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Brick's Smoked MeatsB-Worth Trying
1528 State St, Sarasota, FL 34236
· Barbecue restaurant, Bar
· 4.4/5 Google (2890 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Lively downtown smokehouse with crowd-pleasing ribs, popular sides, and hit-or-miss brisket; good vibe and bar, but service and consistency vary.
Why it gets a B- for overall quality
Brick's Smoked Meats delivers a fun downtown experience with solid food quality in ribs and sausage, plus appealing live music and bar atmosphere. However, inconsistent execution—particularly brisket quality swings and service pacing issues—prevents higher standing, and recent quality drift suggests operational challenges. Worth visiting for the vibe and reliable sides, but expect uneven results.
Restaurant Summary
Set in downtown Sarasota, this smokehouse hums with lively bar energy and the aroma of oak and spice. Servers can be warm and upbeat, but pacing is uneven; one diner summed it up: "Great vibe, long wait for plates." Live music and a central location make it an easy night-out choice with a crowd-pleasing feel. The cooking leans classic American BBQ—ribs and sausage often shine, while brisket quality swings from meltingly tender to dry or overly fatty. Sides like pimento mac, fries, and Brussels win frequent fans; burnt ends skew sweet. Expect hearty comfort over culinary fireworks, a fit for those who value a smokehouse staple lineup and a full bar more than purist Texas precision. Families will find plenty kids will eat: burgers, pulled pork or chicken, fries, and mac and cheese. Portions are shareable, though service delays can test patience. No dedicated kids menu noted, but the familiar BBQ spread generally works well for younger diners.
At a Glance
- Ribs, sausage, and pimento mac draw consistent praise
- Fun downtown vibe with live music and a full bar
- Brisket quality is highly inconsistent
- Service speed and order accuracy vary, especially for large groups and takeout
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- downtown_location_with_garage
- live_music_programming
- bacon_burnt_ends_specialty
- pimento_mac_side
What People Love
- Warm, lively atmosphere and music
- Ribs that deliver classic smokehouse comfort
- Creamy pimento mac with a mild kick
- Friendly staff on good nights who offer helpful recs
Points of Concern
- Brisket swings from juicy to dry or fatty across visits; manage expectations
- Ticket times and inattentive service reported during slow and busy periods
- Order accuracy and missing items affect takeout reliability
- Pricing is genuinely expensive ($18-$31 mains) which may surprise casual diners
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (none detected) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$36-$54 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose ribs or sausage for a reliable main; pair with pimento mac and a green side to balance richness
- Consider brisket tacos if sliced brisket disappoints, since toppings can help texture
Perfect For
- Casual night out with drinks and live music
- Group meetups that want shareable BBQ platters
- Families seeking familiar comfort dishes
- Bar-focused dinners before downtown events
Location Insights
Area: Energetic downtown corridor with bars, live music, and mixed dining; appeals to locals and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, busy at night; occasional cleanliness complaints inside venue, not area-wide.
Nearby: Near shops, bars, and a public parking garage; nightlife and event spillover affects ambiance.
Downtown SarasotaDowntown Sarasota is the city's central business and cultural district, featuring a mix of historic and modern architecture. The dining scene is diverse, ranging from casual eateries and seafood spots to upscale restaurants, attracting a broad demographic including locals and visitors seeking a lively yet relaxed atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–22:00
Tuesday11:00–22:00
Wednesday11:00–22:00
Thursday11:00–22:00
Friday11:00–23:00
Saturday09:30–23:00
Sunday09:30–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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