Joyland

I went for the advertised “Ultra Beginner” line dance lessons on Weds 6:30-8:30, but was disappointed. The dance floor was packed, and most people there had been there previously & already knew how to line dance. I went with a group of 6 friends to learn beginner steps & songs; but, it was so crowded & nearly impossible to see the instructor and her feet for demonstration. I envisioned the dance floor bigger, thinking it may be similar to their previous location. Other than the first 2 songs, the instructor kept doing advanced steps & songs the majority of the group already knew, but said next Weds would be more beginner instruction, and Thursdays for the more advanced dancers. This was suppose to be an Ulta Beginner class we attended, as per the website, which didn’t reflect the change in schedule she indicated. For me to drive more than an hour and a half round trip, only to learn Beginner instruction would be “more” next week instead, was disheartening. We were all frustrated & ended up sitting out a lot, while she did familiar, more advanced steps with the group. She tried, but catered more to the experienced dancers, which no doubt was more fun for her. Learning only 3 songs, one was more advanced the instructor stated, was not what we expected for a $10, 2-hour Ulta Beginner class. It was fun while we were able to do it, though. The food was alright, but limited to a selection of pizza, wings, & philly cheesesteak sub. Drinks were decent. I’ll try line dancing with Val at Big Top Brewers on Lakewood Ranch Blvd next week for free, since we want to learn beginner steps and songs and hopefully have even more fun!

We have been to this venue a handful of times now for different occasions. They have some really good bands come through, cover bands, djs, and events. We went to see Saliva last night. They held a prom for adults here last year that we attended and we all had a really good time, fairly clean bar with good staff. Haven’t had any issues at this establishment. They have a kitchen with decent bar food choices, prices on drinks and food are all usually fairly good and they usually run some sort of specials which makes things even better. Easy to get to location with plenty of parking. Looking forward to seeing what other upcoming events they have planned for this year

Great place too come dance variety of music to swing to with full bar idk if thare is a cover we didn’t have to pay anything but drinks great time

I come here on Tuesday nights for Caliente Nights and I can say without question that I come here for Nate and the amazing service he gives. He makes sure we are all taken care of, manages this place seamlessly, and always has a smile. Because he’s really the only face I ever really see representing Joyland, it encourages me that other nights might be worth coming in. Go visit Nate - the best!

Don’t even bother coming here if you’re under 21. They make you pay $35, take your ID, and even if you aren’t drinking they watch you like a hawk when you’re just trying to have a good time, makes it super uncomfortable and unenjoyable. Takes their babysitting job way too seriously and lets no one have a good time even if they’re just dancing (NOT drinking). DONT COME HERE.

I don’t give out many 5 star ratings. This team earned it. Met several members of the Joyland team. What a great bunch of folks. Kind and professional. The atmosphere was great, quality staff, nice crowd mix and great music.

Here for ladies night. The teacher was so confusing to watch, didn’t know the dances, had to look at a paper to teach and quickly taught one dance, did it once and then moved on to something else totally different. Not worth the $10 I paid. Bathrooms were also really dirty. The stalls where caked with dust, smudges and grime.

I attend weekly for Latin night on Tuesdays and part of the great experience is Nate. Always greeted with a smile and he makes Joyland feel extra welcoming. Really well run location. It’s my Tuesday family!

Love dancing at Joyland! One big family and great music. Dani is always great at the front door and the bartenders rock!Definitely recommend Thursday night lessons and dancing-

This place is top notch! I love the atmosphere and all the dancing drinks are amazing and the door girl..... what a gem super sweet always! I love thoes red heads! Cant wait to go back!!!

Great place to go Line Dancing especially if you want to learn how to line dancing.Really enjoyed the Line Dance Workshop with Mark Paulino today. I hope they’ll bring him back.

They welcome everyone with open arms here. Love the overall atmosphere. Great place to learn line dancing.

Bad experience. The girl next to me took a shot and got kicked out and since I was next to her they assumed I was with her and kicked me out too assuming I bought that shot for her, when I did NOT. Don’t waste your money or time on this place.

