Big Top Brewing Company in Fruitville - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

After over 110 breweries visited I like to go into them and play dumb about beer to see how well the staff knows their stuff. This place is on the ball especially our waiter Timmy. Food was very good and the beer was great. Sometimes when a brewery gets big they play it safe when it comes to beer. Not Big Top, try the Pumpkin Stilskin dusted with cinnamon; no...really try it. Try the dark Belgium, try the Imperial IPA, try the blondes, try them all. You won't leave disappointed. It's hard to find a brewery that pulls off great beer and great food and great service, this is one of the few. We will be back to this one.

Jess is amazing! Friendly, making it happen, great person! Food and atmosphere are great! Loved the pizza, southwest rolls, and wings & strawberry cream margarita (yum!)

Stopped at Big Top Brewing in Fruitville while visiting a friend in the region. For starters our server Jess was outstanding. She explained all the offerings and was so patient and polite. We had some outstanding wings that were world class. I loved the IPA I had. We will definitely return to Big Top Brewing. Great time and great service

Rustic, Bar, food options are poor. Great beer!

Great Place Ashley is an amazing waitress. You should definitely ask for her. The only thing is the fear was not cold enough if you guys want to compete with places like Twin Peaks that has ice cold beer we should really consider this

Andrea was amazing and took care of us for our 1st visit. She brought taters and had great products to recommend. We'll decibel be back and request her!

Food and drinks were amazing and fast, Timmy gave fantastic service and made sure we got what we needed.

Enjoyed the new location. Food was great and came out fast. Our server Lauren was fantastic! Will return soon.

Literally SO good. Food was amazing!!!!!!!!! The potstickers, pretzel, mojo sandwich, and honey and ham pizza were all 10/10. Servers and bar tenders are all so nice, and the manager Greg was so accommodating and nice :)

Not a big beer person but Keara had amazing recommendations and definitely turned me onto something I loved. If you decide to pay a visit definitely ask for her!

Good food, great atmosphere. Jacqui was wonderful.

We had a fabulous experience! So glad we have a new spot to go too. Great food, beer and service! Jacqui was welcoming and made it easy as new newcomers to Big Top. Looking forward to our next night out there!

Great food and great atmosphere Keara was very helpful and gave great service

Food is mediocre. Service is overwhelmed. You have to ask for your drinks if you can get a hold of a runner to get the bartenders attention....I was at the bar. Update on the food. It was about as good as a frozen dinner. I had chicken with a White sauce. The pasta is not well sourced the Chicken was breaded but the breading was undercooked and the chicken was tough. I left with more chicken in my teeth than in my stomach. Bartender - I Heard her tell what appeared to be an effective bartender that she was doing fine she was doing well she was handling it. But yet not once could she pull away from her well and check the bar stools that were sitting right in front of her. I don't spend nearly $100 on a freaking meal and drinks to be ignored and served under whelming plates of slop. It's clear that they're into this place over their heads. Huge location not enough staff. So after I got done eating I went to a proper restaurant to get real food. Nice try though!

such a great time!! we went yesterday and had val as a server. she was funny and had great suggestions. i had the cobb and we shared a pizza, the galaxy skywire!!👌 everything came out fresh and tasted amazing!! we'll be back!

Emily was our server and she was AMAZING!!! Knowledgeable and very attentive. Anytime we go back we will ask for her! Thank you Emily

Had a blast playing Big Top Brewing Co again ! Dean and the staff are always great : ) Sunday Blues & Brews Rocks !!! 3-6pm Mike Kach - Vocals & Keys (Dickey Betts) RJ Howson - Vocals & Guitar Berry Duane Oakley - Vocals & Bass (Allman Betts) Garrett Dawson - Drums (Dickey Betts, Butch Trucks) RJ’s Fave Big Top Beer : Hawaiian Lion

Jenny was amazing and attentive !

Ben is the reasons we came out and Ben’s staff slayed. The food was exceptional the Asian wings were damn near mind blowing out of this world. The pizzas With the crispy tops and perfect bottoms made our entire night, the falafel taco blew our mind away and then the corn guacamole queso 💕💕💕💕🥳🥳🥳. Eat the food, drink the beer, play games Uber safe friends !!

The food and atmosphere was great. The only thing is I found out the servers have to tip out 8 percent 😔

Great time at the Restaurant+Brewery. Beer and mixed drinks were satisfying. Food menu hit the spot. Devon was a caring waiter. Made it a fun evening.

