Love Me Tenderloin (Best Steakhouse)

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse

35 S Lemon Ave., Sarasota, (941) 366-7788, hydeparkrestaurants.com

There’s no substitute for dining in Hyde Park’s gorgeous dining room—and a juicy, medium-rare steak should never travel farther than the kitchen to the table. Enjoy—and be sure to check out their happy hour bite menu.

Alpine Steakhouse

4520 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 921-3798, alpinesteak.com, Facebook, Instagram

A running favorite among our readership—and nationally known for being featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives for its famous TurDucKen. If you haven’t seen the Food Network video, click here. Everything is homemade from scratch by the father-son team of Mark and Matt Rebhan. Stop by and enjoy the delicious prime dry-aged steaks.

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

2001 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, (941) 358-9463, flemingssteakhouse.com/Locations/FL/Sarasota, Facebook, Instagram

Fleming’s is showing no signs of slowing down, preparing three-course meals for you and your family to enjoy. Hop over to the restaurant's Facebook page to see the couple who enjoyed their anniversary meal in a parking lot. #rollwithit  Visit the website for menu deets or, if you just want to drool, follow on Instagram. 

Connors Steak & Seafood

3501 S. Tamiami Trail #1165, Sarasota, (941) 260-3232, connorsrestaurant.com, Facebook, Instagram 

What a great culinary addition to Sarasota. President and CEO Mike Connor says it best: "It is in challenging times like these that the power of hospitality is needed most." Prime and choice cuts of beef, as well as USDC-inspected seafood, are prepared over mesquite wood grills to bring out their unique flavor. They won’t disappoint.

Totally Possible Burgers (Best Burger)

Patrick's 1481

1481 Main St., Sarasota, (941) 955-1481, patricks1481.com, Facebook

When the burger cravings set in, start here. Voted “Best Burger” 34 years in a row, be sure to try any of the mouthwatering burgers – you’ll want to come back for more.

Smack's Burgers & Shakes

2407 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota, (941) 922-7673

Wouldn’t a milkshake make you feel better right now? Smack’s is offering its “polished casual food with a conscience” curbside and through Bite Squad. Alongside its 100 percent hormone- and steroid-free bison burgers, choice Angus beef and locally sourced Top Dogs are chicken and vegetarian options, too. The shakes and custards are the cherry on top! View the menu here. 

Libby's Neighborhood Brasserie

1917 S Osprey Ave., Sarasota, (941) 487-7300, libbysneighborhoodbrasserie.com, Facebook, Instagram

Established in 2008, Libby’s has a storied history in Sarasota. It’s perfect after-work cocktail spot or weekend brunch option—and be sure to try the Brasserie Brisket Burger!

Shakespeare's English Pub

3550 S Osprey Ave., Sarasota, (941) 364-5938, shakespearesenglishpub.com, Facebook

Tucked away on Osprey Avenue, just off Siesta Key’s North Bridge, is Shakespeare’s Craft Beer & Gastro Pub, long known by locals for its incredible ambiance and menu. Stop by and be sure to try the caramelized onion and Brie burger—a favorite among locals!

Pit Boss (Best BBQ)

Nancy’s Bar-B-Q

301 S Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, (941) 366-2271, nancysbarbq.com, Facebook (downtown and Lakewood Ranch)

Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch’s favorite ‘cue is a must-try! Only Nancy Krohngold prepares pork shoulder (or “Boston butt”) with her secret recipe, 14-ingredient dry rub, cooks it in a barbecue oven “low and slow” for 15 or more hours and then serves it up in this casual and friendly downtown setting.

Brick’s Smoked Meats

1528 State St., Sarasota, (941) 993-1435, brickssmokedmeats.com, Facebook, Instagram 

Step inside this Texas roadhouse-inspired restaurant and discover just what makes this place so special. Here’s a hint: Brick’s cooks its meats the old-school way with just wood, smoke and time.

Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse

19 E Rd., Sarasota,  (941) 312-5969, stottlemyerssmokehouse.com, Facebook

Stottlemyer’s has a great atmosphere, a casual vibe and amazing local music—but what it’s most known for is slow-cooked brisket, tender ribs, pulled pork, award-winning fried chicken, barbecue, sandwiches, po’ boys and more. Be sure to check out this hidden gem east of I-75.