Siesta Key Oyster Bar

Siesta Key Oyster Bar (or as the locals call it "SKOB") is the hangout with the laidback, beachy atmosphere that will get you right into the Island Spirit. When you're at SKOB you feel like you're hanging out with good friends on your back patio (although chances are the ceiling of your patio is not covered in dollar bills). The first time visitor will see typical bar food on their menu - chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, jalapeño poppers, and burgers, but seafood such as raw oysters and crab cakes are also available.

It was a cloudy day, so Keith and I drove into Sarasota to check out the town and do some sight-seeing.  We decided to stop by Siesta Key, home of the #1 beach in the U.S. and grab lunch at this popular bar.  Even though it was cloudy and rain was looming, we took a chance and sat outside on the open deck patio.  Keith suggested we order a frozen cocktail, so I picked the 'SKOB'lada - their spin on a piña colada, and Keith ordered a banana daquiri.  The drinks were pretty standard, yet satisfied that tropical feel we were looking for.

To start, Keith ordered a half dozen raw oysters.  They were smaller than the type we are used to from Virginia and had no briny flavor at all.  A little disappointing.  I ordered the Buttermilk Fried Oysters that were served with Remoulade.  Again, pretty standard in taste and preparation, but it was a decent portion size.

Next, Keith ate a 100% Black Angus Burger topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a pickle.  A huge handful of fries accompanied his burger, as did all the sandwiches.  I ate the Grouper Po' Boy.  Chunks of fish were fried to golden perfection, and piled on a roll with lettuce, tomato and classic Remoulade.  The fish was nice, but the bread would have been better if a traditional baguette was used.

Overall, we had a decent lunch to hold us over the rest of the day.  Service was friendly, but the food took long to come out.  Luckily we finished just as the rain started to fall and returned back to Anna Maria Island.

Total Rating: 3.2
Food: 3, Price: 3, Service: 3.5, Ambience: 3.5, Accessibility: 5

What I ate:

Buttermilk Fried Oysters

served with Remoulade

Grouper Po' Boy

served with lettuce, tomato and Remoulade on a roll

Plus Keith ate:

Half Dozen Raw Oysters

100% Black Angus Burger

with lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles, served with fries