There were five of us...an empty table was there for immediate seating and the sandwiches and soups were to die for! We'll be back for more and don't skip the cookies! Thank you for making lunch more than worth it! read more

Experienced this cafe for lunch for the first time ... greeted by I believe was the owner with a welcoming smile and upbeat attitude. She was pretty busy at the counter taking orders ... by provided individual attention to each of her customers, making suggestions on " favorites " meal selections. We ordered the longboat Brie and islander along with their chips . Both sandwiches were very good and half a sandwich was enough at lunch ... taking the other half home for lunch tomorrow. Prices were reasonable . We dined outdoors in a pleasant courtyard atmosphere. I would recommend this cafe for lunch ! read more

HOLLLLY MOLLLLLLLLY. Mouth watering deliciousness with every freaken bite. THIS IS THE BEST SMOKED SALMON SANDWICH I've had thus far in my life . ( I'm not playing im a pescatarian and this one blows everything else out of the ball park ). Service was great , ordered to go and the cashier was funny also. Ambiance was a cute little nook. They have big umbrellas where you can sit outside. I went on a Thursday afternoon and it was pretty packed. DEFF WILL BE RETURNING TO EAT HERE AGAINNNNNN STRAIGHT FLAME read more

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The food and service was absolutely amazing! Michelle was so kind and helpful with her menu recommendations. You could tell she has created a close-knit community over the years from her business. The bread, homemade chips, and potato salad was to die for! Would come back again a million times over. read more

Michelle's brown bag cafe is a local favorite! Fresh sandwiches and my favorite soups. The staff is always so great and helpful and I love the location of this spot! A great place to stop for lunch as you roam downtown Sarasota or after a visit to the Marie Selby gardens. read more

Food is made with love and you can tell! They just moved to burns court! Best ice tea in town! read more

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Michelle was so kind on the phone. I ordered catering for my son's birthday and the sandwiches were delicious. Only thing, I'll take blame for not clarifying, but I was blown away at the total price when I picked them up. I was not expecting to pay that much and wish I, or they, verified it when placing the order. I definitely would have cut the order in half... Again, really yummy sandwiches, kind staff, just blindsided by the cost. read more

The customer service was great. Everyone was super nice. The food was super good, and the menu has everything someone could want. The food was delicious, we ordered a plain bagel with cream cheese, a turkey Ruben sandwich, a tuna sandwich, and lobster bisque. The ambiance was lovely and had a nice homey feeling to it. Five stars!! read more

Food was outstanding and a great patio! Mimosas were yummmmmy, my wife had the Lobster Salad and bought 2l s to go!

Such a lovely place for a delicious breakfast sandwich and good coffee. The service was great, and the shaded outdoor seating was the perfect place to enjoy it all! Would highly recommend read more

Michelle had fresh pink flowers on each table welcoming and attracting customers like bees to honey! The smell of the cookies fresh out of the oven also enticed me! I got 3 cookies. ( blondie, cranberry & Chocolate chip.) so warm and scrumptious. And Michelle was also smiling behind the counter. Wonderful service and beautiful foodS. My friends got sandwiches and coffee. Nice perky music from the 1980's. Ahhhhh, Everyone was happy. I would come back. read more

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New location at Orange and Alderman will last 6 weeks if they are lucky. The food is fine; but too many things wrong. Undisclosed fees for credit card use, undisclosed added $6 fee if you order your egg meal as an omelette making a $13 omelette a $19 surprise. We had such high hopes for a continuation of the pleasant Fresh Start experience which closed a few months ago. Apparently not to be. Some simple fixes, if I may: hire table staff, get whole milk or cream for coffee, disclose all fees and add-ons before they show up on the billing computer, get rid of plastic utensils and paper plates/cups - use dish and table ware. We locals had relied upon and enjoyed the preceding cafe, so that our disappointment with Michelle's effort really hurts. read more

My sandwich was very good I popped in today for lunch and tried their Groovin Reuben off their favorites board. It is a turkey sandwich made like a Reuben, with Swiss cheese, dressing, and kraut, on rye bread. I liked it. While there wasn't that corned beef, much of the flavor for a Reuben comes from the other ingredients anyway. This sandwich had plenty of flavor. I also got a side of their homemade chips, thick cut and lacking salt. Michelle's is located inside the City Center Building at Main St and Osprey Ave. You order at the counter and they give you a number that you can put on your table. I opted to get mine to go, so I just hung around for the few minutes and took my brown bag when it was ready. I thought the food came out quickly enough for someone on a lunch break from work. As for me, retirement is great, and apparently my role now is just being in the way of people who are truly in a hurry. There are a couple of small tables inside the restaurant itself, more tables in the atrium of the building, and even four tables outside. I assume those were technically part of the restaurant, they all had Boars Head umbrellas, and Michelle's uses Boars Head food. That's where I sat, and the view of watching the world go by through the intersection and along the sidewalk was more interesting than just looking at a parking lot. read more

