be! I'm sure not right in Venice!!

He has been to Siesta Key in the past (before I lived here) and enjoyed the bars there at night.

I also heard that the Lucky Pelican is good and I think he would like to see that lively part of Sarasota, specially if it turns out to be a rainy day.
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Old 11-14-2015, 01:19 PM
 
390 posts, read 608,666 times
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Although the views were nice at the Gulfview, I wasn't thrilled with the food or the menu. So I would recommend dining there on a more casual day.

Now for your anniversary, the Pink Elephant on Boca Grande might be a good suggestion.
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Old 11-14-2015, 01:25 PM
 
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
11,936 posts, read 13,096,073 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by loves2read View Post
Not to be a wet blanket but we have eaten at Casey Key Fish House several times and I don't get the appeal

The service was about as lack-luster as the food...and we have eaten there in and out of season...
I agree. Not a fan at all of Casey Key Fish House but love having drinks at their tiki bar.

Don't care for Sharkeys either but hey, it's on the beach!
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Old 11-14-2015, 09:13 PM
 
4,536 posts, read 3,752,456 times
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Sharkey's is nice right on the beach, but go next door for something different and try Finn's. It has seating on a balcony outside overlooking the beach/pier or inside dining and the food is more upscale with matching prices for a special occasion or just a nice night out. Both have their place.
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Old 11-15-2015, 12:15 PM
 
Location: sarasota
1,089 posts, read 1,688,199 times
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derek's is my favorite hands down. On Manatee Ave around 55th.
Casual with a touch of New Orleans. Innovative flavors and decent prices.
red beans and dirty rice special on Mondays
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Old 11-15-2015, 12:17 PM
 
Location: sarasota
1,089 posts, read 1,688,199 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jean_ji View Post
Sharkey's is nice right on the beach, but go next door for something different and try Finn's. It has seating on a balcony outside overlooking the beach/pier or inside dining and the food is more upscale with matching prices for a special occasion or just a nice night out. Both have their place.
If I remember correctly, Finns is owned by Sharkeys. Just right next door. Wouldn't surprise me if they share a kitchen somehow.
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Old 11-15-2015, 03:12 PM
 
Location: Mtns of Waynesville,NC & Nokomis, FL
4,788 posts, read 10,602,776 times
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Not to get into a 'which restaurant' arm wrestle, but we have been to Fins a half dozen times; we won't be going back as each time we wondered why we went there. Friends, and out of town guests dragged us back...

Outside seating is scenic if the temps are reasonable, though sundown can be glaring depending on time of year, and inside seating is noisy to point of barely being able to have a conversation, esp if some in group are even slightly hard of hearing.

Food is C+ at best, in our experience. Pricing is Southeast coast FL upscale waterfront restaurants if that translates.

If one wants that locale, I would do Sharkey's and skip Fins.
GL, mD
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