Since being established in 1958 by retiring circus performers Antonio and Thea Borza, the Main Bar Sandwich Shop has been a downtown dining institution. The interior, basically unchanged from the late 50’s, would be better suited up north but works surprising well here in Sarasota. The dark booths and neatly arranged tables make for a comfortable, almost homey feel.

Main Bar boasts an extensive menu of sandwiches. Hot sandwiches, cold sandwiches, a variety of club type sandwiches, more sandwiches than you could taste in probably two months. Their signature sandwich labeled, “Our Famous Italian” is a combination of salami, ham, provolone cheese and assorted veggies on a toasted bun with a blend of oil, garlic and spices. It’s amazing! Kind of similar to a Cuban, but with its own unique taste. No wonder it’s famous.

Other selections run the gamut from ham, turkey and salami selections to a half dozen club choices. They also have a nice assortment of salads on the menu. They serve a great Greek salad and a good sized tuna salad plate.

Main Bar always has a fine selection of homemade soups to choose from each day, one of which is a well prepared Gazpacho.

The service is a cut above the crowd. You can always count on fast, friendly, attentive service. It’s a place that you can get in and out of in a hurry if you would like or linger over today’s newspaper.

For $5.75 you can have the “Business Lunch”, a cup of soup, small tossed salad and half a sandwich. That’s a fantastic deal considering that one of your sandwich options is Braunschweiger. Now you don’t see that on many menus in these health conscious days. That’s pretty much sums up the Main Bar Sandwich Shop dining experience though. Great old fashioned sandwiches served in an environment to match. Next time your downtown, give the Main Bar a whirl.

The Main Bar Sandwich Shop is located at 1944 Main Street in downtown Sarasota. It across the street from the Hollywood 20 Theaters.