Sarasota area for shrimp by the water

[charlesbois]

I'll be visiting my in-laws in Sarasota for a few days. The ONE thing I want to do is eat shrimp while sitting by the water. Basically I'm looking for gulf shrimp with a great view.

My in-laws are willing to drive all around the area, so restaurants in a 20-mile radius would be fine. I'd prefer a more reasonable than upscale price-point/setting. I've heard some interesting things about Star Fish in Cortez. Is that where I should be heading?

And any other suggestions for not-to-miss places, i.e. not necessarily seafood, would be appreciated. My in-laws have their favorite places, which is great, but I'd like to maybe surprise them with recommendations they are not familiar with. Thanks!

[charlesbois]

Thanks for the suggestions and input Veggo, rhnault and awm922! We ended up going to Star Fish and were NOT disappointed. I was prepared for the laid-back vibe at Star Fish, and I actually prefer that to too much fuss. The shrimp there was the best I've ever had. The breading was so light and crispy, and the freshness of the shrimp was incomparable. The beers were indeed cold and cheap! The hushpuppies were cooked perfectly, although I prefer a little seasoning or spice in the batter. I would happily eat several more meals there, and can't wait to go back.

[rhnault]

I am jealous! I wish it were closer to Tampa. Glad you enjoyed it.

[magiesmom]

I had the best pompano ever there last week.

[Veggo]

The patio restaurant at Marina Jacks is a comfortable spot for shrimp and a drink, and a view of some pretty nice yachts. The boats you will see at Star Fish, well, ...are a little more broken in. Just so you know, at Star fish you will be sharing rustic picnic tables with other friendly patrons, and food is served in little paper boxes and beer is in a plastic cup. If you go to Star Fish, be sure to bring a cooler to bring some items home from their retail store. They will provide a bag of ice with your purchase. They will have various sizes of gulf shrimp and stone crabs, and an assortment of fresh fin fish.

[awm922]

We had fun and great food at the Casey Key Fish House in January. Sits on the harbor. Waterfront, outdoor dining. Going back asap.

http://caseykeyfishhouse.com/fishhous...

[charlesbois]

thank you!

[Mother of four]

Lots of threads on dinning in Sarasota..check them out.

[charlesbois]

Yes, but it's always nice to get current recommendations. However, I thank you for your instructional post and would add that I did "check them out." That's how I narrowed down the choices to Star Fish, as described in my original post.

[charlesbois]

Just bumping this thread as my trip approaches. Any recommendations around Sarasota would be good, especially for Thai, breakfast, Mexican and seafood. Thanks!

[rhnault]

Star Fish is fantastic, very reasonably priced, and they also have ice cold beer.