Rock N Barrel Bar and Grill — Restaurant in Florida

The Rock N Barrel Bar is less than two months old, but you would think it's been there all along. I've opened up restaurants, and I've worked 30 years in the restaurant, bar and catering biz, I can give my word of endorsement that what they have given to Sarasota and Bradenton is a 6 night a week top notch music 0 this is no dive bar. The wooden floors, and bars (2.. nice touch), stage and industrial concert venue ceiling rack systems hold lights, speakers and decor. All done just right to promote the area music scene like no other venue on the tamiami trail. The stage is refreshingly placed in the middle and 2 bars and at either end of the open concept of a concert room. Out back they have a huge tent set up with lighting, big square tables and chairs, and of course the feature outside is a full size kitchen in a box truck. This is their kitchen and it functions just like other trucks you see in the city or festivals. Except the food is way better and the wait staff take your order and serve you when they get buzzed by the trucks 2 man team. I had the 19 piece wings tonight. Wings review.. you can tell they aren't frozen. No breaks or spots. No pink. Perfectly cooked crispy even after sauce. Ask for either BC or Ranch, and so as not to waste and keep price down you should request celery or carrots. Quality of the wings was 10/10. Cravable. They are perfecting ..Signature cocktails, made to order fresh menu, classic and contemporary beers, the best vibe for music. This is all due to a husband and wife ownership team, great bartenders, wait staff, the kitchen truck guys, and the gentleman working the valet parking lot. Pull your car right up to the front door. I know how hard it is to open a restaurant in this country. And I know what a well-run opening looks like and I know what it looks like when people know what they're doing in this business. And that is Rock N Barrel.

Side note.... Bartenders, wait staff, both owners, kitchen guys and valet guy ALL.... Said hello to me. (I had a couple of really bad days. I had to fly two nigjjjht fights with stops, so I could be there for my fathers funeral) Thank you everyone for cheering me up.

I see nothing but success for this business. With the development of the route 41 business area... It's only going to get...

Heads up to all bands, musicians, and techs: Be cautious when booking at Rock N Barrel Bar & Grill.

the band played there on April 12th, and to be honest, it was probably the slowest show I’ve ever played. The people who were there were kind and supportive, and we’re grateful for them—but the venue itself needs serious TLC.

After our set, the owner Lisa handed us a check and asked us to wait until the following Tuesday to deposit it 🚩. We agreed. When Tuesday came, she asked us to wait one more day. We deposited the check on Wednesday—and it bounced.

We reached out to notify her, and she told us her father had just passed away. That’s absolutely heartbreaking, and our hearts go out to her. Out of respect, we offered her a payment plan—small, manageable payments each week to make things right.

But the week passed with very little communication, other than the brief mention of her father’s passing. No payment was made.

At that point (today), I let her know the payment plan was no longer an option. We had been more than fair, and unfortunately, that grace was taken advantage of.

What’s even more frustrating is that over the past 3–4 weekends, Rock N Barrell has continued hosting live bands. I sincerely hope those performers are getting paid—because god knows we havent.

Here’s the bottom line: in Florida, writing a bad check for $150 or more is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in jail and a $5,000 fine. We did everything the right way—notified her, gave the required 15 days, and tried to work it out respectfully.

Now we’re moving forward with getting the authorities involved.

If you’re a band, musician, or sound engineer, please think twice before working with this venue. You may walk away unpaid for your time and effort.

We do this because we love it—but we deserve to be paid...

We stopped here for a late lunch yesterday and we are so glad we did! On Mondays most places are dark so it was nice to try somewhere new.

Their food is amazing! We had a mushroom crostini (mushrooms, cream cheese spread with a balsamic glaze. And a cheese and pepperoni (those pepperonis curled up...mmmm) wood fired pizza. We also tried the meatballs and a Philly cheesesteak, which was one of the best I've had (even in Philly). Everything is fresh (no freezer in this place) and cooked to order. We will definitely be back to try more of this amazing menu. Service was great too.

This is a live music venue on certain nights and weekends as well. Open until 2am. Don't let the outside deter you, it's just plain. Step inside and it's a whole different world.The inside has rustic and metal components and the poured resin floors are so beautiful. Bathrooms were very clean. I was totally impressed.

Owner/Chef, Jim, was friendly, knowledgeable and hands on. They've only been open 7 months and I can't say enough about...