Lively and casually sophisticated Libby's Cafe + Bar has won over the hearts and palates of Sarasota diners and visitors since opening in October 2008. Its Modern American cuisine includes creative Asian and Italian influences with small and large plate options. Whether it’s enjoying a Happy Hour special, lunch, Sunday Brunch, dinner or a special occasion event in the private dining room, value, quality and service consistency is paramount for this family owned café that thrives on genuine hospitality.
"We were NOT told it was a buffet. Neither of us likes buffets. We don't eat that much and it's not our "thing." When we arrived, the street looked like a bee-hive with lots of bees (people) buzzing around, waiting to get in. We we seated outside (we wanted outside) immediately. When we found it was impossible to order from the menu, we got up and left. They should have told us - - or had a choice between the buffet or a menu. Disappointing. But we loved the Serving Spoon. They always do their best for everyone, even when we arrive after their announced closing time!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
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"Food was good but not great. It was pricy and did not include any drinks. I mean not even iced tea orange juice or coffee. Service and table were good."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"The ambience was great and sat at great table looking outside with a great view however the food quality and service was poor for the amount of money we paid ($35) per person."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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"We eat out often, and we have been here three times now. Libby's is located in a cute neighborhood in Sarasota - right across from our favorite upscale grocery store. Libby's has indoor and outdoor tables and we chose one just inside by an open door. It was a beautiful day & our seating was optimum for the area. We sampled four of the small plates and glasses of two of the wines that our server recommended. We greatly enjoyed all. The prices are reasonable and the service was perfect. We recommend Libby's."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"This review is for the Mother's Day Brunch only, I don't have experience here for regular dining. The layout of the restaurant is not suited for this event. Entrance, exit and pathway to the food all intersected at the front making for a very crowded affair. It got very tricky trying to move around. The food area was small and crowded with room for a single file line. The problem was that the food was not replenished on a regular basis so you simply missed out on some of the selections. There was at least 3-4 items missing each time I went through. The food itself was good, about what you would expect for this type of event. Dessert selection was poor, 3 items which were not very good. I would not spend $35/person for this again."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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"Our table ordered several of the specialty cocktails - very good, but small for the $10 price (they were served in champagne flutes). Only criticism- tendency to overdo the 'sauces'. Husband had the pork tenderloin and the barbeque (that wasn't clear from menu) type sauce was sweet & overpowering and the dish was literally swimming in it. A drizzle, or a side ramekin, would be appropriate with this dish. I had the chicken roulade and experienced the same problem - it was delicious, but I found the sauce overpowering and there was just too much of it. I scraped most off and found the balance, so I enjoyed it anyway.
Regardless, we highly recommend Libby's - just a great place to relax and enjoy yourself. Service was excellent, as usual."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"Food is creative and excellent preparation and presentation. Service attentive yet not intrusive. Every experience we have had at Libby's has been better than the previous one, which are all terrific."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, kid-friendly
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"A neighborhood restaurant in Southside Village (near Sarasota Memorial Hospital) with a nice menu featuring dishes with new twists on familiar ingredients. Offers gluten free items. Separate bar area. Ample wine list. Can be extremely noisy at lunch time. We had an over-zeaoulous waitress who coninutally interrupted our meal and tried to remove plates before we were finished, but were it not for that I'd give Libby's a higher rating. It continues to be one of my favorite restaurants for the menu alone..."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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"I chose this restaurant to celebrate a birthday. Service was very slow....we had to ask other waitstaff and even hostess to find our waitress from time to time. Food was mediocre at best. Dessert took forever to come out (after having to inquire again about it) and we sat waiting far too long for our check. I felt terrible the birthday dinner itself was such a disappointment. I should have chosen one "higher" on the ratings list from multiple sites. Very disappointing!!"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2008
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"Very interesting menu with delectable selections with a Korean twist. Loved the "Seoul Kitchen" Chicken Lettuce Cups and the Bulgogi Beef Soft Tacos. An added bonus was half-priced bottled wines on a Wednesday night - which inevitably leads to buying two bottles. Seating outside on the sidewalk was pleasant, the bar area seemed a bit dingy, loud with a faint hint of old beer scent.
Opt for the outside table, enjoy people watching and the very good service."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2011
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, notable wine list
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"We return to Libby's because we are sure of a delicious meal, friendly staff and great energy. I tried a salmon salad for the first time and the salmon was a bit dry; salad portion very good/wonderful dressing. My husband gets the 1/2 order of the wedge with blue cheese and it is something else. If you love blue cheese this is your salad. He also had the beef taco which is so delicious. The seasonings in this dish are amazing."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"All was good except the waiter. He did not listen in the beginning and when I quietly addressed him he became defensive. Lots of fake smiles and truly made us feel uncomfortable. We love to go to Libby's and this truly was our first complaint."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"Have been dinning at Libby's since it opened. Always fantastic. We went for the easter Brunch and had a wonderful experience. The food was wonderful and the wait staff and host staff were on top of their game. Always a great time"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2011
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"Libby's never disappoints. We make a point of coming every time we're in Sarasota. So many appetizers to choose from, we had to have three. Wasabi Tuna, Deviled eggs, Jersey Boardwalk egg roll. Yum. Blackened Grouper x2. Excellent meal!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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"My husband and I sat outside and the chairs are way too low. We both got the $15 dinner and we upgraded to the beef dinner. Tasty but fatty. My husband had beer and I had a"glass" of wine with dinner. Maybe two inches in the glass. That's not a glass of wine but more like a sample. Small first course caesar salad and dry chocolate cake for dessert. I would never complain except it was my birthday and we're new to the area. The three course dinner is not a good deal."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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"Our first experience at Libby's was AMAZING! It definitely will not be our last visit! Can't wait to enjoy Libby's wonderful food, and exquisite staff again!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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"A special evening celebrating my mothers retirement was handled with ease by the knowledgeable staff at Libby's. Our reserved table was immediately available and late comers were quickly directed to us. The server adjusted her normal pace to allow for opening of gifts and then a leisurely dinner of exquisite food. The short ribs are not to be missed for a decadent treat but the grouper also was exceptionally well prepared. Prices are quite reasonable for a dining experience which combines service, taste and atmosphere."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"We have been to Libby's several times and have enjoyed the food and ambiance as well as the service. Parking can be a problem in season but there are several choices if you know the area. We spent New Year's Eve there with our grandchildren, who are grown, and they were very impressed to go to a "dress up" place on New Year's Eve and we were honored that they chose their grandparents to spend time with.