Last Thursday was an incredible experience for me! I was lucky enough to meet Danielle, and let me tell you, she was absolutely incredible! She went above and beyond to assist me with everything. Her recommendations for drinks were out of this world, especially the Florida tea shots. They were so delightful! Not only that, but Danielles personality is just as amazing as her suggestions. If you havent had the pleasure of meeting her yet, or even if you have, I highly recommend asking for Danielle. She will make your evening an incredibly memorable one! We love you and will be back soon to see you.

Not into country music but I had a great time. They dont just play country music either. Great atmosphere and great people.

Charged a cover charge where most places do not, for the same bands. Allows underage children into the bar. The food was not just bar food, which is expected, but really bad bar food; wings were burnt to black.

Great dance floor and crowd, quick getting drinks. Great music and sometimes live bands.

By far one of my favorite places ever. The staff is the best Scott definitely owns one hell of a bar. The manager Nate always makes sure everyone is safe while they enjoy their nights there. The bar staff is super sweet and they always make sure you have a drink in your hand especially when you’re parched from dancing the night away. The security creates a safe space and are really nice. I enjoy going on line dance nights, but there are a variety of different themed nights for everyone to enjoy. The dj’s are amazing, I’ve gotten the opportunity to get to know Trevor and Jeremy and enjoy the music that they play. Thankful to be part of this bar.

Place is cool, but the bartenders could definitely use a few tips on how to make a cocktail.

Best place in town for line dancing. Dani upfront gives you warm greeting as you comes through the door and Joyland treats you like family.

I love Joyland! We come here twice a week. LOVE Dani at the front door she is amazing. Shana is my favorite bartender, love her! Nate is pretty awesome! Every single person who works here is so nice and accommodating. Highly recommend!

I dance weekly at Joyland Live, Saturday night to be explicit. It’s a fun night with all the regular dancing family and the new people who come in. Rose is an excellent teacher taking her time to make sure everyone gets a chance to understand the dance and she puts you at ease by having fun teaching the dances. The bartenders and the young lady at the door are very friendly and courteous but there is one employee that stands out above the rest and that is the young man by the name of Nate who is in Security. He is always there to assist you in whatever it is you need with a friendly smile and a kind word. He will accommodate you if it’s possible what you ask of him. I’ve seen him help quite a few patrons on requests and he always tries to go the extra mile to get it done ! He is a real asset to the Joyland organization! “Kudos” to Nate !

If you want to linedance DONT come here. If you want to be stepped on, shoved & shoulder checked with little to no room to breathe & enjoy having to tackle people like an nfl linebacker just to get to the bar & restroom then this is your place.

THANK YOU JOYLAND❤️‍🔥As Entertainers we had such a smooth and professional experience with Joyland, all of the staff members were helpful, Chuck and Scott are absolutely incredible people, down to earth, humble and we loved being on the Joyland stage.Working with professionals makes the experience that much more memorable.Now as a local to Sarasota, I am grateful when we arent performing to attend some of their weekly events.They hire INCREDIBLE bands on Friday and Saturday, their Tuesday Night Latin Night is so much fun.Overall, I always have a great time with my friends at Joyland and encourage you to attend one or all of their events.

Best local dancing spot! Dani at the door will have you smiling immediately. The manager, Nate makes sure were safe, and our favorite drinks are served by Shana. Where everyone knows your name :)

I grew up in Sarasota and heard about this place but never actually got to see it until the new location and not only did the staff seem high or just have memory issues when it wasn’t busy but the atm machine didn’t work and then the girl charged my friend $20 instead of $10 for the outrageous cover when there shouldn’t have even been a cover. I work in this business and I could have done the “bouncers” job way better.Besides that the bartenders where nice

This place is so overpacked to the point it’s not even safe. The dance floor is incredibly small, they let people who aren’t dancing just stand on it because quite frankly there’s no where else to go. The music is wayyyyy too loud. When trying to share my experience with the owner back in december he told me “if you don’t like it go open your own ****ing bar.” as someone who works in the service industry, i would NEVER talk to someone that way. If you like room to dance & air to breathe I recommend Cowboys dance hall or the Stockyard. The djs are also extremely friendly there & so are the regulars!!!

I have been going to joyland since I can remember. Finding myself there even after work to dance and listen to great music and musicians. I will say I am pretty happy with the new set up! Nate the manager has been honestly so cool to meet and he really has taken great care of us as a couple. My fiancé and I frequent Joyland about twice a week and truly feel at home. Bartenders are amazing, especially Bri, Alyssa, Dani, Preppy, Shaina, Millie, and Jordan. The security gets the job done especially Taylor and Moriah. And talk about a welcoming smile from the door ladies especially Danielle!!! But honestly the rest of the staff are just great! We will be back to party many more nights!