Michelles Brown Bag Cafe - Groovin Reuben - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

While I was in town here for dress shopping, I was searching for a sandwich place/ salad something quick to eat before going to the beach. It's hard to find because it's inside a bigger place but SOOOOO WORTH IT!!! I'm so glad I found this little gem place! It was hidden but I would so go again and again. They have a variety or sandwiches paninis and salads. They also have smoothies. Nice and really quick! Plenty of parking Highly highly recommend read more

This place has a great ambience about it. Their food is reasonably priced, portion sizes are perfect, and customer service is top notch. I have nothing but high praise for their food! However, my one complaint is that they overlook food allergies. For example, they offer gluten free bread but cross contaminate the bread by using the same utensil's and toaster that is used by gluten products. This should be addressed immediately! read more

While on vacation My daughters were lobbying for what they call a "frou frou" sandwich place that ideally served kettle chips and organic cherry soda. "Oh great," I said, "you girls aren't hard to please" with a hint of sarcasm. "The closest I can get to that may be this Michelle's Brown Bag". So we headed in that direction and I was feeling pretty good until I saw an office building standing tall at the address the gps was directing me too. I had my doubts and had to circle the block twice before realizing I'd have to park around the corner, but we were pot committed now. The moment we entered my teen spotted Black Cherry Soda in the cooler immediately confirming we were in the right track. The menu board of creative sandwich choices had me instantly torn between several mouth-watering options. The validating verdict: The turkey w/herbed stuffing and cranberry was the hit for me. Every family member raved with their order including, The chicken salad with a little blue cheese on your choice of bread, the Turkey bacon cheese on focaccia, the Apple, cheese, and spinach pressed panini, and even my son's plain grilled cheese got a thumbs up (which I wasn't expecting he'd like anything there and would simply hold him over until a fast food run). The icing on the cake were top shelf muffins, cupcakes, and fresh baked chocolate chip cookies, and oh yeah, guess what...homemade potato chips they were cranking out the back. Thank goodness we were willing to find a parking spot so we could find this lovely lunching spot. read more

Went and ordered 2 bagels 1 with butter 1 with cream cheese Got home I was expecting the bagels to have butter and cream cheese on them. Got home Just packets of butter and cream cheese. Why would I go back to a place who serves food like that. Just not sure what the owner is thinking read more

This is a hidden gem in the building. It is really a hidden gem (can't see the store from outside). Their sandwiches are fresh and delicious. They also make cookies by themselves (not the cupcakes). Owners are friendly and personable. Here are tips: Parking: you can park your car in their parking garage (free and no validation is needed) Service: very friendly and attentive Food: Above average for sandwiches Ambiance: Great for a sandwich shop read more

Food here is always fresh, delicious and perfectly prepared. These are beautifully prepared sandwiches and salads. Recently got to enjoy Michelle's pasta salad. Highly recommend as well as her homemade potato chips. Excellent choice for lunch or breakfast. read more

Excellent service and food. Always has my 'brown bag' ready for pick up for my lunch at the beach!

A terrific Main St. cafe that is hidden in an office building. They offer fresh food of all types and their prices are reasonable for the area. A great place to stop by for a quick bite in a nice atmosphere. Bottom Line: Stop in on the weekdays to have a quick bite at this cafe. You will be happy you did. read more

Eh... I feel guilty writing this as I work close by. In fact, I eat there a lot but only for convenience. Sorry Michelle! Here's the skinny: Sandwiches are creative and I think all are a good mix of flavors and textures. I do feel like they could be either a little cheaper, or a little larger to make up for the cost. Most of my coworkers refuse to go because of the cost. $10 a sandwich is kinda a lot to spend. On the bright-side, it comes with sides! Unfortunately, a tiny cup, maybe an ounce or two, of your choice of whatever they have that day. That too could be slightly larger. I can go down the road to Patricks and get a chicken sandwich, mashed potatoes and a side of veggies for the same cost. Plus I'll only eat half of that leaving me with dinner. Back to the sides... The potato salad had blue cheese in it. This is something I have never seen before and well, it took me a bite or two to realize it wasn't that the eggs were rotten in my salad. Yuck. The pasta salad is just ok. My favorite salad is the cucumber salad. They don't always have it but when they do, yum! I adore the homemade pickles that they serve with each sandwich. That's a nice touch. Their panini's are also pretty good but I feel like they could use more dressing. Every one I had was a tad dry. I have only had one salad and it was the Ahi Tuna salad. It was delectable! I was shocked at how great it was. Lucky for them this was my first experience and made me go back a few more times. Overall I think there is a lot of potential here. I would say to try this out and make your own opinion. I will certainly be back out of convenience, and of course there is a lot more to explore on the menu.... read more

