Remember these popular Sarasota dining spots? Five closed restaurants we still miss — and the stories behind them.
10 Most Legendary Restaurants in Sarasota, Bradenton, and Venice
Check out these long-standing icons of the dining scene in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
From beloved diners to fine‑dining landmarks, Sarasota has said goodbye to some unforgettable restaurants in recent years.
These weren’t just places to eat — they were gathering spots, memory‑makers, and pieces of local history.
Think of a waterfront gem serving fried grouper with salty breezes, a neon‑lit drive‑in flipping burgers since the Eisenhower era, an Italian restaurant whose witty marquee messages made commuters smile, and a downtown diner that once served a young Elvis Presley in 1956.
Each left a lasting mark on the community and countless stories worth sharing. Here are five closed Sarasota restaurants we still miss — and the stories behind them all.
Cafe Baci, open since 1991, closed since Mother’s Day 2022
Cafe Baci, a Sarasota dining landmark, served its final meal on Mother’s Day 2022, marking the end of an era for owner Roberto Mei.
Opened in 1991 on South Tamiami Trail, Cafe Baci was known for authentic Italian cuisine, warm hospitality, and witty marquee messages that entertained drivers for decades. The fine-dining spot specialized in veal, house-made gnocchi, and seafood dishes, drawing loyal locals and celebrities alike.
For Mei, the closure signaled retirement after 51 years in the restaurant business — a career that began in New York at his family’s Fontana di Trevi, the Italian restaurant that helped inspired Billy Joel’s classic song “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant.” Mei even catered Joel’s 40th birthday party.
Despite challenges like the pandemic and rising costs, Cafe Baci remained successful to the end, often with lines out the door. “We’re definitely leaving on a high note, that’s for sure,” Mei said at the time.
Today, the building at 4001 S. Tamiami Trail remains vacant — a reminder of a beloved institution and a restaurateur whose story stretched from Manhattan’s storied music scene to sunny Sarasota.
Hob Nob Drive-In closes after 67 years in 2024
Hob Nob Drive-In, one of Sarasota’s oldest and most beloved restaurants, closed in 2024 after 67 years in business.
Opened in 1957, the iconic open-air diner on U.S. 301 was famous for its classic cheeseburgers, crinkle-cut fries, and nostalgic Old Florida vibe. Generations of locals and visitors enjoyed meals — and perhaps a cold beer — under its neon sign, making Hob Nob a true Sarasota landmark.
Owners Cary and Debora Spicuzza, along with partner Annette Gargett, served their final customers on May 14, a day earlier than planned after running out of food. “Ever since COVID, the restaurant business has changed,” Cary said at the time, citing staffing shortages, rising costs, and a decline in business. “I’m 67, and my wife and Annette are in their 60s; it’s time to stop and smell the roses.”
The Spicuzzas had operated Hob Nob since 1991, longer than any previous owners, and even renovated the property in 2013 to preserve its retro charm. While there was talk of a Hob Nob food truck, the site remains vacant — a Sarasota dining institution that began in the Eisenhower era, where memories were made one burger at a time.
Waffle Stop, where Elvis Presley ate in 1956, closed in 2024
Sarasota has seen many legendary restaurants, but only one could claim the King of Rock ’n’ Roll as a customer. After more than seven decades in business, Waffle Stop — the downtown diner with the blue window stencil declaring “Elvis ate here!” — closed on Dec. 31, 2024. The breakfast-and-lunch spot at 660 S. Washington Blvd. opened in 1951 and became forever linked to a young Elvis Presley. On Feb. 21, 1956, the 21-year-old singer, still months away from his first No. 1 hit, pulled up in a pink Cadillac with bandmates Scotty Moore and Bill Black. He ordered a hearty breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast, potatoes, and three glasses of milk, leaving behind a fifty-cent tip and a story that became central to the diner’s lore.
That morning, waitress Edith Barr Dunn, daughter of the diner’s founder, served Presley. She remembered him as “just a flirt” after he complimented her legs, but his visit would define the Waffle Stop’s legacy. In later years, the diner leaned into its brush with fame, decorating with Elvis memorabilia, stenciling his signature on the window, and even offering an “Elvis in the Building” special modeled after his order.
Waterfront gem Annie’s Bait & Tackle closed after nearly 70 years
Driving east across the Cortez Bridge the other day, I could barely stand the sight of emptiness where Annie’s Bait & Tackle once stood. The beloved waterfront restaurant and bait shop closed earlier this year after nearly seven decades in business. Known for its fried grouper sandwiches, juicy burgers, ice-cold beers, and Old Florida charm, Annie’s was a favorite for locals and visitors alike — myself included.
Opened in 1955 as a bait shop for boaters and fishermen, Annie’s evolved into a laid-back eatery with a breezy patio overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway just north of Sarasota Bay. For decades, it served as a community hub — a place for cold beers, casual meals, and countless memories.
The closure followed severe damage from hurricanes Helene and Milton, compounded by Manatee County’s decision to move forward with plans for a new public marina on the property. Owner Bruce Shearer, who bought Annie’s in 1995, fought to rebuild but ultimately called the county’s proposals “losing efforts,” citing financial impracticality.
With the funky old structure now demolished, Annie’s leaves behind more than a menu; it leaves behind a legacy of salty breezes, waterfront sunsets, and a taste of Old Florida that will be deeply missed.
We Blew Inn, one of Venice’s oldest restaurants, closed in July
For more than 45 years, the Wee Blew Inn — located at 590 U.S. 41 Bypass South in the Brickyard Plaza — welcomed locals and visitors alike, many of whom considered it a second home. Known for its comforting breakfasts and lunches, friendly service, and small-town charm, the diner was a longtime staple in the community — the kind of place where regulars had “the usual,” coffee was served in brown mugs, and the walls were decorated with fishing photos and decades of memories.
The south Sarasota County restaurant announced that its final day in business would be July 26. “The Wee Blew Inn has been a beloved landmark in Venice for over 45 years, and it’s incredibly hard to say goodbye,” read a statement published to the restaurant’s Facebook page on July 15. “We want to express our deepest gratitude to all our loyal customers and dedicated employees who have supported us throughout our long journey.”
Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
Dining and Cooking