Major Changes Ahead For Snook Haven
Seeing old Florida in its element used to be a pretty consistent experience. Finding mom and pop diners, fresh seafood dives and musicians crooning under 100-year-old oak trees was something every tourist and local enjoyed. Afterall it is not Disney World or even the famous beaches that provide the majority of our treasured experiences in Florida. It is finding those places that are tucked down some dirt road. They are steeped in tradition and offer a glimpse into what this paradise was when it was wild and untamed. That time of life when paradise hadn’t yet been paved and there were far fewer condominiums. Over-development and ravaging hurricanes of late have drastically changed the familiar Florida landmarks we have come to love. Some were destroyed, some have rebuilt, others have closed and have not reopened. And still more are losing their charming appeal for a more updated stance. Such is the case with our beloved Snook Haven.
Snook Haven Restaurant, located at 5000 East Venice Ave in Venice, is the general site where the original Tarzan movie was shot. It feels like a jungle when you take the beaten path from River Road back to the Myakka River where Snook Haven is situated. The banks of the Myakka River are thick with overgrown brush and palms, lush with flora and fauna and a ripe area for critters like gators, snakes and various birds and fish. Your mind’s eye can see Tarzan or Jane leaping through the trees on vines as if it is happening before you. It is genuinely like stepping into the Florida of yesteryear.
There is so much good happening at Snook Haven it is hard to pinpoint the pinnacles of the place so let’s start with the obvious, the food and location. There is nothing that speaks to the traditions and fun of Florida than hearing live music ring out over the water while eating steamed shrimp or a fabulously fresh grouper sandwich. Pair that with an ice-cold beer and a view of the sunlight dancing over the water and that sounds like a perfect day. For me, the dish of choice will always be the pulled pork nachos that Snook’s offers. Though a staple on other appetizer menus around town, Snook’s nachos are top notch to me.
The atmosphere at Snook Haven is so inviting and casual yet feels so special with the amazing setting and constant line-up of great local musicians. This is the place where our kids learned to love sitting on the water for lunch and enjoying the fun of family nights which Snook’s always provided. When we wanted to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, Snook’s was always a top choice. And now, they continue with a major facelift and significant changes coming.
On April 30th Snook Haven will close and Sarasota County, who owns the property, will oversee renovations and the construction of a new 1500 square foot restaurant. Currently, Venice Peer Group runs Snook Haven under a lease agreement with the county. Venice Peer Group also operates Sharky’s, Fins, Siesta Beach Eats, and The Nest at the Bay, and will have the opportunity to bid on the contract to run Snook Haven again once it reopens after renovations. The restaurant will be set back further from the water to stave off future flooding and other plans include a large open-air pavilion.
For now, grab your people and head over to Snook Haven to soak in one of the last remaining remnants of good old Florida charm. For more information on upcoming changes, please visit Snook Haven Restaurant – Barbecue, Brews and Bands On The Myakka River.
Photos courtesy of Snook Haven Restaurant Facebook page.