If you need a change from the bay area scene, check out some Sarasota night spots.
Cock & Bull Pub
975 Cattlemen Road; (941) 341-9785, www. sarasotarhythmnbrews.com/the-cock-n-bull
With a nationally recognized draft selection - it recently went from No. 29 to No. 6 on Beer Advocate's national list of top bars - the Cock & Bull provides a casual, no-pretense refuge for the beer connoisseur and charges relatively reasonable prices to boot. No liquor, but you can order high-end beers, ales, stouts, wine, cider, "malternatives" and homemade sangria. On tap are 20-plus pours; more than 600 in bottles, but not all are refrigerated. Owners Dawn and Howie Hochberg allow you to call in advance and request your favorite beer be chilled. Menu features homemade pizza, Nathan's hot dogs and "big, warm pretzels." Small sectioned-off rooms with games and books contribute to a rustic and homey feel, along with a huge backyard patio area.
Bahi Hut Lounge
4675 N Tamiami Trail; (941) 355-5141
One of the oldest bars around, Bahi offers the real deal when it comes to tropical-themed Florida kitsch. The dimly lit lounge recalls Sarasota circa 1960 with bamboo, tiki trinkets, beachy art and black velvet paintings. It's where you could picture skinny Elvis romancing a go-go girl, and stiff cocktails include a good dirty martini. Not much of a beer selection, but the mai tais are famous. They're made with a secret recipe that's so potent, customers are capped at two.
The Fly
2831 N Tamiami Trail; (941) 360-1788
A little pricey but good selection of beer, including Chimay and Fin Du Monde by the bottle, and it's close to the Ringling Museum. Full liquor served, along with Ethiopian food. No smoking inside. Themes and entertainment vary, but on Friday and Saturday, you can usually count on appearances by the best bands in the local music scene. Two small stages, a decent-sized dance floor and DJ area combine with a hardwood bar and original artwork by Ringling students. Oh, and you can shoot pool there, too.
Memories Lounge
3428 N Tamiami Trail; (941) 355-9849
Quintessential Sarasota dive bar that men and women of all walks of life gravitate to. Popular Wednesday and Friday karaoke nights attract young professionals, musicians and college students. For those who frequent the Hub in Tampa, Memories is your closest Sarasota equivalent. Nonsmoker warning: The place fills with cigarette smoke. They serve Red Hook on tap, and drafts come in 6-ounce glasses for $2. Standard Irish and British imports. Low-frills, standard dive dcor, with wood paneling and one of the few remaining pinball machines in the Sarasota area.
Cru
1377 Main St.; (941) 951-6272, www.crubistro.com
Cru is a smallish, two-story retreat that's perfect for a romantic date. Wine list features 150 vinos and some cool microbrews. Top off the evening with top-notch coffee, espresso and desserts. Basically, the kind of inventive, quality food and ambiance you'd find at a chi-chi cafe in the Sonoma Valley.
