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Preferred Shore Real Estate

Why Sarasota: Video Review

Rich Tyson, REALTOR®

Observer

Meet the best BLTs in Sarasota, Manatee counties

These three ingredients — bacon, lettuce and tomato — are always better together.

By Emma Burke Jolly | 1:00 p.m. April 7, 2024

Don't go bacon my heart...

Lettuce fall in foodie love with these timeless sammies that I adore from my head to-mah-toes. 

I'm talking about that trio that reigns supreme in the world of sandwiches— bacon, lettuce and tomato. Three simple ingredients stacked in between sliced bread sells itself as an interchangeable breakfast, lunch or dinner for anyone ages 3 to 93. 

These notorious sandwiches make me nostalgic since the BLT was a no-fault meal we made as a family. Most of the time my sister would slice the tomato since I refused. (My order was and always will be a BL, no T.)

Mom was on bacon duty, while I gathered the best groupings of romaine for the humans and fed our dogs the pieces that weren't up to my standards. But since the only thing my dad could make in the kitchen was toast, he was supposed to toast the bread. Full disclosure: He usually burned it, so when he wasn't looking, my mom would make new pieces.

Lettuce begin — here are some of the best places to get your hands on the classic bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich in honor of national BLT sandwich month.

New Pass Grill & Bait Shop

1505 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota; 941-388-1618; NewPassGrill.com

Romaine Calm: While you might have to wait until 10:30 a.m. to get this BLT ($9.99), as the switch from breakfast to lunch begins, your tastebuds will be pleased by 10:31 a.m. As I've written before, I wish I could keep this foodie paradise to myself. But it would be incredibly selfish of me not to share these sensational bait shop eats. The bounty of crisp bacon will shock your senses (and potentially your heart), and the cool lettuce and tomato with a small swipe of mayo is what others wish they could create. Where else can you get a view like this with a side of beautiful bacon?

What Else is Shakin', Bacon: Not a fan of the BLT? Fear not, this spot has one of the best burgers in town. Whether you're coming by boat, kayak, bike, car or foot — the classic cheeseburger ($11.99) is just what the skipper ordered. Choose from add-ons including lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, mustard, mayo and ketchup.

Station 400

8215 Lakewood Ranch Main St., Lakewood Ranch, 941-907-0648; 400 N. Lemon Ave., Sarasota, 941-906-1400; Station400.com

Romaine Calm: While red tomatoes would suffice for most, it wouldn't be a Florida foodie feature without a fried green tomato or two, would it? The fried green tomato BLT ($12.50) at this Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch brunch spot staple is made with bold and crispy bacon, field greens, the best herb aioli and, of course, fried green tomatoes (add turkey for $1). Served with your choice of sweet potato fries, tomato cucumber salad, fruit salad or my personal pick — parmesan French fries.