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While Tim and Cooper are tackling “The Outsiders” for this year’s Drinking Guide, I’m taking a closer look at the insiders. The places we actually party at day-in and day-out in the city, the standbys that are always there and always great. I’m also using this opportunity to offer my own Season wrap-up: a look back at where I’ve spent my time so far in ’09 and why. Please find after the jump my highly subjective list of the best Sarasota spots for a drink, a snack, or a whole frickin’ night out.

Zoria
The basics: 1991 Main St., Ste. 118, 955-4457
Signature drink(s): Any of their specialty martinis — my fav is the cantaloupe
Most friendliest bartenders(s): Monty, Michelle
Zoria is a beautifully decorated restaurant with a classy and comfortable lounge. Monty behind the bar knows his stuff and loves talking about literature just as much as his beloved Os. A bar menu is available till midnight if you’re hungry (and looking to lighten your wallet). Also a convenient place to have a drink while waiting for a movie. And do try pasty chef/owner Arthur Lopes’ delicious desserts.

The Sports Page
The basics: 1319 Main St., 365-0469
Signature drink(s): Anything with liquor ’cause you know it’ll be sKrong
Most friendliest bartender(s): Sean
The Page is the standby. You will see me there for lunch, happy hour, or after midnight for a strengthy vodka/soda and a basket of chicken fingers with awesome bartender Sean Dargin. One memorable evening at the Page included drinks with a group including social power players, funky boutique owners, local painters, yours truly and a drag queen. I can’t think of many other places in town that would work so well for such a diverse crowd at any hour of the day.

Legends Pub/Smokin’ Joe’s
The basics: 1816 S. Osprey Ave., 951-0990/1448 Main St., 366-9439
Signature drink(s): A cold, delicious beer
Most friendliest bartender(s): Christian/Jen O. and Jen C.
My “lets go have a beer” spot, at two convenient locations. The bartenders are amiable, professional and fun; the beers are frigid; and there are enough flat screens to keep about everyone happy. Not to mention consistently great tunes on the jukebox, DJed by patrons and the bartenders themselves. Bonus: a perfect spot to enjoy a beer on a Wednesday afternoon with the newest issue of Creative Loafing.

Lan
The basics: 1568 Main St., 953-7111
Signature drink(s): Sake of all varieties
Most friendliest bartender(s): Brad and Santiago
I love the atmosphere at Lan: small and intimate and hip, decorated in black and purple with a hint of pink. Chef/owner Lan Bradeen’s kitchen is open until at least midnight, so you can enjoy her Vietnamese Cuban or duck crêpes late at night with one of the dozens of sakes they offer. (My fav is the Sho Chiku Bai Nigori: It’s a milky cold sake with just a touch of sweetness.) The bawdy banter of co-proprietier Brad Coburn and obliging head waiter Santi keep you company sipping sake while a variety of cool downtowners flit in and out over the evening.

The Alley Bar & Lounge
The basics: 2831 N. Tamiami Trail
Signature drink(s): Appletini
Most friendliest bartender(s): Hot gay boys
Though new, the Alley has already shown it has what I’m looking for in a night spot: music, drinks and an anything-goes attitude that keeps everything fun. The bartenders are cordial and quick (and cute!). The Alley also hosts drag shows, karaoke and parties, but regulary draws quite a crowd on any ol’ Friday or Saturday night.

Esca/Horsefeathers/Evie’s Tavern (aka “The Bermuda Triangle”)
The basics: Between Links Avenue and U.S. 301 on Main Street and Ringling Boulevard
Why take a trip to “The Bermuda Triangle” of the Sarasota bar scene? A few examples: It’s Friday Night, and you wanna go out downtown. You wanna meet some bitches/brahs. For the rest of us, inevitably, it happens: You are dragged to Evie’s with friends and wade through the D-bags just long enough before you can escape to Esca for shots and dancing. The decent music at both Esca and Horsefeathers is usually a redeeming quality and you can definitely count on an interesting crowd shakin’ it on the dance floor. Either way, it’s a party on Friday night and for this town that’ll work for me.

O’Leary’s
The basics: 5 Bayfront Drive, 953-7505
Signature drink(s): Mai tai, rum and Coke, piña colada, etc.
Most friendliest bartender(s): all the girls
After a day slaving for The Man at CL, often times nothing sounds better than a fruity drink right on the water. O’Leary’s may sit just one block from downtown, but it never fails to feel like a getaway. Plan on running into a buddy or an ex while you’re there and enjoying a rum and pineapple with him, her or him/her. Traditional grill food is also around in case you are hungry — O’Leary’s pretty much has it all.

Where’s your favorite drinking spot? Hit up the comments below to tell us about any locales I missed and what makes them great. Maybe I’ll see you there next week.

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