Your early bird menu is very good and such a deal. We had an enjoyable time and our wait staff very accommodating. Out of the party of 6 we had 4 different entrees and no one complained. Thank you for offering good food and drink at a reasonable price."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"A friend highly recommended Libby's on our vacation in Siesta Key. My wife and I had a great lunch dining experience. It was a perfect day and in addition to the outdoor seating, the restaurant had all the patio doors open with a view of the "street scene". The menu is interesting with great combinations of ingredients. The crab cake appetizer consisted of jumbo lump crabmeat minus all the breading found in some crab cakes. The pear salad topped with grilled shrimp was a delight."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, scenic view, great for lunch
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"The best part about our dining experience a Libby's was that we were promptly greeted by the host staff. They were very pleasant and eager to accommodate our wish to change our table from the middle of the dining room, (which was near an incredibly loud party) to a seat outside, where we were seated next to an equally loud party and underneath a ceiling fan spinning at top speed so we turned it down. I will give kudos to the chef for food presentation, but that is the extent to which I will dole out the compliments. The food was tasteless a best. The waitress was either inexperienced or overworked, but nonetheless provided mediocre service. Overall it was a very disappointing dining experience and I would not recommend this restaurant!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2013
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"The food was very good, very flavorful and well presented. The carbonara was excellent and the crab cakes were full of crab meat. The noise in the restaurant was extreme, making it very difficult to talk. Service was friendly, but the wait person seemed to disappear for long periods of time. I wish I had had his cell phone number. I would return, but only if the restaurant was half empty."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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"This is by far one of the best lunches I have ever had. I lunched with a friend and she and I split 2 appetizers, the spicy tuna rice paper roll & the double dragon which were wonderful. We then had the BEST blackened grouper presented nicley with yummy shredded brussel sprouts underneath. Cannot imagine a better afternoon. Kudos!"
Dined on 04/09/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, great for lunch
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"Wonderful service, diverse menu with lots of "small plate" options, and really fun atmosphere. We had so much fun on Friday night, we went back again on Sunday!"
Dined on 04/07/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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"Everything was excellent for our party of four. 4 salads, 4 entrees and some wine and everything was perfect. Hard to do these days, especially on a Friday night when the Seidenstickers' were also opening Louies Modern. Will be trying it this week."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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"Early Dinner 3 Pix is great for the price. Fridays are a bit crowded and smaller portions are served compared to a Wednesday 3 Pix. Otherwise no complaints. Keep it going!
Servers are just great as is the service. Keep that going too!"
Dined on 04/05/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, hot spot
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"Excellent, very diverse and creative menu. Have a feeling that there is nothing you can go wrong with. Enjoyed the "non" chain environment."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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"Too much money for average food. Server too anxious to turn tables. We arrived at 5:30, was never told of happy hour menu until after 6:00, oops too late!"
Dined on 04/04/2013
2013
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"The food and service at Libby's is always outstanding. The menu choices are unique and offer a broad range of choices. I had their house meatloaf for the first time and it was delicious. The prices are what I would consider about normal for the area and caliber of food. All in all one or our favorites when we are in town."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Libby's Easter brunch advertised well, stressing their extensive buffet offerings, as well as bloody mary and mimosa bar. Unless you dug further and clicked on the menu itself, you wouldn't realize that the $30 excluded any beverages except water. There was no printed menu on the table or notification at the bar that the bloody marys and mimosas were extra. Our server invited us to the bar where we ordered bloody marys,and it certainly seemed that it was all a part of the brunch, rather than an added item. I guess I can only blame myself for not paying closer attention, but this has never happened to me before. I don't mind paying for a drink, but I don't like being surprised...coffee was extra too...I left with a bad taste in my mouth.."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2009
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"We are frequent diners at Libby's and we have always been pleased with their food and service until their Easter Sunday Brunch. There was nothing about it that was good. They had added extra seating so the ambiance was one of being elbow to elbow with other diners and yet not able to hear those with whom you were seated. Their on-line menu for the day did not make it clear that it was going to be a buffet. So with the tables being so close together and so many people, it was a long wait to reach the food and a disappointment upon reaching it. The items offered were a jumble without any cohesion and with such such overcrowding, there were not sufficient staff to keep things clean and appetizing. The food was lukewarm and disappointing."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2011
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"Prior experiences have always been good. Easter brunch was not. Food selections were adequate and tasty. Too much chasos by both staff and patrons, over crowded and seemed like a fast food restaurant environment."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2013
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