Very disappointed. The shrimp was ok and the crab legs were good, but the sausage was meh! The topper was this: My daughter ordered the cheese and pepperoni appetizer. They asked which kind of the cheese and she chose cheddar. They bring out a block of cheese with a knife sticking out of it and a pepperoni stick. Really? You cant cut it up yourself and serve it like any other place would? She also ordered the red pepper hummus and chips. No lie, it was Boar's Head Hummus. How do I know? The put the store bought package in a basket of chips on top of its lid. Totally would not recommend this place. I am not even sure I can give it one star. read more

I've been in here a few times in the past, and have been generally pleased with service, and food quality. It's nothing special, but always got the job done. After my latest visit I will not be returning. I was in with some friends, and were placing a large food order. The food came out quickly which was great. The oysters were fresh, and tasty...but that was it. The crab was tiny, and overcooked, their special Monkafeller oysters with garlic, and parm were almost inedible, and the peel and eat shrimp were not properly deveined. The server asked how everything was, and we replied we weren't totally please and listed the reasons why. We did not send any food back, and had full intentions of paying for our order despite the fact we didn't think it was prepared to their standard. The server became combative with us, and within an earshot muttered an explicit slur directed towards a friend of mine. That lead to tempers flaring, and getting out of control. I used to be a server, and I understand what a rude or irate customer looks like. This simply was not the case. REGARDLESS of how a customer reacts, irrational or not YOU NEVER BECOME COMBATIVE AND CURSE AT YOUR CUSTOMER. This guy should be removed from the service industry as it is clear that he is not interested in providing a great customer experience. Brown hair, beard, mid-late 30's, 5'9". I regret leaving a tip for this person as he did not earn one, but I didn't think it was right for his co-workers to be punished. In retrospect I should have abstained from leaving a tip as he clearly was not interested in earning one. Be better Monks. read more

I wanted to like this place, I really did. I loved the divey feel and the idea of them steaming the food for you right at the bar BUT the delivery wasn't there. I ordered the snow crab and the 1st cluster of legs I had to really work to get them open and let me tell you, normally I can break them by hand and pull out the meat whole, if they are done correctly. Never needing the cracker or seafood fork. Not this time and then when I did get the pieces of meat out, they were very salty. That tells me that whatever they use to steam them was over salted. No one wants over salted crab legs. When I got to the cluster of meat that is the "shoulder" area or where the legs connect to the body, it was completely cold. On both clusters while the legs were hot?!?! How does that happen, unless the clusters weren't completely unfrozen. Again, no one wants to eat ice cold crab when they ordered it seemed. The 2nd cluster of legs did crack better but having consistency in food is important too and it was still very salty and the "shoulder" was also cold. Sadly, I won't be returning. With the price of seafood, it's an expensive "try" to give a place again that should know their stuff, too many misses on one dish alone. I will say, Pineapple, our bartender was great! read more

3/27-sat outside. Service was outstanding. No displayed prices on draft beer and found out that a Big Top Amber Ale cost $10, while wine was $8 a glass. Not sure that I ever paid more for a draft beer than a wine pour in Sarasota. Food was OK. Did not receive an itemized bill when paid and I am not happy when restaurants do not share it. Not our type of food and beer is way too expensive to return. read more

Great food and great service! This local place that has a limited menu of steamed and raw seafood.

We've been to Monk's Steamer Bar in Gulf Gate about 4-5 times. Gulf Gate is a groovy, eclectic neighborhood in South Sarasota. It's pretty close to Siesta Key. So, it is a neighborhood bar, a sports bar, and they have a seafood market and serve simple seafood. I noticed that there are a few reviews mentioning the hummus platter and giving poor reviews because they said "it is a bar with steamers." Obviously these individuals do not eat or order oysters - which is the main item to get at Monk's. This is like going to McDonalds and ordering the salad in a cup without dressing instead of a Big Mac or McNuggets and complaining that McDonalds salads aren't that great. Yeah sure, buddy. Monk's have had consistently the best, most reasonably priced oysters we've had in our area (SW Florida - Sarasota to Ft Myers) in the past year. These guys are right out of the box, they continuously bring them out all night, and if you like raw oysters and want good, fresh ones for less than $3 each? I advise Monk's! We have rarely had anything not good at Monk's, and since they are smart and have a short menu of simple things they do perfectly, then why would you order HUMMUS? I'm pretty sure it is on the menu for people who do not eat seafood. That's it. Do not downgrade this amazing RAW BAR (do you know what a "raw bar" is dude?) for that. People do not go to raw bars to eat hummus. That said, we think the oysters (raw) and peel & eat shrimp are the best. Mussels, great value, like a massive tray for less than $10. Prices great, it is a full bar if you're into it, good beer choices, ambience for you sports fans, oyster-eating pigs like ourselves, and a pretty nice range of clientele. What's not to love? Oh! and the staff are friendly, upbeat, super hardworking, and really do a great job. I'd also like to note there are people who say they are only friendly to locals and indicating there is some type of racial bias: my husband and I are not snobs and we're from pretty far south of this area, we are not locals. We have seen all types, ages, and ethnicities of people in this location, all served and treated very well and we have always been treated fantastic by the staff - fyi. read more

