St. Armands Circle, is centrally located on the lushly landscaped island of Lido Key. Not
only will you find contemporary architecture of distinction, Lido Key also boasts stunning
beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, year-round lifeguards, acres of recreation area along the
bay, spectacular views, playgrounds and pools for lounging at our Mid-Key public beach.
For those visiting Lido Key in search of peace and quiet, enjoy one of our hidden white
sugar sand beaches and relax your days away. All will enjoy the charms of St. Armands
circle, just a short walk from many Lido Key areas. Superb exclusive shops, galleries, exotic
boutiques, sophisticated restaurants and nightlife all located on St. Armands Circle. While
you’re there, remember to visit the center of St. Armands Circle to see The Circus Ring of
Fame, a "sidewalk of circus stars." A must for any kid at heart! Or, if you are more the
romantic type, treat yourself to a special view of this island by a horse-drawn carriage.
only will you find contemporary architecture of distinction, Lido Key also boasts stunning
beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, year-round lifeguards, acres of recreation area along the
bay, spectacular views, playgrounds and pools for lounging at our Mid-Key public beach.
For those visiting Lido Key in search of peace and quiet, enjoy one of our hidden white
sugar sand beaches and relax your days away. All will enjoy the charms of St. Armands
circle, just a short walk from many Lido Key areas. Superb exclusive shops, galleries, exotic
boutiques, sophisticated restaurants and nightlife all located on St. Armands Circle. While
you’re there, remember to visit the center of St. Armands Circle to see The Circus Ring of
Fame, a "sidewalk of circus stars." A must for any kid at heart! Or, if you are more the
romantic type, treat yourself to a special view of this island by a horse-drawn carriage.
ST. ARMANDS/ SHOPPING AND DINING
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Wrinkled digits dance across smooth black and white keys as the sun goes down on St.
Armands Circle.
Foreign cars cruise past the circle’s palm-lined medians, tourists eat gourmet dishes, shoppers
examine upscale shops, and Ed Williams plays his wooden upright piano.
Sporting a head covered with gray stubs and a generous smile, Williams and his nimble fingers
have been a fixture on the corner of St. Armands Circle and Fillmore Drive for 22 years.
“I was the first note of music played outside on the circle,” said the classically trained pianist,
who has played everything from pop ballads to Broadway musical numbers at the Crab & Fin
restaurant since 1985.
Williams will be the first to tell you that he is part of the circle’s “furniture,” but this living landmark
epitomizes the unassuming elegance and sophisticated ambience of entertainment on the circle.
Nothing more than a mangrove patch in the middle of Sarasota Bay a century ago, St. Armands
Circle now draws thousands of tourists and locals to its tropical surroundings each year.
Known for its roundabout encircled by upscale boutiques and award-winning restaurants, St.
Armands also features free walking tours and outdoor jazz concerts.
“Every place that you go on the circle, you’re going to have a different experience,” said Diana
Corrigan, executive director of the St. Armands Circle Association.
Whether it’s the romantic atmosphere of Cafe L’Europe, the Italian-Latin flair of 15 South
Ristorante Enoteca, the traditional Irish leanings of Lynches Pub & Grub, the island vibe of
Tommy Bahama or the low-key surroundings of Hemingway’s Retreat, there’s something for
everyone.
“You can have breakfast after a morning walk on the beach,” Corrigan said, “come back and have
lunch, then have a cocktail and finish the evening with a moonlight stroll.”
Although St. Armands Circle now boasts more than 140 businesses, it was a mangrove island
when Frenchman Charles St. Amand bought more than 130 acres on the island in 1893.
In later years, St. Amand’s name was misspelled on land deeds, and it’s this misspelled name
that is used today.
Circus mogul John Ringling bought property on the key in 1917 with a vision of a shopping center
and residential lots laid out in a circle.
Ringling’s vision wouldn’t become a reality until the 1950s.