Michelles Brown Bag Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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DELICIOUS SANDWICHES....I have been here twice now and enjoyed it both times. I had something like a "Bradenturkey" on multigrain and some ham and brie with mango sandwich on multigrain and both were great. Big sandwiches and you get a small side of either pasta salad or coleslaw and maybe another option. There's a tempting plate of brownies on the counter that are irresistible, moist and rich; a few more chocolate chips in the batter would make it a perfect 10. What I also like about the place aside from the food is the decor. Cute red tables/chairs outside, fresh flowers on every table inside, chalkboard menu, vintage coca cola trays, nice artwork and bright environment. Not bad for catering to the lunch crowd downtown vs. tourists on Main. AND a big thumbs up for being the only restaurant I've seen with a recycling bin next to the trash can. I watched some nearsighted diners have trouble reading the chalkboard menu b/c it's on the back wall, so grab a menu on the way in and read while you're in line if your vision isn't great. read more

My friend and I wanted to eat local at a small business and stumbled upon Michelle's Brown Bag Cafe. As soon as we walked in, the environment was extremely welcoming and clean. They were very helpful going over the menu as we have not been here before. The food was amazing! We will definitely be back! You can't go wrong with anything you order! read more

Didn't realize they put mayo on everything even though it is not listed. Spend $10 on a sandwich I couldn't even eat , other than that it looked delicious. read more

The ultimate fresh sandwich and salad lunch spot! Working downtown, there are so many options for lunch (and breakfast) yet we always seem to go here. We love the homemade chips and the Braden Turkey sandwich-- we could literally devour an entire bag of the chips they are that good. The bagel sandwiches are a must in the mornings! The service is always wonderful, the space is perfect for any lunch meeting (for a small group,) and the option of delivery within the downtown area is a nice option as well. Skip the packaged drinks and go for their frshly brewed iced tea and fresh lemonade-- an Arnold Palmer with a little twist! read more

Service is "everything!" I have been eating at Michelle's Brown Bag located in the Wells Fargo building at the corner of Links Avenue and Main Street for years. I will never eat there again after today's phone call: Me: "Is this the owner?" Owner:"Yes how can I help you?" Me: "I was in earlier today with two of my colleagues for lunch. When the young waiter brought our lunch, he said" Sorry we are out of pickles and the "chips" are the substitute." (We each got 4-5 potato chips.) Me to the waiter: "Thanks for the generous portion." (being sarcastic and with no response) Me: "Michelle (owner) I was really offended when the table next to us received a pickle and plate full of chips within 10 minutes after our order had been served." Owner: "Yes we ran out of pickles. The pickles cost me 0.8 cents and I thought we were being generous with the substitution of 4-5 chips." (I swear I am not making this up) Me: "Really? You're kidding me right? 4-5 chips? Wouldn't have been the right thing to provide a "serving side"of chips ( more then 4-5) and have brought out pickles while we were still eating our lunch?" Owner: "Yes, I suppose. I have been here for 17 years and never had anyone complain about a pickle. What do you do for a living? Me: I service my customers, and sell real estate." Owner: "Well you must not be a very busy realtor if your calling me about a pickle. Would you like to come by right now and pick one up?" Me: I Laughed....."You missed my point".......dial tone. The moral of the story.....when the chips are down, (count them- jk) when it comes to service, always under promise and over deliver! Yes, this conversation was with the owner, Michelle Ettinger! I cannot imagine if I provided this type of service to our clients? read more

