Bistro Sarasota Art Museum — Restaurant in Sarasota

Artsy space with a good vibe located in Paul Rudolph’s 1959 Vocational Shops building behind the Sarasota Art Museum. (Formerly Sarasota High School). No wait staff so you order at the counter and they bring you your lunch. I ordered two soups from The Halves on the menu (choice of two $15). Both soups were hot and homemade. I loved the French Onion soup. The broth was flavorful and satisfying. The second soup was the Vegetable Bisque made with Tomato and Zucchini and roasted red peppers with truffle cream. I don’t eat a lot of sugar so this was too sweet for my palate but my friend scarfed it down as he loved it. He ordered the Toasted Corned Beef Rueben ($15). Dark buttered rye toast with loads of corned beef and sweet pickles (on the side) with (not enough) kettle potato chips. Iced teas were (whoa) $4 but were served in a glass which I appreciate. Enjoyed our lunch, the space (large tables with long benches to support a gaggle of friends, if you have them) and plan to come back before everyone discovers it and we...

I really like the place, the décor, the atmosphere. However, I am giving one star only for their $1.5 supplement for non dairy milk alternative. I believe it is not possible in 2022 to charge more for non dairy milk than for regular milk, not only because soy milk is actually not more expensive than cow milk, but also because non dairy milks are way better for health, the environment, the animals. There is no point in hosting art focusing on climate change and the environmental crisis if the local coffee shop de incentivize individuals to get alternatives to dairy. I am not against having milk on the menu - I am against nudges that tend to limit non dairy product consumption and therefore increase green house...

Delightful bistro featuring locally sourced foods. I had the very tasty grilled cheese along with a very fresh (and artistic!) tomato bisque (see photos). As they feature local foods the menu changes, so call ahead if you have a particular craving. The staff was energetic, pleasant and attentive. I loved the mid-century modern decor with several delightful wall graphics and bright, colorful furniture. The outside seating had many tables, all with sun-shading umbrellas for a nice al fresco experience. And of course, the adjacent museum is well...