These picks come directly from our Venice city guide — updated regularly with local intelligence on the best spots, when to go, and what locals actually order.
Top Picks
JDub's Brewing Company
Local craft brewery in a converted auto shop serving creative brews like their famous Shark Tooth Wheat. The trivia nights get competitive among the regulars.
The Crow's Nest Tiki Bar
Waterfront tiki bar where locals sip rum runners while watching manatees surface below. The bartenders know everyone's drink order by heart.
Riverside Wine & Spirits
Wine shop with an impressive selection and regular tastings where locals discover new favorites. The owner's recommendations are spot-on every time.
Gecko's Grill & Pub
Sports bar with ice-cold beer, pool tables, and the best wings in town. Locals gather here for every Bucs and Lightning game.
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Sharky's Tiki Bar
Beachfront bar where frozen drinks taste better with sand between your toes and Gulf waves as your soundtrack. The Pain Killer cocktail lives up to its name.
Venice Wine & Coffee Co
Cozy spot serving wine by the glass and artisan coffee where locals meet for book clubs and business meetings. The weekend wine tastings draw a devoted following.
Village Tavern
Neighborhood bar with cheap drinks, friendly locals, and the kind of atmosphere where strangers become friends. The jukebox plays classic rock all night long.
Snook Haven Bar
Rustic riverside bar where you can sip cold beer while feeding tarpon and listening to live music. The setting feels like Old Florida at its finest.
Waterline Marina Bar
Marina bar where boaters tie up for cocktails and locals come to watch the sunset paint the sky. The frozen margaritas complement the laid-back waterfront vibe perfectly.
Sharky's on the Pier
Casual beachfront dining where the grouper sandwich is legendary and the view stretches to the horizon. Locals know to grab the outdoor tables for the best Gulf breeze.
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