Main Bar Sandwich Shop
1944 Main St, Sarasota, FL, 34236
Main Bar Sandwich Shop Menu
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Address :
1944 Main St
Sarasota, FL, 34236 - Phone (941) 366-8733
- Website https://www.themainbar.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :10:00 am - 4:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Wanda L.
I was thinking about the Famous Italian wistfully a couple of days ago and how much I'd like to have one again. That's when I realized that I missed reviewing the Main Bar on Yelp. I'd never heard of the Main Bar until 2009 when a very good friend kept raving incessantly about its Famous Italian sandwich. She loved it so much that she'd make the trip from Downtown Bradenton sometimes to pick up an order called in from the attorney's office she worked at...for the whole office. She raved to them about it too. I could not believe in all the years I'd lived and worked in the area that I had never heard of this Main Bar (in existense since the late 50's, go figure). So, of course, I had to see what all the fuss was about. A group of 4 went and I believe we all had the Famous Italian sandwich. Wow, it was GOOD (especially since I am thinking about it over a year later with zero possibility of being able to have one anytime soon which adds to the torture) . It's just a nice, solid, delicious and filling sandwich. I recall that I had a side of potato salad, which was good, and 2 draft beers (so reasonable $2.25 each). The place does not look like a typical sandwich shop inside (and they do serve a bunch of other things besides sandwiches), with its dark, upholstered booths, wood trim and bar area. It's in close proximity to the courthouse so you get that crowd (lawyers, etc.) frequenting the joint for lunch. The service was good on the day my friends and I were there, too, and the overall prices are, again, pretty reasonable. From what I recall, they close up fairly early (not past 5pm or earlier?), so don't plan on grabbing some evening grub (unless things have changed over the last year or so). I always love a place with a little bit of history and the Main Bar has it with ties to the Sarasota circus world of yore. It was opened up in 1958 by retired circus performers and holds onto its history as evidenced by the many old photographs of circus entertainers, etc. up on the walls. It's cool that the new owners rep that. You could use all those corny, overused Yelp phrases (of which, too, I am guilty) to described the Main Bar: a hidden gem, jewel, an institution. Well, if the shoe fits...
(4)Shane H.
This is the best deli/sandwich shop in Sarasota, hands down, no debate. First, they have a hundred sandwiches. On their menu, about a dozen have a box around them indicting that they're special. Do yourself a favor and pick one of those for your first time out. Skip the club and the ham-and-cheese: They're probably great but boooorrrrring compared to their signature creations. Second, their soup selection is great. The best gaspacho in the city as far as I'm concerned. Third, their prices are reasonable, their wait staff is attentive, they are quick and the food is consistent. These things make it the best deli. About their sandwiches.. they have touches that make them great. Like, the tomatoes are cut very thin, the lettuce shredded very fine. The meats are always high quality. They make a number of dressings in house that are PHENOMENAL. Their Jalapeno dressing will leave your forehead sweating but it's delicious. Their curry dressing is pitch-perfect. The thousand island on their Mock Ruban and other sandwiches may not be made in-house (I'm not sure), but it's wonderful nonetheless. Their potato salad is fantastic. Skip the chips! We go here often. In fact, it's 12:07 and I'm starving. I think I'll go get a "Black Russian."
(5)ernie R.
The Italian Sandwich is the best!!!! Oh the Jalapeno Mayonnaise is off the hook too!!!!
(4)Mark H.
Ahh... Fresh off the heels of a recommendation from my homegirl Luna M., I've been ready to check this joint out for about a month or so. Our Lido Beach mini-vacation wrapped up this morning, so we packed our bags, checked out and headed over to Main Street at 10 AM. When we arrived and walked in, we were amazed at the depth of the place. It looks small from outside, but it could easily seat 75 hungry sandwich-craving patrons. The decor was a trip. Apparently, the place was bought from the original owners in the early 70s and it looks like the new owners updated it, and it's been the same since. Wood paneling, stained glass lamp shades and 1972 doo-doo brown bar stools. Classic! Anyway, we sat down and ordered IMMEDIATELY. There was no time for playing games, and I knew what I was getting before I even entered the county. I'm always seeking out great Italian subs, so the "FAMOUS ITALIAN" was the obvious and WISE choice for me; the sandwich was astounding and a 4.5 on my Italian sammich scale. The FAMOUS ITALIAN isn't going to win any size or host any challenge competitions, but it's plenty big enough to fill the average lunch-hungry human being. I'd guess it presented on about a 6" sub roll. The roll itself was fantastically crusty, almost like a European bread, and was equally tasty. For meat, it had a few slices ham and some of the most flavorful salami I'd ever tasted. It was accented by some pretty sharp provolone, thinly sliced tomatoes, onions, Italian salad dressing and (the best part) finely chopped peperoncini peppers. All of the sandwich ingredients played nice together in the flavor sandbox, and landed the FAMOUS ITALIAN in my Italian sub top 5! Pic added for visual. For a side, I opted for the potato salad, which is always risky business. But when the waitress told me it made on-site, I quickly agreed to sample it; I'm glad I did. It was made with cubes red-skin potatoes, onions, sweet pickles (possibly sour cream) and mayo. Some boiled eggs would have set it off, but it was good nonetheless. Service was friendly, food came out quickly and the prices were reasonable ($20.17 for 2 sandwiches, two sodas, a bag of chips and potato salad). When I'm down that way next July, I will be sure to stop in again.
