Fun, Food & Fireworks - Celebrating July 4th!
As the Fourth of July approaches you may start making plans to gather with family and friends to watch the local fireworks display. Watching the fireworks can be an amazing experience as we all celebrate our country’s independence. You may have your favorite spot to go to year after year, which can be a fun tradition; however, Sarasota-Manatee Originals is sharing some ways that you can take your tradition to the next level.
What if you had an early dinner at one of the local restaurants that are located close to your favorite firework display on July 4th? Or what if you dined at one of the local restaurants while you were enjoying the fireworks?! Sounds fun, right? Here we are sharing a list of restaurants from Palmetto to Venice and everything in between to do just that!
Venice
On July 4, 2023, Venice will start its firework display shortly after 9:00 pm and is set to last for 30 minutes from the south Venice Jetty in the Venice Beach area. These fireworks can be seen anywhere along Venice Beach, Caspersen Beach, or Nokomis Beach. If you plan on watching on the beaches of Venice or the surrounding waterways be sure to arrive early as thousands of spectators are thought to be gathering for the Venice firework display.
Another option would be to have a nice relaxing evening while dining at some of your favorite local restaurants. You may be able to dine as you enjoy the fireworks or have dinner before heading to the beach to watch the sunset followed by an amazing fireworks display.
Cassariano Italian Eatery
313 West Venice Avenue
Cassariano Italian Eatery serves up Contemporary Italian Cuisine that is the perfect blend of rich bistro flavors, fine wine, and a relaxed, ideal atmosphere that cultivates good feelings and fond memories.
Crow's Nest Restaurant & Marina
1968 Tarpon Center Drive
The Crow’s Nest features casual fine dining overlooking the Venice Inlet and Intracoastal waterway. Renowned for fresh seafood, steaks, and chops, signature dishes include Grouper Key Largo and the Filet Mignon with ‘Gunther’s Sauce’ (Famed Ringling Brothers Lion Tamer Gunther Gebel-William's recipe).
Fins at Sharky's
1600 Harbor Drive South
Known for their steaks and sushi as well as their amazing location - Fins at Sharky’s is the place to be. Don’t miss out on their fine wine list which truly is one of the best selections in town, and their draft list offers a complete selection of Florida craft brews.
Pop's Sunset Grill
112 Circuit Road
Always a good time, Pop’s Sunset Grill offers fresh seafood and excellent burgers. Located on the intercoastal waterway, Pop’s has an incredible menu and serves some of the best cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere that is reminiscent of Old Florida.
Siesta Key
Siesta Key is set to celebrate on July 4, 2023! They are scheduled to start the fireworks display at approximately 9:00 pm just north of the volleyball courts. You will be able to view the incredible fireworks show from anywhere along Crescent Beach (south of Siesta Public Beach) or from the Intracoastal Waterway.
You may also want to try some of the best dining experiences Siesta Key has to offer. Does watching the fireworks from one of these local restaurants sound intriguing?! Check out these dining options below.
Café Gabbiano
5104 Ocean Boulevard
Café Gabbiano brings Italy to Siesta Key. Its serene, casual ambiance imitates that of the paradise surrounding it. Their menu is brought to you by a talented team of chefs who expertly create each meal according to family recipes passed on from the Migliaccios. They use only the freshest ingredients and introduce new dishes, inspired by seasonal treasures, to showcase the skill of their chefs.
The Château
Sarasota
2001 Siesta Drive
The Château offers their interpretation and flair of the American gusto to French-inspired dishes. Serving fresh fish, Colorado and Iowa Beef, and other chef selections. Explore your palette and indulge in their fresh ingredients, attention to detail, cleanliness, and atmosphere.
Le Colonne Restaurant
22 S. Boulevard of Presidents
Le Colonne Restaurant is a family-owned restaurant that is proud to offer its customers the long-standing traditions of La Cucina Italia. Savor delicious sauces, homemade pasta, select wines, and a wealth of fresh enticing ingredients.
The Lobster Pot
5157 Ocean Boulevard
The Lobster Pot has been providing fresh authentic New England and Florida seafood since 2001. Enjoy new and old family recipes like the award-winning “Lobster Duchess”, Seafood Portugal, Salmon Rockefeller, Ipswich clams, Lobster Bisque, New England clam chowder, and many others.
Miguel's
6631 Midnight Pass Road
Miguel’s has been proudly serving Siesta Key and beyond since 1983, Founder Miguel Garcia and his sons deliver the finest culinary traditions of Europe to your table. Miguel's offers award-winning fare specializing in homemade and creative French and continental cuisine sure to please everyone's taste.
