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Restaurant: Libby's Cafe + Bar
Address: 1917 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota
Phone: 941-487-7300
Website: libbyscafebar.com
Recommended by: Anthony Mazzucca, NAI Manasota. Mazzucca likes the easy parking across the street at Morton's Plaza, which also serves as a good landmark to find the
restaurant.
Reservations: Suggested during season and other high-traffic periods.
Parking: Libby's shares parking with Morton's Plaza, giving it some of the easiest and most plentiful parking in the Hillview retail area. However, during busy periods, the lot gets packed quickly. Valet is another handy option.
One-hour lunch test: We arrived a few minutes before the lunch rush and were able to order just as the restaurant got busy. The server was attentive and had our food to us in roughly 10 minutes. We choose to enjoy a coffee after the lunch, but could have easily been out within an hour.
Privacy: We were seated in a booth in the middle dining room, which is generally better for people watching. For greater privacy, a booth in the second dining room, which was a bit quieter with fewer tables, would likely be preferable. The bar seating is impossible to miss from the entrance and is the least private, but a great place to see people you know. With nearly 10,000 square feet of space, the building also features private rooms for larger meetings.
Ambiance: The hard wood of the bar, mirrored booth backs and white tableclothes give the restaurant a formal but open feel. During the busier periods, it can get quite loud. The bar area looked friendly, but was empty during lunch.
Food: Described by one of its owners as “American Madness,” the food is an eclectic mix of American neighborhood fare but usually with a twist in cooking style or ingredients. For example, Libby's version of a Monte Cristo is a tempura wrap. The Kobe meatloaf, wild mushroom “Hot Pocket” and sloppy joe potato skins made with bison share space with more traditional but still colorful dishes such as grouper soft tacos. The owners and chef change the menu twice a year. The bill for two recently was about $40. For a less expensive meal, try the 5 & Dime lunch (five meals for $10, including a salad or cup of soup).
Ownership: Steve Seidensticker and his sons Joe and Patrick took over the former Fred's Restaurant in 2008. They took the premier location and sought to broaden its appeal to a more causal consumer. The restaurant is named for Steve Seidensticker's mom, Libby. One key to its success is Libby's has managed to retain Executive Chef Fran Casciato, who has crafted the menus of several prominent restaurants. He was the opening chef for Danny DeVito's DeVito South Beach and the House of Blues in New Orleans. Nearing its fourth anniversary, the family ownership now includes Steve Seidensticker's daughter Lisa.
Review date: August 2011
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