Evie's Tavern in Sarasota, Florida: Classy but a Bit Smokey

After a few weeks of it being open, I finally had the occasion to visit Evie's Tavern, a new bar in downtown Sarasota, Florida. It is located on the first floor of the new Courthouse Center building at the corner of U.S. 301 and Ringling Boulevard.

Their sign is large and colorful, and I had anticipated the bar's completion for months. It happens to be in my neighborhood, so I planned on it being a good place to stop occasionally for a pint with friends.

On the night in question, I attended a party in their second-floor V.I.P. area. The establishment seemed to have good atmosphere; there was a lot of real wood, giving the place a nice pub feel. Just inside the main doors to the bar, embedded into the floor beneath a thick piece of glass, is a flat screen television. It all seemed quite nice.

It wasn't until I left Evie's that I realized what I didn't like about it. My clothes and hair were heavy with the smell of smoke.

Apparently Evie's does not serve food, which means you can smoke inside the establishment. This is a plus for smokers but a big minus for those of us who like to snack while we're out.

In the end, it seems Evie's is geared toward the sports-watching drinker who doesn't mind the smoke. If that's you, it's a clean, beautiful bar in a great location... except for parking!