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Brick's Smoked Meats

Name: Brick's Smoked Meats
Address: 1528 State St, Sarasota, FL 34236, Sarasota, United States
Rating: 4.4

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.

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.

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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