The best little dive bar in Florida--period.
Since 1980, Memories Lounge has been serving Sarasota and Bradenton as one of the few bars with the style and soul of a real drinking establishment, a.k.a. a dive bar. Built as an expansion to North Trail Liquors, Memories has seen its share of changes in the four decades since it opened. Today, serving a local clientele of college students, neighbors, and visitors to Sarasota, Memories is known for low-cost yet high-quality drinks, great bartenders, friendly local customers, and our classic dive bar atmosphere.
Just look at all those people enjoying our exquisite A/C and our inexpensive cocktails!
More About Memories Lounge
Our Story
We're lucky to have a rich history of success in Sarasota. We hope to continue this story for years to come.
Meet the Team
It's not the bar. It's not the owners. It's the people who make Memories run as well as it does. Meet our stars.
Meet Dakota!
Does your bar have a cute dog that goes around signing pawtographs? No? That's too bad because ours does.
The Owners
The decision to buy a bar isn't one taken lightly, and should only be for the right reasons. Meet some amazing people.
The Rules
What, you thought this was just chaos and mayhem all the time? Think again. We've got some rules to follow, bub.
If we said we're awesome you wouldn't believe us so... here, Have some testimonials
Memories has a long and storied history in Sarasota. From our humble beginnings in the 80s to a crazy gin-joint in the 90s, the last few decades have seen Memories Lounge grow up and become one of the ‘Institutions of the North Trail’. The story of Memories today is that of a bar that’s been through it all. We’re a dive bar, through and through. It’s our character. It’s who we are… but we’re more than a stereotype.
This dive bar is alive. This dive bar is about people.
The Memories customer is the kind of person who cares about character. They care about integrity and honest work. You’re unlikely to find a bunch of people who care about window dressing, or small-batch-brewed floral-accented ingredients and fly-by-night fads of where to be seen. Our regulars are people who are proud to call Memories home. People who are proud to say this little dive bar, looked down on by those that deem themselves “Coolier Than Thou“, is actually the best place in Sarasota to meet up with friends, share a story, and have a drink.
Ours is a collection of stories. From the story of that individual sitting alone at the bar, or that couple who are so in love that they never notice the world around them, or the friends who pull together to make the world a better place because they know this whole life thing is about “us” rather than just “me! me! me!”… the Memories story is about the people who make us a community rather than “just a bar.”
All one needs to do is walk through the door and like magic *poof!*… it doesn’t matter what the size of your bank account might be*, where you went to school, what your address is, who your group is, who you want to love, who you vote for or what kind of car you drive: all that matters is your individual character and here, maybe more than anywhere, you get to be you.
We’re the neighborhood local. Come, have a drink with us and get to know some of these stories. Who knows, maybe you’ll add your own one day.
- We actually do care a little bit about the size of your bank account. If your bank account is zero please pay with cash and make sure you have enough to tip your bartender 🙂
Meet the Team! Our Bartenders Are the Best in Sarasota
Sharon
Our senior bartender, Sharon has been with Memories for more than a decade and a half. Sharon is responsible for starting our fundraising efforts for Satchels Animal Shelter and her efforts have helped us raise more than $40,000 (wow!) for these local animals in need.
Teresa
Back for her third time working at Memories Lounge, Teresa is one of the most professional bartenders in all of Sarasota. She's as sweet as her cocktails and nice as the day is long--as long as you behave. 🙂
Chris
Chris is an old time regular at Memories who left, made a career in bartending, and is now back--but this time behind the bar! You'll always have a great time with Chris... he's the Mems master of ceremonies! Follow him on Facebook!
Julia
Julia is Sarasota's most sought-after bartender for her knowledge of cocktails, her ability to pour a quick drink, and her cheery sense of humor. Just kidding, she's known as Queen Hatred (but you'll love her for it, we promise). 🙂
Tony
While often being mistaken for Sam Elliot, Tony is a bartending legend in Sarasota. Having tended bar for more than 30 years in the area, Tony’s reputation in town is the tops. He’s probably served (and probably drank with) your grandparents, your parents and now you.
