Casual Restaurants for Easter- Sarasota, Bradenton, Osprey, Cortez, Long Boat Key, Siesta Key & Anna Maria Island

What are you doing for Easter?  It’s hard to believe but Easter Sunday is just around the corner.  It’s pretty early this year, just a few weeks behind St. Paddy’s day.  It seems like most of us, including me, are just now thinking about things to do.  I personally don’t want to get all dressed up and sit somewhere stuffy, but I still want to do something on this special day.

I put together a few places to eat this Easter weekend that really don’t involve formal dress clothes.  One or two places you may want to wear something other than flip-flops, but overall, your t-shirt and shorts will be welcome.

Blue Rooster Gospel Brunch:  If you haven’t been here for the Sunday gospel brunch, then Easter Sunday is a great time to start.  They serve up a southern style buffet, complete with collard greens, fried chicken and mac & cheese.  While you’re there order a Bloody Mary, I think they make one of the best in town.  You are probably going to want to make reservations, they were full the Sunday I went and it wasn’t even in season.  You can call 941-388-7539 for reservations.

Gulf Drive Café & Kokonut Hut: 900 Gulf Drive North, Bradenton Beach (Anna Maria Island). If you want to relax with a beautiful view, have a lite lunch and listen to live music this Easter, then the Kokonut Hut is the place to go. Walk directly out to the beach and claim your spot for the afternoon. Come back to Kokonut for a drink afterward. This is also a great place to catch a sunset. Traffic on Anna Maria after mid-morning can be challenging so plan accordingly.

Siesta Key Oyster Bar: 5238 Ocean Blvd, Sarasota. Have Sunday brunch from 9 AM-11:45 AM or treat yourself to Big G’s Crustacean Happy Hour from 3 PM-6 PM. With over 21 beers on tap, and a dozen oysters, what could be better?

Mar Vista Dockside: 760 Broadway Street N, Longboat Key.  Mar Vista is located by the Sarasota Bay in the heart of the old Longboat Key Village. We love coming here by boat (Intracoastal mile marker 39) for a bite to eat and a drink.  Mar Vista will be open Easter Sunday.  Whether you are coming by boat or car, this casual restaurant/bar serves a great meal in a relaxed environment.  They don’t take reservations. So, grab a drink while you wait under the covered deck with a beautiful bay view.

Surf Shack Kitchen: 326 John Ringling Blvd, Sarasota (St. Armand’s Circle). Happy Hour daily from 2 PM-6 PM (all drinks are half off). Sit outside on the terrace, have a great lunch or dinner and people watch in St. Armand’s Circle. Try the lobster dogs or seared tuna wontons. The Surf Shack does have some of the best gourmet tacos around too. If you come for dinner, you may want to make reservations.  They do have a piano bar with nightly entertainment.

Casey Key Fish House: 801 Blackburn Point, Osprey, FL.  I don’t think there is a bad seat in the house at this fish house.  You can come by boat or car and enjoy a casual dining experience.  They usually have live music in the tiki bar on the weekends, but I am not sure if they will on Easter Sunday.  Casey Key Fish House has a huge seafood menu.  I can’t resist the conch fritters and an ice cold beer.

Primo Ristorante:  8076 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.  Authentic Italian Cuisine at its best.  They have Sarasota’s first “wood burning” pizza oven.  There will be some very special Easter dinner specials.  They open at noon on Easter Sunday.  Their normal hours they open at 4pm.  They have been in Sarasota for over 25 years!

Clayton’s Siesta Grille:  1256 Old Stickney Point Rd., Sarasota.  Easter dinner is very special at Clayton’s.  They open at 4 and I am sure that their specials will be out of this world.  Known for great breakfast, lunch and dinner it’s a great place for both locals and tourists alike.  Clayton Thompson and his staff do a fabulous job with wonderul food and service.

No matter where you decide to go for Easter, enjoy our beautiful weather, dining in one of great restaurants in your flip-flops and shorts.  Cheers!

Sandy Williams is a licensed Broker Associate with EXP Realty and sells in the Sarasota area. With over 22 years of experience, Sandy and her team have sold over 2,100 homes. Nationally recognized. Sandy is originally from the Midwest but calls Lakewood Ranch her home.

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