Directly across the street is the Gator Club featuring exceptional live music beginning around 9:00pm. The upstairs bar boasts 125 single malt scotches, pool tables and comfy couches for relaxing.

New Orleans style jazz is on the menu Wednesday through Sunday at Divino’s Bar and Restaurant directly across from the Herald Tribune.

Across from the Hollywood Movie Theatre on Main is Eat Here a new establishment with live music from 5:00pm to 7:00 in the fountain park.

5 Points Restaurant and Lounge makes its debut this season with dancing and live entertainment at the roundabout on Main Street.

Ceviche’s Flamenco Room on First Street features the largest dance floor in town devoted to salsa Friday and Saturday nights. And, don’t miss the Roof Top Bar for fantastic views and a breath of fresh air.

Sarasota’s Bayfront

Marina Jacks and O’Leary’s come to mind. Marina Jacks features a huge covered patio with band and area for dancing. You can even slip inside and sing along at the piano bar.

O’Leary’s Tiki Bar and sandy beach is at the opposite end of Centennial Park attracting a crowd at sunset with live Reggae and beach music.

Also at Centennial Park is Le Barge ...a giant houseboat with bar, dance floor and cocktail tables on the top deck. Entertainment is usually a solo guitar player/singer performing island style music and Jimmy Buffett hits. Sailing several times a day around Sarasota Bay it offers great views of waterfront homes and spectacular sunsets. Be sure to bring that camera.

Into sunsets with a more intimate feel?

Key Sailing’s 41’ sailboat heads out from Marina Jack’s offering a relaxing sunset adventure you’ll never forget. Just bring your favorite libation.

Cà d'Zan Lounge named for the "House of John" Ringling is located in the Ritz Carlton Hotel, (dressy), offering live entertainment and expensive drinks.

St. Armand’s Circle

Plan to spend at least one evening at St. Armand’s Circle. Catch a bite to eat and head to 15 South Ristorante Enoteca featuring live music at the upstairs nightclub called Straight-up on Avenue of the Presidents.

The Crab & Fin enjoys sidewalk seating with pianist, great drinks and deserts.

If you're looking for boat drinks, Cha Cha Coconuts has 'em and live music too. This is a great place to have a drink and work on your Hemmingway style.

A cheeseburger in Paradise may be good – but a dozen oysters in Paradise is much better! Catch some sun then chill with a frozen daiquiri at the Daiquiri Deck. Wednesdays is “80s for the Ladies,” with dancing and live music. Fridays and late-night Saturdays feature acts like Roadblock, Rising Tide, Swamp Root Funk Band, Local Celebrity Band and Left Hand Side.

Longboat

Head to the Haye Loft at Euphemia Haye Restaurant. There’s a great line-up of jazz with full bar, comfortable seating and Dessert Room offering imported coffees, teas, appetizers, salads, sandwiches and personal pizzas. Entertainment rotates nightly.

From the South Bridge of Siesta Key

In the Gulf Gate Area

Gulf Gate is a hodgepodge of restaurants, businesses and bars located on Gulf Gate, Mall Drive, Superior and Gateway Avenues. Gulf Gate revels in its down-to-earth, unique establishments and events.

Pool sharks can find plenty of competition at the Boar's Head. Prefer eye candy with those cocktails? Then Barrel 87 is the place.

Looking for something a little different from traditional bars? The Thirsty Turtle and Detention are always serving reasonably priced strong drinks to anyone over 21 with a good attitude.

The Sarasota Brewing Company is the only microbrewery in the county. This family-friendly, rustic-themed establishment provides plenty of sports and award- winning beer.

Since opening its doors, Pastimes, a beige music and sports pub on the west side of Superior Avenue, has become known for bringing all types of music to Gulf Gate… from rockabilly to classic rock to electronica.

Like a lot of the taverns in the area, Hurricane Mike's is crowded with blue-collar drinkers on weeknights while weekends bring a young contingency.

Every Friday from 10pm-2am Piatti’s Bistro transforms into an intimate boutique nightclub. Come dance, and enjoy some of their amazing beverages and listen to some of the areas best DJs.

Finally, something for the Middle to High school set...

Take the south bridge at Stickney Point Road and turn north on Tamiami Trail. On the left is "Sarah’s Breakfast and Lunch Café" that by night transforms into "The Nightlife Center" where teens can hang-out, play pool and listen to music.

So, drop your teen for a few hours of independence and head south on Tamiami Trail to Mattison’s Southside. There you can swoon to Frank Sinatra piano tunes or dance nightly to the sounds of live jazz.


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