As I round the corner, I see the familiar bustle of the Libby's outdoor patio. I recognize the faces of friends. I smell the smells from the kitchen.
Libby's is our darling. A staple in the local community. Nestled in the heart of Sarasota, the restaurant and bar has been a beloved dining destination since its inception as a family-run business in 2008. Taking over the reins of the classic Sarasota dining spot known as "Fred's," Libby's quickly Libby's captured the hearts of patrons with its popular ladies' nights, daily chef-crafted specials, and weekend brunch buffets that were second to none.
Over the last 10 years, as the Sarasota area flourished into a hidden gem with an abundance of under-the-radar dining spots, Libby's recognized the need to keep up with the rapid growth. In response, the restaurant closed its doors for a year and emerged as Libby's Neighborhood Brasserie—a modern and elevated iteration that still retained the essence of its traditional roots.
The transformation was spearheaded by co-owners Joe Seidensticker and Joe Guli, each bringing their unique inspirations to the table. Seidensticker, with a passion for beautiful architecture and interior design, envisioned a restaurant that would not only tantalize the taste buds but also appeal to the eyes and senses of the guests. On the other hand, Guli, a classically trained chef with Italian and Spanish influences, obsessed over every detail on a plate, the quality of ingredients used, and the smiles on the faces of the guests as they savored each dish.
The grand reopening in 2018 marked a new chapter in Libby's journey. With its contemporary ambiance and culinary excellence, the restaurant became a fitting representation of the thriving Sarasota community. Building on this success, Seidensticker and Guli set their sights on the burgeoning Lakewood Ranch area, acquiring the smaller but equally iconic Libby's on Lorraine and University in late 2019. This expansion was a testament to their commitment to serving a broader clientele while preserving the charm and character that made Libby's special.
From the outset, the goal behind Libby's has been to create a restaurant environment where patrons feel at home, whether they visit weekly or daily. The team behind the brand has consistently innovated to keep visitors coming back through the doors. The most recent addition to their offerings is the 'Libby's Neighborhood Wine Club,' a delightful initiative designed to bring the community together over a shared love of wine and great food.
Joining the wine club is a seamless process. Patrons simply need to grab a punch card from a team member and start earning their way toward a complimentary bottle from Libby's reserve list after purchasing four bottles of wine. Wednesdays offer a special treat with half off select bottles of wine, adding another reason to make midweek visits to Libby's.
In an evolving world of food and wine, Libby's has managed to strike a perfect balance between honoring tradition and embracing change. Its transformation into a sophisticated neighborhood brasserie is a testament to the team's adaptability and commitment to staying ahead of the curve. Libby's has woven itself into the fabric of Sarasota's dining scene, evolving with the times while cherishing its roots. As Seidensticker and Guli continue to craft a dining experience that delights the senses and warms the heart, we can rest assured that Libby's will remain a beloved Sarasota destination for generations to come.
So, raise your glass and toast to Libby's—where the love for good food, fine wine, and great company converge in the most exquisite way. Cheers!
From the outset, the goal behind Libby's has been to create a restaurant environment where patrons feel at home, whether they visit weekly or daily.