(4)Scott O.
The Aztec, Mayan, and turkey club alone make this place 5 stars. Jalapeño mayo is great
(5)Helmut B.
Have been going here whenever I am in Sarasota for at least 20+ years. I only go for the self-proclaimed Famous Italian sandwich...which is always a shock to your taste buds (in a good way) after suffering with lesser sandwiches from national chains in between visits. It is nice to be able to taste the individual components of the sandwich, you know, meat...cheese...onions...and the peppers. After eating one of these it seems that other sandwiches maybe extruded from a protein machine of some sort....like a HAL-9000... "Good afternoon Dave; in what form would you like your protein and carbohydrates today?" Space is nice in an "era gone by" way and I can't get enough of old B&W photo's of famous Circus folks and former Sarasota residents. Those Flying Wallenda's were crazy...watch out Dieter...
(4)Rob B.
I was catching up online, reading restaurant reviews from the "local news source". I guess food critics don't review restaurants anymore. All they do is tell you what's on the menu, and use neutral language. Of course, this does little to help us choose a place to eat. Also, many of the restaurants are mediocre sandwich shops. No Thai, no Indian, no Sushi, no Mexican. I know several new places that have opened up, yet no reviews in "mainstream news media". Thank goodness for Yelp. So the next time you see a review for a mediocre sandwich shop, don't waste your time trying it. Run downtown and reward yourself with a sandwich from Main Bar Sandwich Shop. They keep it old school here. The Mayan and the Aztec are my favorites. The jalapeno dressing is what makes these sandwiches really tasty. Fresh meats, cheeses, and the kaiser rolls are bakery fresh...everything really goes together nicely on these sandwiches. Service is friendly and I enjoy the 1960-ish old school, original interior. These types of restaurants are disappearing, so it's nice to sit down and enjoy a fresh REAL deli sandwich. Reminds me of the old school deli places in NYC, Chicago, Cleveland, DC, Philly etc. I give it an easy 4.5 stars
(4)Alina N.
AMAZING sandwich shop! I've been going here my whole life and everything I've tried has been absolutely delicious, which is saying a lot since I am a bit of a picky eater when it comes to sandwiches. RECOMMEND THIS PLACE 100%. Must come if you live in or are visiting Sarasota! The people are so nice, on top of that.
(5)Art A.
A staple in Sarasota! You have to visit the Main Bar and have an italian. Best on the planet!
(5)Tom M.
I used to live walking distance from here so I was a regular and I was very spoiled in that regard. I've tried many of their sandwiches and never disappointed. The italian is great, and the beef with au jus was my favorite. This is my go to spot for lunch down town. You know it's good because it is Always packed with locals.
(5)Nicole A.
Best Italian sandwich I have ever had, hands down. You gotta go if you're downtown for lunch. Mmm
(5)Ryan W.
Overpriced Meh-ness
(2)Brittany B.
Best sandwich shop around! Must try the FAMOUS ITALIAN!! Out of this world! Delivery guy is always so friendly!!!
(5)Andrew A.
