Patch Picks: Best Outdoor Dining Options in Sarasota

This week on Sarasota Patch Picks, we look at five of the best outdoor dining options in Sarasota. 

Each week we'll give editor and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off, and more.

You’ll find useful lists to help you, your family, friends, and significant others find the best places for everything from Sunday brunch to New Year’s Eve celebrations, pumpkin patches, date night destinations, florists, girlfriend nights out, kids party places, parks and more. 

Best Outdoor Dining Options in Sarasota

• Ophelia's on the Bay, 9105 Midnight Pass Road: There are many outdoor dining options on Siesta Key. Most of them, however, have no views of the water. Ophelia's gives you great, and very close, views of Little Sarasota Bay. It is located on South Siesta, past Stickney Point Road. 
• , 1 North Lemon Avenue: While some of the seating is covered, all tables at Mattison's are outside. It is always jam packed with live music bring people to the dance floor. Mattison's also provides the perfect view of the heart of downtown Sarasota.
• , 371 St. Armand's Circle:  One of the rare restaurants where you can get a view of city life and island life. From the second floor outdoor seating at Tommy Bahama's, you can watch he sunset over the Gulf of Mexico or watch the hustle and bustle on St. Armands. 
• , 1601 Ken Thompson Parkway: After getting through the congestion of the St. Armands Circle but before getting to Longboat Key, turn onto Ken Thompson Parkway and check out Old Salty Dog. The Restaurant, featured on the Travel Channel's Man vs. Food, provides great views of boats going out to the Gulf of Mexico from Sarasota Bay. 
• , 1917 S Osprey Ave: In the Hillview District, Libby's provides a great outdoor dinning option. Your table, located just off Osprey Ave, is covered and has great views of Hillview. The outdoor seating at Libby's is great way to escape a busy day.