Ticket Editor: 2 Sarasota Irish pubs now closed. Luckily, 1 recently opened downtown
I don't think I have a drop of Irish blood in me, but like many Americans, there are few holidays I enjoy more than St. Patrick's Day, which is observed here each year with big, fun events in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Lakewood Ranch and Punta Gorda.
In fact, I make it a habit of celebrating Paddy's Day throughout the year — and as often as possible — at my favorite Irish pubs in the area, with several recently throwing Halfway to St. Patrick's Day bashes. Unfortunately, we recently lost two destinations from that list. Luckily, though, we also welcomed a new Irish pub in Sarasota earlier this year. Yeah, it's a lot to keep up with ahead of St. Patrick's Day 2023, which will take place on a glorious, green-bedecked Friday on March 17.
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In addition to major Irish pub news, we also have one of my favorite Sarasota restaurants celebrating its 24th anniversary with a cool new addition to its awesomely funky building. Plus, we'll conclude with a new breakfast spot and candy shop I'm excited about visiting. First, though, a look at the two Irish pubs we lost, and the one we fortunately gained this year.
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Irish 31 in Sarasota permanently closes
An Irish pub with a contemporary sports bar vibe, Irish 31 at 3750 S. Tamiami Trail featured numerous beers on tap including such Irish classics as Guinness and Smithwick’s, along with its own tasty signature red ale. Irish 31 also offered various Irish whiskeys including its own i31 Whiskey, a collaboration with Florida Cane Distillery in Ybor City.
The food menu included Irish staples such as a shepherd’s pie and fish and chips, as well my favorite of theirs, a fun take on traditional Irish boxty (potato pancake), which they served stuffed with shepherd’s pie or Velveeta cheese, bacon and chives. Alas, the Tampa-based chain closed its lone Sarasota location earlier this month, citing "the challenges these past few years have presented."
More: Irish 31 Pub House & Eatery closes Sarasota location
Pub 32 in Sarasota closes permanently
Named for the 32 traditional counties in Ireland, Pub 32 was the most authentic Irish pub in Sarasota County. It was also my favorite. As I mentioned each year in my annual guide to the best local Irish pubs, Pub 32 Irish Pub & Kitchen was where you could find the freshest Guinness, Smithwick’s and other assorted Irish beers, as well as an impressive array of Irish whiskeys.
It was the place to go to hear fun Irish folk music played, and perhaps most importantly, enjoy the finest Irish cuisine in the region. Presiding over it all, you had affable Irish owners Ross and Louise Galbraith, who will hopefully — fingers crossed! — be reopening nearby, perhaps on Siesta Key, following the closure of their beloved Pub 32 at 8383 S. Tamiami Trail on July 30.
More: The best Irish pub in Sarasota is closing – but owner has plan to relocate
Molly's Pub in downtown Sarasota
On St. Patrick's Day this year, Molly's Pub opened next door to sister business Evie's on Main Street in the 1500 block, replacing Evie's bowling alley. The cozy pub occupies a long, narrow space with a handsome wood bar, high-exposed ceilings, and a posh whiskey tasting room in the back. There also are tables, including ones outdoors, and live music inside of various evenings and afternoons.
In addition to the impressive selection of Irish whiskey, you'll find classic beers like Guinness and Smithwick's and some outstanding pub grub. Be sure to consider the grilled wings (my fave is the honey ginger), their signature burger featuring
Angus prime topped with cheddar and a killer bacon jam as well as horseradish aioli, and the house-made “curry dusted crisps,” which come with a side of malt mayo that will make you rethink the possibilities of potato chips.
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J.R.’s Packinghouse Café celebrates 24 years with a new tiki patio
One of my favorite restaurants in Sarasota for everything from Cuban sandwiches and burgers to live music paired with a local craft beer or cocktail, J.R.’s Packinghouse Café at 987 S. Packinghouse Road celebrated their 24th anniversary this month with a new addition to the funky structure owner J.R. Garraus once told me dates back to the 1950s.
“I decided to put a roof over our outdoor area so more people could sit outside,” Garraus recently explained. “Customers like being outside because of COVID, but also just because they enjoy the outdoors. We have a lot of people who want to have various celebrations here, so the ‘beer garden’ concept will be chiefly for that purpose.”
More: Sarasota restaurant celebrates 24th anniversary with opening of 'beer garden' event space
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The Breakfast Company in Bradenton to open Sarasota location
Opened during the pandemic days of fall 2020, The Breakfast Company has managed to thrive at its East Bradenton location (7246 55th Ave. E.) and is now set to open another location, this one in The Landings community of Sarasota, in November.
More: Family-owned breakfast restaurant with Greek pastries expanding from Bradenton to Sarasota
River Street Sweets-Savannah's Candy Kitchen opens on St. Armands Circle
I love visiting St. Armands Circle and dining at local legends like Columbia and Cafe L'Europe, or perhaps Shore or the recently opened St. Armands Oyster Bar. Next time, though, I'll have to save room for some sweets at the brand new River Street Sweets-Savannah's Candy Kitchen, from Savannah, Georgia. Located at 318 John Ringling Blvd., they offer all kinds of goodies, including the one I'm most excited to try, the homemade pralines.
More: Georgia-based candy shop known for homemade pralines, ice cream opens Sarasota location
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Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida-Georgia Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Irish 31 and Pub 32 in Sarasota now closed, Molly's Pub downtown open
