Food and services! Really nice people all staff friendly! Interesting place to meet for Dinner and late lunch! I will give 5 Star

jR's Old Packinghouse is a decades old mainstay with a "old Florida" feel in Sarasota, Florida. I dropped in after trying to find a local sit-down restaurant for lunch for a party of four on an early Saturday afternoon. The down home digs were homey and inviting and we chose to eat outside in the covered patio out front. The menu is interesting and varied; I'd state some of the food is county-style and some has a Cuban flair. My shrimp entree, which I chose to have, accompanied by rice and beans was very good. My daughter selected the chicken fingers and the portion was hearty and she devoured it. JR's has a special brunch menu and live music regularly so check out their website for information. Check this place out if you like charming-go frills places with great food. read more

JR's Old Packinghouse Cafe - Menu - American Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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I love dive bars and Packinghouse is the epitome with excellent food, drink and entertainment. It is old Florida out by I75 and near UTC mall. Great burgers and Cuban sandwiches but this time, I opted for the Basa Reuben. Initially disappointed when it arrived on a bun and not rye but it worked. The cup of seafood chowder preceding my basa Reuben was large, thick and with very good corn bread. Staff is friendly and seasoned. This was our first visit this season and will not be the last. read more

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We went here to see the band play last Sunday, I was excited when I saw the menu online, had no idea on a Sunday during the day they basically have burgers, hot dogs & chicken tenders, the only thing I can think of is they don't have a "regular" chef on Sundays? Glad we went for the band but wouldn't recommend to go on a Sunday during the day. read more

JR's Old Packinghouse Cafe - Here to see an old friend play! - American Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

We came here to see the band that was playing. The place was packed. It was super loud but fit the vibe. The decor is eclectic and fun. The vibe is fun. We only had the wings and soup. Soup was good wings were not. Did hear other people say how good the burgers were. The service was great. We would comeback here but try some different food. read more

JR's Old Packinghouse Cafe - Garlic parm wings - American Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Service was excellent. This place is very old Florida style. Seems a lot of regulars patronize this restaurant. Started with the chips and queso. Very good and plenty of chips. Tried the Cuban. While good, not sure it meets the billing of best Cuban in Sarasota. The slaw was excellent. I will return. read more

What is not to love? Local place great food and live music. It is our go to spot. Sometimes we are here twice a week because the music is the best in the area read more

We somewhat surprised JR with a big (20) group from my car club today. I had visited a couple of days ago to say we were probably coming but they said no problem just show up, so we did! Somewhat eclectic outside and inside but tremendous service and all my group said food was excellent. My wife and I shared a pork Philly cheese steak which was tasty and good to share; others had the Cuban sandwich, tostones, burger &c. All were good. Bloody Mary was also a hit, and we were lucky to have a live band Side 2 playing (I think they have a band most nights), but these guys (and a gal) were great. We'll be back often! read more

This is a quaint place, off the beaten path, and definitely worth the trip. We are visiting on vacation and have family that lives locally, so they took us here. We sat outside on their covered patio. They had live music inside. My husband had the Cuban sandwich, which was delicious. Apparently the bread used for a Cuban is called Midnight Bread and is made with lard. It really was the perfect bread for a Cuban, but it seemed odd to me that the pickle was on the side. Either way, it was delicious and there was still a pickle! I had the ropa Vieja and it was delicious. I'm not one for rice and beans, which seemed pretty plain to me, but the beef was delicious. I guess I'm also not one for tostones. I've never had a good one. They're always bland, just plain fried starch, kinda dry, sometimes chewy. Meh. There was only one served with this dish like a garnish. If you like them, maybe use it to scoop up the beef, rice, and/or beans. The beer was cheap and the service was excellent. I'd definitely come back and recommend visiting. We came for dinner, had two entrees and two beers and our bill was less than $50! There is a brewery across the street that our local family also loves, so maybe give that a visit after dinner at JR's. read more

JR's Old Packinghouse Cafe - Ropa Vieja - American Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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Take out for dinner today. Great dive bar with Great Food. Ordered chicken sandwich which was moist and delish, we also had a Cuban which was equally delicious. Sides: chips with salsa and a cold slaw. The only item that was not excellent was the slaw. It was dry and boring. That needs much improvement. Everything else gets a 5star. I'll be back for sure. read more