Jake and Megan are the best bartenders. Made us feel welcome and offered great advice on what to try. We will defiantly be back. Even my husband who is not a big beer drinker found a couple that he liked.

Miles is a rock star bartender.

Great place to listen to and dance to music have a cold beverage eat some food truck goods and hang with friends Could use waitresses in the beer garden Love the great music by The Kara Nally Band again This afternoon Kettle of Fish with Kara and Jeremy Great place to spend every Wednesday for ladies night and music by Kara Nally and friends Fun fun fun place,great service Love our bartenders Heather and Noel And they do have servers in the beer garden now. Thanks to our girl Heather for taking care of us

Fun place with great live music!

Beers were ok, the people who work here were not very friendly. Just drank one brew and split out of here.

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...

Outstanding service. Incredible beer. R22 is my favorite. Cold brew IPA with light crisp refreshing taste, with a slight after note of mango.

Met the running group on Monday nights. Great group of people who are friendly and inclusive. The live music was a nice way to end the evening after the run.

Great atmosphere in a very cool old building. Beer was awesome! Definitely a Must Stop every time we visit Sarasota!

Over worked and under staffed, self help and slow to get orders. Went for the advertised monthly food truck rally that had been cancelled unbeknown to us for an event. With no advanced warning of any type signage or verbal by the facility or staff, just as we were starting our food and second round orders, got bullied by the security to get out now or the pay $20.00 each for the event that was soon starting. Contacted Management in writing, on their Web Page of our issues and treatment. They responded by blaming all issues on their staff and outside hire security. They don't care. Just another low class bar.

Went for the drinks.. was blown away by the food and drinks! 10/10 would come back.

Virtually no staff. Self serve all the way for both food and getting drinks. After waiting in line at outdoor bar, bartender said she was too busy and to go get in the even longer line indoors. Obviously not a place to go.

One of our favorite Sarasota area breweries with a cool country vibe. Love their Hazy Sky-wire beer. Plenty of outdoor and patio seating, although many of the outdoor tables are weathered and worn. Choose carefully. Friendly staff and just a great place to hangout on a lazy afternoon. There was a food truck and you ordered from a kiosk inside. Small amount of merch available and beer-to-go.

This place has good beer and the best outdoor beer garden in town. I'll try the pizza next time.

Great chill spot. Bartenders are on point.

It's a pretty neat place, they definitely need to have some gravel brought in to level out walkways. I fell Saturday night to the right of the stairs and broke my leg in 2 places. I will add, there was 100% zero alcohol consumed. I ended up needing surgery 2 plates and 12 screws. 8 ti 10 weeks no weight on the foot update: after 7 surgeries due to the fall. On Dec 27th, I was given the go ahead to begin therapy to "learn " to walk again. Still a ways to go. All of this because of stepping off walkway into a hole that shouldn't have been there.

Amazing brewery! Great craft beer, atmosphere, people and the live entertainment is second to none!

Love the R-22. Great start to 2024. Thank you and Cheers🍺!

Everything seems to be self service but atmosphere is very laid back and friendly. Excellent local band.

Deano's venue/brewery is fantastic.

Having problems twice with bar tender not giving back correct changed. Keeping a extra 20 for herself when handed a $100. Same person. And why is there no wait staff in vip to take orders. ? I come often.

Fantastic place. Stopped by for a beer, selection was excellent so got two flights and every beer hit the mark. Fire pit and an awesome band made it a full fledged night out.

Had to stop in and get Lori's favorite porter (Hawaiian Lion) and got myself an Ashley DIPA ... amazing! And the food was great, ordered the smoked cauliflower with Chermouli sauce and a Reuben. Awesome!

Great beers, great pizza provided by Origin Pizza, super friendly staff!!! We came to the location for a DJ dance party Saturday night, they usually have live bands which are great, but this was a welcome change!! The Dj's were great and the sound was awesome!! Do more of these types of shows!!!!

This place was a great time for my buddy’s birthday event! Music was on point and amazing brews!!! Definitely recommend!!!!

First time at Big Top Brewing this weekend, I really enjoyed it! They had an outdoor event with a bunch of DJ’s playing live. The outdoor area is cute, beers were delicious! Cannot wait to go back!

