USA TODAY named its Bars of the Year. This Sarasota favorite made the list

The Gator Club in Sarasota made USA TODAY’s list of best bars in the country .

The USA TODAY Bars of the Year 2024 list, released today, features 27 drinking destinations, from dives to high-end cocktail bars.

Located in downtown Sarasota near the city’s famed Bayfront, The Gator Club is a two-story bar and nightclub boasting more than a century of history, including bootleg whiskey, illegal gambling, an upstairs brothel, and the kind of spirits that can’t be contained by a glass. It's where Sarasotans and out-of-towners go for drinks during happy hour and to dance to live music late into the evening.

"This is an incredibel honor," said Larry Siegel, owner of The Gator Club. "We always strive to do our best for our customers, staff, musicians and DJs. Thank you so much for this amazing recognition."

USA TODAY Network food journalists live and work in states across the country. They know their communities, and they pooled their expertise to select the list, which includes the places they spend their time and recommend to readers and friends.

Learn more about The Gator Club and how the list came together .

Sarasota bar named one of best in U.S. Everything to know before you go

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Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing .

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: USA TODAY named its Bars of the Year. This Sarasota favorite made the list