I can't say enough great things about this place! My husband & I have been visiting Monk's every time we come to the area on vacation over the past 12 years. We make it a point to visit at least twice on each trip. Raw Oysters, Oysters Monkefeller, steamed clams, steamed, mussels and steamed crawfish.....we've tried the entire menu. Staff is fantastic, drinks are cold and great. Lots of TV's to watch sports all around the bar. Outside seating as well if you are so inclined. If you love a SPICY Bloody Mary, ask these guys to give you the hookup. I try Bloody Mary's at various establishments everywhere I go and they have one of the best! I love mine with lots of pepper, horseradish and hot sauce and Monk's serves them up just like that! Munchies 420 is across the street & you can get monster sandwiches from there if you want something more than seafood to fill your tummy. read more

Monk's Steamer Bar - Raw Oysters @ Monks - Sports Bars Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Oysters were fantastic. Service was super friendly. This seems more like a locals dive bar with unassumingly good seafood. Jumbo shrimp was good too. Also they have a limited menu so very no frills. Good food but I just wish you didn't have to order pounds of seafood with every order... just so much darn food. read more

Monk's Steamer Bar - Sports Bars Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Muscles muscles muscles. You can't get a better deal than 2 lb of Mussels with a killer garlic broth and Ron butter. Doesn't get much better than that everything on the menu is excellent but that is a standout at all times anytime. read more

Best oysters in Sarasota hands down. Yes it's a bar but they have quality oysters in Sarasota. Bartenders are the best!!!!

Fabulous place for great seafood!!! Staff is friendly and fun! Sat outside which was perfect for our girls day out! A lot of bang for your buck!! So worth the trip!!! Samantha is the bomb!!! read more

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Came here for the first time last night. It was ok not the best seafood I've had down here. Shrimp was good and in a good sauce. But the crab legs were super salty. Not so sure I would go back. read more

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I'll start by saying my last experience was with fried oysters and they were disgusting! I was hesitant to try so I ordered peel and eat shrimp which were delicious. I tried the oysters monkafeller and I have been craving more every since!! The only issue seemed to be that everyone must have ordered at the same time, middle of the day because it took a long time to get our food. We will definitely be back though. read more

They are known for their amazing raw oysters and oyster monkafellers which are freshly shucked when ordered! The atmosphere & staff is very friendly and neighborly, which is a plus! We were here visiting for a long weekend and heard of this place from several locals and we weren't disappointed! It's a must try!! read more

Monk's Steamer Bar - Sports Bars Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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I love the shrimp with a nice baguette to soak up the butter & seasoning. Never liked oysters until we had theirs. To die for! Must try! Buy the shirt. read more

Another case of ' why did it take me so long to get here ' but also ' maybe it's a good thing this isn't a bit closer because I'd be here every single week .' My cabinet guy friend mentioned it , abs the electrician overheard and said to go . So we went - unfortunately on a weekday for lunch not knowing they're not open then - do we suffered second best at Food & Beer around the corner - it was just alright . So we went back and got a booth - nice young server woman . Can't recall her name but she's very sweet . We started w the seafood bisque which is only one size - very tasty . Could have used a bit more of that seafood but hey . We then got the monkefeller oysters . Oh yeah - a nice option for those who don't do the oink oink bacon that's always in oysters Rockefeller . These were inhaled by us and gratefully washed down w cold local Motorworks lager . Good stuff - a nice few tasty craft options on offer on draft is always a good thing. Then came the two pounds of large buttery Old Bay shrimp abs happy happy campers these lads were! Simple, fresh , steamed seafood offerings . Going back to get busy with their mussels and clams , etc. sorry it took so long but glad to get on back too. read more

Mostly locals, not very open to outsider and especially to people of color! Soft Steamed Oyster(okay). read more

