Bistro- Sarasota Art Museum

Delightful bistro featuring locally sourced foods. I had the very tasty grilled cheese along with a very fresh (and artistic! tomato bisque (see photos . As they feature local foods the menu changes, so call ahead if you have a particular craving. The staff was energetic, pleasant and attentive. I loved the mid-century modern decor with several delightful wall graphics and bright, colorful furniture. The outside seating had many tables, all with sun-shading umbrellas for a nice al fresco experience. And of course, the adjacent museum is well worth the visit!Parking: Loads of free parking!

I ordered the Butternut Squash Ricotta Tartine. What arrived was one small piece of hard, overcooked toast, buttered, with two or three little diced pieces of roasted squash and a couple of tiny blobs of ricotta. Perched on top were two sage leaves. The price for this? $15. Seriously?! — I almost had to laugh and ask them where the rest of my lunch was. Staff couldn’t answer a simple question about the menu. A SMALL iced coffee was $5. My companion had a generously-sized salad. The staff said “good choice” when she ordered — that should have been my clue right there! Enjoy the museum, and then lunch at Panera a block away: you’ll get a lot more for your $15!

I really like the place, the décor, the atmosphere. However, I am giving one star only for their $1.5 supplement for non dairy milk alternative. I believe it is not possible in 2022 to charge more for non dairy milk than for regular milk, not only because soy milk is actually not more expensive than cow milk, but also because non dairy milks are way better for health, the environment, the animals. There is no point in hosting art focusing on climate change and the environmental crisis if the local coffee shop de incentivize individuals to get alternatives to dairy. I am not against having milk on the menu I am against nudges that tend to limit non dairy product consumption and therefore increase green house gaz emissions.

What a great surprise! The food here is very good—plus some menu surprises. It’s a great blend of comfort classics and unique takes on casual dining. Try the matzoh ball soup and Ruben sandwich. You won’t be disappointed.

The museum is very much worth a visit. I wish I could say the same for the Bistro which is on the premises, but based on today 's lunch, and one earlier visit, I really can 't. I ordered the Halves lunch, and chose a market salad and the Jambon Buerre sandwich. The market salad was small but fresh. The sandwich was a small roll with a piece of ham and a piece of cheese, with a side of mustard. Hardly rates a French name! Also on the plate were a few gherkins and a handful of potato chips. This little lunch wouldn 't be so bad, but the price was $15.00. The bistro space is beautiful, I wish their menu was as rewarding.