Simon’s Coffee House is easy to miss — it’s in a strip mall along the busy Tamiami Trail, and it has very modest signage — but it’s well worth the hunt. We’ve eaten lunch there on two separate trips to Sarasota, and found it a friendly, comfortable place with excellent sandwiches, salads and soups. Simon’s is open for breakfast, lunch and now dinner too, according to its website, and — best of all — Simon’s welcomes dogs at its outdoor tables. In fact, visiting dogs get a treat! Alternatively, you can get your meal to go (the website allows you to order on-line if you wish) and have a picnic with your dog at a local dog-friendly park or beach.

Simon’s Coffee House
5900 S. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34231
T: 941-922-2500
Open Mon. to Sat. 8 am to 8 pm