
Marina Jack
Sarasota's premier waterfront dining destination, offering diverse experiences from casual patio lunches to upscale dinners with stunning bay views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Marina Jack

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sarasota's premier waterfront dining destination, offering diverse experiences from casual patio lunches to upscale dinners with stunning bay views.
"Dine with breathtaking views of Sarasota Bay and enjoy exceptional service that makes every occasion special."
Reserve for Upper Floor
Specify if you want the upstairs dining room for a different menu when making reservations.
Arrive Early for Lunch
Popularity means lunch can get busy, so consider arriving early to avoid waits.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood
Price
$$$
Phone
(941) 365-4232
Address
2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Spectacular Bay Views
Dine with breathtaking panoramic views of Sarasota Bay and the marina, especially stunning at sunset.

Diverse Dining Experiences
Choose from casual patio dining, upscale second-floor views, or enjoy live music.

Fresh Seafood & Raw Bar
Savor high-quality dishes including oysters, red snapper, and blackened mahi.
Plans like a pro.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reserve for Upper Floor
Specify if you want the upstairs dining room for a different menu when making reservations.
Arrive Early for Lunch
Popularity means lunch can get busy, so consider arriving early to avoid waits.
Valet Parking Recommended
Public parking can be limited, so valet parking is a convenient option.
Nachos & Grouper Sandwich
The Blue Sunshine Patio offers excellent nachos and a delicious grouper sandwich.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reserve for Upper Floor
Specify if you want the upstairs dining room for a different menu when making reservations.
Arrive Early for Lunch
Popularity means lunch can get busy, so consider arriving early to avoid waits.
Valet Parking Recommended
Public parking can be limited, so valet parking is a convenient option.
Nachos & Grouper Sandwich
The Blue Sunshine Patio offers excellent nachos and a delicious grouper sandwich.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners praise Marina Jack for its stunning bay views, excellent service from attentive staff like Cristina and Ricardo, and its perfect atmosphere for celebrations. While the ambiance and service are consistently lauded, some reviewers note that the food, while good, doesn't always reach the same spectacular heights as the views. The Blue Sunshine Patio is a frequent highlight for its casual vibe and live music.
"On Sunday we had lunch at Marina Jack before going to a movie. Everything was perfect. The Poke Bowl was fresh, delicious and did not contain rice like many restaurants use as filler. The best in the area in my opinion. The service was first rate; attentive, polite, upbeat, and fast. And, of course, the views were fantastic."
Bob Pecha
"Great setting right on the bay and marina and the food is good but not great. Crab cake is pure crab and very good but Thai chicken tenders sandwich on a brioche bun is a sweet overfilling mass. Salads were good and pricing OK for the area but certainly no bargain. Friendly and efficient service and well organized."
C and M Zimmerman
"My go-to place for my special occasions. The view from the dining room on the second floor is spectacular! And while the food is not, the service and the atmosphere are always top notch. Our waitperson, Robert, added a special dimension to our most recent experience : joyful, enthusiastic and always helpful and considerate. As pescatarians/vegetarians, we three have several dietary limitations, and Robert was on top of that, careful to inform us of any ingredients that might be a problem for any of us.
The food is okay, not nearly as spectacular as the view, however.
Marina Jack makes you feel welcome and valued as a customer. I appreciated the email after we got home, but I would have appreciated it more, if it contained a link to this feedback page. Just a little thing."
Carole Martin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Consider arriving early for lunch to avoid crowds, or visit during sunset for the most beautiful views and potential live music on the patio.
Reservations are recommended, especially for the upstairs dining room. You may need to specify your preferred space when booking.
Marina Jack specializes in seafood, with popular dishes like oysters Rockefeller, grilled grouper, and fresh poke bowls. They also offer steaks and pasta.
Yes, Marina Jack features the Blue Sunshine Patio with outdoor seating right on Sarasota Bay, and The Deep Six Lounge also offers outdoor waterfront seating.
