Libby’s Neighborhood Brasserie brings casual, new dining venue to Lakewood Ranch
Libby’s Neighborhood Brasserie recently opened at 8445 Lorraine Road, bringing a dining venue to Lakewood Ranch. A brasserie is an informal restaurant with a large drink selection.
Libby’s is located at the intersection of University Parkway and Lorraine Road, where established Lakewood Ranch neighborhoods meet the new Waterside community, projected to eventually have 5,000 homes.
The new restaurant is named after the matriarch of Sarasota’s Seidensticker family.
Libby’s offers a relaxed, modern brasserie experience with a menu of family favorites and new takes on American classics.
The restaurant has indoor seating for 119. Guests may also dine on Libby’s patio which accommodates 70. The 3,200-square-foot restaurant has an open kitchen, exposed brick and a high ceiling.
Libby’s Neighborhood Brasserie is the latest addition to the Tableseide portfolio, which also includes the original Libby’s on Osprey Avenue in Sarasota, Lemon Tree Kitchen in downtown Sarasota, The Muse at the Ringling, and three Oak & Stone locations in Sarasota and St. Petersburg. The company also expects to soon open Oak & Stone at Springhill Suites in downtown Bradenton.
“We’re extremely excited to bring Libby’s to Lakewood Ranch,” Tableseide co-owner Joe Seidensticker said. “Lakewood Ranch is a growing community that appreciates local businesses. We believe Libby’s modern casual menu has something for everyone. We look forward to our guests making Libby’s a regular dining location and also sharing life’s special occasions with them.”
The Tableseide Restaurant Group had been looking at the Lakewood Ranch location for several years, and phased the construction and opening of the restaurant to follow completion of renovations to the larger Libby’s location in Sarasota, Seidensticker said.
“This is a brand we want to use, expand and travel with,” he said.
More growth probably awaits the company in the future, but for time being, the company looks to focus on what is already on its plate.
A recent addition to the Tableseide leadership is Joe Guli, 40, recently named chief executive officer. Prior to joining Tableseide, Guli was president of Scratch Concepts of Tampa and Grill Smith.
Guli began working in the family restaurant business when he was 9, and has already begun having an impact on the business. A tray of freshly made meatballs at Libby’s this week was based on one of the Guli family recipes, he said.
Menu highlights include a variety of main dishes for dinner, including Spaghetti & Joe’s Meatballs, Double Brined Pork Chops with Yukon gold mashed potatoes, Raul’s Steak Au Poivre, a wood-grilled New York strip steak, and a slow-cooked Rotisserie Half Chicken. Seafood dishes include Drunken Mussels and Fries, and a choice of shrimp, salmon, tuna, or octopus which are expertly grilled over Florida Oaks.
Libby’s lunch offerings will include a Brasserie Brisket Burger, a shaved rotisserie steak French Dip Sandwich, and a Grouper Sandwich, among other items. Also available: a selection of soups, paninis, and entrees such as Arctic Char, and Four Cheese and Pear Tortellini. All menu items can accommodate different dietary needs and several vegetarian options are available.
The restaurant opens for lunch at 11 a.m. daily, and closes at 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Daily happy hour specials include $4 cocktails, $5 wines and drafts, $6 light bites and $7 specialty cocktails from 2 p.m. - close. Guests are encouraged to ask their server for daily specials.
Weekend Brunch will begin on Nov. 16 from 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. with a Bottomless Mimosa or Bloody Mary Bar.
For more information visit www.tableseide.com or make a reservation by calling 941-357-1570.
This story was originally published November 19, 2019 at 8:55 AM with the headline "Libby’s Neighborhood Brasserie brings casual, new dining venue to Lakewood Ranch."