Still, his influence is everywhere, from the Italian statuary to stalwart establishments like Cafe L’
Europe, which is located in Ringling’s original real estate offices.
“This is where all of St. Armands started,” said Bill Herlihy, the restaurant’s general manager.
Established in 1973, Cafe L’Europe balances the rustic with the sophisticated, featuring dining
areas surrounded by impressive original artwork, plenty of timeworn brick and rustic tiles.
“It’s a romantic restaurant,” Herlihy said. “The atmosphere is unlike any other establishment in
town.”
Neither is the food or drink.
“We are the grande dame of Sarasota dining,” Herlihy said. “Old World charm combined with the
latest culinary techniques but staying focused on traditional, classical cuisine.”
Whether you try the staple Brandied Duckling Cafe L’Europe or Rack of Lamb for dinner, the
signature cocktail Cafe Cosmo or delectable Strawberry Romanov, expect top-notch ingredients
and world-class skill.
“We spare no expense,” said executive chef Keith Daum.
For a more casual atmosphere, Hemingway’s Retreat fills the bill, boasting one of the area’s
most popular happy hours, from 2 to 7 p.m. daily.
“Once people walk up the stairwell and get to the top,” said owner Perry Tennell, “they usually
walk through our doors and they’re usually happy. It’s an enticing place.”
Radiating an island resort feel, Hemingway’s has genial bartenders that are its best assets, like
Pam Berry, who will greet regulars and new faces with a “Honey, what do you need?”
But most of the fun is happening in the circle’s park-like surroundings, which can be enjoyed by
families and those on a budget, too.
“There is something on St. Armands for everyone,” Corrigan said. “You don’t have to have a lot of
money.”
Young and old alike enjoy Kilwin’s Chocolates & Ice Cream, where the workers make
homemade chocolate fudge, as well as Scoop Daddy’s 1950s-themed ice-cream shop.
An absent-minded juggler, usually holding court near the Christopher Columbus statue, attracts
children and adults roaming the west end of the circle.
“You have the statues positioned around the circle ... that’s entertainment, too,” Corrigan said.
“To go on the statue walking tour, that’s something any pocketbook can afford.”
And music is always playing on St. Armands.
From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., the speaker system throughout the circle plays classical, easy listening
and smooth jazz.
“It’s very relaxing,” Corrigan said. “It’s not loud ... the music isn’t blaring and blowing you out of
the water.”
Each month, St. Armands Circle also hosts “Smooth Jazz on St. Armands — Fourth Friday With
Style” music series, which is free and open to the public.
It’s all about the simple things on the circle.
On a recent Friday evening, a gentleman eating at one of Crab & Fin’s green marble tables
walked from the veranda to pianist Williams with a request.
“Can you play something from the ‘The Phantom of the Opera?’ ” he asked.
Williams smiled, nodded and continued playing a lighthearted rendition of Elton John’s “Empty
Garden.” without responding.
“I can play a medley,” he said.
Armands Circle.
Foreign cars cruise past the circle’s palm-lined medians, tourists eat gourmet dishes, shoppers
examine upscale shops, and Ed Williams plays his wooden upright piano.
Sporting a head covered with gray stubs and a generous smile, Williams and his nimble fingers
have been a fixture on the corner of St. Armands Circle and Fillmore Drive for 22 years.
“I was the first note of music played outside on the circle,” said the classically trained pianist,
who has played everything from pop ballads to Broadway musical numbers at the Crab & Fin
restaurant since 1985.
Williams will be the first to tell you that he is part of the circle’s “furniture,” but this living landmark
epitomizes the unassuming elegance and sophisticated ambience of entertainment on the circle.
Nothing more than a mangrove patch in the middle of Sarasota Bay a century ago, St. Armands
Circle now draws thousands of tourists and locals to its tropical surroundings each year.
Known for its roundabout encircled by upscale boutiques and award-winning restaurants, St.
Armands also features free walking tours and outdoor jazz concerts.
