Step into The Main Bar, where circus magic meets Italian delight! Established in 1958 by circus performers Antonio (Charlie) and Thea Borza, our restaurant invites you to savor the charm of Florence with every bite. Feel the warmth of history on our walls, capturing moments of circus artistry. Ready for a taste adventure? Order ‘Our Famous Italian’ online and bring the Main Bar experience to your doorstep. Embrace the joy of circus-inspired dining from the comfort of your home
Craig Cunningham
The Famous Italian *deserves* to be famous: it’s a classic. Nothing fancy: salami, ham, provolone, tomato, chopped peppers (I omitted the onions), and a “unique blend” of oil, garlic, and spices (yum!) on a toasted Italian bun (you can’t really call it a “roll”). The whole is satisfying, tasty, and (relatively) affordable.
When I return for another one (or for one of the *many* other sandwiches on the menu), I’ll ask for extra peppers (and, at the suggestion of the server, a side of jalapeño mayonnaise).
The atmosphere is much more like a traditional Greek diner than a bar, although they do have a physical “bar” and serve draft a bottled beer and house wine.
… moreTim
Main Bar has an old school downtown sandwichish / diner vibe! Service is quick, price is fair, sandwiches were good! The bar has a few stools and a few beers on tap, the wait staff tends to it. Perfect spot for a work lunch.
… moreSir_Eats-a-lot
Wanted to try The Main Bar Sandwich Shop for their famous Italian sandwich and for the history and longevity. The minute you walk inside it feels like you’ve been transported back in time. The booths and decor is a huge throwback to an old world restaurant. Our server was not the warmest person but not a big deal. I had a cup of chili, the Italian sandwich and a beer. The chili was good but the “famous” sandwich was underwhelming. They obviously have a loyal customer base which explains their longevity so perhaps it’s worth a second visit.
… moreMyra Noss
We’ve eaten here for years. Always the best and freshest food. My daughter’s soup was cold this last visit—but it was quickly resolved. You absolutely cannot beat their Italian sub and chili.
… moreReal Estate Kate
One of my favorite go-to sandwich shops. My colleagues and I come often for lunch. This place has been around since the 50’s and is definitely a staple to Downtown Sarasota. Definitely worth trying if you’ve never been. Today I ordered a Mayan Sandwich and my friends each ordered the Italian.
… moreCarly Cummings
This was a Uber Eats delivery. Salad was soggy. Looks like month old lettuce. No dressing packed in delivery. Pasta fasoili soup had no taste. Waste of 28.00. Never eat there
… moreShawn OConnell
I friend of ours took us here for lunch, he said that he had been going their for over 20 years. Well from the time we walked through the door I knew why. 1 wiff and you are hooked, our lunch was absolutely delicious, and the sandwiches are unbelievable my God nothing even comes close and the soup was killer. I wish we had something like this in Pasco but until them I will make the drive because I know how good the outcome is going to be.
… moreFL Coast
I haven’t been in a long time, but it was still a solid Saturday lunch for the two of us. We had the Captain’s wrap, which is roast beef, with roasted red peppers, red onions and jalapeño mayo, and original Italian as well as a bowl of Italian Wedding soup. The soup hit the spot on a cooler day, the Captain was the better of the two sandwiches today, and the original Italian was ok. The meat on the Italian was good and decent portion, but it was a little light on the accompanying toppings for my preference, i.e. lettuce, tomato, onions and chopped peppers. I held off eating until I was able to finally get my servers attention to get some spicy mustard, which enhanced the flavor for the rest of the sandwich. I have been to this place off and on over 40 years and will of course be back. Love to support local!
… moreMaricela Rivera
So my first time was last year and I ordered a club sandwich, everything was great. I just ordered the Famous Italian sub. I will be posting another review as soon as I get my sub. This place has amazing reviews but also a few of disappointment. I know that sometimes we are slammed, but my first experience was great, and I am expecting the same with my order today. 🙂
UPDATED review: I know it doesn’t look like the advertised picture (remember, advertised pictures of food or plates won’t look exactly like the picture on the menu) but here is my humble opinion: I liked the taste of it, so no complaints about that, very tasteful. Bread didn’t taste like it was toasted enough, it was a bit soft (not stale) more like pressed on, but I don’t know if it’s supposed to be toasted. But not complaining here! Overall, it was a good sub. I am not a fan of Italian subs but it tasted really good, I will definitely order again.
… moreTootie Kennedy
Always the best place to go for quick, delicious food. Servers are friendly and efficient. Sarasota history surrounds you. Love to stop there before or after a movie.
… more