The good. I loved the chicken wings here. Absolutely delicious. The salad was phenomenal! So flavorful, and honestly, very beautiful to look at! Great plating overall at this spot. Plenty of "spaces" to sit, depending on your mood. Indoor, outdoor, high and low seating, family-friendly. Staff was very nice and helpful. Just the right amount of chatty. My wife loved her lager. The not so good. My only complaint here is a significant one considering we came to a brewing spot. I ordered the stout. I order them at any brewing place we visit. This was by far the most bland, watery stout I've tasted. I let the server know when she asked us how it was. She didn't have much to say about it. Seemed surprised to hear it. Other than that, the experience at Big Top was nice. We'd return on our way back from doing something in Sarasota. read more

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So good! Tried wings with all 3 sauces, peanut sauce was delicious. Had the crab croquettes which are also great. Just stopped for a lite beer and snacks. Great place, just wish they were selling cans to go again!! read more

Big Top Brewing - Tuna appetizer on crispy rice. - Breweries Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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Big Top is a great spot for just about anyone, kids included. We stopped in for lunch and lucky for us stumbled on an Oktoberfest going on so we came for football and beer and stayed for the festival. Really cool atmosphere with a wide open concept both inside and outside offering a ton of ways to watch football. They have a nice selection of beers and even sours on tap. The food menu is a step up from your typical bar food. Their chicken wings were a table hit as was their cutlet sandwich. The kiddos were even happy with their pizza and cheeseburger sliders. The outdoor space is laid with turf giving families the space to spread out and hang out. And hats off to the staff as we were a pretty large group and David handled it like a boss. Thanks, David! read more

Big Top Brewing - Breweries Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Pizzas and Big Top brews here! Located right off the highway serving a limited selection of very good pizzas and big selection of beer. Tried a couple ipas and the hazy was the best. Good time give it a go! read more

Big Top Brewing - Pizza - Breweries Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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Food and serive were excellent. Great choice of non beer beverages. Would definitely gp back again when in the area.

What kind of brew pub stops serving food at 830 pm? Lame. Plus, a totally uncool, suburban shopping centre mall vibe.

Big Top is the Best. What a great venue and vibe. My favorite beer, Hawaiin Lion is always on tap. Service and food are awesome. Thanks!

Pricey, less than friendly staff. No water other than in their beer. Food is meh, cheap high margin. Venue smells like a cesspool to the left of the stage right by the VIP, lol. Try harder, be nicer, be less greedy. read more

Big Top Brewing - Beware the smell, liquid death sign hides the smell of poo! - Breweries Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Came for an organized group meet up and they sat us at the large outdoor area. Very lovely breeze and servers checked on us regularly! We tried the pizzas, wings and salsas. All very good. Several people liked a white pizza with pine nuts! read more

Big Top Brewing Company at Cock n' Bull is a neat sports bar with indoor (many tv monitors showing major league games), outdoor under the roof and an open air backyard where smoking is allowed, for performances. They started out when there wasn't craft breweries in Sarasota vicinity. Their beers are decent and I like the fact that they use real glasses, even for outdoor section. Beauties, dogs and someone's birthday whose friend brought many vanilla and chocolate cupcakes. It's a good party. This band Dead Set, that playing Grateful Dead music at 7pm, isn't as decent as the one that played at Skipper's Smokehouse two weeks ago. read more

Big Top Brewing - Breweries Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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Got to try my second brewery in Sarasota - and this one was big... As the part of the name of this brewery goes - Big Top is big - meaning, it's got a lot of seating area it offers, mostly outside, but with a decent amount in. I arrived here on a non-descript Monday afternoon - it was quite, subdued and not well traveled. I sadly did not have all the time to spend there that I would have liked, but still felt I got a decent sense of the place from a vibe, service, and their beers. From the place itself - it is big - with the greatest amount of outdoor seating of any brewery I have been too - it was frankly impressive. They had outdoor seating exposed to the elements - which on a clear night would go over well. There's a decent amount under roof, and some more inside for those needing A/C. Their beers are all good, no complaints there. On this day, their lager tasted exceptionally malty - very, very solid. Service was a bit slow as there was one bartender to take care of inside and outside customers - a bit strange - but it was a lazy Monday afternoon, so who am I to say? Anyway, I can only imagine how hopping this place is on a weekday evening or even more so on a weekend. Gotta come back sometime to check that out... read more

My fiancé and I had been wanting to come here for a long time, and our first visit did not disappoint. We were blown away by the drinks, food, and service. We'll definitely be back! read more

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Three of us met there on October 25 and we sat outside. Ashley provided us with excellent service. The cocky cutlet sandwiches were bland with too much bread. The Tex-mex egg rolls were average and too spicy. The beers and wine were good. Played many games of corn hole. Enjoyed the visit and will try different foods next time. read more

