
Brick's Smoked Meats - Sarasota
Experience authentic Texas-style BBQ in Sarasota, featuring slow-smoked meats from the legendary 'Big Red' smoker and vibrant live music nights.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Brick's Smoked Meats - Sarasota

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience authentic Texas-style BBQ in Sarasota, featuring slow-smoked meats from the legendary 'Big Red' smoker and vibrant live music nights.
"Finally, great Texas-style BBQ in Florida! They definitely earned a big Texas sized thumbs up from us."
Visit during Happy Hour
Enjoy discounts on draft beers and specialty cocktails, with food specials from $4-$6.
Spice it up!
Don't miss out on jalapeño-infused dishes and spicy appetizers for a flavorful kick.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Barbecue
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Texas-Style BBQ
Savor slow-smoked brisket and pulled pork from the legendary 'Big Red' Oyler Pit smoker.

Addictive Bacon Burnt Ends
Indulge in melt-in-your-mouth pork belly burnt ends, a sweet and smoky treat perfect in tacos.

Live Music & Craft Cocktails
Enjoy lively Blues and BBQ nights with a selection of expertly crafted cocktails.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit during Happy Hour
Enjoy discounts on draft beers and specialty cocktails, with food specials from $4-$6.
Spice it up!
Don't miss out on jalapeño-infused dishes and spicy appetizers for a flavorful kick.
Try the Pitmaster Nachos
A flavorful starter, generously topped with brisket chili for a hearty beginning.
Best BBQ in Florida?
Considered by some to be the closest to authentic Texas BBQ found in Florida.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit during Happy Hour
Enjoy discounts on draft beers and specialty cocktails, with food specials from $4-$6.
Spice it up!
Don't miss out on jalapeño-infused dishes and spicy appetizers for a flavorful kick.
Try the Pitmaster Nachos
A flavorful starter, generously topped with brisket chili for a hearty beginning.
Best BBQ in Florida?
Considered by some to be the closest to authentic Texas BBQ found in Florida.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Brick's Smoked Meats is praised for its authentic Texas-style BBQ, especially the tender brisket and addictive bacon burnt ends. Diners love the delicious smoked meats, friendly service, and inviting ambiance, often calling it the best BBQ in Florida. However, some reviews mention inconsistencies in brisket preparation and concerns about the shared, poorly maintained restrooms.
"The place was clean and inviting. Wanted to try their brisket and it was moist tender and perfectly done. Lots of bark… really lacking a smoke ring or any distinctive smoke flavor tho. Maybe it was just an off batch of brisket or maybe they just need to hit more smoke in the pit and more spices in the rub… the sides were really fresh and delicious. If they can get a consistent smoke and seasoning on the brisket their finished product would be on par with Texas post oak brisket. The server was kind and quick to help with any other things that we needed."
John Reay
"Finally, great Texas-style BBQ in Florida! We moved from Texas not too long ago & have been searching for a good BBQ in Sarasota. We ran into Meghan (the GM of Brick’s) at an event and she invited us to check out Brick’s. We were skeptical at first, but they definitely earned a big Texas sized thumbs up from us. The ambiance was downtown classy-casual with nice Texas rustic accents. We felt right at home. Nicole took great care of us like we were part of the family. We started with the very delicious Pitmaster Nacho’s covered in Brisket chili. Then we tried a lot of their other BBQ offerings. Everything from the 18hr smoked brisket to pulled pork, bbq chicken, and smoked turkey. All of it was right on the money. We were also lucky enough to meet the owner (Dick) when he came by and chatted about the origins of the restaurant. We truly enjoyed our experience & have so much more to try on our next visits. We’ve certainly found our go-to spot for BBQ in Sarasota. Thanks Meghan, Nicole & Dick!"
Tommy DeAlano
"The absolute best Que I have had the pleasure of eating here in Florida. Kansas born and raised I am partial to the famous Kansas City Bbq! Bricks is a must try! My second time having the meatloaf and if you love meatloaf this is a great twist! The bacon burnt ends are delicious, sweet, tender and melt in your mouth treat for starters!"
Liz Conner
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
They are famous for their authentic Texas-style BBQ, particularly their 18-hour smoked brisket cooked in the 'Big Red' Oyler Pit smoker, and their addictive bacon burnt ends.
Yes, the restaurant hosts live music events such as Blues and BBQ nights, offering a lively atmosphere.
