Big Top Brewing Company

Sprawling old brick industrial building in an industrial park on the south side of town just off the highway. Straight bar perpendicular to the entrance on the left seats about a dozen with plenty of seating options inside, and on the large patio. 16 beers on tap. Friendly bartenders. I did not try the food.

Checked out the new location and it is huge with a restaurant and, not meant as a complaint, but it didn't have a brewery feel as much as a corporate/family type establishment (like a yard house). Big outdoor area was setting up for a band so this place was packed and happening. The two beers I had were alright, no complaints, the food wasn't bad although overpriced, and if you're in the area it's worth checking out.

New location was nice and spacious with plenty of seating indoors as well as a large outdoor patio space with a separate bar. The staff was friendly and helpful. The food was tasty, portions were good, and they had a nice selection of items, including a kids menu. That evening there were only a few of their beers available on tap, however the beer I had - Hawaiian Lion - was quite good. Would definitely come back again with my family.

New, bigger and better location….3045 Fruitville Commons Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240

New, bigger and better location …. Upscale shopping area type of situation with plenty of parking. Nice free standing building, high ceilings, lots of bricks, large and highly enjoyable outside seating area as well with large tent and outdoor bar.

Friendly staff is always a plus. This is a pleasant spot, great for a date, with a group or the family. Their in house quality brews were flowing, plus full kitchen and booze/wine available. Cans of their creations and merch (shorts and glasses) all available to go. Comfortable, pleasant and classy seating areas inside and more of a park bench situation under the outside tent. We highly enjoyed our visit and will be back.

 

 

 

 

 

This is what a taproom should be, kind of small and intimate, dark and charming with a nice staff and great, diverse selection. I try to get there at least once during our winter trip down south.

 

One of my favorite in my area and has great events.

 

 

 

 

 

Great atmosphere with some awesome beers! Love the Pumpkin Stiltskin for it's superb pairing ability to not over power the flavor of foods when enjoyed together. Absolutely recommend having it on Taco Tuesday or whenever Ri Quisimo is there! Can't wait to try the Decklin's Indulgence(Chocolate Peanut Butter Brown Ale)

 

 

 

 

10 Miles south and east of the Ringling Museum sits Big Top Brewing in the shadow of Route 75. It's a small brewery with a small tasting room in a small industrial complex. As such there's no food, but I understand that there are occasionally food trucks. With that said it's a nice looking place inside. It's a little dark, but it's modern and nicely polished. Beers are $5 a pint and there are 11 on tap including a mix of IPAs, wheat beers, and something dark. They do a fair amount of unusual beers which seems to fit with their theme. The Key Lime Wheat is very popular, as is the Bacon Session IPA.

 

 

Just a great local brewery with enormous potential! Even my wife loves it :)

 

 

Up and coming brewery. They have many great tasting beers on tap about 10 or so. I have tried about 4 of them my self and I have not found one yet that has disappointed yet. I would say the best one however is the ashley gang imperial IPA. If you're ever in the area check it out. You can even take a tour of the brewery itself on the weekends. I attend FSU in Tallahassee but when I return home for weekends or return home for break, my brother, father and i always stop by for a beer or 2.

Some nice beers and some misses typical of a young brewery.

 

Beers I've tried @ Big Top

Raspberry IPA: Rich in color w/ subtle hints of raspberries. 3/5
Old Bay Porter: Java and pepper on the nose, rich dark color, but salty. 2/5
Circus City IPA: The flagship. Cloudy copper color, Florida citrus nose, subtle hops. 4/5
Pumpkin Ale: A decent attempt at a difficult brew. A bit understated for my taste. 2.5/5
Imperial IPA: A classic IPA. Hops galore, nice fresh aroma, and surprisingly strong! 5/5
Key Lime Wheat: A nice boutique beer! Medium bodied, fresh key lime scented, and so refreshing that I had more than 1. 4.5/5
Trapeze Belgian Wit: As the name suggests, it is a bit reminiscent of Belgian Trap. Having said that, it smells and tastes slightly "homebrewed". Fairly nice try at a Belgian Trap though! 2.5/5
Coffee Infused Porter: Not sure of the exact name of this one, but it was very good! Dark chocolate appearance w/ freshly brewed coffee and coriander notes. Great with your favorite cigar! 4.5/5

Big Top Brewing are fairly new on the Sarasota scene, and they are doing a fine job thus far! Recommended.

Hiding at the back of a commercial/light industrial building at the dead end road next to the interstate, Big Top is trying hard and not afraid to admit mistakes. 3 blocks from the Cock & Bull, it certainly hits the "close to home" button. Their first three brews had a good one, a very good one and one that needed, and has been, redone.
The current crop includes a raspberry IPA, an Imperial IPA and a chocolate - ancho chili porter.
Service is friendly and prompt, well educated on the offerings and happy to suggest a brew.

Update (numbers have changed) :
Now with 13 taps, 12 of them their own, the selection has greatly improved. The "beta testing" of recipes appears to be a distant memory. Quality and consistency are vastly improved also.
Normally 6-8 core brews with as many as 6 rotating and a guest tap with a Florida brewery on.

3/2016
The improvements continue. The outdoor "biergarten" area is recently expanded, includes two gas fire pits for those cold, under 60°F nights in the Florida winter.
Local artists play several times a week and, most importantly, the beer is seriously good across the board.