Sarasota’s first and only dog bar and restaurant — named one of the Top 10 dog bars in the country by USA TODAY readers in the publication’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards — closed in January.
But like a lost puppy bounding back home, it’s returned — tail wagging and ready to party.
Dog Bar Sarasota — formerly Boo’s Ice House & Dog Bar and still occupying the historic Ice House building on 10th Street in the Rosemary District, on the north end of downtown Sarasota near the Broadway Promenade shopping center anchored by Publix — has announced plans for a grand opening.
Oh, and this won’t be your average, boring ribbon-cutting.
When is Dog Bar Sarasota opening?
Dog Bar is officially opening with what’s being billed as Sarasota’s first-ever foam party for dogs and their humans — and, yeah, I can’t recall such an event occurring during my two decades covering the city — complete with off-leash fun, cold drinks, a brand-new food menu, and a lineup of local vendors. The grand opening party takes place from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 19.
“It’s the ultimate summer bash for the canine crowd and their people,” reads the email sent by Dog Bar.
All donations from the grand opening celebration will benefit Donte’s Den Animal Sanctuary, which is based in Myakka City and cares for dogs whose owners can no longer look after them due to illness, military deployment, or other hardships. During the event, a specialty cocktail called The Donte — handcrafted with Tito’s Vodka — will be available, with all proceeds dedicated to supporting the sanctuary’s mission.
Just like before at Boo’s, all visiting dogs must be registered and have up-to-date vaccinations uploaded prior to visiting. Guests can register their pups at dbsrq.com.
Who are the owners of Dog Bar Sarasota?
Dog Bar Sarasota is the sister location of the original Dog Bar St. Pete, a popular spot located downtown on Central Avenue that opened in 2016. It’s owned by Fred Metzler and Stephanie Marble.
The concept for Boo’s Ice House & Dog Bar was the brainchild of co-founders Mindy Kauffman — the Sarasota real estate magnate behind Red Property Management on Osprey Avenue — and her husband, Bobby Boivin, founder and owner of Gator Creations, a home remodeling and construction company. Metzler and Marble are now renting the space from Kauffman and Boivin.
What’s on the menu at Dog Bar Sarasota?
In addition to a full-liquor bar, Dog Bar will offer a food menu featuring appetizers ranging from wings and various fries to bacon-wrapped shrimp skewers and ahi tuna. Boo’s was best known for its pizza, and Dog Bar will also be serving various pies and flatbreads.
Handhelds include a smash burger, fish of the day sandwich, chicken sandwich, tacos, quesadilla, Italian sub, caprese, ham and cheese sandwich, and a couple of shrimp or crab cake po’ boys. Six salads are available, too.
If you go
Dog Bar Sarasota is located at 1314 10th St., Sarasota, and is scheduled to open Saturday, July 19. A day pass is $7 per dog, and people attend for free.
The Dog Bar notes that it’s very helpful if guests upload their required documents online before visiting. Vaccination requirements are the same as before: rabies, distemper, and bordetella. Dogs over one year old must be spayed or neutered.
Monthly and annual memberships are also available.
For more information on registering your dog, becoming a Dog Bar member, or acquiring a day pass, call 941-960-2669 or visit dbsrq.com.
Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Beloved Sarasota dog bar is back — with new owners, a new food menu, and a foamy party
Reporting by Wade Tatangelo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
