Loving my meal at Turtles! The crab bisque and fried oyster sandwich were delicious! !

This place sucks. In my experience the food has been mediocre at best and overpriced for the quality. The service is usually terrible. The decor is really cheesy and dated. It does have outdoor seating that is on the water (the inlet, not the ocean) but the view isn't really anything special at all. The crowd is mostly elderly people. Nothing wrong with that but if you are looking for something fun and happenin' this is definitely not the place. Do yourself a favor and go somewhere in Siesta Key Village or take a very short drive up to St. Armands or Sarasota where there are tons of great restaurants. read more

I joined Yelp just to give this restaurant a good review. So comfortable and has a great view and patio!

Several critical reviews here but our experience was great! Stopped for late lunch after some beach time. Was not crowded and we enjoyed sitting on the deck overlooking the bay. Service was prompt and friendly. The Turtle Salad featuring grilled shrimp was as pleasing to the eye as the taste buds. It came with an Italian dressing on the side and I was glad it was on the side - didn't use though I did taste (just ok). The oranges, mango & hearts of palm added enough flavor & moisture that no dressing was needed. My husband had the blackened grouper which he said has a nice kick to the spice. We'd go back! Probably next time as this vacation is running out :( read more

My first trip to Turtles tonight. It was a nice time. The waitstaff greeted us, brought waters, took the drink and appetizer orders. She brought back the drinks and some rolls. Took our orders for dinner. The dishes were varied and everyone was enjoying dinner. One person ordered the fish and chips and midway through the meal said the piece tasted like chicken. Another at the table tasted it and agreed it tasted like chicken. He tried another piece and it also tasted like chicken and then the last piece tasted like fish again. We flagged the waitperson and told her that he'd gotten a chicken tender in his dish and she smiled and said congratulations. Then when the second piece tasted like chicken she sent the manager over and he said he'd consulted with the chef and was assured that it was fish. He said that Mahi Mahi will sometimes have the consistency of chicken. These were fish stops very much like chicken tenders would be. So if you don't like chicken tenders refrain from the fish and chips. I was surprised they offered more fish or a desert. When we declined the manager said thank you and walked away. read more

Been here a few times now. Keep hoping against hope that the food will get better, but it's just not happening. Tonight we had the crab stuffed mushrooms (4) that tasted oddly vinegary, clam chowder that was more like potato soup, fried grouper & chips and the shrimp and crab au gratin. Grouper was meh and portions for both were real skimpy. The au gratin was no way real crab. Tasted like imitation crab and the 4 tiny shrimp were hard and seemed to be from a can. Avoid that one. On a prior visit we had the potato crusted halibut and it was good. Way too many other good options for your dinner dollar though. They DO have a great view.... read more

Been here several times for happy hour and appetizers from a boat....actually went the first time for a sit down dinner w the family and it was HORRIBLE....half the food inedible, service crazy slow, management kinda B rate...stick to happy hours...little pizzas decent, bar tenders nice! read more

Again another waterfront restaurant that brings in frozen fish....unreal. Stay as far away as possible. This is the ultimate tourist trap !!!! read more

My Husband said that this used to be a great place to eat, and was ashamed that he took me here, because the food was cold, and not fresh. We were sat down by the bar even though we wanted to eat outside. There were plenty of tables to be seated outside that were open, so we did not get the waterfront dining experience that we were going for, and the bad food on top of that just turned us off. I'm not a picky eater, and can eat cold beans straight from a can not blinking twice, so that explains the taste of the food. We were seated by the bar, while the waitresses, and bartenders were loud, goofing off (to put it nicely) , as if we weren't even in ear shot. Only one waitress was busting her behind to serve, while everyone else was standing around, and I felt sorry for her. I wanted to tip her just because she was doing her job, and she wasn't even our waitress. We will never eat at Turtles again. read more

Stay away. Sat us at table that hadn't been cleaned and food strewn on floor. When we asked hostess if we could get area swept up she shot us a dirty look.... and never cleaned up. We ordered food but after waiting one and a half hours we decided to cancel and get the hell out of there. Can't imagine a worse way to spend an evening while on vacation. read more