Meet Dakota, our adorable little Internet cockapoo mascot
Our mascot: Dakota! She’s the most adorable little Cockapoo and she makes brief appearances at special events where she sometimes signs pawtographs! She’s a celebrity around town, and she’s the darling of the Memories Lounge Facebook Page. Oh, and did we mention that she can talk? Dakota lives with her mom, Helene Duvin, and you can often see the two of them at the Farmer’s Market on weekends (Dakota is the one taking Helene for a walk up Main Street–you can’t miss them!).
In the above video, Dakota gives her take on the website you’re looking at right now. Does she like it? Does she hate it? Only one way to find out… click that play button!
Fun Fact: Before Dakota recorded her first viral video for Memories Lounge, she was already a champion cockapoo. Years ago she competed against some of the top dogs at the Sarasota Kennel Club (aka the Dog Track) and creamed the competition to take First Place at the Mutt Derby! True story!
Meet the owners!
Ken and Helene Duvin, brother and sister, are the current owners of Memories Lounge and North Trail Liquors. Owners since 2016, Ken and Helene originally bought the establishment with friend Stephen Acker. It was Dinie Hens, a beloved bartender, friend and sister/mother figure of Memories Lounge, that brought this opportunity to their attention a few years ago. In their own words, here’s why Ken and Helene love Memories and North Trail Liquors…
“Memories Lounge is all about the people. They are our family and we love them. North Trail Liquors serves this community. We love being the “store around the corner.”” -Ken Duvin
“There are always smiles and hugs waiting for you when you walk through the door. It is the people and our fantastic team that make this place so special.” -Helene Duvin
Bonus Information You won't find on the Menu...
this is how much money we raised for the local animal shelter
From the efforts of our bartender Sharon Lisic, our patrons have been raising money for Satchel’s Last Resort Animal Shelter and to date we’ve raised more than $41,000! Satchel’s is a no-kill animal shelter here in Sarasota that specializes in rescue, rehab, and rehome. The money raised through Memories goes to shelter, food, health care, and other services for dogs and cats, giving them that last chance before they find their forever home.
Currently, we raise money through special events at the bar, such as when Sharon makes her special Loaded Bloody Marys (watch our Facebook page for when we do this) and other events. But you don’t have to be at the events to help us take care of these precious dogs and cats. You can always leave a donation with any of our bartenders at any time! It’s as simple as asking them if they can take a donation!
Oh no! The Rules!
Okay, we know. You all hate rules and regulations but in this case, we only have a few and they are for the safety and enjoyment of all of our customers both in the bar at Memories Lounge and in North Trail Liquors.
Be At Least 21
You must be 21 years of age or older to enter our premises-- please be prepared to show your ID. Consider it a compliment to your youthful appearance when it is requested.
Wear Shoes
No shoes. No service. That's it. This seems like a no brainer... but let's not forget, we live with Florida Man. Get it together, people. It ain't gonna kill ya to wear ya damn shoes.
No Tank Tops
Guys: no tank tops in the bar after 7:00 pm, ok? T-shirts are where it’s at when the sun goes down. We may not be the classiest joint, but at least we have some standards.
Service Dogs Only
Sorry, but no dogs in the bar except legitimate service animals as per federal law. We love dogs (we even support a local shelter!), but please leave your pets at home.
North Trail Liquors. Support Local.
At North Trail Liquors, we’re proud to be the North Trail’s local supplier of fine wine and spirits for any occasion. We are open every day and have a well-stocked store conveniently located at 3428 North Tamiami Trail, a block south of Myrtle on 41. You can always call us at 941-355-3446 too!
Being the local community liquor store means a lot to everyone at North Trail Liquors. For us, it means we get to know you, and that helps us better recommend the perfect bottle or mixer. It means we’re able to be there for you by supporting that special event at your home, your office, or even when you’re out on the water.
North Trail Liquors. So good we built a bar around it! Next time you’re in don’t forget to stop into Memories Lounge for a cold refreshing drink!