Update to previous review. I have yet to hear a word from this establishment regarding the accident I had there on 4/9/23. Due to the fall and broken leg, I am currently relegated to a wheelchair awaiting at least 1 more surgery after the 3 I already have had to have. My life has changed dramatically after 1 visit here. I am hoping they did bring in additional gravel to compensate for the VERY uneven walkway at the bottom of the stairs so no one else will have to undergo the huge emotional, physical and financial hardship the 1 visit cost me.

Hawaiian Lion is a mighty tasty porter! Hope to see it barrel-aged at some point...

Great selection of beers and seltzers. I like the fact they have multiple styles to choose from and everything I’ve had has been excellent. They have a food trailer on premises (be aware on busier nights food can take a long time to come out.) I’ve eaten here once and the food was good. The other night when we were here for a concert the food smelled amazing but I overheard other customers complain about the wait and service from the food trailer. The service from Big Top’s staff was impeccable. Again we were there for a sold out concert (over 800 people) they had bar stations set up in various locations and turned their beer garden into a respectable concert venue. I have to shout out Eric who served us from his bar station while we were on the deck above watching the concert. It’s a great local Sarasota spot that often has live music. There’s limited seating inside but they have a covered deck and open air beer garden to accommodate.

Great beer, people and music. Always a good time.

Nice music but the service is horrible. Watch your bill. We almost were charged for beer we didn't have. Don't go if you want a night out without kids or dogs. There were kids running all over swinging sticks. The worst was a very cute little girl, maybe two, with two very irresponsible woman. The poor child was allowed to run free. Even putting her hands in the big fan. My friends and I were very concerned about this child. The two woman were drinking and spending more attention on the large white dog they had. DCF should have been called. I can't imagine had we all had to witness a horrible accident. I will never go back. The owners are irresponsible.

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.

Great place all around especially staff.

Great place, live music and good selection of beers, what's not to love

The bomb! Excellent all across the board.

We saw Kip Winger it was a great show although he didn't play that long since he started late. The beer was excellent! We had coffee/coconut and a tropical beer. Would definitely come back and check out other bands.

Visited for concert, really liked the Key Lime and the cowboy burger was great. Really cool venue

Love this place! They are over the top in every way! My favorite drink? I'd have to say I really love their IPA's. I had the opportunity to chat with one of their bartenders, Sam I believe, as well last weekend. Super cool guy. Friendly, passionate about beer, and now I know who's pouring my beer. This is a super locally owned and operated craft brewery. They have a food truck onsite, great staff, great beer, and just really great asset to the craft beer community! Give them a try!

A great little bar with a large outdoor patio area. Frequently has live music. Great selection of beers that rotate. Super friendly staff.

Great place for a cold beer and some live music

Great space for music and beer . Good staff . Sound was good. Fun night we will return.

Great local music Great vibes Great beer!!

It was great, lots of fun, nice cider, live the firepit and the staff is very friendly.

Great support for local musicians

Good beer, great music loved the atmosphere. The menu was limited.

Really good vibe. Great beer. Delicious fried chicken sandwhich, burger and onion rings.

Friendly staff and decent beers. Pretty much a beer for every beer drinker. Great place to enjoy a beautiful day or evening.

We drove an hour from Longboat Key during bad traffic and arrived and ordered a flight of beers. After our flight arrived we were told that we couldn't order any more beer unless we paid $20 each for an event that they were having outside. We are 67 & 75. WTH. Wow. We paid up and left. We ended up 4 minutes away at Sun King Brewery where we were treated with respect and had a wonderful time. We brought home 2 six packs from them.

great beer. friendly place. You can even bring your dog inside. live music on weekends. No food. Food truck outside.

I love going to big top beer. They have a really good selection of craft beers the staff is super friendly owners are all friendly, great place to go and relax. I wish it was closer to my house. I would hang there more often.

Awesome brewery, food truck needs more variety.

Great beer, great music, and great atmosphere!!!

Great outdoor area. The issue is the wheelchair accessibility- getting up to the ramp and in the outdoor area. I don't think you could push someone in a standard w/c.

We just seen the Dead Set there for the second time. Here is my opinion. The venue is awesome love craft beers. Very picky about that. The music, well it's not the Greatful Dead, ( 26 shows ) the Dead Set has there heart and minds in the right place. By far the best cover band that proves their musical talent. The Dead wanted th sou d ear as possible and the Dead Set sound is as should be. Looking forward to next Saturday!