Main Bar Sandwich Shop is one of the best sandwiches I have eaten in Sarasota ever. I stopped in to get take out and informed the hostess that I was a first time customer. She kindly offered me a seat at the bar and a menu to peruse. Then, she along with two of the sandwich makers, engaged me in conversation, asking what types of meats and flavors I preferred. Based on our brief conversation, they recommended several sandwiches and even some specialty sauces (jalapeno mayonnaise, home made sub sauce). I found them to be very informed regarding their menu, very friendly, and even excited to serve sandwiches - perhaps this quality is expected from a business in operation on Main Street for over 50 years. I went ahead with a turkey and roast beef on Italian white bread, with all the normal fixings, the jalapeno mayonnaise, and their house sub sauce. While they made my sandwich, the friendly staff and I continued our conversation about the restaurant, particularly the menu. I learned they also make home made hummus and potato salad, which I intend to try very soon. Overall, the menu offers every type of sub, cold or hot, all the normal breads from wheat to rye to Italian, and a handful of sub sauces as I mention above. My sandwich was probably 8-9''. The meat was perfectly sliced, and the sandwich was obviously put together to maximize the content it could hold while still maintaining the structural integrity of a sandwich you want to be able to eat without it falling apart. Overall, it's a great sandwich shop. Inside is larger than you would expect from the outside, as there is ample seating and a long bar section that serves beer and has televisions to watch. The price for my sandwich was $8, which I had no problem paying as a result of the excellent customer service and delicious sandwich. Sure, spending $5 bucks on the 12" sub from the fast food spots is cheaper, but Main Bar Sandwich Shop will impress your taste buds. The only annoying thing is parking, so if you do a drive by and are unable to find a spot, which is most likely the case, you may have to park in the garage by the movie theater or one block west in a lot adjacent to the Eat Here restaurant - still on Main Street though Great place, all good things to say. Will eat here again and again.
(5)C K.
Nice lunch menu options and a good sandwich. Servers were good, too.
(4)Holly M.
I've only eaten here twice and both times I ate the Muffaletta. Fun to look at all the old black and white pics of circus performers.
(3)Pandora S.
This is a Sarasota classic sandwich shop! I enjoy seeing all the pictures of the famous faces on the walls! The food is classic itself! Good service, good prices and I've been going there for over 10 years.
(5)M M.
I had the gazpacho and a pastrami sandwich on rye. The gazpacho was so flavorful and delicious! It was the best I've had (that I didn't make myself). The sandwich was yummy, too. I liked that it wasn't massive like at many places. Nice service, too.
(4)Selmy B.
Ham Melt sandwich was delicious and a great deal. The pickle was crisp and fresh. The cole slaw was disgusting. Tasted old. Neighbors got split pea soup and it looked delicious. This place is jammed at lunch time and it's full of local working class with some seasonal visitors This is a diner setup with long term staff. Busser are watching to wipe your table and turn it over before you get out the door. For a quick meal this is the sandwich spot.
(4)Amanda C.
main street has no where to park. other then that the sandwhich are inexpensive and good I'm fan tomato bisque.
(5)Maggie L.
This place is always slammed with customers! They are one of the oldest restaurants in Sarasota. My coworkers and I order lunch from here often. Fat pig sandwich is great!
(4)Brenton C.
Best sandwiches in town. Has the feel of a New York City diner. It's probably one of the most unique lunch spots in Sarasota. Did I mention the sandwiches are the best in town?
(5)Alexa S.
Staff was rude when I came in for a takeout order. I don't think they said a word or looked at me once. They just pointed to the bar for me to wait. Food was nothing special.
(2)Patty P.
One of my favorite places for lunch! As soon as I walk in the door I feel famished due to the smell of all the delicious sandwich ingredients! They always have a huge selection of delicious soups on the menu and everyone I have had has been extremely good. Every sandwich I have ever had was excellent, and they are very generous with the fillings. Staff is friendly and super efficient. This place gets packed at lunch time yet the service is still quick and spot on.
(5)Ekaterina M.
Incredible sandwiches! I just popped in because the reviews were so glowing and ended up getting the Rueben. Yum!
(5)Brittany D.
By far my favorite sandwich shop! Soups are amazing and the potato salad is addicting!! The girls there are so sweet and easy going!!!!
(5)G A.
I have been eating at the Main Bar since I was a young teenager and, although I have since moved back to NYC cannot more highly recommend their Famous Italian sandwich! I have always had it inside a warm Pita bread. One of the most simple and yet wonderful eating experiences of a lifetime. Seriously, this is the most fun you can possibly have with your clothes on! Also, I have been in the Restaurant business for the last 44 years and I even "stole" the recipe and tried it up here in NYC. Just the simple idea of using chopped pepperoncinis instead of vinegar is a stroke of brilliance. The dressing is basically olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper and oregano. You don't NEED anything else. Abbondanza!!!
(5)Katelyn C.
