Grocery stores (that sell liquor too)

Question

Flying into Sarasota, renting a car, then going to our rental on siesta key.....is there a grocery store (also selling liquor)

that is easy to get in and out of between the airport and siesta key.....thank you

Answer

Yes — there are several convenient grocery/liquor options you can stop at between Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) and Siesta Key. In Sarasota most grocery stores sell beer and wine; for full spirits you’ll often find a Publix Liquors (or a separate package/liquor shop) adjacent to a Publix, which makes one convenient one-stop for groceries + hard liquor.

If you want the easiest, quickest stops on the most direct route from SRQ to Siesta Key (University Parkway → Stickney Point / Cortez → Siesta Key), these are the common, reliable choices:

Publix (multiple locations) — best overall one-stop: Several Publix supermarkets sit right on or very near the University Parkway / Bee Ridge corridor you’ll drive from the airport. Many Sarasota Publix stores have a connected Publix Liquors or there’s a nearby liquor shop, so you can pick up groceries, beer/wine and spirits in one short stop. (Look for the Publix closest to University Pkwy or the Shops at Siesta Row if you want to be near Siesta Key.)
Siesta Market / Siesta Village markets — best for a last-minute local stop: Right on Siesta Key Village (within minutes of most rentals) you’ll find Siesta Market (Morton’s/Siesta Market) which carries groceries, prepared foods, beer and a selection of wine and spirits — very handy if you prefer to get basics after you cross the bridge. It’s small and quick to get in/out.
Detwiler’s Farm Market (or similar local markets): If you want farm-fresh produce and a larger specialty selection, Detwiler’s (and other local markets) are on the Sarasota side and doable as a short detour on your drive. They commonly sell beer & wine and usually are quick to navigate in/out.
Walmart / Supercenter (if you prefer one large stop): There are Walmart locations in the Sarasota area that carry groceries and beer/wine; they’re usually easy to pull into from the main highways for a fast supply run. (Note: store layouts vary so check whether the exact store carries the spirits you want — many travelers prefer Publix Liquors for a larger liquor selection.)

Practical tips for your stop:

If you need hard liquor (vodka, whiskey, tequila, etc.), aim for a Publix with an attached Publix Liquors or a standalone package/liquor store — grocery aisles in Florida reliably carry beer and wine, but spirits are often sold in the adjacent liquor shop. Booking that into your plan will save a second short stop.
For the fastest in/out trip from SRQ, stop at a Publix on University Parkway or Bee Ridge Road — both are right along the most common route to Siesta Key and are easy to access from the highway exits.
If your rental will arrive late, confirm store hours (some supermarket/liquor hours vary) or plan to stop immediately after you pick up the car at the airport — that’s often the least stressful timing. Many Publix Liquors also offer Instacart/delivery if you prefer to have groceries delivered to your rental later.
If you want the most local, Siesta-side quick option, Siesta Market in Siesta Village is extremely convenient for last-minute items and a small selection of beer/wine/spirits. For a bigger shop, do the Publix stop on the way in.

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