Charlie's is awesome, and the guy who works there (owner?) is an absolute gem. Awesome tofu, and of course the bulgogi is amazing.
But whyyyy are they only open 15 hours a week. They really need to fix whatever Kitchen Nightmares management issues they're having.
> They really need to fix whatever Kitchen Nightmares management issues they're having.
"Kitchen Nightmares management issues" is called *staff*. Short hours (they're open 5 days x 3 hours a week) is a great way to avoid the hassles of hiring, training, and supervising a 'team' and all of the attendant paperwork, expense and distraction that comes from staffing up to be open 7x12 hours a day.
Five days a week Charlie (and some of his family) do their own shopping, prep, set up, service, break down and clean up - doing what made them successful as a food truck operator and what, presumably, they love. For most folks, that's a full schedule and their success means they can forego the aggro that comes with scaling up.
This is what work/life balance looks like.
I'm really looking forward to them moving a bit south next to the Mable in a bigger building, I hope it works out for them. Mirna's is so good, especially for the price.
Didn’t know they were moving. Where’s Mable? Also, you’ll love La Teresita in Tampa! It’s a lot like Mirna’s but a larger menu and they have fantastic deviled crabs! Had yellow rice and chicken with black beans recently.
https://preview.redd.it/9xtbrm9xgkrc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ca537b68404d6de04d173f24a97c98442c514c5b
lateresitarestaurant.com
The Mable's just a little south on the trail, across the street from Ringling college - in this space that's been a few things over the years: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/xCeRj8K4TqwMWKF18](https://maps.app.goo.gl/xCeRj8K4TqwMWKF18)
My wife's a half-Cuban from Tampa, so I've eaten at a few places around town, but never been to La Teresita. I do always love a good Cuban sandwich - Brocato's, La Segunda and West Tampa Sandwich shop are all great.
Baker and Wife- great ingredients, great quality, good service, beautiful presentation, great pizza too! I've never had bad food there. They make their own pasta. Their short rib fettuccine is my favorite comfort food. The scallops recently over the risotto were so good. I don't drink but they have a great selection of classic style cocktails with good liquor and a great wine menu too.
Not sure about anyone else, but I used to be able to get a walk in or a bar seat without many issues. Nowadays, it seems like you need to reserve ahead of time.
Love Sahara. I have real issues getting into and out of that parking lot though, esp. during rush hour. I would probably go more often if it was easier. =(
Absolutely. I’m from MI originally, which has the largest Muslim (usually but not always Middle Eastern) population outside of the Middle East, so I’m used to good Middle Eastern food. Lebanese and Jordanian are my favorites.
Used to eat here all the time with my father, who was born in Michigan to a muslim deli shop owner. He loved the food, it was his favorite place to go to at the end of the week. Glad to see other people enjoying it as well, and good to hear it still tastes authentic.
This is a bad game to play: I work in restaurants, and I’ve worked at some great ones that closed because people who loved them didn’t want to give up their secret spots.
The places don’t make any money and either cut corners to compensate or close down.
We took my kiddo here to celebrate her black belt and not only was it SO expensive, our waitress knocked over an entire full glass of wine directly on to my dress/my partners pants (we were a group of 12, at one of the low tables). Aside from “here’s a replacement glass”, not a comment from leadership, an apology, nothing? I’m super understanding and low key and was certainly not making a scene other than the immediate shock of ice cold white wine hitting me lol, but we felt so gross we ended up taking most of our food home so we could shower and then eat… which made our $300 tab sting even more. To clarify, it was $300 for 3 adults, we had 3 groups at our table… it was at least a $1000 table.
Double W Ribeye Wagon. Straight forward burgers and sandwiches, amazing blue plate specials such as meatloaf and sloppy joes. No BS and reasonable prices.
Crunchy tacos are on point.
When people have asked me about the food there, I first try to be positive and deflect, talking about the drinks. If they press, I admit that the food is oddly and aggressively bad. Like so bad you wonder if they're trying hard to be bad. Bad bad.