I loved the charm of this place. It's a small restaurant that makes you feel like your in a home (it might be in an old house?). We found a table that seated 6 people - there are only a few tables that do. The walls have all sorts of eclectic items on the wall. Specials for the day were posted near the door. Sadly, the jambalaya they had that day was all sold out. Instead I opted in for the Ropa Vieja and it was delicious! It was a hearty serving that came with rice, beans, plantains, and bread. The dish was absolutely flavorful and exactly what I was in search of. Others at the table had cubans and the basa (grouper like) sandwich. Everyone seemed pleased with the dish, except the cuban seemed to be missing mustard/mayo. Also to note, the restaurant has daily/lunch specials that are worth looking up. If I recall correctly, music is played several times per week if not everyday. It was a fun place to take visitors and I'll definitely be bring more guests. read more

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Was looking for a burger and beer. I ask for a local beer. The beer was excellent from across the street. Had the double burger and the first bite was a pleasure. This was one of the best burgers I ever had. read more

Great ambience and music makes this local hangout a great choice. Food is good and service is outstanding. One of Sarasota's hidden gems. Nothing fancy just good people having a good time. read more

Went there after my grandson's basketball game last night. We had four adults and 3 grandchildren. My son used to live a mile from here and used to come here quite a bit. We all used to love the Ropa Nachos. We'll we had 2 orders last night and they have really gone down hill. Half the size with hardly any meat or cheese. Of course the price was higher which is fine but half the portion at the same price,REALLY! The burgers were still good and the best things were the chicken fingers. Music is still way to loud and the singer wasn't terrible, service was good . read more

JR's Old Packinghouse Cafe - Cuban Sandwich OPC Style - American Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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Taco salad special was delicious. Picadillo, black beans, huge shell. Would eat again

Stopped by for lunch after some fun with the kiddo. Nice local spot with some old Florida feels. Food portions were huge and very tasty. Prices very reasonable. They have live music most days also. read more

JR's Old Packinghouse Cafe - Ropa burrito - American Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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Pretty rough looking on the outside but we had a Delicious hamburger here,. There is nothing fancy about this place but we had good service. Looks like a local hangout. read more

I ordered a cheese burger with bacon. It was worth it... I haven't been there in a long time but it was worth it

Just the basic but sometime that what you need. Service and food was good for our lunch stop.

Unique spot with good grub. Excellent cheeseburger and fries. also, we had the Cuban shredded pork dish and the flavors were good. We will be back. read more

If you are not a fan of dive bars and honky-tonks this place probably isn't for you. But if that's up your alley, cone on in! The burger is the real deal and so is the sagging floor! The blackened shrimp dinner is a great deal and the waitresses are snappy and sassy. They look like they can handle themselves too! We went at lunch so not sure what the night crowd is like, but there was a small stage set up for music and I would bet it kicks ass. read more

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Have you ever decided to soup up a car before ? Do things to a vehicle that everyone tells you not to do? Add things to a motor that's just not possible in most standard shops ? Well... I'm in that area. The area of Sarasota where you have to know someone who knows someone who can refer you to someone. Lots of hidden businesses in here... not advertised but referrals only. Take that as a big tip. I'm almost giving you the "keys to the kingdom" so to speak. I'm waiting for my customization to be completed. It's going to take 5 hours. I looked around and the closest place ( and within walking distance ) is JR's. I have this unique special interest in "dive" places or what would potentially be called by most people "a dive". However it MUST be special in some way. Today, Thursday, December 15th, 2022, we have a hurricane warning for this area. I'm not worried in the slightest! The food & service here is fantastic! I have everything I need. I KNOW that I'm in good hands. read more

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Bring your friends It was a spur of the moment decision to stop by Jr's Old Packinghouse Café for dinner, and a good decision it was. This is another local Sarasota restaurant with a lot of character. So much character. They also have live music most nights, the band this evening just starting up as we left. We both had their Cuban Sandwich. These were substantial sandwiches with plenty of ham and roasted pork, and cheese. While I would have preferred more pickle, I seem to say that every time I have a Cuban sandwich, so I think this means I'm wanting to tweak what is otherwise a perfect Cuban sandwich. OPC had a solution to my dilemma, the sandwich comes with a big pickle spear - lol. I believe this is a great place to eat some food, stay a while, and listen to the music. Bring your friends. JR stopped by to say hello, and even got us a container for the half sandwich my wife couldn't even begin to eat. read more