First time going to the Dance Party hosted by 107.9 radio. It was awesome. Great DJ , Great oldies 70’ dance music. We ordered the hamburgers and they were delish, 5 star. We had a blast, the atmosphere was fun and everyone was dancing. Will see if can make a Tuesday for Latin night. I’m not into country- so will keep checking on events. Good job!

Last night was my first time here. I had a blast! The music was awesome. I dont line dance but the DJ was playing stuff even I could dance to. Cool bartenders to say the least! Cant wait to return

Dani, the front door lady, is absolutely amazing. Always greets with a smile and makes everyone feel so welcome! The second I walk through the door, to when I walk out, I can always count on Dani to start and end my night joyously. The absolute best!

Great place to grab a drink or go out dancing, Security and Bartenders are great. DJs play good music and always great live music. Nate is always able to take care of the customers. Highly recommend stopping by!

Joyland is an amazing place to hang, dance, shoot pool, and have a drink. Food is great bar food. See Dani up front on Thursdays for a funny story and find Shana at the bar for a killer drink. Also, give Nate a hard time if you get to meet him!

The bartenders & security was pretty cool. BBut, the DJ was God awful, and people only pretty much line dance. Not to mention 70% of the people there were rude as all heck, but thats not the bars fault I know. Drinks were fair priced. A little small though.FYI Mr. DJ.... play country music rather than rap & the obnoxious stuff. Supposed to be a more country bar.

Music is 50/50 people sharing drugs not asked for is a big problem. Sadly even if you bring a guy with you others will try to drug you. Stay safe don’t leave your drinks around and watch for touchy feeling men on the floor.

I was there for dancing. Good sized dance floor. High ceilings and 2 AC vents pointed at it, and you can ask for the fans to be turned on if more is needed. Good times.

My husband and I walked in with our 20 year old daughters. One of my daughters lost her DL so we were told we could not get in. She had her college ID, a pic of her DL with barcode and other IDs but still told NO. We have been to other 18 and 21 venues with no hassle.

Fun music outing. Large dance floor. Plenty of seating

We love coming to Latin night on tuesdays!! Bris the best bartender!! She always takes great care of us. Shes there all the time. Go check it out :)

Never tried the food but if you love country music they get some great bands here and its always a fun time

Came to joyland for the first time this weekend. Bri recommended the wings!! Surprisingly EXCELLENT!!! Shoutout to Vinny in the kitchen. Great service. Great bartender. Can’t wait to back. 5/5 stars

Rude staff!! We were seated at bar stools and had just ordered drinks. They came up to us, 3 security guys in red shirts and told us we had to get up because they were moving the stools away. They were so rude about it!!! Why even put the stools there in the first place. We came early in order to have a seat. Dislike this place so much!!

The beginners line dance at 6:30 Saturday is not for beginners. I have been a teacher all my life and understand the predicament for the teacher. In walks many people who are regular customers. Beginners beware. The teacher has to go with the median at least to captivate interest. I was encouraged not to give up which I dont. But I cannot learn correctly without rudimentary steps.Solution: Maybe try a 5:30 session that is truly for beginners? Build the class from the roots and bring more life to Joyland.

Best bang for the entertainment buck!!

Burgers are fantastic! They should not have line dancing lessons on a Saturday night! Leave that for a Sunday! Super boring! At 7:00 on a Saturday night! Need more bartenders! !Bands should start earlier! Not at 9:30!

Should stop selling 10.00 dance tickets when the floor is so full u can move!!!! Thursday night beginners night the regulars should set down and let the first timers learn!!!! Not a good nite out!!!!

By far one of the best bars been to. The staff have the best attitudes and so helpful and quick with drinks and the dj makes sure everyone has fun constantly.

Great music and the staff is good they are experimenting with doing more live music which is cool since we don’t really have any spots for that in Sarasota im not big on country music but the other events are fun the drinks are priced nice I have only been twice now and my review may change I hoping for the postive only real complaint was the audio mixing the DJ sounded great I just don’t think the front of house was use to doing metal the night I went hey if you guys ever need a audio engineer I graduated full sail

Great atmosphere! Alyssa was my bartender of the evening and she made my experience at joyland so amazing, so friendly. I will definitely be back!

