Stottlemyer's Smokehouse — Restaurant in Florida

A little disappointing. Maybe it was because of the time of day or a different crew or whatever.

Really substantially different than my experience two days prior. So let me just say the good things about the previous experience. I carried away two large bags that was a large order that fed six people earlier in the week. It included brisket sandwiches as in plural. The brisket was excellent, I mean one of the best I've ever had and I've eaten barbecue in 38 US states  It was tender, it was juicy it was appropriately smoked it was something you really enjoyed.

The smoked Buffalo chicken barbecue spread was excellent and full of rather large pieces of chicken they were not hard or crispy or burnt and the sauce was not overwhelming because it was mostly chicken and perhaps either ranch or blue cheese or something of that nature in it to give it a creamy consistency.

I retured to the store 2 Days Later for a lunch time treat. My order consisted of what I thought was the same as the smoked Buffalo spread I had enjoyed a couple of days earlier, however it was not - it was in a large tall cup, noticeably much heavier on the sauce and what appear to be more left over chicken versus something prepared fresh for the purpose and it came with room temperature possibly homemade tortilla chips.

The chicken wings that included a couple of drumettes were significantly darker, drier and harder than the fare I previously had. The only additional item besides those two food items was a fountain drink. The cost of this meal came within five dollars of very large spread of food that fed 6 people.

Now I understand that they smoke their own food however the smoke was so overwhelming on the drink cup and on the straw and actually in the liquid that they put in my cup and called it a soda it tasted like smoke and just to be sure as I was leaving I had a partial refill with no ice and as soon as I got to my car I dumped it in another container just to be sure, and sure enough, after smelling the inside of my clean container it was "pickled" in smokehouse smoke and it tasted like... smoke. Have you ever had Mountain Dew, mellow yellow or Sprite that tasted like barbecue smoke? Yeah there's something wrong going on there.

Anyway I'm still at a loss as to why this meal that fed and satisfied six people was $5 more than what it was for two people and amounted to just a small snack. I was looking forward to doing a positive review by taking pictures and putting links up and promoting the business, but my second visit was a bust.

Everybody gets three strikes in my book, so I'll try it again maybe in the evening when the wings and drumettes are fresh and see how it goes, but this time I'll save my receipt and I will compare it to something purchased during the day/lunch time. I hope this Legacy business can stay consistent and be like my first experience there...

I love good bar-b-que and I always judge a bar-b-que joint by how well they do their brisket. I had read that the place had good bar-b-que, and I was willing to drive 40 miles to try some. I have to say first, nice tiki hut atmosphere! The service was fast, and my waitress did a good job, she was friendly and checked on me twice. I ordered brisket, mashed potatoes and gravy, and coleslaw. First, they served a complimentary slice of cornbread with a tiny packet of butter. I would've liked a little more butter but aside from that, the cornbread was fresh and excellent, piping hot! The mashed potatoes and gravy were flavorful enough, but it came in a small tub. For $26 I feel I should've got a little more. It was about the size of an ice cream scoop. I thought I had accidentally ordered the kids meal.

The same with the coleslaw, it came in a small plastic tub, and I wasn't crazy about it. It can be made different ways, and to each their own, but they use pineapple in theirs. I love pineapple but not in my coleslaw, it makes it too sweet. I like KFC style the best, just a little on the sweet side with a hint of vinegar. I saved the brisket for last because I'm from Texas and I know and love a good brisket. Sadly, this wasn't it. I was very disappointed. I really wanted to like this place; they claim they were voted "Best Bar-b-que in Sarasota" and that's why I drove 40 miles for dinner.

To be honest, and I hate to say it, but I buy better bar-b-que from the store. Brookwood Farms Brand in Winn Dixie and Publix. Brisket is supposed to be moist and juicy. This was dry, as if it was from the previous day and it was cold. Why would they serve someone something like that when they claim it's the best??? Also, something struck me as being very odd. They say they smoke their brisket for 12 to 14 hours, but I immediately noticed, along with its dryness, there was no smoke ring and when I tasted it, I didn't detect the smell or flavor of any smoke. A proper brisket should have a smoke ring and a rich smoke flavor, but not too strong or all you taste is smoke. My guess is someone wrapped the brisket too soon or for the whole cooking process and no smoke got to the meat. Maybe the pork and chicken are better, IDK, didn't try it. I'm sad to say, I wish I could've been more positive about the place, I had a good feeling going in, it looked cool, and I was excited to hear a band playing live music. I miss those kinds of joints in Texas. Unfortunately, that's 40 miles I won't drive again, what a letdown. Maybe someday, if I'm in the area, I'll drop in again for some...

I visited 2/24 to eat dinner and listen to the band. I sat at the bar for easier seating as I was alone. As I got up to walk to the restroom, two females were involved in a scuttle whereby one of the females forcefully pushed another on her chest, pushing that female's back into me. I held out my arm to block the female from knocking me over. A moment later, the two turned to me and were laughing. I told them this is not funny, and that I thought they were about to start a bar room braul. The most shocking response followed. "We work here." No apology. Just a stare down as if I were the problem for not finding it funny.

I spoke with the male floor manager who assured he would investigate this incident. I returned to my seat at the bar, heartrate racing, totally disinterested in eating or staying any longer. A very understanding and professional female bar manager by the name of Jules came speak with me when I told my server what happened. Jules apologized on behalf of the restaurant. I was mostly disturbed how I was almost knocked over and no apology for nearly pushing me to the ground / tripping took place. Jules was very understanding and agreed that this type of horseplay has no place in a business. These two females should be reprimanded/reminded of what their Employee Handbook and common courtesy reads.

Jules arranged my meal to go which was delicious as usual. The brisket and collard greens were packaged to go with a complimentary departure. All in all, Jules made this situation right but I am still disturbed that an immediate apology / explanation of why these two females behaved this way never came from their mouth but instead I got a rude look as a grown woman, nicely dressed in a long skirt, completely sober, minding my own business, just wanting to enjoy my Saturday night.

Sarasota and Bradenton residents have hundreds of choices of where to spend their time and money. I cannot say I would want to return for the ill treatment both of these females gave me. Thank you...