Popular sides include Pimento Mac & Cheese, Pit-Smoked Beans, and jalapeño-infused dishes.
Yes, happy hour runs weekdays from 3-7 p.m. with discounts on draft beers and specialty cocktails, along with affordable food options.
Some diners have noted that the restrooms are shared between men and women and have been found to be in poor condition.
While some reviewers compare it favorably to Texas BBQ, others note it's the closest they've found in Florida, though not identical to the best in Texas.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
The 11 Best Tacos in Sarasota-Manatee
Big Red,” as the giant J&R Oyler Pit smoker at Brick’s Smoked Meats is known, is famous for cranking out succulent brisket, but it also smokes up fabulous bacon that powers the restaurant’s addictive “bacon burnt ends” tacos. Thumb-sized hunks of pork belly rest in a flour tortilla rubbed with cheese before being toasted; candied jalapeños, Cotija cheese and crunchy slaw accentuate the deep smoke of the fatty meat. When happy hour rolls around, scarf down one (or three) with the restaurant’s house margarita or a pepino.
The Best Restaurants in Sarasota, Florida
Since living in a few cities known for some of the best barbecue in the country we’ve had a hard time finding good barbecue in Florida. There’s even a running joke that the further north you head in Florida the more southern the barbecue gets. While Brick’s Smoked Meatsdoesn’t completely compare to BBQ from Kansas City, Memphis, or Texas, it is pretty tasty and the closest we’ve found so far in Sarasota!
Leading Ladies In Our Local Restaurants
Florida's Suncoast is brimming with talented women making waves in the food and beverage industry. Take Meghan Croke, General Manager at Brick's Smoked Meats restaurant. Praised by founder and operator Dick Rivera as a leader in spirit and deed, Meghan has been instrumental in Brick's revitalization, growing the business and particularly the off-premise and catering sectors.
20 great restaurants for Easter in Sarasota-Manatee
Enjoy an Easter meal of Texas-style barbecue starting at 9:30 a.m. with Brick’s popular dishes such as smoked prime brisket and new brunch offerings including the Southern Chicken & Waffles featuring a half chicken with house-made buttermilk waffle and peach habanero syrup. Dine in and receive an Easter-inspired deviled egg (one per table with entrée purchase).
10 Best Restaurants in Sarasota, FL | Blog
For authentic American BBQ, Brick's Smoked Meats is the go-to destination in downtown Sarasota. Embracing the art of low and slow cooking, Brick's serves up Texas-style smoked meats that are rich in flavor. The Brisket and Pulled Pork, favorites among regulars, are best enjoyed with sides like jalapeño cheddar sausage and classic mac 'n cheese.
The 5 Best BBQ in Sarasota, Florida
Inspired by Central Texas-style cooking, Brick’s Smoked Meat offers slow-smoked BBQ with craft cocktails. The place has a fantastic sitting atmosphere and also a patio for those looking to enjoy their meals in the sunny weather. Just like you want, Brick’s Smoked Meat cooks their meat low and steady with a little touch of Sarasota style.
30 Best Restaurants in Sarasota You Must Try
They feature an 18 hour smoked brisket that is hands down some of the best I have ever tried. Their low and slow cooking method is always a great choice when your belly is running on empty. It has a full bar and comfortable seating for family, friends, and partners.
13 Best Restaurants in Sarasota, FL 2023
After a long day of working up an appetite while sailing on the water, fill your belly with pulled pork, brisket, ribs, smoked turkey breasts, and so much more. All of the meats are tender after being slow-cooked, so you are in for a treat.
27 Best Restaurants in Downtown Sarasota [2022]
Brick’s Smoked Meats is the best barbecue restaurant in downtown Sarasota. If you’re looking for brunch places near Sarasota Farmers Market, this is it. You can dine in or order takeout which is usually very fast.
Sarasota Bars & Restaurants
Looking for unforgettable Barbeque during your stay in Sarasota, then make sure to stop by Brick’s Smoked Meats. Enjoy a menu featuring smoked meats, fried chicken, tacos, delicious sandwiches, and southern sides.
Downtown Sarasota Restaurants | Vunique Vacations
Brick’s prides themselves on offering authentic smoked meats, inspired by central Texas’ “low and slow” cooking methods with a touch of Sarasota style. Visit them for lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch.
New Restaurants in Sarasota
Brick’s Smoked Meats: Texas-styled barbecue in downtown Sarasota. Full bar, happy hour, and of course beer. Ribs, brisket, pork, sausage, and turkey, house smoked.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit