2nd dining area
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Darrell's Restaurant

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A beloved family-owned gem serving authentic Southern comfort food and wood-smoked BBQ with warm hospitality.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
2nd dining area

Darrell's Restaurant

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beloved family-owned gem serving authentic Southern comfort food and wood-smoked BBQ with warm hospitality.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The pulled pork was amazing! Service was spectacular, and portions were huge."

TIP

Try Signature Dishes

Don't miss specialty items like the haddock fish fry or homemade banana pudding.

Visit During Off-Peak Hours

Avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed dining atmosphere by visiting during non-busy times.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 11AM

Cuisine

Southern

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(941) 485-9900

Address

215 S Tamiami Trl, Venice, FL 34285, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Southern BBQ

Authentic Southern BBQ

Indulge in tender brisket, flavorful ribs, and juicy pulled pork, a true taste of Southern comfort.

Delectable Sides Galore

Delectable Sides Galore

From classic cornbread to unique sweet potato fries, explore a wide array of satisfying side dishes.

Exceptional Service

Exceptional Service

Experience top-notch, friendly service that ensures quick delivery of your mouthwatering dishes.

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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Try Signature Dishes

Don't miss specialty items like the haddock fish fry or homemade banana pudding.

Visit During Off-Peak Hours

Avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed dining atmosphere by visiting during non-busy times.

Explore Meat & Side Combos

Try different combinations of meats and sides to discover the full spectrum of flavors.

Catering for Events

Inquire about their meeting room for special events or family gatherings.

Tips

from all over the internet

Try Signature Dishes

Don't miss specialty items like the haddock fish fry or homemade banana pudding.

Visit During Off-Peak Hours

Avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed dining atmosphere by visiting during non-busy times.

Explore Meat & Side Combos

Try different combinations of meats and sides to discover the full spectrum of flavors.

Catering for Events

Inquire about their meeting room for special events or family gatherings.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Darrell's Restaurant is lauded for its authentic Southern comfort fare and wood-smoked BBQ, with many praising the delicious pulled pork and hearty sides like cornbread. The service is frequently highlighted as exceptional and friendly, contributing to a great dining experience. However, some reviews mention that certain meats can be dry, and a few diners found the food lacking in flavor or freshness, leading to a mixed experience for them.

"This was my first visit to Darrell's, and my initial impression as I walked through the door was that I wish I could bottle the aroma of their food! The restaurant was decorated simply in a theme that matched what you would expect for a Southern BBQ restaurant. The dining area and restrooms were clean. The pulled pork was amazing! My spouse loved the collard greens too. Service was spectacular, and I would have expected to pay double for the huge portions of pulled pork that we received. We will definitely be going back."

Kellie Demmler

"When the atmosphere is the best one can say about a restaurant it generally means it is a one and done. Unfortunately, for Darrell's that is how my wife and I felt after visiting a few weeks ago.

The inside has a nice rustic decor that is very pleasing. The service, however, was not very attentive. I ordered soda and after finishing a glass was never offered a refill, despite the server walking by several times over the course of our dinner. My wife ordered chicken with a baked potato while I ordered the brisket and fries, along with some green beans.

Both of our meals were okay, but nothing really about them made them stand out versus other BBQ places in the area, such as Gold Rush, and even Stottlemyers in Sarasota. The brisket was very thin, with more fat than I would have liked. As for the baked potato my wife said it tasted like it had been sitting around for a while prior to be served. Almost as if it had been cooked and then been kept warm in a tray for however long.

It is a shame because we really wanted to like Darrell's. We may give them another chance down the line in hopes this first visit is the outlier considering the good reviews they have from others."

K M

"Darrell catered our St. Patrick’s Day party at my condominium complex. I am almost 70 years old and that was the best corned beef I’ve ever eaten. It was so lean, juicy, and flavorful. Everyone is raving about the food, whether it be the corned beef, the cabbage, or the fried chicken. I can’t wait to try the food in the restaurant."

Steve Dayton

What People Like

Mouthwatering pulled pork
Delicious cornbread and sides
Exceptional, friendly service

What People Dislike

Meat can be dry
Occasional lack of flavor

Frequently Asked Questions

Darrell's is known for its diverse selection of smoked meats like brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, as well as specialty items like the haddock fish fry and homemade desserts.

They offer a wide array of delectable sides, including traditional favorites like cornbread and unique options such as sweet potato fries, collard greens, and baked beans.

Many diners rave about the top-notch, friendly service, noting that staff members are attentive and ensure quick delivery of dishes.

Google Review+2

While not explicitly stated, the restaurant has a meeting room that can be used for special events or gatherings, suggesting they can accommodate larger groups.

It's recommended to visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed dining experience.

With its hearty comfort food, friendly atmosphere, and accommodating service, Darrell's is a great choice for a family meal.

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