About North Trail Liquors
Meet Our Team!
A ship is only as good as it's crew, and we have the best in Sarasota. Meet the folks who make North Trail Liquors the greatest place in town for wine, liquor and beer.
Expert Knowledge
Need that perfect gift? Having a special occasion and you want that bottle you can't seem to find anywhere? Ask our staff and we'll do everything we can to help find it.
We're Your Local
North Trail Liquors has been serving the neighborhoods in North Sarasota since the mid 1960s and we hope to continue this tradition for another 50+ years!
Special Accounts and Parties
We routinely service corporate accounts and help with party planning. For your larger orders we'll even deliver for free in the local area within a few miles of the store.
Neighborhood Discount
We're serious about being your neighborhood store. Members of various local neighborhood organizations get 10% off all purchases in North Trail Liquors!
The Florida Lottery
You gotta play to win! Memories has been the neighborhood place to buy lottery tickets and scratch offs for years. Come on in and try your luck today!
Stephen
Do you need top level service when you go to a liquor store? Yes, yes you do. That's why we have Stephen. Having expertise in customer service and a global understanding of fine wines and spirits, Stephen helps give us that extra level nobody else has.
Kevin
Mr. Jack of All Trades at North Trail Liquors, Kevin has been helping neighborhood customers for eight years! His knowledge of NTL's inventory is tops so if you have any questions about what's on our shelves, just come by and ask Kevin for assistance!
Mary
Mary truly is the figurative mom of the store and she's got the wisdom to go along with it! Loved throughout the neighborhood not only for her work behind the register, but for taking care of people in need as well. Mary is our saint.
Erinn
Do you like vodka? That's great, because we have an Erinn! From bartending in the cold regions of northern Illinois and throughout her journey to Sarasota, Erinn has become a world-class vodka expert. Also? She has arms! Friends, the rumor about how she lost them in a blizzard when she was in Siberia searching for the purest vodka in the world is simply not true.
Travis
With a philosophy of, “Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough," Travis can tell you what kind of person you are by which whiskey, whisky, or scotch you drink. A man of fine tastes and bold experiences, he's your go-to on what bottle will fill out your collection or how to impress your boss before you go ask for that promotion.
Andy
Andy is a Sarasota food and beverage veteran, joining North Trail Liquors after multiple decades of providing locals with top-level service. His experience and knowledge of what we have to offer is rarely matched... even in the most snootiest of liquor stores.
We're your local store!
North Trail Liquors has been a staple on the North Trail since the 1960s. We’re your local place for beer, wine, and liquor for your celebrations, holidays, get-togethers, weddings, and beach/boating days.
We’re also located between Ringling College of Art as well as New College, and down the street from University of South Florida (USF) and SCF to provide both alcohol and non-alcohol service for events.
We also sell ice for your drinks at home or out on the water, or your livewells if you’re going fishing for the day. Fun fact: all of our ice is cocktail ice made on premises. We don’t sell old mass-produced ice that’s been sitting in bags for a year. Some say just-made ice has more dissolved oxygen, but honestly, we don’t know that for a fact. All we know is this: we sell the best ice in Sarasota 🙂
Ask the experts
Do you want something we don’t carry? Having a hard time finding that special bottle to celebrate with or give as a gift? Talk with us!
It doesn’t matter if it’s an old bottle of wine, or an aged scotch or maybe even something promotional. Our staff finds it fun to hunt down elusive bottles and industry whatnots.
North Trail Liquors has been in the industry since the 1960s and our staff are like detectives when it comes to finding exactly what you want. Like we always say, “If it’s legal and available, just ask!”
We work with companies too
North Trail Liquors is your corporate partner for all your alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages. We can serve just the right mix of liquor at functions of all types throughout Sarasota and Bradenton. We currently service a number of monthly corporate and large-residential clients. We also put special orders together for corporate and non-profit special events. We’re here to help!
