Top 10 Englewood restaurants

The annual Let’s Eat! Englewood dining promotion kicked off last week and continues through Sept. 28. Many restaurants are offering the lunch and dinner specials, so it’s a great time to get out to try someplace new or revisit an old favorite before seasonal visitors return. Our panel of local experts came up with this Top 10 list of restaurants in Englewood, the Gulf-front community that straddles both sides of the Sarasota-Charlotte county line.

Best overall: Farlow’s on the Water, 2080 S. McCall Road

This family-owned restaurant on Ainger Creek features a fusion of Caribbean and Southern cooking, from coconut shrimp to fried green tomatoes.

Owned by husband and wife Keith and Laurie Farlow for the past 15 years, the restaurant offers water views and an elegant, lighted outdoor courtyard that has become a favorite for locals and seasonal residents.

Keith Farlow grew up in St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where his dad operated a restaurant. He traveled extensively around the islands, developing an appreciation for the flavors. When his dad moved to Englewood after Hurricane Hugo in 1989, he opened the Country Hound cafe nearby.

The Farlows moved down from Louisville, Kentucky, in 2003 and bought the waterfront restaurant. They grow their own herbs and peppers to make Caribbean style marinades and dishes, under the creative auspices of Executive Chef John Mazza. Kentucky native Laurie Farlow’s influence is seen in country style cooking specials like the Kentucky Hot Brown, corn pudding and Southern classic shrimp and grits.

Farlow’s has some of the freshest fish in the area, wheeled around in an iced cart for patrons to pick from daily specials. For lunch, the menu features up to a dozen different salads because variety is a big part of Farlow’s appeal.

“We mix it up and keep it fresh and exciting,” Laurie Farlow said.

Farlow’s has a full bar, including craft beer, wine and nightly drink specials and of course, a sampling of Kentucky bourbons.

Open Monday through Saturday, with entertainment on Wednesday through Saturday. Info: 941-474-5343; farlowsonthewater.com

Beach Road Wine Bar and Bistro, 1350 Beach Road

The bistro off the beaten path offers fresh ingredients, an extensive wine list and a great view of Lemon Bay from waterside seating on an outdoor patio with ample boat slips for those arriving by water. A longtime patron called the Bistro’s menu the most sophisticated in town. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full bar with over 85 wines. Info: 941-474-9500; facebook.com/beachroadwinebarbistro

Mango Bistro, 301 W. Dearborn St.

Fresh salads, crepes, hot-pressed panini and vegetarian options make this a favorite lunch spot. The lobster bisque is to die for. Owners Marie LaForge and Ricardo Ruggiero aim to create a destination with a European and tropical flair reflecting their homelands of Europe and Brazil, respectively. Open for lunch Monday through Thursday; open for lunch and dinner with live entertainment on the outdoor patio on Friday and Saturday nights. Info: 941-681-3500; mangobistro.com

The Lighthouse Grill at Stump Pass, 260 Maryland Ave

The Lighthouse offers the best sunset views of any restaurant in Englewood and is accessible by boat at Marker 17A on the Intracoastal Waterway. Casual fare, lunch, dinner and drink specials are offered daily at the Lighthouse, which was reopened in 2017 after an extensive renovation of the marina was completed. Info: 941-828-1368; thelighthousegrill.net

Lock ’N Key, 2045 N. Beach Road

Located just steps from Englewood Beach, the Lock ’N Key is closed for a total renovation through the end of October. Owned by Rocket and Sue Atamanchuk, the restaurant is known for its steaks and prime rib and “six before six” early bird specials. Full bar with beer, wine, frozen beach treats and martinis. Info: 941-474-1518. lockandkeyrestaurant.com

Vino Loco, 420 W. Dearborn St.

The popular tapas restaurant and wine bar in the heart of Olde Englewood Village will reopen in early October after summer vacation. Vino Loco features over 350 wines from around the world, and offers artisan cheeses, hummus, olives and organic chocolates in its retail store. The gourmet Spanish tapas menu changes weekly, and the restaurant’s vibe is an upscale yet casual setting with climate-controlled patio seating. Info: 941-473-8466; vinolocowine.com

Englewood’s on Dearborn, 362 W. Dearborn St.

This popular live music venue bills itself as “Home of the Blues.” Currently closed for renovation, the restaurant plans to reopen Oct. 10 with Mike Imbasciani as the first musical act. Three dining options are offered, indoors, Dearborn Street patio or outdoor courtyard near the stage. Open Tuesday through Saturday with three full bars for those who just want to hang out and listen to the music. Full dinners, salads, sandwiches and appetizers are served. Info: 941-475-7501; englewoods.tripod.com

SandBar Tiki & Grille, 1975 Beach Road

Like to dance? The SandBar is the place to jam out to live music in a spacious outdoor, waterfront courtyard. The entertainment calendar offers live music daily from 1 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m. Patrons can eat indoors or outside, and enjoy a drink at the outdoor tiki bar. As the online descriptions says: “Straightforward seafood fare & pub grub in a low-key hangout with water views & live music.” Open daily for lunch an dinner by the traffic circle on Beach Road. Info: 941-460-8280; sandbartikigrille.com

Nicola’s Italian Kitchen, 4343 S. Access Road

Known for its consistently good Italian food, this intimate restaurant has been in business since 1990. There is often a wait in season, so now is a good time to check it out. One regular says the pasta is excellent and the garlic knots are legendary. Everything is made from scratch, including the pizza. Wine and beer are available. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Info: 941-474-6195; nicolasitaliankitchen.net.

The Waverly Restaurant and Bar, 2095 N. Beach Road

Across the street from Englewood Beach, The Waverly offers full dinners in the dining room and lighter fare in Waves Beachside Cafe, a first-floor outdoor bar with drink specials. Upstairs, a banquet room provides catering for special events and weddings. The restaurant offers Gulf views from a second-floor dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows. The Waverly is known for its seafood served with a great sunset view. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full bar with happy hour specials. Info: 941-475-3500; thewaverlyfl.com

Did your favorite make the list?

Email restaurant suggestions to ticket@heraldtribune.com.

Dining out in Englewood?

The Let's Eat! Englewood annual promotion continues through Sept. 28 with lunch and dinner specials at participating restaurants. For more information, call 941-474-5511 or visit letseatenglewood.com.