Things to do in Sarasota
Fueled by the Best Diner in Town
John Ringling took one look at this gorgeous area, just an hour south of Tampa, and determined it was the perfect place to park the Greatest Show on Earth for the winter. And it’s no wonder! With gorgeous coastlines, stunning green spaces, and endless sunny days, Sarasota is a little slice of paradise.
Start with a kayak tour for a chance to see dolphins and manatees, then stop into The Ringling Museum of Art, which features an incredible collection of more than 28,000 works of art.
A few other great places to check out:
- Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
- Armands Circle
- Myakka River State Park
- Ca d’Zan
- Siesta Key Rum Tour
- Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary
- Unconditional Surrender Sculpture
- Legacy Trail
- Myakka Canopy Walkway
- Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy
- Safe Harbor Siesta Key
With so much to see and do, you’re sure to work up an appetite. Stop by Metro Diner before or after your adventures for big, bold portions of Biscuits & Sausage Gravy, Classic Burgers, Chicken Pot Pie, Charleston Shrimp & Grits or a crisp, Caesar Salad with house-made dressing.
Or stop in on a Friday for our famous Fish Fry offer! Our wild caught North Atlantic cod, beer-battered and fried to crispy perfection can be enjoyed two ways: as classic Fish & Chips or a Fried Fish Sandwich served with seasoned fries, tartar sauce, coleslaw and, on Fridays, you get a free soup or salad, too! Wash it all down with an ice-cold sweet tea and there you have it!
Kid-Friendly Sarasota
And the Best Restaurant for Families
There’s lots for the whole family to love in Sarasota, like the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium or the calm, pristine waters of Lido Key Beach. Here’s the plan: throw down a big blanket and bask in the sun while the kids build sandcastles and collect seashells. Why not make it a picnic and let Metro Diner do the cooking with one of our Family Meals to-go!
For the kiddos, the Metro Diner Kids’ Menu has miniature versions of our Fried Chicken & Waffles, Chicken Tenders, Mac & Cheese, Belgian Waffles and plenty more staples to please even your pickiest eaters!
As for the bigger appetites in your crew, they can enjoy regulars-recommended Fried Chicken & Waffles with Sweet Strawberry Butter or our Bissell Breakfast. You can’t go wrong with either, but sometimes a traditional breakfast platter just hits the spot. Our Bissell Breakfast includes two eggs cooked your way, bacon, toast, crisp hash browns, plus a short stack of pancakes. Yes, please!
We offer all our breakfast, lunch or dinner favorites in single servings or Family Meal portions to go via pick-up or delivery. Simply order online, grab your grub, and be on your way!
Feeding a crowd? Metro Diner Sarasota caters! We offer catering for business meetings, graduation parties, private events, and even weddings! Chicken & Waffles at before you say ‘I Do’? Don’t mind if we do!
Serving the Sarasota Community
Sponsorships and More!
Metro Diner’s mission goes way beyond serving the best food in town; we’re passionate about opening our doors to the community and supporting those in need.
We love to see our local community thrive and grow along with us here at Metro Diner, which is why we’re proud to sponsor the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Movement of Sarasota-Manatee and the Mark Wandall Foundation, which supports children coping with grief.
About Metro Diner
Serving the Best Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Dinner since 1992
Officially opened in 1992, our original Metro Diner location in Jacksonville, Florida, quickly became the go-to local restaurant for comforting classics and reimagined favorites.
Over the years, we’ve continued to share our southern hospitality, big, bold flavors and passion for integrity, familiarity, comfort and community by bringing in new partners across the country.
Today, Metro Diner has over 60 locations in 12 states and has earned a number of awards for our mouthwatering, home-style comfort food cooking including: Best Breakfast, Best Diner and Best Burger.
We welcome you to visit us and try our award-winning food for yourself! Learn more about Metro Diner.
