Lakewood Ranch Main Street and Waterside Place: Dining and Shopping Guide
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Lakewood Ranch has two town centers. Lakewood Main Street, in the Manatee County part of the community, is the original district, with restaurants, pubs and the free Music on Main concerts. Waterside Place, in the Sarasota County part, is newer and sits on Kingfisher Lake, with restaurants, shops, a waterfront park and the Sunday farmers market.
Key facts
- Main Street address: 8100 Lakewood Main Street, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
- Waterside Place address: 1560 Lakefront Drive, Sarasota, FL 34240
- Music on Main: first Friday of most months, 6 to 9 p.m., free
- Farmers market: Sundays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Waterside Place
- Waterside Place is part of a 36-acre development with an 8-acre lakefront park
Where are Main Street and Waterside Place?
Main Street is in the northern, Manatee County part of Lakewood Ranch, and Waterside Place is in the southern, Sarasota County part. They are about a 10 to 15 minute drive apart.
| Lakewood Main Street | Waterside Place | |
|---|---|---|
| Address | 8100 Lakewood Main Street, Lakewood Ranch 34202 | 1560 Lakefront Drive, Sarasota 34240 |
| County | Manatee | Sarasota |
| Feel | Compact, pub-and-patio town center | Newer lakefront district with a park |
| Signature event | Music on Main, first Fridays | Sunday farmers market |
| Good for | Casual dinners, live music, sports on TV | Brunch, families, waterfront strolls |
What is on Main Street?
Main Street is the original Lakewood Ranch town center, built around a short walkable street with restaurants, pubs and shops. Places that have taken part in Lakewood Ranch Restaurant Week include Percoco’s Pizza and Pasta and The Peculiar Pub, a craft beer spot with live music.
On the first Friday of most months, the street hosts Music on Main, a free concert from 6 to 9 p.m. with food vendors, drinks and kids’ activities. July is skipped in favor of the Fourth of July event at Waterside Place.
What is at Waterside Place?
Waterside Place is the newer town center, part of a 36-acre development on Kingfisher Lake with dining, shops, fitness studios and an 8-acre park. A footbridge links it to Waterside Park, which has a splash park, hammocks and an event lawn.
Restaurants there have included Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster House, FORKED at Waterside for breakfast and brunch, AGAVE Bandido for Mexican food, Osteria 500 for Italian, and Good Liquid Brewing Co. Other tenants include Duck Donuts, Kilwins, CROP Juice and O&A Coffee Supply.
Restaurants open and close often, so check each one’s hours before you go.
When is the best time to go?
- Sunday morning at Waterside Place for the farmers market, then brunch.
- First Friday evening on Main Street for Music on Main.
- Weekday evenings at either for an easier table and parking spot.
- Winter and spring are busiest, when seasonal residents are in town.
What else is nearby?
Lakewood Ranch Boulevard and the University Town Center area add dozens more restaurants. The Mall at University Town Center, on University Parkway at I-75, is the largest shopping destination nearby. A full restaurant guide, organized by occasion, is coming soon.
See also: things to do in Lakewood Ranch and parks and trails.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Main Street and Waterside Place?
Main Street is the original, more compact town center in the north of Lakewood Ranch, known for pubs and Music on Main. Waterside Place is newer, on Kingfisher Lake in the south, with a waterfront park, a broader restaurant mix and the Sunday farmers market.
Is there parking at Waterside Place and Main Street?
Both have surface parking lots. Expect lots to fill during Music on Main and on Sunday market mornings, so arrive early.
Where is the farmers market in Lakewood Ranch?
At Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Drive, every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.