Voted a finalist for best Cuban sandwich by USA Today and awarded the No. 1 Reader’s Choice by the Herald-Tribune for lunch and dinner specials in 2022, JR’s Packing House is celebrated for affordability, quality, and entertainment. Located at 987 S. Packinghouse Rd., JR’s is open Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Sunday, noon-6 p.m.
Established in 1999 by Chef J.R. Garrus, JR’s has maintained its reputation as a hot spot for live music and generous food and drink deals. Supporting local artists, JR’s hosts live musicians every night and follows the tradition of passing a hat through the crowd to tip the talent, similar to street performers in the old days.
While musicians supply the vibe, JR’s supplies meal deals. Don’t miss the $9 burger special on Monday, or the $9 pitchers of Bud Light (from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily), and best not forget to pop in for the $9 taco salad on Tuesday, the $9 chicken and rice on Wednesday, or the $9 chicken pot pie on Thursday.

OPC Chuck Burger contends for best in town
J.R. Garrus and his staff insist you won’t find anything better anywhere than the OPC Chuck Burger. In fact, rather than listing the ingredients under the item on the menu, it confidently says, “You won’t find a better burger.” That’s the kind of moxie you want from a chef, and, as it turns out, it’s quite accurate. The OPC may very well contend for the best burger in Sarasota.
Not in the mood for a burger? Didn’t make it in time for the lunch or dinner specials? No worries. JR’s also offers messy and delicious wings, nachos, Cubans (named best in Sarasota), basa (grouper’s cousin) sandwiches, and many other options that keep JR’s Packing House—well—packed with customers.
Check out the complete menu here.