Didn't feel warmly welcomed, the Italian sandwich had little meat, skimpy for the price. Nothing special about this place or the food.
(2)Tim T.
Fair at best,,, I had the double Italian and a Bud draft for $14 Sandwich wasn't toasted and so many banana peppers you could barely taste the meat... Nothing special at all.
(2)Kent W.
I've been 10 or so times. The food is decent but god damn is pricey. So I showed up tonight and spent $15 (plus $3 tip) to get some to-go food: A sandwich, some chili, and a bag of chips. When paying these prices I expect strong execution, I was let down. Chips were good, sandwich was decent, marinara sauce was very under seasoned, and chili needed to cook for a couple more hours. I asked for a side of hot sauce, they forgot it. I understand people make mistakes but at $18 for a sandwich, some soup, and chips the service side of things need to delivery. This place is lucky they only have to compete with shitty fast food, cuz they suck.
(2)James S.
Very simply put this is a great deli to eat at. I had the "business" lunch today (cup of soup, small salad, and half a great deli sandwich). All that for only $7.75. This is frequent stop for me when traveling to Sarasota.
(4)David S.
Visiting the city for business and decided to have lunch here as it was close to the office. Co-workers knew all about it, but waited till I suggested it before telling me how amazing it was. Had the cup of chili with the Zinger. Both were delicious and did not long on the plate. Would definitely try this place next time I'm in town. Word of advice, lunch rush is crowd time. Avoid typical lunch times. Also, cramped walk ways, but cozy atmosphere.
(5)William C.
This place is consistently REALLY good. The sandwiches and the soups (they always offer at least 5 or 6 different freshly made soups) are outstanding. The quality of the meats, cheeses & breads is fantastic. It's kind of hidden (in plain sight) on Main St across from the movie theater. I come here for lunch when I find myself on this part of Main St. I've never met anyone who didn't enjoy it. It's great AND consistent. The prices are reasonable for the quality. The only thing I was slightly disappointed in were the salads. Not bad, but could be better.
(4)Ryan H.
The wife and I visited this sandwich shop based on some great reviews, and boy, we were not disappointed. The waitress was with us right away to get drinks going and made a stellar recommendation for a sandwich based on some of our preferences. My wife and I both ended up getting the captains wrap with an extra side of the jalapeño mayo, amazing! Such a good wrap, and in wheat no less! Service was great, food was delicious, nice little sandwich shop hidden away downtown Sarasota on Main Street. Looking for a good spot to grab a sandwich? This is it!
(5)Carolyn K.
Just had lunch here. The sweet tea is fresh brewed. I ordered the big dipper and for 9 dollar sandwich it was disapointing. I found it to be edible but the bread was hard as a rock in some parts and soggy in others. The service was ok. I did have to flag her down to get my husband another sandwich because he was still hungry after his reuben. I tried a bite and thought it was decent. We decided it wasn't worth going to again. It seemed busy and there were so many good ratings that I just had to try it. Now I just don't see what all the fuss is about.
(2)Sally L.
I've been eating from the Main Bar since the 90s. This place is great. The Italian is awe-some and so is everything else I've had (Gobbler, Aztec, Mayan, Big Dipper, Chef Salad, Lido, etc.). Always fast delivery during super busy lunches. I've ordered up to 4x in one week for lunch. Wish they served breakfast!
(5)Aran G.
Get the Aztek. Best sandwich I have had in my whole life. Seriously.
(5)And R.
Friendly staff and delectable sandwiches, I had a good time with my cousin catching up over a cold beer and well made sandwich fare. Would recommend.
(4)Lauren M.
This place has delicious sandwiches! My favs are the Reuben, Pastrami melt and Italian. They're always busy during lunch hours, but it's usually a quick turn around for tables. Salads are not as tasty (Greek was chunks of iceberg lettuce, a few kalamata olives, and feta with no-flavor oil vinegar) and small. So go for a sandwich! Some sandwiches come w sides ( potato salad is really good, slaw), most come w a pickle, but chips are extra. Only complaint is the plates they serve sandwiches on are a little small! Ha.
(5)Frank M.
Main Bar is the place to have lunch in Downtown Sarasota. If you haven't, you must. Socializing, great place for a quick lunch, and business deals are negotiated. Sandwiches are delicious and there's a good variety. Soups are also fresh. And service is fast and always with a smile!
(5)Brad B.
I went here on vacation in 2009. My favorite is the Floridian wrap with pickles and potato salad. Overall: Good quality sandwich shop.
(4)