Summer is here, which means your skin gets a little darker, your toes a little sandier and your body a little thirstier. Luckily, Sarasota’s got a plethora of amazing happy hours guaranteed to quench that thirst. But where are the best spots? We’ll take you on a tour of the best happy hours in Sarasota, from downtown to Siesta Key to Osprey.

Feel like staying on the mainland? Take a ride downtown and check out some of the amazing small shops, art galleries and cafes—but not before you pop into Smokin’ Joe’s, one of Sarasota’s busiest and most unique bars. Smokin’ Joe’s offers a daily happy hour from 12 p.m.-7 p.m., featuring $3.25 domestic drafts, $4 well drinks, and $5 house wines. You do not want to miss out on these deals while checking out one of Main Street’s most iconic bars. 

Did you know The Beach Club Siesta Key is one of the oldest bars in town and recently celebrated its 70^th anniversary? Sarasota’s premier night club and live music venue offers happy hour seven days a week, from 12 p.m.-7 p.m.—the longest on Siesta Key. That’s the prefect reason to play hooky from work, hit the beach to beat the weekend crowds, and visit The Beach Club Siesta Key aftewards to cool off and take advantage of $2 draft beers, $3.50 well drinks and $4 house margaritas and Bloody Marys. Hungry? The Beach Club’s got you covered with hand-tossed pizzas and a variety of other menu items including stuffed tater kegs. The Beach Club Siesta Key will be kicking off summer by adding frozen cocktails to its lengthy list of libations. Frozen piña colada, anyone?

The tiny hidden beach spot known as Access 3 is located directly down Avenida Messina and has the most incredible views of the water. But before you check out the sunset, make your way to Siesta Key’s newest and hottest eatery: Summer House Siesta Key Steak and Seafood. The restaurant is now officially open and offers a craft bar menu loaded with creative $10-$14 selections, including wagyu beef skewers, seasonal flatbread, ribeye sliders and more. Need something to wash the delicious food down?  Five-dollar house chardonnay, cabernet and “call cocktails” are all available at the bar. The new menu is guaranteed to have the bar packed seven days a week, so make sure you get there early—specials run from 4-6 p.m.  And once you’re done taking in the beautiful new Summer House, the beach is only steps away. If you haven’t been yet, now’s the time to check it out and get a taste of the chef’s superb creations.

Located right in the middle of Avenida Messina is The Cottage, a special spot with three dining areas, including a gorgeous garden patio out back, main dining room and front patio. Sit back and relax on the shaded front patio—perfect for people watching!—and listen to live music while sipping one of restaurant’s famous handmade strawberry jalapeno margaritas, which just happens to be included in the amazing happy hour. From 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, you can enjoy $7 specialty cocktails, $5 craft drafts, $2 Yuengling drafts, and $5 house wine and well drinks. Just one more reason to visit Siesta Key!

A few yards over is The Hub Baja Grill, where you’ll be transported to a true vacation setting, whether you’re on Siesta Key for a quick lunch or coming off the beach and craving chips, salsa and a handmade margarita. Either way, relax and settle in on the patio for live music, including the sensational sounds of steel drums. The Hub’s happy hour lasts all day long and is one of the only places on the island where you can get a handmade margarita made with fresh squeezed juice for just $7. Also on happy hour: an ice cold $2 draft…unheard of on the key!

And if you feel like driving south, take a quick ride south down U.S. 41 where you’ll find Mad Moe’s Sports Bar as soon as you enter Osprey. Watch cars zip by on the outdoor patio or catch up on your favorite sports inside on one of the restaurant’s 22 televisions. Plus, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily you can take advantage of the happy hour specials, including $1 off all domestic drafts, and half off house wine and well cocktails. It really doesn’t get much better than that.