Has a great local vibe. The outdoor seating and deck are amazing. There is a food truck outback that has fantastic hamburgers and jalapeño poppers. The live music can't be beat. There is usually always something going on. The beer is fantastic and they have a huge selection. They always have something new on tap. Matt one of the "beet keeper" is really cool and knows a ton about his beers and other beers. read more

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First time guest with a buddy for lunch on Saturday. We had a reservation for 1pm, a good decision since the inside dining room was packed. They have lots of outdoor seating when it gets cooler outside. We were sat near the bar with lots of TVs with both college and NFL games on. The main dining room is large with high ceilings but no big fans. The static cooling units pushed out cool air but were noisy. Not sure who designed the HVAC system LOL..still a "cool" space. We both had beers and while tasty, neither had enough foam and could have been colder. We split the Tex-Mex Egg Rolls and they were good, crispy and fresh. We both got wings and our wings were excellent and they can do extra crispy. Service was good and the atmosphere was high energy. Great new addition to the Sarasota/LWR community. Photos next time, forgot. Cheers! read more

Bottom Line: Good beer and friendly staff. My husband and I went to do a little Sunday Funday Day Drinking at Big Top Brewing after trying one of the beers the night before. Overall, we like the beer and found the staff to be personable and attentive. As far as beer goes, we had the Trapeze Monk Belgian Style Wit, Conch Republic Key Lime Wheat, Intercoastal Amber Ale and Hawaiian Lion Porter. I enjoyed all four of them. The Trapeze Monk was very ordinary but a nice beer for a summer day. The Conch Republic Key Lime Wheat was also a nice hot weather beer and I liked the subtly of the key lime. My husband I both really liked the amber which was a nice, smooth amber. The Hawaiian Lion Porter definitely had a distinct coffee and coconut flavor but I liked it. Some of the seasonal beers (Ringmaster Raspberry Berliner, Declins Brown Ale and Hotter Blonde Air) sound great so maybe I'll get to give them a whirl one of these days. The majority of the seating at Big Top is outside but there is also some seating inside too. Outside there is some shade in the yard and a covered deck with fans but even on a hot February day it felt stuffy under there. There were only a few fellow day drinkers amongst us and most were out in the yard with a few at the bar on the covered deck. We ordered some lunch from the barbecue joint which was adequate to absorb our brews. The staff here was awesome - personable and helpful. The bar tender working inside was super helpful in helping us choose beers and the bar tender swung by to check on us as we read more

Big Top Brewing - Lots of beer taps. - Breweries Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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Here to see kash'd out. The venue is nice , they have an IPA called r-22, someone who's been in the HVAC industry for 20 years , can really appreciate this beer. Place has a cool vibe except the breeze from the back ... it's brings odors of a malfunctioning septic tank, which may be on another property back there. As from that , cool place. Will be back. read more

Big Top Brewing - Party - Breweries Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

This place was ok.Its bummer the outdoor seating was no longer available. Place catered to familes.. nice to know you can bring your own food. For us, the place was a bit loud. Decor was odd for most breweries we visit but it was clean and not too caotic. It seems to suit the neighborhood tech condo area well. Glad to see more breweries popping up serving fresh brews. read more

About as raw and real as it gets. A local yocal place. As a single woman traveling around Florida... you know you will be safe here ..., could it possibly be because it's a cop hangout ? Could be. Nevertheless, the beer is standard as expected. Service is very good. My expectations were in harmony with what I have experienced. A landmark. read more

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As a home brewer myself, I can be picky when it comes to beer. I prefer porters and stouts and good ones can be hard to find. My wife and I found out about Big Top on Yelp. After previewing their beer menu, I knew I wanted to visit. The brewery is located in an industrial park, so when you first arrive, you may think you are in the wrong place, but stick around you will be glad that you did. Big Top has a large brewing area to the side with a nice size tap room. They also have a patio in the back that is setup with outdoor seating and a stage for live music. When we arrived, it was about an hour before closing time, so we stayed inside had a few beers and played some shuffle board. My favorite beer was the Okefenokee Stout. It had a rich malty taste with overtones of coffee and chocolate. Also, it was not bitter like some imperials can be. I also like the Hawaiian Lion Porter. The flavor was really good. I was glad to see that Big Top has a brewery in Pensacola, FL which is closer to home. read more

Big Top Brewing - The food menu. - Breweries Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

We were visiting Siesta Key, FL and found out about Big Top Brewing on Yelp. It wasn't too far of a drive from our Airbnb, so we decided to stop in. Initially, when we arrived, we wondered if we were in the right spot, but then we saw the door and knew we had arrived. The bartender was very friendly. He talked to us about all the different beers and even gave us samples. My son tried the Bombpop Sour and let me have a sip. It tasted just like a melted Bombpop!! My favorite beer was the Hawaiian Lion. It wasn't very crowded because it was a weeknight and close to closing. Their brewery is mid-size with several tables and room at the bar. They also have a nice size patio in the back. The patio, however, is by a major road so you do hear traffic. They advertised live music and a 10% discount for Crunch fitness members. read more

