Knick's Tavern & Grill
Where everyone knows your name
I started working at Knick’s Tavern and Grill in March of 2021 as a lark to help my friend Knickole Barger at her family restaurant, after she posted on Facebook about the sheer volume of business that they were experiencing. At the time I was peripherally aware of Knick’s because of Knickole’s tireless efforts during the pandemic to feed first responders and unite the businesses in Southside Village. I hadn’t yet enjoyed one of the award-winning burgers and I hadn’t yet met the man, the myth, the legend: Knick Barger himself. I didn’t know about the incredibly loyal and tight-knit group of regulars and I didn’t know that this unassuming storefront on Osprey Road, next door to Legends Bar, is one of Sarasota’s longest-running family-owned and -operated, restaurants. Knick’s Tavern and Grill celebrates 20 years of continuous operation on January 24, 2022.
What was meant to be a part-time gig to help a friend and supplement my income from a different, full-time, job has quickly become my second family. There’s magic to be found here in the form of strong relationships—not to mention the waffle fries. Katherine, Knickole’s daughter, has grown up in front of a loving group of friends and neighbors who all consider themselves to be extended family. Knickole laughs, “The first place I took Katherine from the hospital was Knick’s to do wine inventory.” Knickole got married at Knick’s in an intimate ceremony during the pandemic, and the dining room has witnessed many baby showers, proposals, and wakes over the years.
Knickole can be found working the lunch crowd every weekday with lunch chef Taylor Collins (20 years employed) and waiter Rene Lopez (16 years employed). Knick can be counted on to regale you with tales of years gone by or gift you a hand-drawn caricature. The art on the walls is all Knick’s work, and there’s a wall of articles leading to the kitchen describing his prolific work in local construction— another field in which father and daughter both excel. Nearly all of Knickole’s friends (including myself) have worked in the restaurant at one time or another. Holly O’Mara started as a regular guest and has been waitressing the night shift for six years alongside the dinner chef, Abraham Gonzalez (18 years employed). The absence of employee turnover, especially in the back of the house, is a testament to the family atmosphere cultivated by Knick and Knickole, not to mention the fact that Knick’s is closed on Sundays and major holidays to allow employees time at home.
The menu has remained mostly the same for 20 years with nightly specials like Monday’s chicken pot pie, Wednesday’s meatloaf, and Friday’s prime rib standing the test of time (our editor Tracy is partial to Matt’s Classic Club Sandwich with Waffle Fries). Knick’s favorite menu item is the sautéed blackened calamari with lemon-lime crema, and garlic bread. His favorite dessert is the peanut butter pie. Dessert speaks to another family legacy: Randy DesRochers is a friend of Knickole’s and the baker of desserts for both Knick’s and, of late, Origin Craft Beer and Pizza. Randy inherited the recipes and Knick’s dessert business from his mom: “The Pie Lady.”
The origin of the name “Knick’s” is often a topic of conversation, especially among newcomers. Knick was Knick’s mother’s maiden name and is his middle name. His given name is not worth mentioning— he won’t answer to it—but he’ll happily tell you the story if you ask about it.
If you’re one of the people who have yet to experience the magic of a meal in the convivial atmosphere of Knick’s Tavern and Grill, I encourage you to stop by—but, fair warning, you might wind up a regular or you might find yourself with a new job. It happened to me.
> Knick's Tavern & Grill: 1818 S Osprey Ave, Sarasota; 941-955-7761: knickstavernandgrill.com
