Skip to main content

RSW Living Magazine

Going to Orioles Spring Training? Here are 5 Spots to Eat or Drink Before the Game

Jan 23, 2018 12:40PM ● By Kevin
Baseball kicks off in Southwest Florida in less than a month, with the Orioles' pitchers and catchers reporting on Feb. 13, while the first full-squad workout takes place on Feb. 19. The Orioles' presence in Sarasota County, MILB.com says, goes well beyond baseball and Spring Training.

"Our year-round philanthropic OriolesREACH initiatives embrace youth activities, charitable causes and civic priorities," the site continues. "We manage and maintain two top-flight, multi-use sports facilities for shared hometown uses. And our local staff lives and works here full time."

So, if you're hoping to catch a foul ball this spring, dust off that old glove and gear up to fulfill that once-ya-year craving for Cracker Jacks. The home opener is at 1:05 p.m., on Friday, Feb. 23, against the Tampa Bay Rays, at Ed Smith Stadium.

Below is a list of our top 5 places to go if you're looking to grab a drink and/or a bite to eat before, during or after the game! All places are within a mile and a half of the ballpark.

Antoines Restaurant - Sarasota FL

Antoine's Restaurant

Antoine's features an elegant continental menu in a cozy and sophisticated environment. Our artisanal cuisine offers elaborate seafood specials including PEI mussels prepared 7 different ... Read More » 

TripAdvisor Rating: 5/5
Yelp Rating: 5/5
Facebook Rating: 4.8/5

Our Favorite Review: "After reading reviews, 3 of us went there last night and couldn’t be more pleased! Being greeted by a very happy Olivier was the beginning of a wonderful dining experience. The food, cooked by his wife, is excellent! The wine choices pair beautifully with the food. The scallops were the best I have ever had and the escargot was outstanding! The profiteroles, which we didn’t need after this amazing dinner, were fabulous. As if that wasn’t enough, we had the best cappuccino ever! We will be back and will be telling our friends," - Carol G., TripAdvisor


Sofrito Mamas - Sarasota FL

Sofrito Mama's

At Sofrito Mama’s you will find mouth watering, home-style Puerto Rican cuisine. Our menu is filled with a wide array of reasonably priced, traditional meals for the entire family from f... Read More » 

TripAdvisor Rating: 5/5
Yelp Rating: 4.5/5
Facebook Rating: 4.9/5

Our Favorite Review: "Before I get to the wonderful food, understand that this is a take out establishment. There are a few tables outside but nothing inside. We usually eat at those tables but I wish there was a better alternative. Okay, now the food. Chicken Empanadas and Spinach & Cheese Empanadas were wonderful. $3.00 each. Chicken stew platter was incredible with the meat falling off the bone, great beans and rice and potato. $10.50 with salad. Toasted ham & cheese Cuban style sandwich and Roast Pork platter rounded out our five selections. We love this place and put up with the strip mall outdoor seating because the food is so exceptional. Worth your stopping. Daily specials plus regular favorites," - Steve K., Stokie, Ill., TripAdvisor


JDubs Brewing Company - Sarasota FL

JDub's Brewing Company

JDub’s Brewing Company is a production craft brewery & tap room located in sunny Sarasota, FL. Everything we do is based off our three core values: QUALITY. INNOVATION. CULTURE. Ea... Read More » 

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5
Yelp Rating: 4.5/5
Facebook Rating: 4.9/5

Our Favorite Review: "As a recent transplant, it's great to find a quality local brewery with a first class staff. From the owner to every person on the staff, the knowledge and commitment to quality is phenomenal. Hats off to the entire staff. Making great beer always comes first, but a knowledge and friendly staff makes the connections that last. Hats off to Courtney, Tony C, and Dean. Oh, and the guy with the funky hair/beard. You have a loyal concert," - Steve S., TripAdvisor


El Patio Latino - Sarasota FL

El Patio Latino

"El Patio Latino - Florida" is located in the coastal city of Sarasota in Florida. It was founded on December 2004, and offers its customers the best of Peruvian gastronomy. Continues the... Read More » 

TripAdvisor Rating: 4/5
Yelp Rating: 3.5/5
Facebook Rating: 4.5/5

Our Favorite Review: "This is a remarkable find, right here in Sarasota. Patio Latino is a branch of its mother site in Lima, Peru, the chef is Peruana, and the food is authenticly what you would find in Peru. Everything we had was awesome. The service was extremely friendly and helpful in explaining all dishes offered. We will definitely return," - carraro, New York City, Trip Advisor


Mariscos Azteca Mexican Seafood Restaurant - Sarasota FL

Mariscos Azteca Mexican Seafood Restaurant

An authentic Mexican restaurant, serving lunch, dinner, coffee and drinks, seven days a week. Read More » 

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5
Yelp Rating: 4.5/5
Facebook Rating: 4.6/5

Our Favorite Review: "We were very impressed with the food. Tamales were fantastic. Nachos with steak as delicious. I had the carne mexicana. Everything was good," - DebbieLR, Springfield, Mo., TripAdvisor


Is your favorite not listed? Tell us in the comments below!