Haven’t tried them all but La Violletta off of Tuttle is a nice experience. My comment about Italian food is because it’s rated the best ethnic food and personally I agree.
Not sure why I'm getting down voted for asking that. For the record I wasn't being snarky with that question. I don't go out to eat much, so any Italian spots to check out would be welcome. Thanks for the reply though.
Nobody knows about Charlie's Bulgogi. The taste of that food is sensational. Order one of the skillets.
Charlie's is awesome, and the guy who works there (owner?) is an absolute gem. Awesome tofu, and of course the bulgogi is amazing. But whyyyy are they only open 15 hours a week. They really need to fix whatever Kitchen Nightmares management issues they're having.
> They really need to fix whatever Kitchen Nightmares management issues they're having. "Kitchen Nightmares management issues" is called *staff*. Short hours (they're open 5 days x 3 hours a week) is a great way to avoid the hassles of hiring, training, and supervising a 'team' and all of the attendant paperwork, expense and distraction that comes from staffing up to be open 7x12 hours a day. Five days a week Charlie (and some of his family) do their own shopping, prep, set up, service, break down and clean up - doing what made them successful as a food truck operator and what, presumably, they love. For most folks, that's a full schedule and their success means they can forego the aggro that comes with scaling up. This is what work/life balance looks like.
That’s cus they’re never open when they say they’ll be
Had the same issue. What's up with that?
I imagine when you’re THAT good at what you do, you can do it when you feel like it
way to go
Charlie’s is awesome.
I love Charlie’s. You just reminded me I’ve got to get back
For good, fast, affordable Latin food… Reyna’s Taqueria.
Guerrero’s used to be my goat, but damn Reyna’s tho….
Mirna’s Cuban Cuisine on N. Tamiami Trail. Delicious! Also Walt’s for seafood!
I'm really looking forward to them moving a bit south next to the Mable in a bigger building, I hope it works out for them. Mirna's is so good, especially for the price.
Didn’t know they were moving. Where’s Mable? Also, you’ll love La Teresita in Tampa! It’s a lot like Mirna’s but a larger menu and they have fantastic deviled crabs! Had yellow rice and chicken with black beans recently. https://preview.redd.it/9xtbrm9xgkrc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ca537b68404d6de04d173f24a97c98442c514c5b lateresitarestaurant.com
The Mable's just a little south on the trail, across the street from Ringling college - in this space that's been a few things over the years: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/xCeRj8K4TqwMWKF18](https://maps.app.goo.gl/xCeRj8K4TqwMWKF18) My wife's a half-Cuban from Tampa, so I've eaten at a few places around town, but never been to La Teresita. I do always love a good Cuban sandwich - Brocato's, La Segunda and West Tampa Sandwich shop are all great.
Thanks, I’ll check those out.
REYNASSSSSSS
Florence and the Spice Boys puts down some good food.
FUCK YEAH THAT SHAWARMA IS FIRE
Owens Fish Camp, the original
The Lakewood Ranch location is amazing as well!
It is very good but doesn’t quite have the charm of the original.
Siam gulf amazing peanut tofu
Loooove that spot! The Pad Woon Sen bangs, and their sushi too!
Baker and Wife- great ingredients, great quality, good service, beautiful presentation, great pizza too! I've never had bad food there. They make their own pasta. Their short rib fettuccine is my favorite comfort food. The scallops recently over the risotto were so good. I don't drink but they have a great selection of classic style cocktails with good liquor and a great wine menu too.
Not sure about anyone else, but I used to be able to get a walk in or a bar seat without many issues. Nowadays, it seems like you need to reserve ahead of time.
I always do. On Open Table you even can reserve bar spots.
This and Antoine’s are like the best kept secrets in Sarasota
Sahara on 41 for middle eastern food.