I have been a Sarasota resident since 1979. Having frequented many fine restaurants in the area, I felt compelled to post a negative review to assist others using Yelp to avoid what would probably be a very disappointing experience. My wife and I arrived for the Sunday brunch to a very slow restaurant and a waitress who seemed both unprepared and disinterested in helping with our order. She needed my assistance in properly completing our choices. Shortly after ordering, my order of blueberry pancakes and eggs arrived with a cold, dry, small pancake. More frustrating still, was my wife's splurge for the cheese omelet with crab meat ($5 extra). She discovered a Cold, unmelted piece of swiss cheese on top of an equally cold lump of crab inside her omelet...barely cooked. On bringing this promptly to the attention of the manager of the restaurant, I was surprised how little he seemed to care. With an equally detached and unsympathetic manner, he sent both orders back to try again. He really seemed that he could care less. Though the second attempt at the pancake seemed somewhat better, My wife's vegetable side turned into bacon and the cheese omelet with crab was missing the crab entirely. Through all of this, the waitress was missing in action. She showed up once to bring a glass of water. Not being one to make a scene, I chose to pay the bill (including the $5 extra for the crab meat that wasn't there) and leave. Though this establishment has had a loyal following for years, it's present management seems to have forgotten how to satisfy its patrons. With so many fine food establishments in the area, you would be strongly advised to look elsewhere for that special meal out with your family and friends. read more

Ordered the grouper blackened. Tasted like frozen fish. Starting to wonder if any siesta key restaurant serves fresh grouper. Kids ordered the clam chowder which was tasteless. Margs for happy hour might be the worst tasting drink I have been served. Wife had the house carafe white wine which came with matching bugs in carafe and her glass. Again, another wasted meal. Am I really this close to the ocean? I feel like I am being served frozen sticks every meal. read more

Meager portions for main course. Grouper was very thin. Grilled Shrimp were great, as was the Fish Bites app. Sandy at the bar was great! Nice patio over the bay - right across from the beach on the gulf side. Wonderful sunsets. read more

Service was a little spotty but the food was outstanding. We had the pecan chicken, blackened grouper, and potato crusted halibut. All were done exactly right! One of us had beef. Even though I would never order beef outside of Chicago, it was done exactly right!! All in all, really good food. I would recommend it without question. read more

Came here a couple times with my parents in 2003 and really enjoyed the happy hour specials...It seemed to me then that it was kind of in a time warp (disco music and such in the bar) but the outdoor tables are right on the bay and the food prices were amazing. Went back in tonight with my husband and a lot has changed! The patio had been totally redone as has the menu, seemingly. It seems a little fancier outside than I remembered it but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. I had a strawberry daiquiri and my husband had the Patron margarita. At first I thought mine was too sweet but it grew on me. We'd missed the happy hour by about five minutes which kind of sucked. Husband got the "shrimp fest" scampi linguine which he said was good but a tad too creamy. I had a shrimp skewer which was not on special but quite tasty. I love the warm rolls and real butter. We couldn't handle dessert this time but I think we'll be back for happy hour another night this week to enjoy the great views of the bay and maybe even try the little tiki bar area. Note: A Siesta Key supplement ad for Turtles claims the happy hour ends at 7 while Turtles menu says it ends at 6. Which is it, Turtles?! read more

My family and I ate at Turtles tonight. Of everyone at my table all but my dad rated it a 3. My dad ate the salmon and said it was a 5. I had a bacon cheddar burger that was mediocre at best. It smelled funny and the cheese tasted off. My hubs and mom had the shrimp and said it was good but the serving portion was too small especially for the price. The parking was very limited and we had to park up the street. My mom who is handicapped had an extremely difficult time getting to the table as it required her to go up a stair and down a stair. I honestly couldn't see how someone in a wheelchair could even get to a table at all without going up that stair. There was only one handicapped parking space outside. Not handicap friendly for sure. The service was pretty slow but in their defense it was very busy. The place to sit for sure is outside overlooking the water, but there was a half an hour wait to get outside. The place cleared out considerably after happy hour was over so go later rather than earlier unless going for happy hour. Sitting inside was pretty close quarters as the tables are very close and it was very crowded. I think we would have enjoyed it more if we sat outside. The atmosphere was fun just a little cramped. Not a great place and I doubt I would ever return. read more