Ophelia's On The Bay
9105 Midnight Pass Road
Enjoy classic American cuisine enhanced with international flavors, leading to a unique and truly memorable culinary experience at Ophelia’s On The Bay. Their menu is printed nightly featuring the freshest possible ingredients: Florida-grown fruits and vegetables and fish that is flown in daily.
Sarasota
Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular over Sarasota Bay is an event you do not want to miss. The fireworks start at approximately 9:00 pm from 5 Island Park and can be viewed anywhere downtown including Bayfront Park and Island Park.
Want to know some of the best restaurants that are close to the Sarasota Bayfront fireworks display?! We have them right here for you so you can have the opportunity to have a tasty dining experience with one of the best fireworks displays this area has to offer.
1592 Wood Fired Kitchen & Cocktails
1592 Main Street
The key feature at 1592 Wood Fired Kitchen & Cocktails – everything is cooked on a wood-fired grill. The menu is handcrafted and well-executed. 1592 is a great spot to indulge in comforting and flavourful cuisine, celebrate an occasion or simply sit at the bar and enjoy one of our signature cocktails.
Bevardi's Salute!
23 North Lemon Avenue
House-made pasta, authentic Italian food, and fresh seafood with table-side service, beautiful ambiance, and tasty food sound pretty good, right? Bevardi’s Salute! Restaurant is just the place for all of the above. They are an award-winning, family-friendly local favorite offering a full bar, a charming indoor dining ambiance.
Bijou Garden Café
1287 First Street
The Bijou Café is a Sarasota Original that has set the standard for fine dining in the heart of the Theatre and Arts District since 1986. Enjoy nostalgic elegance and modern European-inspired cuisine for a charmingly memorable dining experience.
Brick's Smoked Meats
1528 State Street
Their pride and joy is their 18-hour USDA Prime Brisket, made the old-school way with just wood and time. Full bar featuring whiskeys and tequilas, with easy, comfortable spaces for relaxing with family, friends, and neighbors. Brick’s is a Florida-influenced, modern-day interpretation of the classic Central Texas traditions of barbecue and cuisine.
Clasico Italian Chophouse
1341 Main Street
Clasico has a menu of comfort food with amazing pasta options with a healthy twist. Luxurious outdoor seating adds to the dining experience with the best view of downtown Sarasota.
Drunken Poet Café
1572 Main Street
Drunken Poet Café is downtown Sarasota's hotspot for sophisticated & fun dining. Savor authentic Thai cuisine and inventive sushi in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy boutique wines, hard ciders, and sake from around the world.
Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood.
1435 Main Street
An eclectic eatery and bar with a passion for stunning seafood, fine wine, creative cocktails, and superb service. With a desire to support the community, Duval's sources the highest quality ingredients from both local fishermen and farmers.
El Melvin Cocina Mexicana
1355 Main Street
El Melvin Cocina Mexicana is located in downtown Sarasota. El Melvin is the spot for upscale modern Mexican cuisine. Offering brunch, express-style lunch, happy hour, and dinner along with live music six times a week.
element: Steak. Seafood. Pasta.
1413 Main Street
The culinary team of element: Steak. Seafood. Pasta. takes a modern interpretation of classic dishes and imbues them with unique gastronomic twists and flare. The result is a timeless – yet boldly modern – dining experience that evokes the comforting flavor memories of the past while exciting the senses.
Flavio's On Main
1766 Main Street
You are sure to love Flavio's On Main made-from-scratch classics including the famous gnocchi that is still made fresh every morning by Flavio’s mother – the same way she’s been doing it for over 60 years.
Jack Dusty
1111 Ritz Carlton Drive
Experience a fuse of coastal sophistication with local traditions. Savor a dynamic range of options, from the fresh seafood and artful libations at Jack Dusty to the relaxed, beachfront ambiance of The Lido Key Tiki Bar.
KOJO
1289 N Palm Ave
Kojo’s modern Asian menu, cocktail list & premium sake collection has attracted the most discerning & sophisticated diners since its opening in February 2021. Kojo’s menu is dynamic, like nature itself. Kojo is the journey & the destination. It’s your new guilty pleasure.
MADE Restaurant
1990 Main Street
At MADE, they offer a unique and upscale take on American comfort food at an approachable price. MADE Restaurant proudly supports local farmers, growers, and ranchers fielding the best in fresh, natural, local dairy and produce.