Yes, the Executive Chef provides gluten-free and vegetarian menu items in all dining areas.
The restaurant offers a festive waterfront atmosphere with live music often playing on the patio, making it ideal for both casual and special occasions.
Valet parking services are available and recommended due to potential limitations with public parking.
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Bordering downtown, Marina Jack is where Sarasota gets glitzy. Here fine-dining restaurants and piano lounges border a deep-water harbor of expensive boats docked at expensive moorings. It’s nice for a stroll, as is a loop around Bayfront Park, which sits within a peninsula overlooking the marina.
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Boasting the Blue Sunshine Patio (open daily for lunch and dinner) that places diners right on Sarasota Bay next to the docked yachts as well as the second floor dining room (now open only Friday and Saturday evenings) with waterfront window views plus The Deep Six Lounge (open daily for lunch and dinner, also with outdoor seating), Marina Jack offers both upscale and casual drinking and dining experiences on downtown Sarasota’s bayfront. Popular dishes include the grilled grouper or grouper Reuben (grouper, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and thousand island dressing on grilled marble rye), potato-crusted grouper (baked Gulf black grouper with a crispy potato crust topped with horseradish beurre blanc) and baked oysters Rockefeller (oysters with pernod and spinach topping, finished with hollandaise sauce and parmesan cheese).
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Boasting the Blue Sunshine Patio that places diners right on Sarasota Bay next to the docked yachts as well as the second-floor dining room with waterfront window views plus The Deep Six Lounge (also with outdoor waterfront seating), Marina Jack offers both upscale and casual drinking and dining experiences on downtown Sarasota’s bayfront. Popular dishes include the grilled grouper or grouper Reuben sandwich (grouper, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and thousand island dressing on grilled marble rye), potato-crusted grouper (baked Gulf black grouper with a crispy potato crust topped with horseradish beurre blanc) and baked oysters Rockefeller (oysters with Pernod and spinach topping, finished with hollandaise sauce and parmesan cheese).
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A downtown Sarasota dining institution since the late 1960s, this landmark restaurant offers several seating options, but the must-visit spot is undoubtedly The Blue Sunshine Patio. With an open-air ambiance, spacious covered section, and a bar, this patio overlooks Sarasota Bay and Bayfront Park, making it the perfect place to soak in the breathtaking views while enjoying live music most days at 5 p.m. The menu at this restaurant is predominantly seafood, with a range of delectable dishes to choose from.
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Beautiful Bay Views…The Marina Jack Dining Room is located on the second floor of Marina Jack, The Dining Room features an award winning wine list and an exceptional menu featuring the regions finest steaks, seafood and pasta. Open daily for lunch, Plated Sunday Brunch Dinner the Dining room is a perfect place to relax and enjoy your dining experience overlooking the inter-coastal waterway of Sarasota. The Executive Chef also has provided Gluten Free and vegetarian menu items in all menu areas.
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One of the most popular waterfront dining locations in Sarasota and in the heart of downtown, there's always something going on at Marina Jack. Relax and enjoy exceptional steak, wine, seafood and pasta in the Marina Jack dining room with expansive windows to keep your eye on the coveted views, or enjoy al fresco seating at the Patio Bar and Grill, featuring a variety of appetizers, salads, soups and sandwiches. Drink in the bayfront beauty that only Sarasota County can provide.
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• Marina Jack’s Portside Patio: This is the place to go when you want to pretend you’re on vacation. Perhaps your vacation dreams don’t include your kids, that’s totally cool, mine don’t either, but when Grandma is screening her calls and you desperately need a mind-numbing tropical cocktail, Marina Jack is always there. It’s the full package—excellent water view, usually a band of sorts playing to drown out the sounds of your crying baby, full bar, and plastic chairs.