Been here more than a dozen times since stumbling across this place about 8 months ago. Let me begin by saying this is NOT a restaurant. It is a dive bar with a very limited food menu (mainly raw shellfish and shrimp). The best oysters I have ever eaten (including from the cold north) I have had are at Monks and they are from Louisiana. Some, are as huge as chicken thighs and are ice cold. They are shucked right in front of you and are a bargain at $21 for a dozen. They also have their own creations of Oysters Rockefeller called "Monkafellers." They are simply delicious! They also serve fresh peel and eat shrimp or 2lbs. of hot seasoned and steamed shrimp for $29. A hot dog with chips for $6, steamed clams, crab legs and an off the charts homemade chocolate, peanut butter dessert. We have always sat at the bar and the service is always friendly and good. From time to time you'll here the bartenders shooting off expletives as they banter back and forth between themselves. Yes, it's that kind of place. So, please don't stop by with the expectations of being waited on hand and foot or if you're searching for cloth linen table service. This is not that type of place. Just a cool, dark bar with excellent seafood, friendly hit or miss service and average drinks with a juke box that you can program to play the music you like. Stop by and give them a try, you won't regret it. read more

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Great staff, award winning food and just a fun place to be! Found the place by word of mouth and have Ben telling everyone I know that's going to Siesta Key to check it out---haven't heard a negative comment from those I've told!!! read more

Will definitely be back. Is a sports bar with some inside and outside seating, was a little hard to park on a Saturday night. Boarders on a dive bar, but a little better. They looked to be a little short staffed, but the waiters hustled and the service never really suffered. They were busy and the food was a little slow coming out, but was totally worth it. We ordered the 2lb of mussels, which were out of this world delicious. I don't know where they are getting them from but they were plumb, juicy and in a great butter sauce. My husband ordered 2 lbs of crawfish, which were also good. I had 1 lb of snow crabs which were cooked perfectly. A couple of notes. They don't have any sides, it's just the steamed seafood. Which I thought might bother us, but we didn't care cos the seafood was so good and we where totally full, even struggled to finish. They have a nice beer selection too. They cook behind the bar so no kitchen. The bathrooms were very clean, important to some of us. read more

Monk's Steamer Bar - 2lbs. Mussels - Sports Bars Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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Low key vibe but delicious raw bar. Everything on the menu is delicious. Very friendly personnel as well.

The BEST seafood my husband and I have ever had the pleasure of trying and we try A LOT of different places! We heard amazing things from the locals and decided to try it on our last night here, soooo worth it and we will definitely be coming back anytime we are here in Sarasota. The team working here was great as well, we had an amazing time! Can't wait to stop by many more times over the years. read more

Monk's Steamer Bar - Black Mussels, 2lbs. Jumbo P&d Shrimp, Snowcrab Legs, Dozen Raw Oysters - Sports Bars Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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We've lived in Sarasota for a year and a half now and I'm glad we decided to give this place a try (based on yelp reviews). I got the jumbo shrimp and it was fabulous. The garlic butter/old bay was tasty. The shrimp were already peeled and deveined. My son and husband shared 3 lbs of snow crab legs and they were meaty and steamed to perfection. Hubby also got 1/2 doz gulf oysters. He seemed happy with them (I don't eat oysters). "A Bomb" (the server) was funny, attentive and informative. It was great to see the teamwork from the other servers and bartenders also. We will definitely return. My only regret is not finding this place sooner! read more

1 word - Monkfellas!!! Just like the name says, this is a steamer bar. While you are sipping on your favorite suds, the bartender will shuck your oysters. Let's talk about oysters for a minute shall we?!! Fattest beautiful oysters. I didn't get lucky, it's standard. Their oysters are really nice. The Monkellas are steamed on the half with garlic butter and wait for it.... mounds of Parmesan!!! What can I say? The soft steamed oyster, the brineyness of salt water mixed with the garlic butter and parm cheese. The fresh flavor of the ocean and washed down with an ice cold one. 1 more word, fantastic. This is a local joint and I'm glad I found it and the surrounding village. Five stars to this place. read more

Monk's Steamer Bar - Sports Bars Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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I have only been there once, but the experience was very satisfying. Based on my last dining experience here, the oysters or excellent, and the bar service friendly. read more

Food, service and the atmosphere are all great been goin there for years. No complaints

The bartender only cares for the local people! Went there with 7 other guests found this place not the best! The Crabs were so Salty unbearable. No Potato or anything but crackers lol . Just a seafood place so don't expect any vegetables or starch. This place is just for locals, since they don't care for newcomers was treated like I should of not been there. Food was just okay not the best! read more

