The Old Salty Dog reopens on City Island

The Old Salty Dog is back in business on City Island in Sarasota, five months after Hurricane Milton forced it to close down for repairs. A staff member at the restaurant says it reopened March 1.

The restaurant on Ken Thompson Parkway known for its hot dogs, burgers and seafood had to shutter following the October hurricane after waves and wind dealt a blow to the establishment. Feet of water flooded the interior, and the bar was ripped apart.

The Oct. 9 storm came about two weeks after Hurricane Helene hit in late September, inundating the restaurant, which opened in 1991, with 4 feet of water. New wiring, computer systems and kitchen equipment had all been installed before Hurricane Milton came through, YourObserver.com reported.

In the months since the eatery closed, it has fixed everything from damaged concrete slabs to the bar, which was made of an old wooden racing boat. It also backfilled some areas to address erosion. Finally, the restaurant needed to get permits from the city before welcoming back customers.

There are two other Old Salty Dog locations, both of which rebounded relatively quickly following the fall hurricanes. The Old Salty Dog on Siesta Key and the one in Venice had both reopened by mid-October 2024.