Michelle's brown bag has opened up in the location vacated by Bella Gente. Much of the interior is the same, although the wine and the tables are rearranged, as well as a few things moved around. By way of disclosure I've been here once and they have been open maybe a week or a week and a half at best at that point. This place has a serious work flow problem. They have put a cold case against the back wall with the cash register, where you are supposed to order. A person takes your order, walks around a table, around another counter (the old esspresso bar) and then hands it to the people making the sandwiches. This creates a lot of work with no real benefit to the customers or to the business. I hope they will quickly see this won't fly. Makes me wonder if people ever "test" their set up when opening a new restaurant or not. Also, the people making the food have a hard time keeping tickets organized. ANd if you are going to call out a persons name when the food is ready, get someone who isn't afraid to speak up so he can be heard. Now the food. The place is set up as a typical sandwitch and salad type cafe. They also have breakfast. Kind of interested in seeing who makes their Bagels as a good Bagel place is sorely needed toward the north end of town or in Bradenton. IN any case, I tried a "Islander" sandwich on a Bagette. It was pretty darn good. But the goat cheese is what made it a good sandwich. The bagette was more like a hoagie roll than a bagette, not the end of the world but something to keep in mind. This might sound harsh, and more like something I would give a two start to but I also realize that I was there the first week they were open so I'll cut some slack. I hope they get things worked out. I'm tired of the sandwiches at main street bar and I'm ready for something in this area. The staff needed more training before they opened. For example, the guy who took my order didn't know to ask me what type of bread I wanted and that he had to write it on the ticket. So I would say give them a good two or three weeks and then give them a try. I'm going to be back and see how they do and try a few other things, but I highly recommend they watch some of Gordon Rammsey's kitchen nightmares (the brit ones on BBC america, not the US version) and stop making the simple mistakes that are going to kill them. Also find a job for the guy standing behind the espresso counter, he looked lost. read more

Michelles Brown Bag Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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That sammie rocked! I love love love the interesting collection of delightfully inspired sandwiches. There are 3 things that make a sandwich awesome: Good Bread. Good Guts. Good Condiments. These cant just be combined to create your old run of the mill white bread-insert meat- add mayo/ mustard. You got to think out of the box and make each part really count. What counts at the Brown Bag cafe? Baby greens, pumpernickel rye, pesto aioli, dill mayo, boars head products, words like homemade and fresh all over the menu- but it's actually true, not just marketing. With a sandwich shop that feels like mom's kitchen why would go to anywhere else? I can think of a million other things to buy for just $5 that are a foot long and easily more satisfying. read more

I'm here so much and I enjoy the islander and the manatee sandwiches! I just wish they would remember my name. Update 10/7/13 - They remembered!!! read more

This is a great lunch spot if you want something quick and yummy. They have a variety of soups to choose from. I like the sausage lentil soup and the mushroom brie soup. My favorite sandwich is the Islander. I love that they use Boar's Head deli meats. read more

I've only had one sandwich but it's amazing every time and their brewed iced tea is super and they're always so nice and fast. Perfect for "I have 30 minutes for lunch" kind of work day. read more

This was my first time ordering. The online ordering process and payment was quick and easy. My food was delivered on time and was delicious!! I had the Siesta Fiesta salad and I was not disappointed. It was fresh, tasty and filling. Will definitely be ordering here again and recommending to my coworkers! read more

Great place for lunch! The menu is full of interesting and delicious sandwiches, and there are plenty of soups. This is an ideal location for a quick business lunch or lunch meeting. The staff is friendly and the food is always fresh and specially made. Please make sure to check the location, as Michelle's Brown Bag is now located at 1819 Main St. in the Wells Fargo building. read more

My team and I have done carry out several times with different orders and it is always delicious! The baked goods are fresh, the menu diverse, and the staff are friendly and communicative! read more

Food today was kinda average, have been here before and it was 4 stars, but today it was 2.5 stars, the guy up front seem annoyed to take my order. Hopefully s employee, and not the owner read more

Another of my go to lunch spots convenient to work. Everything is fresh and tasty including the breads. Maybe a little pricey but I'm never disappointed. Salads and sandwich's are what I usually order read more

I had lunch at Brown Bag Cafe Friday - a large, delicious Reuben, Coke and chips for $12. The sandwich was well portioned with pastrami and the rye bread was fresh. A huge pickle accompanied the sandwich. The cafe is inside the Wells Fargo Bank building on the right side of the atrium. The whole place is air conditioned. I ate at a table outside the cafe where I got to see a lovely water sculpture at the center of the atrium. I would probably not go back to The Brown Bag Cafe for lunch because $12 is more than I like to pay for lunch. If $12 is within your budget, you should enjoy this place. read more

Lunch or breakfast at this lovely little spot is amazing. Stop in for fresh quality ingredients, wonderful blends of flavor and local touches on the menu. Yummy food combined with friendly staff makes Michelle's Brown Bag a regular stop. Michelle's Brown Bag also has amazing catering options, have this amazing fresh food come to you. read more

Happy to say Michelle's Brown Bag is OPEN, just moved to another location on Main St. We stopped by last week based on the information we got from Yelp and the Osprey location was closed, the old phone number works, the new address is: 1819 Main Street. We re looking forward to having lunch there because he reviews have been great. read more