So, here’s the thing. If you haven’t been to St. Armands Circle lately, you might think you know the Tommy Bahama Restaurant Sarasota Florida scene. You probably remember the old spot at 300 John Ringling Blvd. It was a classic. It had that rustic, dark-wood bungalow vibe that felt like a 1990s island dream. But that’s gone.
Honestly, the story of how this place came back is kinda wild. After Hurricane Helene ripped through the Circle in late 2024, the original restaurant was basically a total loss. People were genuinely worried it wouldn't come back. But it did. In late 2025, it moved into the old Shore space at 465 John Ringling Blvd, and let me tell you, it’s a whole different animal now.
The Big Move to 465 John Ringling Blvd
It’s much more than just a change of address. Moving just a block away actually fixed a "problem" that had been bugging the CEO, Doug Wood, for about 15 years. Back in the day, the restaurant and the shop were in the same building. They split them up around 2010. Now? They’re finally back under one roof.
The new setup is 10,000 square feet of "elevated Florida." Downstairs is the retail shop. Upstairs is the 5,000-square-foot restaurant. It seats about 200 people, and it feels like a modern, breezy home rather than a dark tiki bar. They kept the Shore’s famous indoor-outdoor flow.
There’s even a roof that opens on two sides. Usually, when the musician (often a local favorite named Fleming) starts playing the theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey, that’s the signal that the roof is retracting. It’s a bit of a spectacle.
What to Actually Order (Beyond the Hype)
Look, everyone talks about the coconut shrimp. It's their "World Famous" dish for a reason. You get these plump, crispy shrimp served with a papaya-mango chutney that’s basically sunshine in a bowl. But if you want to eat like someone who lives here, you go for the Macadamia Nut Crusted Snapper. It’s finished with a wasabi soy beurre blanc that’s honestly addictive.
👉 See also: Johnny's Reef on City Island: What People Get Wrong About the Bronx’s Iconic Seafood Spot
Then there’s the Parmesan-Crusted Sanibel Chicken. It’s served with a red pepper cream sauce and cauliflower-potato mash. It sounds like standard resort food, but the herb cheese inside makes it a different beast entirely.
The Drinks Situation
You’re in Sarasota. You’re on the Circle. You’re getting a drink.
The Grapefruit Basil Martini is the unofficial mascot of the bar. It’s tart, fresh, and not too sweet. If you’re more of a traditionalist, the Tommy Bahama Mai Tai uses fresh-squeezed juices and doesn't taste like the neon-red syrup you find at tourist traps.
The bar itself is stunning—it’s an ochre-colored focal point with amber lighting that makes everyone look better than they probably do after a day at Lido Beach.
Happy Hour and Live Music
They do a daily happy hour from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This is "bar only," so don't expect to sit at a dinner table and get the deals. It’s the best time to grab the Blackened Mahi Mahi Tacos or the Warm Goat Cheese Dip.
✨ Don't miss: Is Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives Actually Worth the Trip to Ari Atoll?
The vibe is quieter and more "adult" than some of the rowdier spots in downtown Sarasota. It’s where you go to actually have a conversation.
Music usually kicks off around 6:00 PM. On weekends, it goes until 10:00 PM. It’s usually acoustic, island-style stuff—think more Jack Johnson, less Jimmy Buffett.
The Logistics You Actually Need
Don't just show up at 7:00 PM on a Saturday and expect a table. This is one of the busiest spots in Sarasota.
- Location: 465 John Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236
- Phone: (941) 388-2888
- Parking: St. Armands is notorious for parking issues. There’s a parking garage nearby on N. Adams Drive, or you can try your luck with parallel parking on the Circle, but good luck with that.
- Reservations: Use OpenTable or call ahead. Seriously.
The restaurant opens at 11:00 AM daily. They close at 9:30 PM Sunday through Thursday, and stay open until 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Why This Place Still Matters
People sometimes dismiss Tommy Bahama as a "mall brand." But the Tommy Bahama Restaurant Sarasota Florida is actually one of the brand's heritage sites. It was only the second restaurant they ever opened (Naples was the first).
🔗 Read more: How to Actually Book the Hangover Suite Caesars Las Vegas Without Getting Fooled
The new design features zebrawood tables, retro-style banquettes, and hand-painted sculptures. It feels specific to Sarasota. It’s not a cookie-cutter franchise. Even the artwork on the walls was done by the company’s internal art department to reflect the local coastline.
If you’re visiting, go for the sunset. The back patio is bordered by breezeblocks and has a convertible roof that makes it perfect for those late-afternoon Florida rain showers that disappear as fast as they started.
The Dessert Everyone Forgets
Don't leave without the Pineapple Crème Brûlée. They serve it inside a hollowed-out baby pineapple. It’s Tahitian vanilla bean custard with caramelized pineapple at the bottom. It’s a bit of a "look at me" dessert, but it tastes better than it looks on Instagram. Or, if you’re a chocolate person, the Malted Chocolate Toffee Kahlua Pig is basically a heavy-duty indulgence that requires two people to finish.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the Weather: If it’s a clear evening, request a table on the back patio to experience the retractable roof.
- Book Early: Make a reservation at least 48 hours in advance if you're planning a weekend dinner.
- Timing: Aim for a 4:30 PM arrival. You can catch the end of Happy Hour at the bar for a drink, then transition to your dinner table for the full menu.
- Explore the Shop: Since the retail store is now downstairs, give yourself 20 minutes before dinner to browse the "Sarasota-specific" home goods and apparel that aren't available at the UTC mall location.