Owens Fish Camp -Downtown SRQ - (Near Sarasota, FL)

5 /5 John: We hit Owens Fish Camp during our recent vacation and it did not disappoint. While not on the water, the ambience, covered by trees and nature while tucked away near downtown, was great. We sat outside on a warm summer night. The service was really good. We had everything we needed and yet the servers weren’t intrusive. It was our first time to Owens and they gave great recommendations on what to try. We started with the Gumbo and Crab Cake appetizers. Both were flavorful and the crab cake was over stuffed with breading. For entrees we went with Shrimp Baskets & the Fresh Catch plates with Scamp and Grouper with Butter sauces. The fresh was cooked perfectly (meaning not over) and you could taste the freshness. We ended up splitting a Key Lime Pie for dessert. Everything went well and we will certainly be back on our next trip. There’s also a mercantile shop connected to the restaurant to kill time while waiting for a table. We were there mid week and there wasn’t live music but next time we’ll try on a weekend to hear some tunes. All in all, highly recommend Owens Fish Camp for a great all-around dining experience.

5 /5 David Shaffer: We were told we would love it and the "tellers" were right! Friends told us we would love this place and they were not wrong. Lively and welcoming atmosphere with a center courtyard replete with live music on a Sunday night. Waited about 20 minutes for a table. Atmosphere is fun but loud. Be aware if you are looking for a quiet spot. Our server (Morena?) was efficient and friendly. I had a fish of the day choice "Skamp" which was explained as a fattier, high end grouper. It was buttery and delicious. The most amazing thing was my snails appetizer in garlic sauce with grits. Unbelievable! Never had anything like it. Everyone enjoyed their meals. We will return. FYI - Parking is kind of a hassle but you can park on the side streets nearby.

5 /5 Annie Malka: Owens Burns Court will not take reservations and they only seat full parties - I knew that going in. We had a large group that I was happy to seat at different tables. Outdoors has larger tables but it was darn hot when we went. 6 of us showed up - got a table right away at 5pm on a Monday. Little bit later 5 more showed up and luckily got a table right next to the other one! Then our last 2 stragglers arrived as they were driving from further away and they got seated right near us in the bar high tops area. Service was wonderful - Brandi was awesome, front of house were ingenious in suggesting the high tops at the bar so we could all be close by. Food came out super fast and hot. Everyone was served at each table together. We were trying to make a 6:30pm movie at Burns Cinema next door and had plenty of time to move our cars and get tickets. Everyone enjoyed their food - Corvina, Scamp, Trout, Crab Cake, Shrimp Salad, Jambalaya, so much more - all was perfect - and always fun. Music starts at 5:30pm and the outdoors area is super cute, when its a wee bit cooler.

5 /5 Kristen King: What an amazing dinner we had! The old Florida fish camp vibe was so fun. We got there a bit early so we browsed the store they just opened next door. Morgan was our server and she was great! Very attentive and knowledgeable about what to order. We had the triple tail fish seared and it was amazing! The hollandaise sauce was good, but we got it on the side. The fish was so great you didnt even need it. The garlic smashed potatoes were also delish. Definitely recommend the mussels as well. If youre in Sarasota and like seafood it is definitely a place to check out.

5 /5 Robert Rhodes: Excellent variety of dishes served in an interesting, eclectic location that feels like youre dining in an old friends home. This historic old house uses all the rooms, porches, patios and backyard to create a unique dining experience for everyone. Service is exceptional and the quality of the seafood is exceptional. For starters we had the snails and chorizo in wine sauce over grits appetizer that is our favorite new dish for 2025. Our mains included the cornmeal crusted catfish dinner and the "naked" fish selection of scamp. Both were rockstars for us. Live music in the backyard starts at 5:30 PM which is about the time the restaurant begins to get busy. However wait times for a table are pleasant out back where you can order a few appetizers and drinks while listening to the band to pass the time. This is definitely a destination restaurant of youre in the Sarasota area.