Interesting restaurant. Lots of older folks and the early bird special seemed to be the hit of the night. Food was really good and the view from the deck is great. Very helpful staff but parking was a little bit sparse. Take the trolley of you are going from the north side of the island. Very different than most of the other tourist type restaurants in town. I'd go back for the stuffed shrimp. read more

Wanted to eat on the water for our Anniversary. We had Shrimp Cocktail and was very good and also I ordered Oyster Casino. I would pass the next time on the Oysters Casino, I didn't care for the mixture with pickles. I ordered the Shrimp and Crab Au gratin, it was full of fake crab and was unappealing. My wife got the Baked stuffed shrimp, the Stuffing was like celery mixture that was unappealing. Service was very good, Nice location and friendly staff and clean restaurant. read more

Totally hit up the $2.99 happy hour appetizers! AWESOME! Knocked down calamari, boom boom shrimp and chicken, as well as nachos, clam cake and fried avocado. (Not just me, we were a party of 5) Pleasantly surprised by all! So much that we decided to split some meals too. Burgers were good, but could use a bit of seasoning. The crab/shrimp au graten was really good. (Potatoes were just okay.) Would recommend! read more

Service was terrible . No silverware or water. Waitress came by table only twice. Served entree first with salad and soup.

I remember why I haven't been here in 10 years...the food stinks. How can you be on the water and not even make good burgers and fish dishes? Teach your chefs how to cook. Place needs a renovation too. Stuck in the 90's. Staff was friendly but food needs help...a lot of help. Won't go back...too many other options. read more

Visited a few days ago and wanted to try a place with a "view". This place had a semi obstructed view and that was ok. However, the biggest issues were with the service and quality of food. Although our server was very nice the greeters were barely audible when they did show up to take you to your seat. Many people walked by while we waited at the door with no acknowledgement of someone would be with us shortly or anything. The food is average at best. The rice was mushy. The Caesar Salad dressing was watered down and unlike any I've had before. The servings were rather small except for the pasta dishes. Service is extremely slow and for the most part very unfriendly and unhelpful. Dishes were dirty as well. I tried this place even after reading the reviews here, but it isn't a place I would go to again. read more

nice relaxing patio on the water, yummy nachos- haven't ever tried anything else!

I guess everyone has something to complain about in life, but I don't have anything to complain about when I refer to Turtles. I loved the old Florida look, and I am so happy that everyone was laid back. It was our vacation and our last night at the beach, and I just wanted to savor the last moments there. If you want fast food you should go to a drive-thru for heavens sake. Just kick back and enjoy looking at the beautiful waterway. My fried shrimp were delicious. Our server was very nice and accommodating. Our family had a great meal and a great time. It is easy to get in and out of if you have a disability. You can pull the car right up to the door and let someone off at the ramp. read more

Tried this restaurant the other evening. Stuffed shrimp was good but ordinary. Expected more. Service was outstanding. Wish the food rated as high as the service. read more

Went to dinner after the sunset and arrived at 7:45 pm on a Tuesday, February 28. We were immediately seated and our server was attentive. I had the crab stuffed Mahi Mahi (sizeable portion) for $22 and my wife had lobster (4 oz tail) with four stuffed jumbo shrimp for $27. Meal came complete with a good veggie mix, mashed potatoes, and bread. We both ordered the side salad ($2.50 extra each) and it was made with romaine and a nice portion. We each had a glass of wine. Bill was $70. We sat on the deck for dinner, and not a single bug and the temp was perfect. Their outdoor lighting set the perfect mood for the dinner. Definitely a Thumbs Up. read more

Everything was great. We came here last year while on vacation and we came back this year for the brunch on Sunday's. The meal was great with complimentary mimosa. The view is beautiful. Only downfall, we sat outside.. And we had to ask for a waiter to come out. He was rather slow, tables around us had their waiter come out multiple times before we saw ours. Also, getting us our change was slow as well.. Kind of frustrating but all in all it was a good experience. Food is great. read more

We had a recent late lunch there: ahi tuna, turtle salad, crab cakes. Everything was delicious, and service was excellent. However our server told us that items that listed crabmeat did not include real crabmeat because of the low price. Rather it was pollock. Can a restaurant list crabmeat but substitute something else? read more