Awesome venue. Only place in Sarasota to line dance. Dani at the front of the house is awesome and always has a smile on her face and helpful.

No fries, kicked me out for subsequently no reason and the bouncer too short

Really a big disappointment. Overcrowded, hotter than hell and my bartender for some reason when I order Jack & Coke could not help but use a no name bourbon in place of Jack and not expect me to taste the difference. Watched on the last 2 drinks to find out why the flavor sucked and he said when I called him on it hed take care of it next round and than did it again. Paid our tab and left the drink sit. Not impressed.

Went to Joyland for the first time tonight. Im from Illinois and there is nothing like this up north that I know of! A very happening place with people from all ages! The bartenders are nice and the music was great! Ill be sure to tell the traveling folks back home!

This was the country night club/dance floor to go to, until The White Buffalo opened. I still like Joyland better though, since the crowd isnt as big and there is much more room. The place is huge. There are 2 bars and more than enough bar tenders to take care of you very fast. They also have great concerts every now and then. Ive seen Florida Georgia Line here, as well as Joe Nichols multiple times. Granger Smith, Lee Brice, David Allen Coe, to name a few. If youre looking to have a good time at a country dance hall and still have room to walk around, this is the place to go.

Had an amazing time!! The dancing was great! A guy was being weird and filling girls dancing and security escorted him out. Made my friends and I feel so safe! Can’t wait to go back!

Great place great atmosphere. Definitely be back!

Im not one for country music or line dancing. But I went with a bunch of friends for someones birthday. Had an excellent time and everybody was so friendly and it really wasnt that expensive. If youre into this kind of stuff you might find a home.

Had The best time last Thursday! Its a cool place. I liked it wasnt all country all night long. Cant wait to go back.

We had a great time, Anthony Gomes, last February 2022. Please have him back, he kic🎸 azz.

We are snowbirds. Bri remembered us from last year!! Love this place! Great wings. Great service. Great venue. Can’t wait to go back.

Went to joyland for TL!! It was so great to see Wes and Bri behind the bar!! We had so much fun. Cant say enough about the bar staff and their amazing service!!!!!!!!! Cant wait to go back.

Joyland is a great place!! I love coming to Latin night. Bri is so welcoming and helpful. Tuesdays are the best.

Worst club I’ve ever been to. It was not very busy, they played the same 10 songs on repeat all night. There’s a reason the one in Bradenton went under and I’m sure the new one will follow suite soon unless they get new management.

Very good atmosphere. Love their latinos night on Tuesday with Carlos Fanning ! Highly recommended !

Ill keep my five if this stays as a non staple line dance place. Line dances are fun but maybe on a low dose partner dancing is a lot more fun.

It’s a great place to go to music is fantastic the staff is very helpful wonderful dance floor great bands like the one I saw Friday nite I will be back again keep up giving info about events coming up the honey barbecue wings are the best I have ever had cudos to the chef

This is a great place to see live music and if you like dance there is a huge dance floor! The burgers are delicious!

Excellent music and fun crowd!

Great place. Been coming to Latin night since February!! We love Bri !! Thursday’s are awesome too.

The staff doesnt care about their location. maybe that is why they were kicked out of their original location. BROKEN BEER BOTTLES on the parking lot and sidewalks. Very inconsiderate about other tenants.

Great bartenders, food and LOVE the atmosphere! Absolutely recommend coming here for a fun night out!

This is one of the best clubs I have been to since I live in Florida it is absolutely beautiful. Everything is done so perfectly the dance floor is brand new and its time to dance

Love the vibe, the step dance and the beer.The crowd is amazing, we are a regular at this place

Had my first visit to Joyland to catch my friends in Saliva. Very nice venue and the staff was great! I will be back!!

