Inside: Big Sugar Rum Bar

Photos:

Rum bar – this title typically evokes images of pink flamingos, turquoise waves, and frozen fruity drinks.  However, Sarasota’s Big Sugar Restaurant and Rum Bar is on a fast track to change that. Instead of tiki huts and tawdry tunes, Big Sugar is a modern, upscale and sophisticated bar celebrating great rums and Caribbean fare.

The Drinks:  Signature cocktails made from Cruzan Estate rums are not to be missed, especially during happy hour (4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily) when they are priced at $5.00 a piece.  The Blue Marlin, featuring coconut juice and blue curacao, is a delightful blend of sugary liqueur, tropical flavors, and smooth rum.  The Jamaican Me Crazy is an over-the-top sugary experience made with pineapple and cranberry juice, rum, and sour mix.  The Tropical Cooler is a crisp departure from sugar – instead of sweetness, the cocktail is splashed with sour citric flavors and bubbling soda.

The Food:  A mix of modern cuisine with Caribbean ingredients is found throughout the menu.  I ordered the Fritters 3 Ways ($10.00), which bared a close resemblance to three hushpuppies on a plate.  The three ways turned out to be a corn fritter, shrimp fritter, and lobster fritter.  The accompanying sauces, a creamy horseradish and peppercorn blend, along with a mango puree, added another level of flavor and depth to the fritters.  The Tostones and Maduros ($8.00) also came with accompanying sauces and I was grateful.  They had spent too long in the fryer and were overly crisp and dry, which made the sauces mandatory and the cocktails even more desirable.

The Décor:  Tastefully decorated with an air of sophistication, Big Sugar takes its decorating cues from West-Indies inspired living.  Raffia paddle fans rotate from the ceiling circulating the air.  Dark woods seem to match the dark signature rums offered at the bar.  Plush velvet booths and chairs are offered in the dining room.  Small palm trees sway over diners, inviting all guests to relax and enjoy themselves. 

The Crowd: Mostly singles in their late 30’s and early 40’s were present during happy hour, with plenty of open seats in the bar area.  In season, however, the Southside Village becomes a local hotspot, so expect the bar to be packed during the winter months.

The Bottom Line:  Big Sugar is a refreshing departure from Irish pubs and sports bars.  Although the food can be improved, it’s nice to see a fresh take on seafood and island flavors.  The signature cocktails are especially enjoyable and worth the trip. 

Big Sugar Restaurant & Rum Bar

1900 Hillview Street

Sarasota, Florida  34239

941-388-7679

www.bigsugarrestaurant.com

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