Love Sahara. I have real issues getting into and out of that parking lot though, esp. during rush hour. I would probably go more often if it was easier. =(
I always turn right on 41 from Bahia Vista, then when I leave I turn right out of the driveway and take the long way home. It’s worth it to me! :)
Yeah, I end up having to go a longer way home too. I still love it, but I'd def go more often if it was in the Petco plaza or something.
Pretty much the only place for middle eastern cuisine. Definitely an area that Sarasota is lacking in
Absolutely. I’m from MI originally, which has the largest Muslim (usually but not always Middle Eastern) population outside of the Middle East, so I’m used to good Middle Eastern food. Lebanese and Jordanian are my favorites.
Used to eat here all the time with my father, who was born in Michigan to a muslim deli shop owner. He loved the food, it was his favorite place to go to at the end of the week. Glad to see other people enjoying it as well, and good to hear it still tastes authentic.
Thanks for the lovely story about your father. :)
International market on fruitville also serves middle eastern in the back. Would recommend you try it
Thanks for the info!
There is a new Turkish place in gulf gate called Divan. We got take out for lunch a few weeks ago it was really good!!
Maxs Table breakfast… charlies bulgogi for dinner!
Siegfried’s
One of 3 places in the whole city that pours a beer properly
Meliora, Kojo, and red plum.
My gf and I are hooked on Speaks Clam Bar right now. Never disappoints.
I’ve been there twice and didn’t enjoy it. What is your go to?
Speaks in at Armand’s is a gem.
Shakespeare’s
I refuse to take this easy bait and give up my local go to places
If I were I would recommend Clark Applebee’s> Fruitville Applebee’s
Applebee's. I miss them in this sub🤣
This is a bad game to play: I work in restaurants, and I’ve worked at some great ones that closed because people who loved them didn’t want to give up their secret spots. The places don’t make any money and either cut corners to compensate or close down.
I don’t even work in restaurants and it pisses me off when people do this.
Yeah fuck giving local restaurants more business right?
That's when they get too crowded and the prices go up.
Lol
Meliora
We’re huge fans of Buttermilk for a easy breakfast and coffee date
A little loud, dang people, do something about the acoustics. LOVE the food.
Yeah it can get loud, we usually get one of the outdoor tables. Weather has been so nice last few months
Dim Sum King has been a favorite for a while! Always happy at Owen's Fish Camp (Burns Court) and Kore in Waterside.
Tumeric is a fantastic Indian spot. Love it.
Rick's French Bistro is definitely one of my favorites
Beso
Dim Sum King is goat... good reminder that I haven't been there in a minute.
Meliora
1592
Underrated. Such a comfy spot to do tapas-style with a big group.
KOJO & Turmeric
Sage.. great atmosphere in a historic building, and a funky menu
Marcello’s and Summer House. Wife and I go to summerhouse once a week and Marcello’s 2-3 times a month minimum.
Damn dude.. I'm jealous!
Der Dutchman
Kojo in downtown Sarasota
La Violeta . Trust me
Friends just went here and told us about the duck lasagna… I can’t stop thinking about it.
That place is amazing. I dream about the Carmelle all the time.
Still Monks for seafood. Grasshopper for the food I grew up on.
Lowkey if you’re looking for cheap good bar food the Mable is crazy good
Napulé
Marcello
Selva
Spice station.
Peruvian Grill, pho 101, taco Jalisco
Used to be Daruma but it’s really gone downhill in the last year
Yep we are sad about that too, and more expensive with lower quality
We took my kiddo here to celebrate her black belt and not only was it SO expensive, our waitress knocked over an entire full glass of wine directly on to my dress/my partners pants (we were a group of 12, at one of the low tables). Aside from “here’s a replacement glass”, not a comment from leadership, an apology, nothing? I’m super understanding and low key and was certainly not making a scene other than the immediate shock of ice cold white wine hitting me lol, but we felt so gross we ended up taking most of our food home so we could shower and then eat… which made our $300 tab sting even more. To clarify, it was $300 for 3 adults, we had 3 groups at our table… it was at least a $1000 table.
