Mostly Sarasota, FL with a stopover in Savannah, GA

We’re driving down to Sarasota, FL for a week’s vacation over the Fourth of July. We’re staying the night in Savannah on both the way down and the way back. Went through the places pages on here and I think we will definitely check out the following but wasn’t sure if there were any other places to consider.

Savannah- The Distillery on one leg with maybe a pop in at one of the British or Irish Pubs (leaning towards Six Pence). Moon River as it seems to be the only Brew Pub. Stock up on some bottles at Habersham.

Sarasota- Cock ’n Bull, Mr. Beery’s, Sarasota Brewing.
If we have extra time we may check out World of Beer and Little Giant.

We may go to Tampa for one night only- what would be the one place to go (probably having dinner with my aunt and uncle who aren’t necessarily beer people).

Feedback/other suggestions?

the cock n bull is the number one place you have to go. there other places are all worth going to.



One other to suggest is a place called the Shamrock. Its downtown, on ringling ave. Small dive bar feel with limit selection, but almost completely craft beer with some vintage offerings.



Not beer related but if you like hot dogs you have to try The Old Salty Dog. They have beer battered, deep fried hot dogs along with other coastal pub food, grouper sandwich, fish and chips etc.

Thanks! I will add those to the list.

Not in Tampa proper, but is an easy drive, check out the Cajun Cafe’. Paul is fairly active RB member and has a gem of a restaurant with great food and a great beer selection. The crawfish cornbread is worth the visit alone.

Link

Make sure you check the Cock N Bull’s hours, they open late.

Shoot a BM to PorterPounder if he doesn’t see this. He is around Savannah a lot and is always ticking things from there (if you’re interested in finding a beer store).

I would add this:

Savannah - if time were limited, I would do Churchills over Sixpence, now they don’t open till 5pm, but they’re right next door to Moon River also, Distillery is nice, I also really enjoyed the Crystal Beer Palor, great beer and food, burgers are killer.

Sarasota - I’ve never been to Cock and Bull but I cant imagine it being better or having a better beer guy than Mark at Mr. Berrys. Theres a Total Wine in Sarasota for bottle purchases and I would skip world of beer. just my 2 cents.

mr beerys!

Savannah - I travel there about once a month for family reasons....

Habersham (the one on Abercorn) is definitely the best beer store in town. Be careful at the register as they sometimes forget to mark down singles (not all beer is available in singles - but they do have a generous selection of leftovers from broken sixers etc). Also - check the dates on some of the bombers...especially some of the lower tier offerings from some second tier breweries - had many a skunked beer from here.

As far as beer bars go - the Distillery is your best bet - park across the street at the Trolley PArking - the first hour is free and then just a buck an hour after that - a bargain in tourist-soaked downtown Savannah.

Moon River is a solid brewpub - I do not go there too much anymore as I have had just about everything they seem to brew - so no real attraction to a ticker like me. But if you have never been - most definitely a must visit - great food and lots of history as well - plus you can take a plastic cup to go and walk the streets of Savannah.

In Sarasota, I would suggest a stop at Darwins, a new brewpub, if you have some extra time...

Although it’s been awhile since I’ve been there, The Tampa Bay Brewing Company is well worth going to. Recent reviews suggest it’s still a great place. The food is quite good so your aunt and uncle wouldn’t be in a "beer only" atmosphere. Plus, it’s in the Ybor City area.