January is one of the coolest months in Florida. Although the temperatures won’t be as frigid as up north, our sweater weather is a great time to enjoy some BBQ heat. If you enjoy good BBQ, the Greater Sarasota area has some great restaurants for you to try. Here are our top 5 go-to places for BBQ.
- Nancy’s BBQ:
Address: 301 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236
8141 Lakewood Main Street, #104, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
Phone: (941) 366-2271 (Sarasota) & (941) 362-2833 (Lakewood Ranch)
Website: https://nancysbarbq.com/
Over the years, owner Nancy Krohngold has perfected her secret 14 ingredient dry rub recipe for pork shoulder, slow cooking it for 15 hours or more. The cafeteria-style restaurant is a family friendly place with picnic tables. If you love North Carolina BBQ, this is your place.
- Brick’s Smoked Meats:
Address: 1528 State Street, Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone: (941) 993-1435
Website: https://brickssmokedmeats.com
Brick’s describes itself as Texas soul, Florida style and it certainly fits their culture. The restaurant is known for their modern version of slow cooked, Texas style BBQ served with craft cocktails. They also serve elevated side dishes, fresh salads, hand-cut steaks and chops. Try their weekend brunch too.
- Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse:
Address: 19 East Road, Sarasota, FL 34240
Phone: (941) 312-5969
Website: https://www.stottlemyerssmokehouse.com/
For ‘Old Florida’ atmosphere mixed with delicious BBQ, you can’t go wrong with Stottlemyer’s. Famous for their open tiki bar and live music, their menu features slow-cooked brisket, tender ribs, pulled pork, award-winning fried chicken, BBQ sandwiches, po-boys and much more, along with signature cocktails and even pizza.
- Pride of the South BBQ:
Address: 6616 Superior Ave., Sarasota, FL 34231
Phone: (941) 926-0099
Website: https://www.prideofthesouthbbq.com/
Nothing fancy at this place, but the food certainly speaks for itself and the southern hospitality keeps people coming back for more. The BBQ platters and sandwiches are served with home-style sides on checkered tablecloths. As they say here, put some “south in your mouth” and enjoy real barbecue”.
- Ripfire Pizza & BBQ
Address: 5218 Ocean Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34242
Phone: (941) 313-7511
Website: https://www.ripfirepizza.com/
Located right in Siesta Key, Ripfire is known for their pulled pork platter, which is very popular with the locals. They offer casual indoor and outdoor dining. Of course, many come for their pizza but the pulled pork platter is hard to resist if you love BBQ.
There are a lot of great places to eat around Sarasota, and maybe not surprisingly, some really wonderful BBQ eateries as well. Why wait for the summer when a good BBQ platter will heat up those bones in January?