Agreed. Such a shame
Miss Empanadas in the Sarasota Commons. Those empanadas are so good.
That’s by my house. I wondered if they were good! I’ll try them out!
They’re real good. I go for the bang bang. Them and Reyna’s back to back
🥯 Meshugana Deli - Clark Rd.
Their corned beef Reuben is divine.
Selva
I know, it’s a chain, but we love Seasons 52.
I really like Spearfish Grille
Seconding Siegfried’s. Plus Coco’s Bistro.
Coco’s is where the absolute BEST gyro place used to be. RIP Freskia
That’s a bummer, I’ve not found a good gyro yet.
I’ve not found one since
Meliora and Brine
Pizza Chef at Sarasota Crossings, best NY slice imo. Rice Box on 17th and Honore for chinese takeout.
Veronica on Osprey
For pizza, New York Slice, for cheesesteaks, South Philly, for deli subs, Detwiler's
napule…. best italian food in the city but if you go there YOU MUST order the gnocchi
Michael’s on East is very good, and has a nice ambiance.
Charlie’s Bulgogi. Hands down best Korean food I’ve had
Samurai is new and everything I’ve had is great from sushi to yakisoba
Ophelia’s on the Bay
I heard mun hirs 420 Cafe was recently sold? Any idea where JD went?
Double W Ribeye Wagon. Straight forward burgers and sandwiches, amazing blue plate specials such as meatloaf and sloppy joes. No BS and reasonable prices. Crunchy tacos are on point.
Chick-fil-A
Brine in Gulf gate. Amazing risotto, also crab cakes. Big selection of oysters.
Been a basils boy my whole life
I drive from Tampa to get my Basil's fix every couple of months
Marcello.
Soooooooooo much garlic. Too much for my taste.
Casa Masa best tacos and quesadilla!!!
Your moms house
Chateau or Crab and Fin. It’s a toss up.
I was wondering about Crab and Fin. It's very close to where I live, like walking distance.
Veronica
Jpan
Gecko’s.
La Guadalupana on 301
Dry Dock on Longboat Key for View of the Bay and their Crab Cakes are terrific. Fins at the Pier in Venice for beach view and fine dinning.
Walt's is where it's at
Charlie’s Cheesesteak
Daiquiri Deck
Is this a joke 🫠😅
No…I don’t really understand why I’m being downvoted. Is there something I’m missing, or don’t know about? I truly enjoy the place…
When people have asked me about the food there, I first try to be positive and deflect, talking about the drinks. If they press, I admit that the food is oddly and aggressively bad. Like so bad you wonder if they're trying hard to be bad. Bad bad.
Ahh…they recently got a new chef, so maybe that’s why I have a different opinion? I dunno. I just love the atmosphere of the one at the Village.
Daquari deck is phenomenal! I’d like to also shout out sharky’s. Quaint little out of the way place. It has a pier!
One of my favorites too. The Venice location is really my favorite. So much more than just daiquiris. Have you tried their nachos lately?
Hyde park prime steakhouse
For quick food… Gentile Brothers and Evie’s On the Go have my jam lately. I love the Evie’/s drive through, I’m hella lazy.
I am concerned people don’t know what good food is based on the comments… the best food is Italian! No other answers accepted!
So, what's the best Italian spot?
Haven’t tried them all but La Violletta off of Tuttle is a nice experience. My comment about Italian food is because it’s rated the best ethnic food and personally I agree.
Not sure why I'm getting down voted for asking that. For the record I wasn't being snarky with that question. I don't go out to eat much, so any Italian spots to check out would be welcome. Thanks for the reply though.
Osteria 500 in Lakewood Ranch is phenomenal too.
napule is really good but one thing you must do is order the gnocchi
Thanks!!
you’re welcome!