Owen's Fish Camp Downtown Sarasota

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#26 of 908 Restaurants in Sarasota$$ - $$$, American, Seafood, Vegetarian friendly

+1 941-951-6936+ Add website

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Hours

Sun

4:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Mon

4:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Tue

4:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Wed

4:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Thu

4:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Fri

4:00 PM - 10:30 PM

Sat

4:00 PM - 10:30 PM

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What is Travelers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Ratings and reviews

4.5

2,413 reviews

#26 of 908 Restaurants in Sarasota

Travelers' Choice 2024

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Food and ambience

Local cuisine, American, Seafood, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

“Be sure to order the deviled eggs.”

“The food was absolutely delicious … fried pickles, jambalaya, pad seared grou...”

“At Lucky Pelican 2 pieces of cod is 19.00 and Anna Marie Oyster bar is 2 piec...”

“... so we just stopped in for some grilled oysters, drinks, and entertainment.”

Location and contact

516 Burns Court, Sarasota, FL 34236-7030

+1 941-951-6936

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Starters

Murph's Famous Bloody Mary Oyster Shooters

A Plate Of Deviled Eggs

Oysters Rockefeller

with crab spinach and hollandaise

$12

Cedar Key Clams

with chorizo saffron broth

$12

Grilled Giant Prawns

with chili lime garlic

$12

Chalkboard Oysters Or Clams

with camp mignonette

Does this restaurant serve Romagna food?

Yes

Unsure

Details

Manage this business?

About

Located in the heart of Burns Court in Downtown Sarasota, Owen’s Fish Camp is an ode to old Florida living. From the looming Banyan tree out front, given to Sarasota developer Owen Burns by Thomas Edison, to the tire swing out back, it is a restaurant full of history and Southern Hospitality. The casual atmosphere allows guests to relax and enjoy what makes Florida so special.

CUISINES

American, Seafood

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Dinner

FEATURES

Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music

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4.5

2,413 reviews

Excellent

1,543

Very good

561

Average

181

Poor

Terrible

buckeyes46

Lakewood Ranch73 contributions

Too Loud

Jan 2020 • none

The wait is just crazy so during the season, just be sure to line up outside for right when they open the doors at 4. I am not kidding that by 4:05, the whole restaurant was seated and filled and the waits became 90 minutes immediately. Just like that ! If the weather was warm, I would recommend asking for the few tables outside or out in the backyard because the inside was just way too loud to have a conversation. We quickly gave up after shouting and losing our voice. I know it just comes with it being a small house with low ceilings but boy I would have enjoyed dinner that was a little more relaxing. On the other hand, the Jambalaya was the best I ever had and the seafood at our table was fresh and good. The person who had the fried green tomato/bacon with goat cheese sandwich said it was amazing. Our waitress was excellent and helped us out with the menu. I was worried about timing, but the food came out within 30 minutes even though we were seated with the whole restaurant at once. It IS pretty "campy" as one reviewer said it but right smack in the unique historic Burns District of Sarasota which is lovely. As a last note, the parking was horrendous. You just have to find what you can find all around the area as I did not see any parking garages. All street parking with some paid lots that looked like they were quite expensive per hour. The people at our table had to run out to their cars to feed the meter once each. I think I would try it again though because the food was great but I would sit outside and NOT go during the season.

Written January 27, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

skimny

Brooklyn312 contributions

Good fresh seafood and Southern food, fun atmosphere

Jan 2020 • couples

They have good fresh seafood and southern food. Best for us is Grilled or blackened local fish with two sides which is the market price. Mixed seafood basket was good. It was dusted not deep batter fried which make less greasy. Shrimp grits was good and so the pecan pie they recommended. The place is big but fills up quickly. They open at 4pm. First day we went 5:30pm, there was a long line. Next time we went 3:45pm, already 6-7 parties were ahead of us. It seems that you go for 4pm seating or go late for next seating around 5pm. Fun deco and very friendly service.

Written January 2, 2020

BixUS

Massachusetts543 contributions

What a fun place

Sep 2020 • none

A friend suggested we come here and it was the best advice ever. It's not evident what lies within from the outside but the old fisherman sitting by the front door (a life-like statue) sets the tone. There were many seats outside in front and behind and several were under a massive tent - which protected us from a sudden FL storm with pounding rain. The friendly and unflappable staff continued to serve us right through it all, repeated trekking into the deluge. The decor is salvage yard chic and fun. Great mussels in a buttery broth. The po' boy was not very spicy but the shrimp and oysters were fried in a tasty batter and covered with a sweet bacon jam. Blackened fish tacos had a great smokey flavor. Nice cole slaw that was neither too sour or sweet. We overstuffed ourselves with a fried cherry pie.... reminiscent of Tastykake for those who live near Philly. The bourbon peach iced tea was a very tasty and went down too easy.

