New rooftop bar, restaurant in Sarasota for drinks, food, golf course views

Construction has started on the new PopStroke golf entertainment facility at University Town Center in Sarasota.  The facility features two 18-hole putting courses, and a full-service restaurant and bar. Tiger Woods is an ownership partner in the business which has already opened locations in Ft. Myers and Port St. Lucie.

Construction has started on the new PopStroke golf entertainment facility at University Town Center in Sarasota. The facility features two 18-hole putting courses, and a full-service restaurant and bar. Tiger Woods is an ownership partner in the business which has already opened locations in Ft. Myers and Port St. Lucie.

Rooftop bars are very popular.

I know this because every time we write about rooftop bars, people pay attention. For example, we did an article last week on the best rooftop bars and restaurants in Florida, and it was among the most popular USA Today Network stories in the state. We did that article because our story from last year on the best rooftop bars and restaurants in Sarasota and Manatee performed very well.

Now, we have a new Sarasota rooftop bar about to premiere at PopStroke.

As reported by my colleague Laura Finaldi, Tiger Woods’ golf, dining and entertainment concept will open to the public at noon on Thursday, April 28. Located at 195 University Town Center Drive, it is PopStroke’s first two-story layout with a rooftop bar. Now, as somewhat of an expert on rooftop bars, I’m here to tell you that two stories is not exactly a staggering height.

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The next shortest rooftop bar in Sarasota, for instance, is Sage, which is on the fourth floor. Then just around the corner, you’ll find The Westin Sarasota hotel with its Roof Bar and Eats on the 19th floor. And there are much higher ones in Florida, such as Sugar, which you will locate on the EAST Miami hotel’s 40th floor.

But none of the above-mentioned rooftop bars are owned by golf’s GOAT and overlook a pair of 18-hole putting courses. Created with synthetic turf, they include the same undulations, fairways, bunkers and patches of rough akin to traditional golf courses. But don’t fear, Woods says that his 18-hole putting courses “can be enjoyed by all, regardless of age or skill level.”

So, while other rooftop bars in the area overlook impressive bodies of water like Sarasota Bay, the Manatee River and the Gulf of Mexico, PopStroke will offer vistas of people putting. Which could be very entertaining. Especially if they putt as poorly as an un-golfer such as myself.

A rendering of PopStroke. The Tiger Woods-created golf and entertainment center is opening in Sarasota by the end of the year.

A rendering of PopStroke. The Tiger Woods-created golf and entertainment center is opening in Sarasota by the end of the year.

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PopStroke features an outdoor area and a playground, too. But I’m naturally more excited about dining and drinking. There’s an impressive menu of wings, nachos, salads, tacos, burgers, hand-cut fries, sandwiches, steaks and seafood to be paired with a bunch of craft beer, wine and signature cocktail options. Plus, the menu boasts 24 flavors of ice cream.

All of these things will of course taste better while seated at PopStroke’s rooftop bar. For me, perhaps after a round or two of getting out-putted by my wife Kristin. Yeah, I’m looking forward to an evening of
drinks, food, and golf course views – in an elevated setting that shouldn’t trigger anyone’s acrophobia.

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Cheers,

Wade Tatangelo

Wade Tatangelo is the Herald-Tribune’s dining and entertainment editor overseeing the weekly Ticket publication. He’s also co-leader of USA Today Network’s Uniquely Florida team creating statewide content. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. He may be reached by email at [email protected]. Support local journalism by subscribing.​​​​​​

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: PopStroke rooftop bar, restaurant Sarasota drinks, food, golf views