Sage
1216 1st Street
Sage Restaurant brings an international culinary experience to guests with its delectable worldly cuisine and an elevated cocktail menu in a stunning downtown Sarasota location.
State Street Eating House + Cocktails
1533 State Street
Great food starts with the highest quality product and fresh seasonal fare, which is prepared with inordinate attention to detail by State Street’s outstanding culinary team.
Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi
100 Central Avenue #1022
Tsunami Sushi and Hibachi Grill stand alone for creative sushi, fresh sashimi, and a new spin on Asian fusion--all at remarkable prices. The Tsunami team focuses on ensuring every meal exceeds your expectations.
Tzeva
1255 North Palm Avenue
Tzeva features modern Mediterranean cuisine with Israeli influences that shine in beautifully plated dishes full of bright colors, unique flavors, and global spices that combine cultural traditions and modern touches.
Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch
Nathan Benderson Park is celebrating Independence Day by bringing you the third annual NBP Fireworks On The Lake Driven By Sunset Automotive Group. Gates open at 5:00 pm on July 3rd and live music starts at 5:30 pm. Sit back and enjoy a stunning firework display that will begin shortly after 9:00 pm.
Make it an amazing day by visiting some of the best restaurants in the area before you go to Nathan Benderson Park.
Grove (LWR)
10670 Boardwalk Loop
GROVE specializes in contemporary offerings and onsite event planning. House-made dishes emphasize fresh seasonal ingredients as well as innovative cooking methods, and with 27,000 square feet of dining space including casual patio dining, private rooms, a relaxing lounge area as well as an elegant 350+ person ballroom there’s room for everyone at the table.
Koré
1561 Lakefront Drive #111
Visit Koré to enjoy their unique tabletop grilling experience. Sarasota’s Korean Steakhouse with 20 years of experience cooking, their chef is excited to present their vision to you and all of their guests. Their caring and committed staff will make sure you have a fantastic experience
Reyna's Taqueria
935 N. Beneva Rd. Suite #701
Reyna’s Taqueria is a locally-owned and operated, traditional Mexican restaurant located in Sarasota Commons. They proudly use fresh, local ingredients. Their recipes were handed down from generation to generation and they have learned them from cooking side-by-side with Mexico’s best chef, their Mother Doña Reyna, as she is known in the small town of Matamoros Puebla.
mi Pueblo el Restaurante
8405 Tuttle Avenue
All your senses will be aroused. The colors, the smell, and the sound will all transport you to a tiny Mexican village or pueblo here in Florida. Their food is traditional Mexican food made with fresh ingredients. From the moment you step through the door at mi Pueblo and enjoy their authentic Mexican menu, you will think you are in Mexico.
Stottlemyer's Smokehouse
19 East Road
Stottlemyer’s is an open-air restaurant, live music venue, and old-Florida tiki bar established by the Stottlemyer family. Their menu includes slow-cooked brisket, tender ribs, pulled pork, award-winning fried chicken, barbecue, sandwiches, po-boys, signature sides, salads, and much more.
Bradenton/Palmetto
July 4, 2023, Manatee County is honoring America's birthday with a dazzling fireworks display by Zambelli Fireworks over the Manatee River. Fireworks are scheduled to light up the night around 9:30 pm and can be viewed from the Green Bridge and both sides of the Manatee River Riverwalk waterfront in downtown Bradenton and Palmetto.
You will also be able to enjoy the pyrotechnic extravaganza from two of our Member restaurants with views of the Manatee River.
PIER 22 • Restaurant • Patio • Catering
1200 First Avenue West
For over four decades, Pier 22 has been the go-to spot for fine dining, stunning Manatee River views, and a modern and classic menu that will leave a lasting impression. Their award-winning cuisine features house-made dishes, including succulent steak dinners, sushi, and freshly-caught fish, as well as daily happy hour specials. Say “Happy Birthday America” with Pier 22’s special Independence Day Buffet and you’ve got a reserved spot for the show! Get more info here.
Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant
995 Riverside Drive
Sitting on the Manatee River, the Riverhouse features three distinct dining options under one roof bringing an exclusive waterfront experience to Palmetto’s historic district. Located on the ground level is their full-service bar and restaurant, the Reef & Grill, along with a casual, waterfront patio bar, the Snook Deck. On the second floor, they have their elevated coastal kitchen, the Second Floor. In addition to their natural aesthetic and clever hints of nostalgia, the common thread among their three concepts is their coastal charm & breathtaking sunset view.
Fun, food, and fireworks! We hope you have a Happy Fourth Of July! As always, Eat Like A Local!
