Great news for dog lovers in the Venice and Sarasota area! The beloved Dog Bar Sarasota is making its triumphant return this Saturday, July 19th, and they’re celebrating in style with something we’ve never seen before in our area.

A Tail-Wagging Comeback Story

Remember Boo’s Ice House & Dog Bar? The spot that earned national recognition as one of the Top 10 dog bars in the country according to USA TODAY readers? Well, it temporarily closed in January, but like a faithful companion, it’s back and better than ever.

Now operating as Dog Bar Sarasota, this unique venue continues to call the historic Ice House building home at 1314 10th Street in Sarasota’s trendy Rosemary District. For those of us who frequent the Broadway Promenade shopping center near Publix, you’ll know exactly where to find this gem.

Sarasota’s First-Ever Dog Foam Party

Here’s what has us particularly excited: Dog Bar Sarasota is launching with what they’re calling Sarasota’s first-ever foam party designed specifically for dogs and their humans. Having covered the local scene for years, we can confidently say this is a first for our area!

The grand opening celebration runs from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 19th, and promises:

• Off-leash fun for your furry friends
• Cold drinks for the humans
• A brand-new food menu
• Local vendors
• Foam party entertainment unlike anything we’ve seen locally

Supporting Our Community

What makes this event even more special is its charitable component. All donations from the grand opening will benefit Donte’s Den Animal Sanctuary in Myakka City. This incredible organization cares for dogs whose owners can no longer provide care due to illness, military deployment, or other life challenges.

They’re even featuring a specialty cocktail called “The Donte,” made with Tito’s Vodka, with all proceeds going directly to support the sanctuary’s mission. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the celebration while giving back to dogs in need.

What’s New on the Menu

Dog Bar Sarasota offers much more than just a play space for pups. Their full-liquor bar and expanded food menu cater to every taste:

Appetizers include wings, various fries, bacon-wrapped shrimp skewers, and ahi tuna – perfect for sharing while watching the dogs play.

Pizza and Flatbreads pay homage to the original Boo’s reputation for great pies.

Handhelds feature everything from smash burgers and fish sandwiches to tacos, quesadillas, and po’ boys.

Salads round out the menu with six fresh options.

The Connection to Dog Bar St. Pete

Dog Bar Sarasota operates as the sister location to the original Dog Bar St. Pete, which has been a downtown Central Avenue staple since 2016. Owners Fred Metzler and Stephanie Marble are now renting the Sarasota space from the original Boo’s co-founders, Mindy Kauffman and Bobby Boivin.

Kauffman, a well-known Sarasota real estate figure behind Red Property Management, and Boivin, founder of Gator Creations construction company.

Important Details for Dog Owners

Before you head over with your four-legged friend, here are the essentials:

• Cost: $7 day pass per dog (humans attend free)
• Registration: Required at dbsrq.com before visiting
• Vaccinations: Must be current on rabies, distemper, and bordetella
• Spay/Neuter: Required for dogs over one year old
• Memberships: Monthly and annual options available

Pro tip: Upload your required vaccination documents online before visiting to make check-in smoother!

Why This Matters for Venice Area Dog Owners

While Dog Bar Sarasota is technically in Sarasota, it’s just a short drive north for Venice residents looking for a unique experience with their pets. The Rosemary District location makes it easily accessible, and the concept fills a real need in our area for dog-friendly social spaces.

For those of us who’ve watched the local pet scene evolve over the years, having a dedicated space where dogs can socialize off-leash while owners enjoy quality food and drinks represents exactly the kind of community-focused business that makes our area special.

Mark Your Calendars

Saturday, July 19th, from 2 to 6 p.m. – it’s going to be an event worth attending. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the original Boo’s or curious about this new concept, the grand opening promises to be unlike anything we’ve seen in the area.

Between the historic setting, the charitable cause, the unique foam party concept, and the chance to connect with fellow dog lovers, this grand opening has all the ingredients for a memorable community event.

Don’t forget to register your pup at dbsrq.com, and we’ll see you there for what promises to be Sarasota’s most talked-about grand opening of the summer!