Unfortunately my first experience wasn't that good. But I am going to try it again. First of all the french fries were the soaked and grease type. Yes they were hot and flavorful but just chock full of grease. I certainly wouldn't get the french fries again. My fish dinner was pretty good. It's called Busa or something like that. The mashed potatoes well they were okay with the gravy wasn't so hot. The tartar sauce was excellent. But since I was there on an off day I guess. I will try it again and I'm going to order the burger cuz everybody seems to think the burger is really good. They had a wonderful band up there. The guitar player was on the ball. However it was way too loud. Here's what I mean based on my limited knowledge of Amplified music. It's too loud, for such a small place. For example the saxophone guy did not need it to be Amplified. He sounded fine without it. But they were quite talented musicians but needed maybe more open area. I hope this review is not a downer but I do plan to go again cuz my friends like it. And so if the burger is good I will leave a nice review. read more

This is a hard place to review. It is especially hard to give a star designation. It's a small hole in the wall and doesn't make any effort not to be. From the packed dirt parking lot to the aged outdoor decor, you know when you walk inside things like good lighting and a clean feel will be in short supply. The place is clean, so there's no need to worry that it's not. As it was a Saturday afternoon there was no music being played, there small stage remained empty. I can imagine that any one playing there would be incredibly loud as the size of the place doesn't say " live music venue". The service was what it was. No one made an effort to be pleasant, but no one made an effort not to be. I belive you'll always be treated with the mood of the day. If someone happens to be in a good mood you may se a smile. I didn't see a smile but at least no one was growling. I ordered a hamburger with fries. The burger was expensive and I didn't realize that fries are not a side either. A burger, with cheese, tomato, onion and lettuce l and 12 French fries was over $20. I only had water to drink. Besides the ridiculous cost the quality was suspect. The hamburger itself was cook perfectly, medium rare. Wasn't seasoned but the cook was perfect. The toast roll was mushy in spots and over cooked and crunched in others. Considering all you do to cook the rool is toss it on the grill for 30 seconds or so I am not how you both undercooked and burn a bun. The one piece of lettuce was limp and aged. The tomato, onions were fresh and fine. The container with my fries was placed on the cheeseburger, the cheese melting and sticking to th³wwe cardboard fries container. I did mention that to the server when the food was delivered but either they didn't hear me as I demonstrate how the cheese was stuck or they were indifferent or didn't care. I am leaning indifferent. So here we are. If I drank beer I could see this place as a fun little neighborhood dive bar with music and decent food. As someone that was looking for a good burger at a fair price for lunch, this place wasn't that. 2 stars. It is what it is. The attitude and effort will keep it what it is. read more

Delicious food as always especially the pork stuffed baked potatoes. Service w a smile and good music too

We are in Sarasota visiting my grandson and needed a place to eat. The directions took us to the back parking lot and we were like where the heck are we..... Anyway, the waitress was very kind and friendly. Our food was delivered super quick. I had the Cuban sandwich and my husband had the seafood platter. Both were delicious. Both also came with coleslaw..,which also was good. It had a tiny bit of kick to it. Not very much but a tiny bit. The restaurant looks like an old bar and that's what it is. No singing was going on so I can't give input on that! Would definitely go back. read more

Outstanding - this is my kinda place!! We heard a lot of great things about their Cuban sandwiches, so finally made it in for lunch to check it out. The hype about their Cubans was well founded - perhaps the best Cuban sandwich (I've had more than a few) I've ever had. Absolutely done to perfection, from the bread to the pickles. They have a decent amount of seating and a large outdoor area for seating as well. They seem to have live music most nights, but again we were just there for lunch. They also have a number of good beers on tap. This is a great place with great food and reasonable prices. Check it out! read more

Best Cuban sandwich ever! Tough to find but worth the search. Funky place that looks like a warehouse from the outside. Decent beer selection. Good prices on everything. The shrimp & clam chowder is so good!! My husband and I split a bowl. My husband got the burger - he liked it too. Substituted the coleslaw for the chips- yummy coleslaw and I am really picky. They have bands here too which can get loud but fun. All the desserts are homemade. The key lime pie is one of the best around. We have been here several times and look forward to returning. Skip tourist traps like marina jacks and come here for one of the best Cubans around here. Came here for lunch. Had a Cuban sandwich. So delicious. Their coleslaw is amazing. Love the beer selection. They were out of the key lime pie. We sat outside. I definitely recommend coming. Don't let the location deter you- great food!! Fun Came here for lunch on a Saturday. Sat outside on patio. Got the Cuban - delicious ! My husband and friend got the fish rueben. My husband substituted coleslaw for the sauerkraut. Very good. My friends got the peanut butter chocolate pie- very good. Will definitely be back. read more

