Waffle Monkey: Downtown Sarasota's New Hotspot for Chicken and Waffles!

52 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, FL, USA - A fresh breeze of culinary creativity has swept through downtown Sarasota with the debut of Waffle Monkey, a vibrant café located at 52 S. Palm Ave., inside the charming Sugar Palm building. As of June 12, 2025, this delightful eatery has officially opened its doors, beckoning food lovers and breakfast enthusiasts alike with a menu that boasts an exciting mix of fried chicken and Belgian-style waffles, among other treats. According to Herald Tribune, the café is owned by Pete Collins and his wife, Kathryn, who traded the tropical elegance of the Cayman Islands for the sunny allure of Sarasota.

The name „Waffle Monkey“ takes its roots from a cozy beachside café established in Costa Rica nearly a decade ago, adding an exotic flair to this local locale. This opening marks the fifth restaurant in the Waffle Monkey family, which also includes branches in Costa Rica, the Cayman Islands, and Bonita Springs. The café has already carved out a niche in Sarasota’s growing dining scene, serving a notable „massive chicken and waffles“ dish for just $16, which could easily become a go-to favorite among patrons.

Menu Highlights

Waffle Monkey offers a diverse menu that promises something for everyone. Highlights include the Old School waffle and the Waffle Monkey, the latter topped with banana, local honey, and coconut. You can also find breakfast and lunch sandwiches like a refreshing BLT or a hearty sausage breakfast sandwich. Best of all? The fried chicken is marinated in-house for 24 hours, ensuring fresh, never-frozen ingredients that delight the palate.

The café strives for a welcoming atmosphere, employing 12 staff members dedicated to providing a pleasant dining experience. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Waffle Monkey invites both locals and visitors to indulge in their flavorful offerings. For more details, diners can visit their website or call directly at 941-210-3830, as noted by Restaurants in Sarasota.

Sarasota’s Expanding Culinary Scene

The establishment of Waffle Monkey coincides with a flourishing culinary scene in Sarasota, as highlighted by Sarasota Magazine. Over the past year, the city has welcomed a multitude of new dining spots, each contributing to an increasingly diverse array of flavors.

• Ocean Prime – 501 Quay Commons – Offering prime steaks and seafood.
• Casa Masa – 4862 S. Tamiami Trail – Known for scratch-made corn tortillas and unique cocktails.
• Lucky 8 Luncheonette – 1812 S. Osprey Ave. – Famous for its outstanding fried chicken.
• Café on St. Armands – 431 St. Armands Circle – Features a Mediterranean menu reimagined post-hurricane.
• Adeline – 1920 Hillview St. – Offers a fresh take on informal lunchtime fare.

With so many options now at the fingertips of Sarasota’s food scene, the arrival of Waffle Monkey is a timely and exciting addition. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, it’s worth stopping by to experience the delicious blend of flavors and the friendly atmosphere that the Collins family hopes to foster in this new culinary venture.