Written September 3, 2020

MattS.24

136 contributions

Need a strategy to get a table

Mar 2020 • none

We had never eaten there before, since they don't take reservations and the wait is always long at the usual dinner hour. My wife and I were going to see a movie at Burns Court (across the street) at 5 PM. We went into Fish Camp and the hostess told us to sign up on the waiting list, and we should have just a short wait when the movie was over at 7 PM. At 5 PM we saw many people sitting around, anticipating a 2 + hour wait. When we came back at 7 PM: Worked even better than predicted! Got seated immediately. So maybe the "after movie" ploy is the right strategy. We sat at a small table, so being a party of two helped. Aside from the getting a table problem: I don't see what the fuss is about. The food was OK...I had fresh fish, my wife had a shrimp dish. Quality and presentation was like a pretty good New Jersey diner. That's meant as a compliment, since NJ diner food can be good. But prices at Fish Camp are well above diners. There are much better places in Sarasota for fresh fish, without the "getting a table" problem. To be fair, I noticed other reviewers commented on the music and drinks available while waiting. My wife and I missed that. If that's an important attraction of this place, maybe this review needs to be discounted a bit.

Written March 4, 2020

JeffreyF682

North Carolina Coast37 contributions

Overpriced and understaffed- Funky, dirty CHAOS.

Mar 2020 • none

Get here early as it’s a free for all. Fresh catch is way overpriced and portions are tiny. Extremely crowded and the bar only seats five. Thus with only 1 - yes, one bartender, the line is outrageously long to order a beer or a watered down version of their “Southern Sangria.” With a packed restaurant, this one bartender is handling drink orders from all the wait staff as well as the lineup at the bar. The line also includes folks ordering food to be delivered to the outside garden - one of the filthiest places one would ever think to eat food. Poorly organized system to get called when on the wait list and a table is available. Hey Owens Management! the highest profit margins are in wine and beer and one bartender during Prime Time does a disservice to your customers and your business. We would never go back!

Written March 6, 2020

Kathy M

Bradenton4 contributions

Great local place to have seafood and relax.

Aug 2019 • none

Owens is not fancy, not overpriced, it is just a great place to enjoy seafood in downtown Sarasota and you can go out back and have a drink while listing to the bands that play in the backyard-like atmosphere. I always enjoy my time there. The fish tacos are amazing!! Always a wait for dinner so get there early !

Written February 12, 2020

TravelmomFreeport_IL

88 contributions

Fun Atmosphere and Great Food!

Feb 2021 • none

We were staying Downtown Sarasota and heard Owen's had a good selection of seafood. Hoping they had Stone Crab but not for some time. We passed by at 4:30 pm and it was already crowded! No reservations are taken. We returned around 7:00 pm and were told it would be about 1 1/2 hours wait. We didn't realize it was for inside. Outside is the most fun area with picnic tables and live music where you can sit and wait or just eat outside. Husband went inside to order food to bring outside. A short wait but worth it! We had very fresh oysters, a fish sandwich and I had the fried shrimp and oyster sandwich. The flavors were very good. Reasonably priced wine and beer. I highly recommend eating here, especially outside for the music as well.

Written March 3, 2021

KAB323

Old Orchard Beach122 contributions

Fun Place

Dec 2019 • none

We went for dinner as a large group- about 10 of us. We arrived right around 5 and learned the wait for an indoor table would be several hours (maybe less if we split up into smaller groups.) We opted to sit in the backyard area instead, and had a great time. It did take quite a while to put our orders in because the line at the bar was so long- I think it took longer waiting to place our orders than it did for our food to be prepared. The food was delicious; many of us had the grouper or snapper, while some in the party also tried the steak, jambalaya, and grilled shrimp. We had a serious food allergy and many dietary restrictions in our group, and we were all able to find something good to eat. I have a shellfish allergy, making this place a clear risk, but after speaking with the staff, I felt comfortable ordering my meal and enjoyed it. As with any seafood restaurant, I was cautious about touching anything and didn't partake in the backyard games, but others in our party really enjoyed the cornhole and giant Jenga.

