As anyone who has driven North Tamiami Trail from the Fruitville intersection and up past the airport can attest, that stretch of road can seem grim. Though I work at New College, and had driven or ridden the bus up and down that stretch of road five days a week for two years, the only places I had been to were Smuggler’s Cove Adventure Golf, which is awesome if you love pirate ships (who doesn’t), and Bahi Hut, smokey but cool if you like the history of tiki bars in America. I didn’t know where else to eat, drink, or do anything other than play putt-putt. But I did know just who to ask.
I turned to New College students and their friends at Ringling and USF Sarasota-Manatee, and, based on their recommendations, I discovered that when it comes to North Trail, there is so much more than meets the eye.
Owner Beate Goldstein Serves customers at Mama G’s Coffee Bakery. Photo by Dan Wagner
WHERE TO EAT
Sunnyside Cafe
4900 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-359-9500;sunnysidecafesrq.com
I was first tipped off to Sunnyside Cafe, a family owned breakfast/lunch spot, by a colleague who had described their chickpea pancakes as the perfect breakfast for lunch. New College student Sarah Scully, who had spent time in Hungary, raved about about their Hungarian specials. I went to investigate. From a distance, I first assumed it was another derelict motel, but once I got closer, I realized a cheerful restaurant was nestled alongside the lobby of the former hotel. This spot is now one of my go-tos, and is an example of the gems that are hidden in plain sight along the North Trail.
Mama G’s
8431 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-203-9798; mamagscoffee.com
Just south of USF Sarasota-Manatee’s campus, “Mama G” excels at creating her German-style, preservative-free breads, rolls, pretzels, and pastries, as well as daily themed specials (e.g., Waffle Wednesday) which are not only exceptional, but also very reasonably priced. Jace Johnson, a New College student who spent last January volunteering at a hotel catering to refugees in Germany, said, “She charges German bakery prices. When I was in Germany, I could bring 10 euro to a bakery and buy 10 different things. Here, the same amount of money at Starbucks only gets you two things.”
Sam Oh Jung
6032 14th St. W., Bradenton; 941-755-3568;samohjungsushi.eat24hour.com
Hidden in the Bayshore Gardens Publix complex, Sam Oh Jung serves both Japanese and Korean entrees. Having taught for a summer in Seoul, I now constantly crave bibimbap: a bowl of rice topped with a mix of sauteed vegetables (meat optional) and a fried egg. My students steered me toward Sam Oh Jung’s dolsot or “stone pot” bibimbap, which takes it to another level by being served in an oven-hot bowl. The rice continues to cook inside the bowl, leaving slightly crunchy bits to be savored at the end. With banchan, or small appetizers, and a small selection of Korean beer/soju, a meal at Sam Oh Jung is more than filling, and always delicious.
Vertoris Pizza House
6830 14th St. W, Bradenton; 941-751-0333; vertorispizza.com
The students I talked to were emphatic that I visit Vertoris Pizza House, a joint I had never heard of. Located just past Sarabay and the Trail’s Anna Maria Oyster Bar, in a desolate strip mall sandwiched between Bingo Land and a Dollar Tree, it would be easy to miss. However, this is the kind of place that were it in downtown Sarasota, it would be packed all the time. For a small restaurant, their menu that focuses on brick-oven pizzas and pasta dishes is extremely customizable. The range of gluten free and vegan options from starters to dessert is comparable to what you might find at a wholly vegan.
Local college graduates Connor Smith and Nova Jones hit happy hour at Memories Lounge on a recent Friday. Photo by Dan Wagner
WHERE TO DRINK
The Coffee Loft
5025 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-706-4047; coffeeloft41.squarespace.com
In the past, students have jokingly requested to have our class meetings at Coffee Loft. Coffee Loft reminds me of the coffeeshops of my own college days in Santa Cruz, in the sense it is perfect for finding a nook in which to study, read, or write; however unlike my Santa Cruz cafes, the furniture is not mismatched thrift store chic, but an elegant yet comfortable mod. While their food options are not as ample as their excellent coffee selection, the brie and pear panini is worth stopping for in and of itself.
Memories Lounge
3428 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-355-9849
New College student James Esposito described Memories Lounge as “Sarasota’s Mos Eisley Cantina,” which if you are a “Star Wars” fan, tells you everything you need to know. Fellow student Melissa Rettig helpfully translated for those unfamiliar with “Star Wars”: “Do they have a central casting equivalent for locations? Can you cast a place? Because this is a dive bar straight out of central casting.” Like many things on the North Trail, Memories looks imposing from the outside, but inside the emphatic glow of neon, the familiar conversations between regulars, the cheap, straightforward drinks make it worth a visit.
Growler’s Pub
2831 N. Tamiami Trail , Sarasota; 941-487-7373; growlersonline.com
While Growler’s Pub doesn’t have the largest craft beer tap list in town, what they do have is thoughtfully and carefully curated. Students told me they love the themed nights, especially trivia Wednesdays (all players receive free pizza), but also karaoke, open mic, and occasional $1 taco nights. While the idea of playing trivia against my students is terrifying (what happens when they realize I am fallible!), the neighborhood watering hole is a welcoming spot for students, faculty and locals alike.
Ringling Underground features live music and takes place at the Museum of Art Courtyard. COURTESY PHOTO
WHAT TO DO
The Ringling
5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota; 941-359-5700; ringling.org
The most well-known fixture of the North Trail is The Ringling, which during season is inundated with tourists. However, students mentioned they enjoying walking through the Ringling grounds, which are free. The Museum Cafe located upstairs in the Visitors Pavilion above the Museum Store serves Joffreys’ Coffee, and taking a cup to go and walking is a relaxing way to start the day or take a stress-relieving break from studying/work. While Muse at Ringling, one of the Tableseide groups’ restaurants, is priced beyond what most students want to pay, the well-stocked bar there has become a popular after-work happy hour spot for faculty, staff, and area residents. The food comes highly recommended, too. The museum’s most popular event for students is the (mostly) monthly Ringling Underground live music series held in the courtyard. It’s $15 for the rest of us but free for college students with I.D. The next Ringling Underground is Oct. 6.
Bradentucky Bombers
Astro Fun and Skate Center; 3611 3rd. St. W., Bradenton; bradentuckybombers.com
Mollie Saumier (a.k.a. “Margaret Scratch-her”) is a New College student by day and Bradentucky Bombers roller derby athlete on many Saturday nights. She recommended I come watch a game because of the constant action but, ““People shouldn’t expect to see big fake hits; there is no punching in the face or throwing elbows; seeing girls in fishnets and miniskirts has become more of a rarity.” She was right: it was the most unironic fun I’ve ever had at a roller derby match. Tickets are $10, but free beer is provided outside the venue by the up and coming Little Giant Brewery, and at every home game the proceeds from a raffle are donated to a local cause. The next game is Oct. 22.
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More photos online at TicketSarasota.com.
