Pictured: Post Kitchen & Bar opened last month with an impressive lineup of steaks, seafood, and an extensive raw bar. Photo courtesy of Post Kitchen & Bar.

It’s been a little over a month since Post Kitchen & Bar opened, and already it’s creating buzz around the Shoppes at University Center. In one of the year’s most anticipated openings, the group behind two successful Apollonia locations (including one across the parking lot from Post Kitchen) is making a big betting that Sarasota’s tried-and-true date-night destinations can use a refresh.

My family stopped in for some quick bites recently, and were seated in Post Kitchen’s elegant dining room. You forget that you’re in a shopping center immediately as the interior carries more of a cosmopolitan super club vibe.

In the lead-up to its opening, owner Eddie Yzieri told SRQ Magazine, “We’re using high-quality local ingredients with global influence.” He continued, “It’s a huge challenge for me. I’m definitely stepping outside of my comfort zone here.”

If that was the case then, it would appear he’s confidently located that comfort zone rather quickly.

The menu focuses on seafood and steaks with an impressive raw bar that features fresh oysters, crudo, salmon, shrimp cocktail and sushi/sashimi selections. There are also a couple of grilled pizzas from which to choose, including the burrata with the tomatoes, basil and balsamic, which can make an entire table happy as an appetizer. Or, if you’re a burrata fanboy like me, it’s your entree and you guard it like an angry badger in the corner of your booth.

There’s an extensive whiskey and bourbon selection behind the sleek bar area, comfy outdoor seating, and pops of modern design throughout.

If you’re looking for your next special occasion spot — and let’s face it, the holidays are full of special occasions — then Post Kitchen & Bar should make your to-do list.

Post Kitchen & Bar, 8433 Cooper Creek Blvd., University Park, (941) 259-4850, postkitchenandbar.com

Pictured: Post Kitchen & Bar opened last month with an impressive lineup of steaks, seafood, and an extensive raw bar. Photo courtesy of Post Kitchen & Bar.