Monk's seafood was some of the BEST seafood I've ever had!!! So fresh, delicious and priced right. Go to Monk's NOW to get this seafood, you will not be disappointed. Extremely attentive service from our server, bartender and cook all in one. Just wish I lived locally so I could go back again and again! read more

Monk's Steamer Bar - Cajun Crawfish, Dozen Peel & Eat Shrimp, Snowcrab Legs, Oysters Monkefellas - Sports Bars Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Consistent, great monkafellers oysters...a MUST have. Wonderful service. Once you start, it's hard to stop and not dine in again and again! Great bar service as well. read more

Whenever we go to Monk's we have a blast. They have a great selection of songs on their jukebox and a great selection of beers. I did not know how good their food was until we went last time and I was hungry, so I tried their oysters lightly steamed. Those were the largest and most flavorful oysters I have ever had! If you are in the mood for a good beer and some great fresh seafood in a drama free environment, this is the place for you. read more

Monks is loosing ground. We usually drive from Bradenton for their Oysters. But this is the second time we we're disappointed . It's probably seasonal. Hmmm. read more

Great place for freshly shucked oysters, mussels, and peel and eat shrimp. Service is quick and friendly.

Ok, it's a steamer bar.....it's a sports bar......it's a dive bar.... It's the BEST STEAMER/SPORTS/DIVE BAR! Well, in the area - and boy does Tampa need this concept. So, you just can't help but have a good time, have the best steamer offerings.....you gotta have the Monkefellas.....the best steamed, done up oysters (in the world!).... The bartenders are beyond friendly - they are crude - in the most fun way....Pineapple, Ryan.......a couple others we call by "HEY!" The locals are friendly - last time some guy bought a round for the whole bar....we still don't know why, but hey! It's a trek, but well worth the ride! Great times! Great food! Great company! Great drinks! What else do you need? Just awesome. And awefully yummy! read more

May not look like much from the outside but oh my! The "Monkefella" Oysters are amazing! Be sure to get an order. Overall environment is laid back, simple and easygoing. The front patio is large and parking is right there. Great experience and fresh food! Prices were ideal and we'll be back. read more

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We were hesitant in going in when we parked the car. My wife said let's give it a try. We sat at the bar and a pleasant welcomed by the Jack the bartender who also had taken our order. I ordered the Combo Plater that was loaded with clams, mussels, crawfish and crab legs I just about finished it. It was tasty & delicious. My wife had scrimp order that had 2 pounds of shrimp she couldn't finish it, we taken the rest home. The food was awesome and the service was superb. You are entertained if your sitting at the bar. read more

I loved the friendly and attentive servers but expected some local seafood options and there were none. The seafood combo was fun but not so great, except for the mussels which were exceptional. If you're looking for a nice bar with edible snacks this is a good choice. Ignore the high reviews if you're looking for good seafood. There are many better options in the area. read more

Really enjoyed this place. Great staff, great simple concept. Everything is raw or steamed right at the bar. We had crab legs, a dozen peel and eat which come in a delicious Cajun seasoning and the "monkified" steamed oysters which are a must have. They are steamed with a delicious Parmesan topping, a dab of hot sauce and it's a fantastic bite. Disappointed we only found this on our last night. This is a great, no frills place to watch sports, hangout, and have awesome seafood bites. read more

Good seafood that was fresh and cooked well! Their sides aren't too great but the cold beer makes up for it! Pretty much bar food with good seafood! read more

FABULOUS!!! Fun bar....Great Food. The fresh and steamed seafood is excellent and the drinks are good. Not a wine place ... NO WHINING! GOOD JUKE. GET A BAGUETTE AT THE NEARBY PUBLIC'S. THE GARLIC BUTTER AND HERB SAUCE ON THE SHRIMP IS SO GOOD YOU'LL WANT TO SOP-IT-UP. PRICES ARE GREAT... BUT CHANGE WITH THE "MARKET" ...CHECK THE CHALK BOARD. GOOD ICE CREAM FOR DESERT ACROSS THE STREET. read more

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There no way the place should have nearly 5 stars. Absolutely misleading. We tried oysters, shrimp, crawfish, etc. the ONLY item that was good and was really good was the seafood bisque. It must have stars because of the bar-like atmosphere???. Everything LOOKed just like pictures show but I don't know what seasoning was on the crawfish. Or the steamed shrimp.. utterly disappointing as far as food goes. I'm going to go get a McDonald's burger now. I never bash any place in to top it off the service was so strange. They definitely didn't want US to come back. Maybe it's going through hard times.. read more