IBSSA/CitySide Member Discount
Do you live in the Indian Beach/Sapphire Shores neighborhood? If so, and if you’re part of the IBSSA, just show us your association membership card and enjoy 10% off your entire order in the liquor store! We want to make sure you know that we’re part of the community and we’re happy to share this price cut with our neighbors.
Our neighborhood discount doesn’t end at the IBSSA borders! We’re happy to announce that we are now giving the same 10% discount to residents of CitySide through their Socialites program!
If you represent a local neighborhood group, please come talk with us about discounts. We’re serious about being supportive of our local patrons! Buying local supports local jobs and keeps money in our community. We support local 100%!
Lottery Tickets
There’s no better place in Sarasota to buy all your scratch offs and lottery tickets than North Trail Liquors. Take a chance! Shoot your shot! You never know when your lucky numbers might hit!
Events at Memories
There’s always something fun going on at Memories… check it out!
Friday night Dive Bar Karaoke! ON HOLD.
NOTE: Friday Night Karaoke is on hold until we feel it is safe to restart it. THIS MEANS WE ARE NOT CURRENTLY DOING KARAOKE. We miss it just as much as you do! Normally, we do karaoke every Friday night from 10:00 until 2:00 in the morning! Sadly, right now we are simply not hosting it. That said, please enjoy some of our favorite karaoke ads we made, especially the ones with DJ Lalo, one of Sarasota’s top karaoke master of ceremonies.
The Memories Pool Teams (Someone put them out because They're On Fire!)
Memories is a proud sponsor of not one, but three pool teams in Sarasota! We have an eight-ball team, affectionately called The Memory Lapses, that plays on Tuesday nights, and two nine-ball teams, The Memory Banks and Thanks for the Memories, which play on Wednesday nights. Memories is an APA (American Poolplayers Association) affiliated bar, and all three teams play here at the bar or travel to other bars on alternate weeks. This means at least one of the nine-ball teams is playing at home every Wednesday night unless there’s a bye or it’s between seasons.
Also??? We are VERY proud of our Memory Banks nine-ball team for going to the APA World Nine-Ball Championship Tournament in 2022 out at the Westgate Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as making it into the World Qualifiers in 2024. The World Championships brings together the best of the amateur players from around the world and is the most exciting event in pool, world wide.
Memories also proudly supports the local Manasota APA. They do an excellent job of running a large collection of bars, pool halls, and players to make both eight-ball and nine-ball a fun weekly event all throughout Sarasota, Bradenton, and Venice.
Bowling, In My Mems? It's more likely than you think.
One of the more popular things to do at Memories is to compete in video bowling. Think you got what it takes to be one of the best? If you can get 250 or more points in a single game (and then follow our instructions on the wall next to the bowling machine), you’ll become a member of the 250 Club and you’ll receive a free drink (but only when you get into the club, not every time you make 250 or more after that). It’s not as easy as it sounds! Also, if you’re just interested in bowling against your friends, you can always play in Vegas mode and try to pick up the best poker hand with strikes and spares! Good luck!
Halloween at Memories
Halloween is our favorite holiday! It might be because, to be honest, we have ghosts. To make them happy, we go all out every October decorating the bar. This has made us quite the popular spot for locals and tourists alike interested in possible ghost sightings. So don’t be scared! Come on in! See if you can’t spot a ghost or three! And while you’re at it, have a fantastic Memories Lounge cocktail! In the meantime, please enjoy some pics from past Halloweens.
Meet one of our ghosts, Vivian Harper
This is Vivian's story brought together through historic documents and eye-witness accounts. May she rest in peace, someday.
Holy guacamole! Memories Makes the News!
Sarasota Magazine: On a Barstool at Memories Lounge, a 91-Year-Old Reveals His Secret of Longevity
Sarasota Herald Tribune: 16 Places to Visit on North Trail
New York Magazine: Find the Quirky Side of Sarasota
Oooh, you found more testimonials! Nice job! (These are real, seriously!)
You're still here? We love you for that! Here, have a bonus Phil video!
We miss some great people!
Nancy Mackinnon
Sue Brasel
Leo Ferreira
Lynne Duddy-Perkins
Phil Hall