Written January 12, 2020

BelikinBeer

Bradenton399 contributions

Original and quaint go just fine in our digital society

Feb 2020 • none

Great seafood menu in rustic setting. A great treat for many menu items you just won't find anywhere else. Tip of the day. I know most people are not fans of early seating but this place is so popular, if you are not there by 3:45 - 4-:00 PM, you will have to wait. There is a large courtyard area for this.) FYI finding parking is also very challenging for latecomers (after 4:30PM) Some of the sides, such as the collard greens are excellent. The staff hustles and the ownership does their very best to make it all work for their guests.

Written February 24, 2020

Lovethelifehere

7 contributions

Best seafood and live music!

Feb 2020 • couples

If there is only one place to go for fresh seafood and fantastic live music in Sarasota : it’s Owen’s Fish Camp. No reservations and it’s always busy. Don’t let the crowds intimidate you. You can grab a beer and buy freshly grilled oysters in the backyard while you listen to a great band . The food is incredibly priced for such high quality fresh seafood . It is a unique dining experience !

Written February 12, 2020

Bill M

Pittsford15 contributions

What an incredible place!

Jan 2020 • family

Holy cow, Owens Fish Camp offers an incredible dinning experience! We’ve been coming down to Sarasota for more than 20 years and this restaurant is the best place we have ever eaten. The atmosphere is unparalleled and the food was even better. Prior to dinner we ordered grilled oysters. A grill was placed directly in the middle of an outdoor courtyard with a grill master expertly preparing incredible grilled oysters and shrimp. Our group of six all ordered the snapper for dinner with four of us choosing blackened and one simply grilled. The fish couldn’t have been prepared better. If you have the time you owe it to yourself to checkout their menu online. It’s one of the most interesting I’ve ever seen. We had intended to order the fried cherry pie but no one in our group had enough room for desert. We are committed to returning as soon as possible to try other intriguing menu items as well as that fried cherry pie.

Written January 9, 2020

Andrea G

9 contributions

Great Food, Even Better Backyard Scene

Feb 2020 • friends

Went for an early dinner, as we were told if your not there at opening 4:00 p.m, you will not get in without an extremely long wait. The food was excellent. We split the Red Snapper. Later in the evening we came back for drinks and to enjoy the live music that is part of their outdoor patio scene every night. The waiting line for meals was constant for the indoor seating while we were there, but plenty of folks enjoyed eating outside as well.

Written February 15, 2020

Mixa's Travels

Oldsmar4139 contributions

Great food in this hectic eatery

Jun 2020 • couples

Great food in this hectic restaurant in downtown Sarasota. With downtown Sarasota being upscale a true Fish Camp is a surprise. It is very rustic setting and even on a Monday night was hectic. Be prepared the waitstaff is terrific but prepared they will quickly both recommend and “tell” you what to order. We really didn’t have a chance to peruse the menu before they asked for order and made their personal recommendations. For us these were excellent but the manner could turn some guests off. First it is VERY rustic. Second the food is excellent. The Red Fish was perfect as was the Scampi fish. We were seated at a high top in the bar saving a 30 minute wait. It is an old house with inside and outside seating in a rustic setting.

Written June 23, 2020

cedric09

284 contributions

Old South Romance

Jan 2020 • none

Owens has been entrancing locals and visitors alike for years. Hidden away on a side street in downtown Sarasota, it looks as if it would be just as at home on a secluded creek along the river. Expect it to be crowded...it always is. Folks know that the food will be excellent and the atmosphere casual and convivial. The wait staff is anxious to suggest options...take their advice concerning the fish of the day. The menu is filled with choices, all of them worth a try. Seafood is featured, but there are many other possibilities as well. Recommended and worth a visit.

Written January 19, 2020

Andy Styles

United States3 contributions

Unique and fabulous!

Oct 2021 • none

We went to OFC on a recommendation, and were not disappointed! It's a fun little place, with a great back yard to hang out in while you wait for your table. Or you can choose from a limited menu if you want to dine out there. Our wait was not bad, just enough time to have a beer while listening to some original bluegrass music from a live trio. The food was fantastic, we had the red snapper and the pecan-crusted trout. Sides included potatoes, green beans, cheesy grits (don't sleep on these!) black-eyed peas and andouille sausuage. Our server Lauren was outstanding! She was very attentive despite the packed house. We felt the prices were very reasonable given the quality of food and experience. Treat yourself at this Sarasota gem!

Written October 21, 2021

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