Colleen Maguire
The Serving Spoon is like a second home to me! I live in the neighborhood and eat here 3-5 times a week. The food and service are fabulous. I always check out the specials board, especially on the weekends. At first glance, it seems like an old fashioned coffee shop, but let me tell you, the menu has everything from traditional breakfast to creative (or create your own) omelettes to huevos rancheros to fabulous French toast, waffles, pancakes, blintzes and bagels and lox. And that's just for breakfast. For lunch they have homemade soups, a great variety of huge salads, cold and grilled sandwiches, and even delicious burgers. Want a healthy meal? Try the quinoa power starter, the morning protein bowl, an egg white power wrap, avocado toast, a healthy salad, or drink your meal by ordering one of the delicious juices from the juice bar menu. I don't know where to start with the specials. There's always a "Sampler" which could start with a unique fruit covered pancake, grilled steelcut oats with agave, or stuffed French toast followed by 2 breakfast meats, eggs, and home fries. Their corned beef hash is actually made in house, not canned hash that looks like dog food!!!! My favorite special is the shrimp and grits. OMG it's better than what a fancy seafood restaurant would serve. I could go on. Oh! I almost forgot the baked goods: muffins, sticky buns, biscuits, and more, and even gluten free raspberry almond bars. Their locally sourced coffee is out of this world. AND they recently got a license to serve beer, wine, mimosas, and bloody mary's in case you're in the mood to celebrate! But the best part is the servers in this family run restaurant. Natasha is the owner and there is usually one or two of her 5 children working there. Plus the nicest gals you ever want to meet. During the "season" it's packed, but never more than a short wait. Sarasota Memorial Hospital is around the corner and many staff members eat daily at the Spoon, as well as Sarasota’s finest from SPD. You will be treated like a local and by the second or third visit, they'll know your name! EAT HERE!