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Welcome To JR's Old Packinghouse Cafe
JR's Old Packinghouse Cafe, located in Sarasota, FL, offers a nostalgic slice of old Florida charm with a lively atmosphere and hearty portions. Renowned for its Colossal Burger, packed with grilled mushrooms, crispy bacon, and their special 999 sauce, patrons rave about the taste and simplicity of the fare. The menu features a delightful selection, including cornbread fish and authentic Cuban sandwiches. With friendly service, a laid-back vibe, and often live music, this café creates a welcoming space for friends and families alike. Whether for lunch or dinner, JR's promises delicious food and memorable experiences, making it a must-visit local gem.
Taste the best
Discover Our Menu
Blackened Shrimp With Garlic Toast
US$13.95Large Cole Slaw
US$3.95Pico Dillo Cuban Beef
US$14.95
OPC Shrimp
US$18.95Basa Fillet (Groupers First Cousin)
US$18.95Breast Of Chicken
US$17.95
Country Fried Chicken
US$17.95Cornbread Crusted Basa
US$18.95Fries
US$4.95 About
JR's Old Packinghouse Cafe
If you're in Sarasota and on the hunt for a classic Florida dining experience, look no further than JR's Old Packinghouse Cafe. Nestled at 987 S Packinghouse Rd, this charming locale captures the essence of old Florida with its laid-back vibe and hearty portions. With their motto claiming to serve the best burger in town, JR's has certainly garnered a faithful following of food lovers eager to see if the hype holds true.
The first thing you might notice upon entering is the café's inviting atmosphere—a casual, no-frills setup that encourages patrons to relax and enjoy their food. Live music often creates a lively backdrop, enhancing the overall experience of dining here. As customer 'Troy Davidhizer' notes, it’s a "fun place to meet with friends for a good meal," which truly sums up the community ambiance that JR's has cultivated.
Now, let's talk about the food. The reviews speak volumes about the menu's standout items. For instance, 'Dominic Firrincieli' raves about the Colossal Burger, piled high with grilled mushrooms, onions, and bacon, complemented by the flavorful 999 sauce that proves to be more than just your average burger sauce. The burger's impressive size and quality ingredients make it a must-try for any meat lover.
But that's not all JR's offers. If seafood is more your speed, you can’t go wrong with the cornbread fish served alongside yellow rice and black beans, as praised by Ebone Cruz. The dishes are crafted to not only satisfy your hunger but also your taste buds, ensuring a memorable meal every time.
For those keeping an eye on portion sizes, as Phil mentioned, they've got you covered—just be prepared for hearty servings! And what's a meal without the right drink to accompany it? Sip on a cold margarita and embrace the all-around satisfying experience that this café provides.
Whether you’re stopping by for their famous Cuban sandwich or the ever-popular pork burrito, JR's Old Packinghouse Cafe epitomizes what it means to find joy in simple, quality food. So why not make a day out of it? With an unpaved, rustic parking lot giving it a down-to-earth feel, you're encouraged to come as you are and savor all that this little gem has to offer. Just remember: leave the car wash for another day!
Next time you're in Sarasota, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in a meal that reflects the spirit of Florida living—where good food, friendly service, and a relaxed atmosphere come together to create an unforgettable dining experience at JR's Old Packinghouse Cafe.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Great lunch here today! This is an old Florida kind of joint. Food was very good. Way too big portions and pretty tasty! Could have used an increase it temperature but otherwise ok. Beer was cold! This is a great place. ”
“ One of the best burgers I've had in a long time. I was drawn to this place by their claim of the best burger in Sarasota and the other reviews on Google. I love a good burger and thankfully JR's didn't disappoint. I went with the Colossal burger including grilled mushrooms, onions and bacon. Absolutely delicious! The burger was big and the bun large enough to match with all of the ingredients. The 999 sauce was really good and not just some thousand island -1. The quality of the bacon on the burger was great and stood out. French fries and coleslaw were really good to match. The place definitely had a "joint" feel to it with live music and simple interior. If you're a fan of diners, drive ins and dives this place could be a DDD. I just ordered pickup and the bartender was super friendly with the order ready when I arrived. No online ordering, car side to go, pick up cubby holes or anything fancy. Just old school call ahead they'll have really good food ready! They claim to have a great cuban sandwich and I'll definitely be back to try it. The parking lot is unpaved and a little bumpy. Don't wash the car before coming. ”
“ I had the cornbread fish with yellow rice & black beans......delicious! Food was excellent & so was there services. Margaritas are pretty great as well. I missed the live music but we had a great time with laughs & good food! ”
“ My favorite place so far on this visit to Sarasota. Had the pork burrito. It was delicious. I would like to go back and try some other dishes. Staff was friendly and service was quick. We had a large group (10) so we arrived at five and got right in. By the time we left at six the place was filling up. They often have live music. The vibe is very laid back and eclectic. Fun place to meet with friends for a good meal. ”
“ Burgers were Amazing! Potato skins were spot on! Definitely on my return list!! Need to try some of the other famous items & head back for live music! ”
“ Heard they had great burgers and live music, both did not disappoint, cool little place, we will be back. ”
“ Definitely not fancy. Both got burgers. They were prepared to requested temperature and nicely seasoned. Sides were good. Music wasn't to my liking but the duo sang all night long and had a nice fan base. Manager/owner worked the crowd to be sure everyone was good. ”
“ JR's was a recommendation from someone and it was a nice little spot to have lunch. There isn't anything fancy here, and that's the point. Just a local spot with good food, good service, and a lively local atmosphere. The interior is very rustic, with funny signs and Florida Man vibes. We had the blackend fish over jambalaya and beef nachos, and both were good. The beer was ice cold and our waitress was very friendly and attentive. If you're looking for a place off the beaten path where the locals go, this is the place. Being a FL native, it's nice to see that places like JR's still exist in an area like Sarasota. ”