- December 4, 2025
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Just after City Island's Old Salty Dog rushed to replace flood-damaged kitchen equipment and electronics within 10 days of Hurricane Helene hitting the area, the waterfront bar was hit again by Hurricane Milton.
The restaurant took a breather for five months as it worked to rebuild from the second storm. But staff's commitment to resilience and bringing back the spirit of this institution that has been on the island for more than three decades paid off.
USA Today recently listed the Old Salty Dog among the handpicked top 29 best bars in America.
Manager Amy Blair has been there since the beginning, and she said the team is overjoyed by the news, and the community response.
"We first heard about being included on the list when people started calling in to congratulate us," she said. "Everyone, including those from out of state who have been coming here forever, have been calling in with congratulations."
Owners Philip Needs and Judy Fryer opened the open-air bar overlooking Sarasota Bay in 1991.
Blair said it has been a privilege to see so many patrons, particularly families, make the watering hole a favorite go-to place for years.
"It's really the atmosphere," she said when asked what set the bar apart. "It's a family restaurant, and we allow dogs in designated areas."
The road to reopening wasn't always easy to navigate considering the restaurant, like many other locations on Longboat Key, experienced floodwaters reaching up to 4 feet inside the establishment.
Work on rebuilding one of its docks is still underway, but otherwise, the Old Salty Dog has just about resumed usual business.
Blair said she was thrilled to welcome back the team after the bar's hiatus, which includes about 60 staff members rotating throughout the season.
When it comes to daily operations, she said there's no beating the sight of seeing vacationers and residents get equally excited about seeing a dolphin or cruising shark pass by the waterfront, all while enjoying a frosty margarita or one of their signature battered hot dogs.
"It means everything," she said when it means to her to receive this recognition after managing the restaurant for years, being there for regulars' special moments. "We had somebody in yesterday who hadn't gotten to visit in years, and they asked about my family, and I asked about theirs. We talked about the kids growing up, and how now they have babies. It's been wonderful."
The top bar listing isn't the only cause for celebration this year for the Old Salty Dog franchise. The original location on Siesta Key celebrates its 40th anniversary in October.
Both of the owners are from England — Fryer from London and Needs from Devon. The pair have been partners in life and business through it all.
Fryer said they came up with the name after they bought the hot dog place called Mustard's Last Stand on Siesta Key. They pivoted to an oyster bar but still paid homage to the original business by calling it the Old Salty Dog.
They, of course, had to include a classic fish and chips dish on the menu.
The couple is still involved with operations at City Island, Siesta Key, and the third franchise location on Venice Island. Needs' band, The Relics, performs there regularly.
Blair noted the outdoor bar isn't just pooch-friendly by name — customers are sincerely welcome to bring their dogs to enjoy friendly company and a cooling salty breeze.
Customer Pat Lucerino, who visited the restaurant with her 9-year-old golden retriever for special occasions ever since he was a puppy, said the restaurant's spark comes down to friendly staff and a great location.
As they arrived, team members were quick to bring out a bowl of ice water for the pup to enjoy in the shade on a hot summer afternoon.
Blair said customers especially enjoy the laid-back vibes during the breakfast service, adding, "It's quiet and peaceful. People come here to relax."
She thanked everyone who has supported the City Island establishment with its recovery, especially those patrons who came out to dine in the first days of the reopening.
"The main reconstruction is done, and we're happy with it," she added. "It's pretty much the same as it was, but better, stronger."
Facing the last few months of the quiet season and reduced foot traffic with the closing of the public aquarium at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, the restaurant has the same challenges with which to contend as any establishment on Longboat Key.
But Blair reassured regulars the Old Salty Dog has been here long enough to see plenty of tots grow up and bring their own families to visit, and it will be on City Island to facilitate many more memory-making moments to come.
"It really is the best office in town," she said while looking out over the water.