This is a little local joint. Very authentic florida style. We drove by in r big truck looking for a place to park. Since it was Sunday... we parked at the farmers market store. Otherwise I DONT think we could have fit!! The owner has his homemade recipes DOWN!! We had both a Cuban that came with chips. It was the best we've had in a long time!! Home cooked pork roast was fabulous!!! Bf ordered a side of black beans n rice. Wow that was really great as well. I had a few bites. Nice! Then he wanted some more beans no rice. I had two more bites. They are actually good as you scoop the chips into it!! Yep we ate it any which way!! Lol. Well then we had to try the rice pudding to share. Sweet with goodness. Oh ya now..... we have all the flavors on our palate going. read more

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I like JR's a lot because of it's hole-in-the-wall character. Today, just in for lunch, so no live band as there is in the evening. Based on the menu, this restaurant is Cuban influenced, if not Cuban owned. That said, it's sad that the Cuban sandwich was weak compared to others. Specifically in Tampa. It all seemed wet without crisp bread. No Swiss cheese. Could not tell if had yellow mustard. Could not taste pickles; although, I saw one. Would definitely return and try the wings next time. read more

What a great place, food, service and vibe were awesome. The four of us had a great time, everyone was friendly and my Cuban was one of the best I've had. Can't wait to go back, read more

JR's Old Packinghouse Cafe - Cuban sandwich - American Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

When walking in it seemed a bit warm. But we found a table we thought wouldn't be bad. It only got worse. The waitress was lovely and very accommodating. After the orders we're taking, we ask why it was so warm in there. And the waitress stated , I don't think the air has been on for over an hour now. It only got hotter. Once the food arrived we were all dripping with sweat. It was disgusting! And there seem to be a larger man with dark hair walking around, standing by the bar, possibly a manager or owner. Not once did he stop by and apologize for not having the air-conditioning on during dinner. I have never had such an awful experience at dinner. Other patrons once they left were dripping with sweat as well. We should have been better sitting outside. It was cooler there. I believe this is a winter place to visit. Don't go there in the summer. I know they went through a catastrophe during Ian. And I also know that there was a huge go fund me. Received. I don't see what they did with the money I won't be back. read more

Must stop next time in Sarasota. Great food and great service from Holly. Best burger and wings I have ever had. Friends also enjoyed the taco salad and Basa fish!!!! Yep. Bass fish does exist! read more

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Unfriendly to vets with service dogs. Turned me away saying we could not enter the building. The dog was clearly naked with silver lettering on black back ground. We were told "I don't care if it is a service dog". Never a question if she was or was not. The law says that service dogs are not required to wear a vest. The police had no problem with the dog. Google it. No. The ADA does not require service animals to wear a vest, ID tag, or specific harness. Ginger was. read more

After hearing about this place for about a year we decided to give it a go. A quintessential Florida kinda bar with damn good food, drinks and service. We had the Blackened shrimp with garlic toast and split a Cuban sandwich with the upgraded onion rings. It was all good stuff and I'd highly recommend this place. Check it out and enjoy yourself! read more

This place has been one of our longtime favorites. Used to go to lunch there 25 years ago. Things have grown but they keep it simple with great food incredible atmosphere and live music. read more

Love this place! The service is always great & the food is fantastic! Music is good too!

I came on Monday, which is open mic night and was a ton of fun. Got to share a larger table with one of the guitar players and his grandson, then got to watch him play later. Terrific mix of songs from everyone and a lot of talent was in the room that night. Place was pretty packed so luckily I read the other Yelp reviews and knew to park across the street in the overflow lot that they share with Big Top Brewery. Two words to summarize this place... Yum Me This was some of the best smelling and best tasting food I have had in a while. My tablemates both had the Cuban Sandwich, which is an award winning treat that neither of them could stop raving over. I was in the mood for some of their fresh fish and our waitress recommended their Basa Filet with a side of mashed potatoes and coleslaw. She also suggested that I get it blackened and that was a terrific choice. Everything was phenomenal and fresh and perfectly seasoned. The potatoes were just the right consistency and had so much flavor...but when I topped it with a little bit of their brown gravy... WATCH OUT... cuz the party just cranked into high gear. Also sampled some of their draft beers... one was a coconut porter that was sensational and the other was a key lime wheat beer. The latter was something I would definitely not normally order but I was so glad that I tried it. Such an easy drinking yet flavorful brew and something I would order again. This was definitely MY kind of place as it was relaxed and fun and full of flavor. Leave your pretentiousness and attitudes at the door and just sit right down and enjoy yo self... read more

This is a great local place with live music on certain days. Food portions are very generous. There is nothing super fancy on the menu, typical Florida fare plus a great Cuban sandwich. Staff is friendly and courteous. read more