“Every place that you go on the circle, you’re going to have a different experience,” said Diana
Corrigan, executive director of the St. Armands Circle Association.
Whether it’s the romantic atmosphere of Cafe L’Europe, the Italian-Latin flair of 15 South
Ristorante Enoteca, the traditional Irish leanings of Lynches Pub & Grub, the island vibe of
Tommy Bahama or the low-key surroundings of Hemingway’s Retreat, there’s something for
everyone.
“You can have breakfast after a morning walk on the beach,” Corrigan said, “come back and have
lunch, then have a cocktail and finish the evening with a moonlight stroll.”
Although St. Armands Circle now boasts more than 140 businesses, it was a mangrove island
when Frenchman Charles St. Amand bought more than 130 acres on the island in 1893.
In later years, St. Amand’s name was misspelled on land deeds, and it’s this misspelled name
that is used today.
Circus mogul John Ringling bought property on the key in 1917 with a vision of a shopping center
and residential lots laid out in a circle.
Ringling’s vision wouldn’t become a reality until the 1950s.
Still, his influence is everywhere, from the Italian statuary to stalwart establishments like Cafe L’
Europe, which is located in Ringling’s original real estate offices.
“This is where all of St. Armands started,” said Bill Herlihy, the restaurant’s general manager.
Established in 1973, Cafe L’Europe balances the rustic with the sophisticated, featuring dining
areas surrounded by impressive original artwork, plenty of timeworn brick and rustic tiles.
“It’s a romantic restaurant,” Herlihy said. “The atmosphere is unlike any other establishment in
town.”
Neither is the food or drink.
“We are the grande dame of Sarasota dining,” Herlihy said. “Old World charm combined with the
latest culinary techniques but staying focused on traditional, classical cuisine.”
Whether you try the staple Brandied Duckling Cafe L’Europe or Rack of Lamb for dinner, the
signature cocktail Cafe Cosmo or delectable Strawberry Romanov, expect top-notch ingredients
and world-class skill.
“We spare no expense,” said executive chef Keith Daum.
For a more casual atmosphere, Hemingway’s Retreat fills the bill, boasting one of the area’s
most popular happy hours, from 2 to 7 p.m. daily.
“Once people walk up the stairwell and get to the top,” said owner Perry Tennell, “they usually
walk through our doors and they’re usually happy. It’s an enticing place.”
Radiating an island resort feel, Hemingway’s has genial bartenders that are its best assets, like
Pam Berry, who will greet regulars and new faces with a “Honey, what do you need?”
But most of the fun is happening in the circle’s park-like surroundings, which can be enjoyed by
families and those on a budget, too.
“There is something on St. Armands for everyone,” Corrigan said. “You don’t have to have a lot of
money.”
Young and old alike enjoy Kilwin’s Chocolates & Ice Cream, where the workers make
homemade chocolate fudge, as well as Scoop Daddy’s 1950s-themed ice-cream shop.
An absent-minded juggler, usually holding court near the Christopher Columbus statue, attracts
children and adults roaming the west end of the circle.
“You have the statues positioned around the circle ... that’s entertainment, too,” Corrigan said.
“To go on the statue walking tour, that’s something any pocketbook can afford.”
And music is always playing on St. Armands.
From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., the speaker system throughout the circle plays classical, easy listening
and smooth jazz.
“It’s very relaxing,” Corrigan said. “It’s not loud ... the music isn’t blaring and blowing you out of
the water.”
Each month, St. Armands Circle also hosts “Smooth Jazz on St. Armands — Fourth Friday With
Style” music series, which is free and open to the public.
It’s all about the simple things on the circle.
On a recent Friday evening, a gentleman eating at one of Crab & Fin’s green marble tables
walked from the veranda to pianist Williams with a request.
“Can you play something from the ‘The Phantom of the Opera?’ ” he asked.
Williams smiled, nodded and continued playing a lighthearted rendition of Elton John’s “Empty
Garden.” without responding.
“I can play a medley,” he said.