Located in the heart of Sarasota Bay, New Pass Grill and Bait Shop (1505 Ken Thompson Parkway) is a Sarasota landmark. Between its exceptional restaurant, live bait and tackle shop, and charter fishing ventures, New Pass Grill has been a fisherman’s paradise for nearly 100 years. Even more impressive than its legacy is the majestic Gulf view from the dock, which just might be the best scenery in Sarasota.
New Pass Grill and Bait Shop opened under peculiar circumstances. In 1848, a hurricane cut open New Pass, prompting citizens to push for a bond to develop a bridge over the pass, along with connecting roadways. When the bridge was completed in 1927, the original New Pass Grill and Bait Shop opened concurrently. For nearly a century, it has garnered cult status among locals and visitors alike, offering cold beer, burgers, and bait.

All in one kind of fun
There’s something so charming—so uniquely Floridian—about a place where you can enjoy a fish sandwich, buy live bait, then shove off on a boat to catch the very thing you were just eating. That all-in-one kind of fun is exactly what makes New Pass Grill inimitable. The restaurant serves everything from chicken salad to fresh grouper sandwiches, satisfying a variety of cravings. Locals especially rave about the breakfast sandwiches and burritos.
Once satiated (or ballasted), head to the bait shop. The knowledgeable staff caters to every level of fisherman, maintaining a large stock of live and frozen bait to help ensure success on the water—whether you’re fishing for guppies or the big ’un. For those unfamiliar with local waters, the shop also runs three charter boats, captained by some of Sarasota’s most experienced sea captains. Charters range from short excursions to multi-day, offshore fishing adventures. For more information or to book a trip, visit the New Pass Grill and Bait Shop website.
