Should you find yourself sauntering around Southside Village on a balmy summer evening, there’s a good chance you’ll notice a beloved neighborhood staple has changed. What was once Knick’s—a local favorite for drinks and food—is now The 1818 Grill. New owner Tommy Lovell, who has known the Barger family (the original owners of Knick’s) since the ’90s, is committed to maintaining the same fun and familiar atmosphere that made Knick’s the perennial meeting place for Southside locals.
“The number one thing I’ve heard since I took over the restaurant was that this is where everybody knows your name. And I knew exactly what they meant by that. This is their neighborhood Cheers. The customers walk to dinner, and they come in here for a great meal and a comfortable atmosphere. They want good music, cold beer, good wine, and a great burger,” Lovell says.
And a great burger they shall receive. The popular Brunch Burger (a half pound of 80/20 Angus topped with applewood bacon, cheese, a fried egg, and served on a pita) remains a top seller with seasoned regulars and new customers alike. Diners will also be pleased to know about updated specials every week.
“We have daily lunch specials and a burger of the week (BOTW) every week. For instance, we did a Caprese burger. So it had fresh mozzarella, sliced tomato, and our house made pesto with a little balsamic drizzle. It was fantastic. We did an Elvis burger with bacon, cheddar, and peanut butter and jelly. We’re going from fun to fancy and everything in between. And our roasted red pepper and Gouda soup definitely isn’t going anywhere,” Lovell says.
Lovell is also playing around with new menu items, adding a Cuban sandwich that he’s very proud of. “We put a lot of work into the Cuban. We grate and zest orange peel over [the pork] at night and marinate it in mojo. We roast it in the morning, cool it, and slice it. We add Boar’s Head ham and Swiss cheese, and then we press it on La Segunda bread—the best bread from the oldest Cuban bakery in Florida,” Lovell says.
Lovell is also a military veteran, and feels that’s also helped foster connections in the community. But more than anything, he’s simply happy to give back to the people who’ve helped keep Southside Village flourishing.
“I feel like I owe a debt of gratitude to the neighborhood. The welcome I’ve received taking over a spot that was so loved for so many years was unexpected. I’m very grateful. All the loyal customers to Knick’s have stuck around, and came in to support me and introduce themselves. They’ve gotten to know me, and I just can’t thank the neighborhood enough,” Lovell says.
The 1818 Grill
1818 S Osprey Ave, Sarasota
941-955-1818
the1818grill.com
