It’s a recent weekday afternoon and we’re seated at the bar of The Old Salty Dog on City Island in Sarasota. The bar has been fashioned from the hull of a boat and we have clear views of Sarasota Bay. We’re surrounded by mostly wood and water and lots of boats. Boats navigating the water toward New Pass Bridge and boats waiting to be bought by customers at the adjacent MarineMax, a boat dealer, marina, ship store and fuel dock. It’s hard to image we’re so close to the congestion and condo towers surrounding City Island in all directions. But here we are, at an oasis of sorts, specializing in deep-fried hot dogs and tropical drinks.
The “Spicy Mary.” One of the better Bloody Marys I’ve had in recent memory, its house-infused jalapeno vodka with a Cajun-flavored salted rim and a cheese and pepper garnish. STAFF PHOTO / WADE TATANGELO
There’s a margarita with a Grand Marnier floater and a pina colada with a key lime liqueur floater. The rum punch features four different rums and the “pirate’s punch” mixes spiced rum with pineapple juice and banana liqueur. My wife Kristin orders the “Spicy Mary” ($6.75). One of the better bloody marys I’ve had in recent memory, it has house-infused jalapeno vodka with a Cajun-flavored salted rim and a cheese and pepper garnish.
The bar has been fashioned from a hull of a boat. STAFF PHOTO / WADE TATANGELO
As for me, I notice 16-ounce drafts of local craft brews cost just a dollar more than the macro brews and order an Up Top! IPA by Sarasota’s own JDub’s Brewing Co. I’ve written about Up Top! IPA before, but if you’re into hoppy beers allow me to repeat that this is a must-drink brew. Tasty and potent, it pairs perfectly with the laid-back waterfront setting, a setting that feels like a little vacation, especially when considering nearby City Island attractions such as Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and Save our Seabirds, two of our favorite places to visit in Sarasota.
The fish & chips are tasty and totally filling, made with Atlantic cod. STAFF PHOTO / WADE TATANGELO
Before we can go anywhere, though, we need to eat. Kristin orders the fish & chips ($15.95), which we’re told is made with Atlantic cod. A single bite tells me this must be true and that the fish arrived recently. Its taste holds up well against the equally enjoyable beer batter and, by the way, it’s a huge portion of fish and chips that we could happily split.
No trip to The Old Salty Dog is complete without dining on the signature hot dog. Like a corn dog but with a richer, more distinctive shell, the quarter-pound hot dog is dipped in batter, fried to a golden brown and served on an old-school white bun. STAFF PHOTO / WADE TATANGELO
But for me, at least, no trip to The Old Salty Dog is complete without dining on the signature hot dog. Like a corn dog but with a richer, more distinctive shell, the quarter-pound hot dog is dipped in batter, fried to a golden brown and served on an old-school white bun with sides of white onions and relish ($7.99; includes fries). Go with this option to best appreciate the beer batter that makes this dog so delicious.
If you don’t have plans for the next several hours, go with the Loaded Salty Dog that comes with all the toppings just like Adam Richman dined on during that episode of “Man v. Food.” All the toppings, by the way, means your dog comes smothered in American, Swiss and cheddar cheese, sauerkraut, grilled onions and grilled mushrooms with three strips of crispy bacon placed on top.
I ate this once. It was dangerously good. I won’t do it again.
Waterfront picnic tables are also available at The Old Salty Dog. STAFF PHOTO / WADE TATANGELO
Hot dog joint. Cocktail bar. Seafood restaurant. Beer bar. The Old Salty Dog on City Island is different things to different people. During tourist season it gets a bit difficult to make regular visits, but this time of year we like to stop in as often as possible at this waterfront retreat, or whatever you want to call it.
THE OLD SALTY DOG
1601 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota; 941-388-4311; facebook.com/theoldsaltydog
