Pictured: Topped with lettuce, tomato and caramelized onions, the smashburger is one of the elevated options on Sage Restaurant's new rooftop menu. Provided photo.

The rooftop at Sage Restaurant has long been a destination for people who like to enjoy creative craft cocktails, live music and a skyline view. Now, that experience is even more elevated as Sage debuts its new rooftop food menu.

While the dining room at Sage offers a full-service dining experience, the rooftop menu is focused more on small plates and shareable bites. But though the rooftop dining experience may be more playful and casual, the quality is what you would expect from Sage. Look at their frites, which are miles beyond what you would expect from a simple French fry.

“In France, frites are cooked three times in order to get the tenderness out of the potato and the crispiness on the edges in order to have that perfect treat,” says Executive Chef Chris Covelli. “Our frites are cut in-house. They’re cooked twice and then they’re finished on the rooftop the third time in a mini fryer, then tossed with a little bit of white truffle and sea salt and sprinkled with parmesan.”

That philosophy can be found throughout the menu. Everything is made in-house, from the buffalo and sweet Thai chili sauces on the wings to the salsa and guacamole that accompany the freshly-fried corn tortilla chips. The charcuterie board is a popular choice for diners who like to graze while they sip their cocktails. The classic hummus (also made in-house) is a tasty option for vegetarians, while carnivores will be delighted by the smash burger, which is made with a combination of ground chuck and short rib.

Sage is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5pm to 10pm and Friday through Saturday from 5pm to 11pm. The rooftop menu is available Thursday through Saturday evenings with open seating and no reservations required.

Sage, 1216 1st Street, Sarasota, 941-445-5660, www.sagesrq.com.

Pictured: Topped with lettuce, tomato and caramelized onions, the smashburger is one of the elevated options on Sage Restaurant's new rooftop menu. Provided photo.