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One of Sarasota’s longest continually operated restaurants, Marina Jack offers casual dining downstairs on its patio and more upscale options on the second floor. Guests can also take to the seas for a meal on the restaurant’s yacht, theMarina Jack II. While the water views are the star here, we're partial to the braised short ribs served with a classic mushroom demi-glace. 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, (941) 365-4232, marinajacks.com
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Marina Jack is a festive waterfront spot with expansive outdoor seating that hits all the right notes when it comes to food, drinks, and atmosphere. Around sunset, come for tropical cocktails on the breezy wraparound deck to the backdrop of live music. Afterward, head to the bay-front dining room for oysters on the half-shell, sherry crab bisque or grilled Chilean sea bass; the steaks are also first-rate.
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Marina Jack specializes in providing its customers with the best experience possible through delicious meals. Their specialty meals include a filet mignon center cut, a jumbo prawn cocktail, and a stuffed half Maine lobster but you can count on plenty of other delicious meals as well. Seafood is not the only type of food you will find here and you can expect various types of chicken and steaks.
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The sparkling views and cool Gulf breeze are the main attraction at Marina Jack for al fresco dining in a family-friendly environment. Choose from a selection of sandwiches, wraps, salads, and specialty entrees like Thai chicken tacos and chipotle BBQ Danish baby back ribs. Dine indoors in the lounge and piano bar or upstairs for a casual fine dining experience overlooking the water.
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Marina Jack’s offers two completely different dining experiences, says Dine Sarasota. If you sit inside the restaurant, there is a slightly formal feel that is perfect for special occasions and you can enjoy stunning water views. ON the other hand, al fresco dining has a relaxed atmosphere that reflects the Sarasota lifestyle, and guests can enjoy the live music that is played daily.
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For those special occasions or when you're in the mood for a more upscale dining experience, Sarasota offers some truly exceptional options. Marina Jack, located in downtown Sarasota, provides stunning views of the marina and Sarasota Bay. With both indoor and outdoor seating options, you can enjoy their extensive menu featuring fresh seafood, steaks, and an impressive wine list.
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Overlooking Sarasota Bay, Marina Jack is the go-to destination for those seeking a waterfront dining experience. Their Easter brunch buffet is legendary, featuring an array of seafood, carved meats, and an assortment of desserts that will satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth. The panoramic views of the bay and marina add an unparalleled ambiance to the dining experience.
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Marina Jacks offers couples the opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal with a stunning view of the marina and Sarasota Bay. Whether you choose to dine indoors or out, you’ll be treated to picturesque views of boats gliding across the water and the gorgeous harbor. The relaxed atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make Marina Jacks a great spot for a romantic lunch date.
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The Marina Jack II offers a different sort of experience for lunch or dinner by combining a buffet-style meal with a boat tour of the intercoastal waterway and the Gulf of Mexico. The food is well-prepared and the scenic views are spectacular. The Marina Jack II sails daily from the Marina in Sarasota Bay for lunch and dinner cruises; reservations are recommended.
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Or park at the Downtown Waterfront and grab a bite to eat at Marina Jack on the harbor before you cross the street to Main. The Waterfront boasts a beautiful park, amazing views and no-fuss food (with live music!) at O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill, if you want something a little more casual than Marina Jack. Don’t know where to go first once you hit Downtown?
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Marina Jack is a premier destination for boaters in Sarasota, offering a full-service marina experience right in the heart of downtown. With its prime location, boaters can enjoy easy access to the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay. The marina features over 300 wet slips and offers a range of amenities, including a fuel dock, ship's store, and boat rentals.
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Offering two different dining options to consider, Marina Jack is great because of its bay front dining option, or booking a dinner cruise onboard a two story yacht. Enjoy views of Sarasota bay either on a private dining patio or from a newer yacht. The chefs are definitely world class and everything on their menu has been well designed and created.
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Similar to O’Leary’s, Marina Jack restaurant is in Marina Jack Park right on the Sarasota Bay. It’s located in the actual marina so you’ll mainly see boats and yachts beyond the windows, as well as the bay. The seafood-forward lunch and dinner menus have everything you could want like coconut shrimp, lump crab cakes, filet mignon and more.
