Siesta Key Oyster Bar — Restaurant in Siesta Key

We are from PA and we visited on 12/30/24 with our toddler and 7lb maltipoo. Prior to going in to eat, my husband had asked the hostess about their policy (Temps were getting high and we didn't want to leave our dog in the car parking lot), and they had told my husband that they were dog friendly (no other explanation or rules regarding their dog policy). We had never been to skobs but had decided to stop in after passing by while shopping. While waiting for our food, Kristen (who we later found out was a manager) came by to our table while I was alone with our toddler and pup. She bent down and got to eye level with me, and proceeded to point her finger at me while saying with a nasty attitude, "Ma'am, your dog needs to be on the floor." Honestly, we didn't know and Kristen could have just let me know in a kind manner because we're not difficult people. It was honestly so upsetting for me because my husband was in the bathroom, and Kristen stared me down until I grabbed my pup on the scruff and take her to my side of the table. I couldn't get to the other side because our special needs toddler was in a high chair with the seat belt broken. It is so important that I address this because of the fact that right next to us was a WHITE couple with a larger cocker spaniel on the woman's lap. At first I gave Kristen benefit of the doubt..until I decided to let another manager know about Kristen's nasty attitude. When I walked over to the door where it divides the indoor seating and enclosed outdoor seating, I saw that there was no way that Kristen could have missed seeing the large dog on the woman's lap. I 100% believe that Kristen was prejudiced and that she targeted us solely due to who we are; Asians. Everyone else in the establishment was cordial and kind, so it was quite a disappointment that we had to experience this with my first time being in Siesta Key. Due to this unpleasant experience, we ended up asking for our food to go and we ate our lunch in the car before heading back home.

We ordered the grouper sandwich and grouper tacos, both of which were very dry. I do think that it was dry since kitchen staff probably rushed in order to shorten our waiting time since we weren't eating in anymore.

We will never be coming back to this establishment, especially with someone like Kristen...

Dined here on 7/24/25 with my family of 5 after seeing good reviews & social media posts recommending SKOB. First, we were seated in the covered outdoor part of the restaurant directly under a fan on full speed. Totally understandable as it gets hot out here in the Florida heat and it keeps everyone cool, but 3 of us are girls and our hair was blowing in our faces (recommend bringing a hair tie if you have long hair) but we were able to switch tables with no issue. As an appetizer, we ordered the crab hushpuppies and they were delicious, but it all went downhill from there.

For our meals, we got the chicken & waffles, Jill’s jambalaya, crab-stuffed grouper picatta, and 2 orders of the 1lb snow crab legs. The chicken & waffles included bacon that was chewy & rubbery almost. It was average… just OK but did leave a weird taste in my mouth and I left dinner feeling slightly sick. Same with the grouper. Dry and just OK. Nothing we would order again. The crab legs were served to us without crab leg crackers… it felt like trying to eat a steak without a knife. Nearly impossible for us to eat the crab legs. We asked our server for some but they didn’t have any more as they were all being used… just weird for a restaurant like that to run out of those. I would like to add that our server was extremely kind, helpful, and attentive. Anyway… the crab meat is good once you’re able to maneuver it out, but I’d recommend just getting crab legs elsewhere. As for the jambalaya… it was good but nothing spectacular.

Altogether, I’d recommend a different restaurant in Siesta Key. All 5 of us were underwhelmed and disappointed in our meal which ended up $300. I was extremely surprised to come on here and see so many positive reviews. Only things we liked was our kind server and the live music. Not food worth...

Literally always packed but for good reasons. Arguably the best seafood and vibes in the Sarasota area. after spending a great time at Siesta Beach, we knew about this area and location (part of our research when visiting any other city). It’s just 10 min drive from siesta beach but finding a parking spot can be tough. I have mentioned parking below. Siesta Key Oyster Bar aka 'SKOB' has a casual Key West-style setting.

from municipal parking- it’s a couple of minutes walk. there might be waiting (depends on when you get there). We reached there at 230 PM and got the table in 5 minutes. from outside, I can sense a chill-out vibe... dollar-covered ceilings and walls... 2-3 rooms with high tables.. a menu is as diverse as it can be (go for seafood of course).

We ordered- seafood TACOS - 3 tacos with mahi fish (I guess it was Mahi fish, but it keeps changing) Seafood flatbread - so it looked like undercooked pizza, but trust me, each bite was awesome. jalapeno Mango Margarita & beer

It’s not like dollar bills are there for decoration only- Siesta Key Oyster Bar donated $14,000, taking the dollar bills off their iconic walls, and giving them to Hurricane Dorian relief. and as a tradition - I also stapled the dollar bill with love, leaving my legacy ;) hoping one day would come back and see my dollar bill here.

great island bar and restaurant where you can enjoy seafood and live music on their dog-friendly patio.

Parking: Municipal Parking, it’s free but gets full so wait in one lane for 10-15 minutes, and you can grab a spot. check the parking pic. Also, onsite parking is available but I got Municipal parking, so I did not...