Went to watch Neverless. Great show! Great venue.fun crowd.😄👍

Fantastic Venue, Great Food, Super Staff, Outstanding Music! Just recently went there for the first time and on a weds and it was Great! This will be a regular spot for me!

Pretty neat little spot to grab a cool adult beverage on a hot summer day. Just wish they had a more visible menu board.

Great food (trucks) beer and fun, shout out to Mrs Lara BBQ, truffle fries amazing.

This is a company that cares!!!! when an evil person caused undo harm on an animal, Big Top stopped allowing this evil person to do business with them!!!! I want to Thank Big Top for being at the for front of being kind and loving to all creatures great and small!!!! This is also a great place to kick back, toss back a few, fill the tummy, enjoy great music and just relax!!! Absolutely a place to be on the weekends to just breath!!!

Great atmosphere both for the inside area and outside. They have live music on the weekends and lots of food truck options for tasty eats and snacks. Really big lawn area with tons of picnic tables for seating options with a fun and lively atmosphere. The inside area and bar is dark with a nice cozy atmosphere. Both bars (inside and out) have nice stained wood which is nice to the feel and creates an inviting a aesthetic. Beers are pretty good as well. I had their NE IPA which was nice and hoppy and cloudy as well as their amber/red ale which was a little heavier than expected and very carameley and malty (had it not been summer this would be a great option). The blue berry nitro stout they had on tap was velvety, sweet, and everything you wanted from a stout. I’ll be back for that by itself. I would definitely make the point of coming here sometime if you are in the area or pass through.

Spontaneous and fun. Live music is awesome- full band! Very busy night they were great

Always a good time, but exactly how many times must you sound check? Play music already?

Rustic feel. Big open venue in the back. Good food. Nice staff. Only serves beer and wine, they had a great match for a Guinness there for my mother. I don't drink beer or wine so I had a coke. Overall a good experience though.

Sunday blues!!!!! 100% awesome vibe!!

Stopped in here tonight at 9:30 and got one beer. The place was very busy. When I asked for another, the guy told me that they already closed and I couldn't get another. He immediately turned around and poured two more beers for other people and the other bartender poured three more. It was a shame, we drove here from Asheville, NC and enjoy supporting local breweries when traveling. Removing this one from the list. Will not give it another try. That was just wrong.

One of the coolest spots in Sarasota! You see it every evening when you drive down the highway between Fruitville and Bee Ridge exits with the holiday lights. A ton of brews, really eclectic and varied crowd, music, food trucks and other attractions that draw the local crowd.

Great beer, good selection and the ambiance is purely of a brewery. Food is provided by a great food truck. The chicken wings were the best I’ve ever had!

Welcoming atmosphere with many beers on tap. Food truck with Fair Fare including funnel cake fries! Kids and dogs welcome. Inside and outside seating This one will be added to my “to come back” list!

First time at the new location for the Grateful Dead set 7/8. Awesome set up! Sound was great and the service was top notch!! Charlie was frickin amazing!! Can’t wait for the next Dead night!!

Cool little place with a chill vibe. Outdoor seating, live music, and good beer. Really cannot beat that combination. Swing in for a craft beer, get some BBQ, and enjoy the ambiance.

What a good find! Just needed a meeting place after arriving at the bus stop from Miami. The bartender Joe (and all employees I encountered) made me feel like a local (I’m from st Pete.) they had every type of seating option you could want, fans outside and a nice breeze. The beer was fantastic. I tried 4 of their beers, all very good and cold. And the magners pear cider was a good option for non-beer drinkers. They don’t have a kitchen so I thought the food options might be sketchy, but the food offered was delicious. Good burger and brisket, both well above average. Overall, a well earned 5/5 and a place I’d go out of my way to visit or recommend to friends in the area. Cheers!

Cool place to have a couple and enjoy some live music.

Great people , one time there and you're Family!! Love this place! Been going here since day 1...almost...my favorite place!!

Amazing outdoor patio space to enjoy great beer with a food truck onsite. Awesome place to see local live music!!

Great local craft beer selections. Super nice owner and amazing customer service. Friendly environment.

Beer is good, friendly staff, nice location..

Great atmosphere, great ales ! Good people!

Always a great time, fun staff and great beer! 👍

Cool brewery/venue. Outdoor stage is great.