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Marina Jack – Sarasota, Florida – Sarasota County – We are located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, Florida. The marina includes full amenities, fuel dock, ship’s store and ground transportation. The marina is host to Sarasota’s largest charter boat fleet including fishing, diving, sailing, cruising, and boat rentals.
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2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL 34236Phone: 941-365-4232 Visit Website. A post shared by Marina Jack (@marinajacksarasota). Marina Jacks has made our lists before and I’m happy to mention them again because of the top-tier experience and high-quality food I have each time I pay them a visit.
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If you want a casual lunch by the water, ask for a table on the Blue Sunshine Patio. If you want a more sophisticated atmosphere, they have an indoor dining room on the 2nd floor. It’s one of the most romantic restaurants in Sarasota to have dinner and watch the sunset at the same time.
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Marina Jack is in downtown Sarasota, offering boaters an opportunity to enjoy some food and fill their gas tanks in one convenient stop. This restaurant is one of the most popular places to grab a bite to eat before heading out on the boat or taking a quick break for a cool beverage.
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At Marina Jack, you can enjoy waterfront dining at its best. The Marina Jack dining room is open daily. Along with an award-winning wine list and exceptional menu options, this location will afford you stunning views of the sun setting over the Intracoastal waterway.
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Choose to dine at one of two waterfront dining areas at this charming restaurant. Head to the second-floor dining room with its award winning wine list and fine dining ambiance. The dinner menu consists of a wide selection of steaks, pastas, and seafood.
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Marina Jack offers an outside large patio bar area adjacent to the marina with outside waterfront dining. Inside is a piano bar and second floor restaurant overlooking the marina. Live bands play at the outside patio bar several nights a week.
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This waterfront restaurant offers breathtaking views of Sarasota Bay. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a sunset dinner or drinks with friends/family. Marina Jack also offers a variety of entertainment options, including live music and dancing.
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You can go on a dinner cruise on the Marina Jack II which would make for a fun and romantic date night. Dinner is served on the boat and you can view the beautiful sights of Sarasota from the water. It’s a great way to spend an adult evening.
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The restaurant Marina Jack is a seafood spot with an outdoor raw bar patio, an upstairs dining room with expansive water views, and a piano bar. I would consider it one of my favorite and one of the best restaurants in Sarasota Florida
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There are two options for you here you can do waterfront dining in the dining room or a sunset cruise in Sarasota. I know which one I would prefer. You will need to book and both are a bit pricey however worth it for the experience.
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Being in Sarasota, you’re going to get access to super fresh seafood. Experience it here at Marina Jacks at the marina!. This upscale seafood spot is known for their raw bar on their outdoor patio, perfect for any oyster fanatics.
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Marina Jack ranks among the best Sarasota seafood restaurants for food and waterfront views. The restaurant is located on the grounds of Marina Jack, an award-winning marina in Sarasota. Or dine from the indoor dining room.
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First, you can opt to sit in their dining room which offers killer views of the Sarasota waters. But you can also book a sightseeing lunch or sunset dinner cruise for a waterfront dining experience like no other!
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Indulge in a relaxing narrated sightseeing lunch tour or sunset dinner cruise through the inter-coastal waters and the Gulf of Mexico and enjoy delicious dining, outstanding views, and exceptional service.
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It is a fine dining cruise that you can board either for lunch or dinner. During the day, you’ll be able to enjoy relaxing views of some luxurious Sarasota homes and the sight is breathtaking.
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For waterfront dining, check out restaurants like The Old Salty Dog, Marina Jack, or O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill for stunning views of Sarasota Bay.
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🌊 Marina Jack’s Easter Brunch Buffet features carved meats, Seafood & Pasta stations, and desserts with stunning waterfront views of Sarasota Bay.
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There is some parking on the waterfront at Marina Plaza by the popular MARINA JACKS, but you will have to cross busy US41 to walk downtown.
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Views, booze and a piano bar are the draw at Marina Jacks, also downtown at 2 Marina Plaza (tel. 941/365-4232).
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit