“Party” listings
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The Casablanca Hookah Lounge
Relax like a pasha on your velvety pillow while enjoying world-beat sounds, belly dancing and a delightfully cooled draft of fruit-infused tobacco from a hookah. This place is alcohol-free, but teas, sodas and light snacks are available. (09/2011)
422 Central Ave; Sarasota
941-366-9493 -
BLU SMOKE ISLAND GRILL AND BAR
Hang back Siesta Key-style at this indoor/ outdoor restaurant and bar. There are big band sounds on the outdoor deck most weekend evenings and live acoustic music most other nights. Happy hour lasts all day long—need we say more? (01/2011)
149 Avenida Messina, Sarasota
941-346-0738
blusmokeislandgrill.com -
FIVE O’CLOCK CLUB
This joint hosts high-energy blues and rock groups, including The Cherry Bombs, Al Fuller and The Boneshakers. You can drink, dance and listen long past the midnight hour—even though the clock here is always set to 5pm. (11/2010)
1930 Hillview St
941-366-5555
5oclockclub.net -
O’LEARY’S TIKI BAR & GRILL
Enjoy a million-dollar view of sailboat-dotted Sarasota Bay while listening to live Jimmy Buffet-style music. There’s lively talk, friendly faces, a full bar and, if you’re hungry, vintage Florida eats, including the bestselling, nononsense grouper sandwich. (11/2010)
5 Bayfront Drive
941-953-7505 -
COCK ‘N BULL
Claiming to offer the biggest brew selection in Florida, this bar is known for its meticulousness. Your choice will be served in the proper glass and at the correct temperature. It also hosts concerts in its massive backyard. (09/2010)
975 Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota
941-341-9785
the-cock-n-bull.com -
THE DISTILLERY TAVERN
At this dive bar for the beer snob, you can indulge in canned beer specials or sip one of 24 imports and craft brews on tap. (05/2010)
108 44th Ave E, Bradenton
941-739-7845
the-distillery.com -
THE BEACH CLUB
Siesta Key’s biggest bar is also a jumpin’ live music spot. The schedule usually features a selection of local and national reggae, funk, rock and jazz groups. (05/2010)
5151 Ocean Blvd, Sarasota
941-349-6311
beachclubsiestakey.com -
MATTISON’S FORTY ONE
Although it’s a restaurant by day, this spot transforms into a hip nightclub after 9pm. On most nights, live bands like Big Night Out, The Venturas and Omni provide Latin, jazz pop or high-energy dance music. (04/2010)
7275 S Tamiami Tr, Sarasota
941-921-3400
mattisons.com -
IVORY LOUNGE
Minimalist décor sets this club apart from the rest on Sarasota’s Main Street. World-class DJs spin the hottest European beats. (01/2010)
1413 Main St, Sarasota
941-388-7869
ivorysarasota.com -
CABANA INN
This humble spot attached to an old motel attracts an amazing crowd for its live music and karaoke. Visiting celebrities have been known to belt out a tune or two. (12/2009)
2525 S Tamiami Trail
941-955-0195 -
KROAKY'S KARAOKE
This Japanese-style karaoke lounge is dividedinto private rooms with cushy couches andchairs. That means you'll embarrass yourself infront of family and friends, instead of strangers. (03/2009)
4400 S Tamiami Tr, Sarasota
877-457-6259
www.kroakys.com -
J.R.'S OLD PACKINGHOUSE CAFÉ
The ad-hoc stage at this converted cucumberpacking house is home to down-home acousticacts and the liveliest open mic in the area. (03/2009)
987 S Packinghouse Dr, Sarasota
941-371-9358
www.oldpack...usecafe.com