Wasted $15.oo on their joke of akaraoke contest ..... Mystified asto what qualifications the threeso-called judges have to be judges.If you dont do something from thelast five years or a world famoushousehold name song, its unlikelytheyll even know the song.The guy sitting to the left from thestage, whos the real critical one,didnt even know it was Tom Pettythat famously dueted w/ Stevie Nickson Stop Draggin My Heart Around.Who the hell doesnt know that ???He thought it was Don Henley (OMG).As anyone that knows ANYTHINGabout music knows, Don Henley washer duet partner on Leather and Lace.Ive been doing this for 15 years,have won contests before, and Imvery good at what I do.But Im supposed to take advice onperforming and be judged from someguy who doesnt know Tom Petty fromDon Henley ??? ..... Not in this life.UPDATE: ..... I think this karaoke judgeis named Kevin ... I recently ran intohim again at another karaoke show onSiesta Key Island ..... After listening tohim talk, I can now confirm that thisguy is a musical idiot and shouldntbe allowed to judge anything.

Love this place! Always great service and friendly people. Love my bartender too. Bri is always super efficient and and friendly.

Love Joyland so much! Always a great atmosphere and love seeing Danny at the front door when I get there!

Dani at the front desk is always amazing to talk to here and has an amazing attitude. One of the main reasons why I keep coming back!

Love spending date night each week with my wife at Joyland. Dani is the best!

This FRI NOV 12th is Rock Night at JOYLAND Live with a Fun, Dance Rock Band called JACK’D UP.Don’t miss this band, they’re good!

This place has everything you could want from a country bar! Awesome help, good people, something for everyone!. Go there, you will not be disappointed! Stephen Farah.

Best music good service always to experience good energy.. love the staff the cost is reasonable and good friendly door service very inviting

I have a great time every time we go there.Nice place to meet and make new friends.Great times great music and great friends!

ABSOLUTELY LOVE BRI !!! That chica can bartend !!!! Definitely coming every Tuesday

Amazing service and atmosphere. Bri is an amazing bartender. Love coming here

So much fun!!! Great Crowd! One of my #1 in Florida.

Great place! alyssa and bri are the best bartenders!

Wednesday from 9-10 or from 10-11, everyone drinks free. Only one hour. But its pretty badass

LOVE the line dancing lessons..clean, friendly atmosphereReasonable priced drinks..

Smoke stopped me from going🙁Smh dam why isn’t there no smoking? I hope they change it lots of people would love it. . Smokers outside😁

Great atmosphere, amazing bartenders, variety of country music to dance to.

If its raining dont go the parking lot will be a foot under water . if its dry Saturday nights are the best and its awesome!!!!!!!!

This place is huge the party doesnt start till after 11 p.m. domestic beers and well drinks Galore line dancing and sometimes live music I love going here

Fun time

First time I was here place was nice and clean everyone was nice I will return to this business again soon.

It is basically an old folks home and the music is stupid loud. What happened to this place . :(

Is very very loud... And not that much way in the country-and-western that night.

Just went to the retirement party and there last night had a great time there for many years. Sad to see it go!

Nope.

Town honky tonk, smokey but good bands and not bar prices at the bar.

Good beer, lots of dance floor and friendly people! What more do you need?

Whoever is in charge of the sound system must be deaf.. entirely too loud not even enjoyable

Great Dance Floor - Great Band - the only thing was the smoking in the club?

They had free beer for an hour

Bartenders and owner are great. Generally a good time

Rude very rude staff and poorly maintained premises. Would not recommend AT ALL

This is a great place if you love country music and if you love to dance

Sister Hazel in the house. It was so so fun!

Do you have a restaurant. I dont see a menu?

I wish it was all line dancing Saturdays or Fridays

Great place to chill and meet new people

Great place I genuinely enjoyed this place noce crowd.

I come here every wedmeasay, Friday, and Saturday. Love it

Good night out, great bands, cheap beer

Wow makes me feel at home best bar around

Enjoyed listening to some good country music in a place some have forgotten

Awesome ! Love that

Prices too high and the allow 18 and up that makes a huge difference in the caliber of people

Usually very crowded

If you like Country,you will have a blast here

Nice venue to watch bands

Great crowd for Boo Bash 2016

Great atmosphere! Great music!

This was a fun place, sad to see it go.

Best country bar in Florida

Jamming with Tyrone Vaughn and Shanna

Fun place

Please give us more fans 😭

Cowboy Calvin highly recommend

Absolutely love this place

Enjoyable

Love this place love the atmosphere

Just love it

Ok

Very good.

Nice staff