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We stopped in at Big Top for the first time on Trivia Tuesday. They have a wide selection of their own beers on tap, so something for everyone. They also have their own dedicated food truck with a great menu. Service was above average - nicely taken care of without being pestered. The downside (for me) is that it was a pretty dark, dimly lit place. The outside patio was large, but right along Interstate 75, so noisy. The trivia left a lot to be desired. The MC was OK, but wherever they got the questions from was pretty bad. I'm not too competitive when it comes to bar trivia, but I do know that a few answers were simply incorrect and many ambiguous. "What does the Mona Lisa have her own of in the museum?" Answer : mailbox. Really? Anyway, Big Top isn't my #1 go-to brewery, but I'd stop in again when in the area. read more

Big Top Brewing - Breweries Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Our sever Alex was very nice and informative also he recommended us the food and drinks also the ambiance is very pleasant

We really enjoy Big Top. Great venue for live music outside in the back. Friendly people and dog friendly too. Good beer. They sell Big Top swag there -- cool t-shirts and things. Good bartenders and an all around fun time. read more

This was my favorite stop on my wife and I's vacation to Anna Maria Island. We drove to Sarasota and went in here. The bartender was one of the coolest servers I have ever met. Great IPAs and I ordered some fish tacos, which is from a food truck that they have in the back. They were AMAZING! The beers were awesome and the atmosphere was cool. A must go to! read more

Big Top Brewing - Fish tacos and Circus IPA - Breweries Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Stopped by for a beer waiting for my wife to pick me up. Nicole, the bartender was busy working around the building cleaning up from last nights events but was quick to deliver a nice cold beer. There were a few locals at the bar and the atmosphere was friendly. Nicole delivered a hot dog that was great. It hit the spot. I'll have to go back because the atmosphere was friendly and welcoming. Thanks, Nicole. read more

Great music (if this is for the Cattleman location). Food truck has good food too. We tried the wings, a pizza and garlic sticks.

We love visiting local breweries as we travel. We really like visiting local breweries when we are travelling, each one is so different and so "local" and I use that term in the best way possible. Each one is so unique and interesting. Here at Big Top, the staff was ever bit as friendly and helpful as you would expect. I love dark beer so I usually go for that first then try some of their different brews next. The other patrons are friendly and everyone just kinda hangs out and has a great time. Good live music is on the schedule and food trucks are available. You have to stop by and enjoy the atmosphere. read more

Event couldn't be more poorly run!!!! Six hours of nothing. Suppose to be a festival no bands hours of down time no food. Event balance is worst I've seen. Expected to see many bands not what we got. I mean you should have six or seven bands lined up . Beer is good but warm. Total disappointment. Smokers everywhere don't care chain smoking right next to you ahhh Florida read more

BigTop Brewing was a fun experience. They have a fair amount of beers to choose from and the ambiance is rustic and country. Will return there when we travel to Sarasota again. read more

Food typical for bar food . Was ok. Not a huge selection either. Huge venue loved the inside outside . Service was average. A lot to do for families in the outdoor space . No band the day we went . read more

We just left there from Lunch and it was awesome. Emily was our server and that woman is a gem. She suggested meatballs and was very efficient . She made us feel at home and we will be back. The food s amazing. Go check it out. Big Top and Emily will not disappoint. It is also a very relaxing atmosphere for sure read more

Super fun outdoor and indoor vibe, super friendly bartenders, and AMAZINGLY tasty beer (recommend the light beer, hazy IPA, amber and coffee porter)! read more

Olivia was very attentive and very on top of everything we needed all night I love to see this kind of hospitality. We will definitely be back again read more

The food and service was great! I can with a large group. This brewery has an amazing facility! Lots of space and fun games in a family friendly atmosphere. read more

Big and nicely lit outdoor area. I've been before when it was the small pub with the old pool table. It has improved a lot since then. The inside is a nice area to hang out and catch up. Beers are delicious and a variety to choose from. read more

Saw Memphis Lightning tonight and what a terrific performance. My date doesn't drink liquor and it just seemed unusual they don't have Cranberry or Club soda. I'm not sure I understand the rooster walking around and jumping up on the table where people eat. It is a dog friendly bar which is not endearing to me . The pizza truck did a lot of business . The waitresses were very friendly. The outdoor bar looks a little dingy and very small. read more

Their Mardi Gras party was wonderful. The band really got the vibe and rhythm of New Orleans at Mardi Gras. I say this as a native. Special shoutout to the kettle of fish keyboardist. Thanks for the memories read more

Great flight of beer and more. Fun atmosphere with our outside table. Service was great. We were here back in February 2023 read more

Big Top Brewing - a flight of beers - Breweries Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Great outdoor sitting area! Awesome staff!! The food is so good! Gotta try the smoked wings!!! The pizza is so delicious!