- Attraction: Owen’s Fish Camp
- Location: 516 Burns Court, Sarasota, FL 34236
- Industry: Seafood Restaurant
- Website: https://owensfishcamp.com/
Step into a world where Thomas Edison’s gifted banyan tree towers over a 1923 cottage that has become Sarasota’s most beloved seafood destination.
Owen’s Fish Camp sits beneath a sprawling banyan tree that was actually gifted to Owen Burns, Sarasota’s original developer, by Thomas Edison himself. This isn’t just another restaurant—it’s a living piece of Florida history wrapped in Southern hospitality and filled with the freshest catch from local waters.
The restaurant brings in Bay’s local fish every day, sourcing from neighborhood fishermen to ensure the highest quality seafood. What makes Owen’s truly special is how it captures the essence of old Florida fish camp dining while serving up sophisticated Southern coastal cuisine that keeps both locals and tourists coming back for more.
Signature Dishes & Fresh Catch Highlights
Daily Fresh Fish: You’ll find several fresh options daily, cooked perfectly with your choice of preparation – blackened, grilled, or fried. The Scamp grouper is consistently praised as “absolutely the best fish” by diners, with its delicate texture and sweet flavor. Fresh Red Snapper is another standout, grilled to perfection and served with your choice of signature sauces.
Shrimp & Grits: This Southern classic is consistently described as “great” and features creamy, perfectly textured grits. The dish comes with spicy smoked sausage and runs around $21.99, delivering generous portions that satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
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Keep Exploring →Low Country Boil: Reviewers consistently call this dish “a knockout”. The boil comes loaded with crab legs, shrimp, mussels, clams, and andouille sausage, creating a communal dining experience that’s perfect for sharing.
Murph’s Famous Bloody Mary Oyster Shooters: Priced at $7.99, these unique appetizers are consistently mentioned as absolute favorites. They perfectly capture the restaurant’s playful approach to Southern coastal cuisine.
Camp Basket: For $21.99, you get fried oysters, shrimp, grouper, fries, and coleslaw – essentially a taste of everything Owen’s does best in one generous serving.
Chicken Fried Lobster Tail: At $18.99, this creative dish with mustard mayo is frequently mentioned as a standout, showcasing the kitchen’s ability to put Southern spins on premium seafood.
Atmosphere & Historic Charm
Old Florida Ambiance: The restaurant’s cottage sits beneath the sprawling banyan tree, with a tire swing hanging out back, creating an authentic “kicking back in Old Florida” vibe. The interior features mounted sailfish and period fishing gear, creating an authentic fish camp atmosphere.
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Discover MoreOutdoor Courtyard: The back courtyard features picnic tables, live music, and a casual outdoor bar serving beer and wine. You can enjoy snacks like fish spread and saltine crackers while waiting for your table.
Live Music: The restaurant regularly features live country and folk music in the outdoor courtyard, adding to the authentic Southern atmosphere.
Historic Setting: Located in historic Burns Court, the restaurant’s location adds to its charm and authenticity. The 1923 cottage building creates an open, airy feeling despite being small, with lovely historic wood frame architecture.
Desserts & Sweet Endings
Bourbon Pecan Pie: Priced at $10.99 and served with fresh whipped cream, this crowd favorite is consistently praised. The dessert scores very high with visitors.
Mississippi Mud Pie: This rich dessert at $9.99 is frequently mentioned as a perfect ending to seafood meals.
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Keep Exploring →Key Lime Desserts: The key lime bar with fresh whipped cream is a Florida classic that visitors rave about.
Fried Black Cherry Pie: The flaky crust is described as “moist like a donut” and represents the restaurant’s creative approach to Southern desserts.
Other Considerations
Pricing: The restaurant is described as “moderately priced” with most entrees ranging from $15-25. Recent menu prices show appetizers from $7.99-$18.99, entrees from $21.99-$34.99, and desserts from $9.99-$10.99. The pricing is considered reasonable for the quality and atmosphere.
Wait Times & Reservations: The restaurant doesn’t accept reservations, so expect waits, especially during peak times. Using their waitlist system is highly recommended. The wait is worthwhile, and the outdoor courtyard makes waiting enjoyable.
Parking: Parking can be challenging, so many visitors recommend walking or taking Lyft. Street parking is available but can be expensive.
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Discover MoreFamily-Friendly: The restaurant is described as family-friendly, offering items like root beer floats and hot fudge sundaes.
Accessibility: The restaurant offers the Hearing Loop device for patrons who are hearing impaired.
Hours: Both downtown Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch locations open every night at 4PM.
Owen’s Fish Camp
📍 516 Burns Court, Sarasota, FL 34236