We were very disappointed with our visit today! The food , service, and presentation was marginal at best! oh, and overpriced for the quality and quantity of food. For $18 I received 4 very small sea scallops and cold vegetable, the wine sauce was bland! Our waiter seemed to disappear and other staff members had to fill in. There were very few cars in the parking lot and that should have been a big clue too leave and find another place. Too many restaurant choices in Sarasota to put up with this again! read more

Absolutely horrible service and horrible food. The wait staff was rude and acted inconvenienced. Would not give my son a hot dog because he was over 12---really? Also they have an "crab au gratin " meal on the brunch that is filled with "imitation crab" seriously?! You're in Florida and you're surrounded by water and you use imitation crab meat? The meal literally came with a spoonful of some potato concoction. Horrible. The cheesy restaurant caters to rude, old, cheap, locals who add to the extremely unfriendly environment. If you have kids, don't go here. A very unfriendly environment for children and once again caters to rude, penny pinching locals who don't mind horrible fake food. read more

"I enjoyed everything about my meal" says my wife, and I agree. Great view on the water. For all that earlier reviews complain, our food was great. My wife had mango kiwi chicken, which was amazing. My fried shrimp was quite good. Even the kids' menu mac and cheese was delicious. The servers were quick, and engaging with both our kids and those at the next table. We will certainly be back next visit! read more

Terrible service. It took our group three hours once arriving (from 8-11pm). They were unapologetic and not nice at all, forgetting orders and ignoring us... ugh just, not a good experience and I never write bad reviews but I thought this needed to be written. read more

Awful service, no checking on quality of food, no check on accuracy of returned orders, steaks way overdone, not worth the deal of 1986. Three folks at my table were sick after this meal. The place had a wedding party served family style but it seems like that could have been better planned for read more

We had a wonderful experience here! There is a small spot of sand by the water that we docked our kayaks on and walked up to the restaurant. We had a very friendly server and the atmosphere was gorgeous, right on the water with fun music playing. Our cocktails were delicious, but the food.....was AMAZING. BEST FISH TACOS I HAVE EVER HAD, EVER. The fish tacos were not staple fish tacos, they had such interesting flavors, and tasted like something someone put a lot of time and energy into. I would definitely come here again! read more

The place has a nice deck area overlooking the water. I give it 3 stars because my wine was clearly watered down. I ordered Merlot and it looked pink. Service was slow. Food was okay but nothing special. I had a clam chowder it was very average. Coco shrimp was good. I also had a grouper-it was okay. read more

Awesome location right on the bay, very good food as well. If you are looking for a a casual meal with great food & great location give Turtles a try! read more

We were out on the water and made a decision to go to Turtles to avoid a rain storm and watch some Sunday football. We didn't realize that they had a $9.99 brunch deal including an adult beverage. We sat at the bar, had a great view of the water, an excellent bar tender and the food was terrific. My husband got the Snapper New Orleans with sauteed veggies and au gratin potatoes, while I had a chicken BLT - both meals were excellent. Great value and welcoming environment. read more

Nice outdoor dining area. Food is just OK. Brunch on Sunday morning off season is a nice experience. Wife likes to go there for the view and the Mimosa's with brunch. I would not go there during season as the place is small and as I understand very busy during season. read more

Sorry to say we will not be returning to Turtles. The service last night (12/27/15) was awful. One of the entrees arrived only after we had to ask for it. We asked for all the food to be taken off the bill but the manager in charge still charged us for one meal. Frankly, I'm glad they reacted poorly to their mistake. The place was nothing special but in the past they had good special deals and good service. Good bye Turtles! read more

I was excited to return after many years being away from Sarasota. The location is great and sitting outside by the water was so relaxing. We went during Happy Hour Specials which was a good thing. The Bay Breeze I ordered was excellent so hats off to the bartender. The waiter, Patrick was a doll. Always there when you needed him. He even came and gave another drink without having to hound him. I got the Salmon but is was overdone by about 1 or 2 minutes which is a shame because I love salmon. Plating was not that impressive as it looked like my mother was serving the meal at home. A little more attention on the plating might have made the salmon a little more tolerable. When mentioning it to the waiter he was so kind and brought a complimentary turtle pie. That was nice. Prices were good, services great, location great, food prep and delivery needs a little work. I will come back and hopefully they will revisit the way the prepare food and plate it. :) read more