Meat n Fire — Restaurant in Saint Cloud

I had the opportunity to take my 2 year old daughter out to dinner on 2-7-14. I had a hunkering for BBQ and called ahead to see if they had a kids menu. Grilled Cheese!! Leading a mostly GF lifestyle, they had limited to no options. After mulling over the menu, I decided on a 3 meat combo (pulled pork (which was a bit dry telling me it was probably pork shoulder vs butts) 2 ribs (very good) and beef brisket. (which was good but hair dry because it was on the board for awhile). Although I indulged in the spicy BBQ sauce which helped! For the 3 sides I got collard greens, green beans, and fried okra for my daughter. I am a classically trained Chef who cooked has cooked for celebrities, presidents, and senators, blah, blah, so "canned vegetables" do nothing for me. The flavor and spice was good, with the texture was............horrendous. The okra was a pre- bought product and considering, it was good. (although I don't eat that much fried foods because of the breading)

The highlight of my meal was 1/4 pound of "Burnt Ends" which where killer. They where fresh, juicy, had beautiful flavors, with just a hint of fat. It is tough to go wrong with burnt ends, but these rocked. The staff during my visit was pleasant and accommodating. The service was tray style, with a serve yourself beverage area.

Being in the business for so long in my life, I can tell this family has a great history for BBQ. They probably worked the BBQ circuit and realized if they opened a restaurant they could make some money, and not have to travel so much. Like with anything new, I am sure they will learn as they continue to grow their business. From some of the other reviews I read it looks like they already are moving in the right direction. Next time, I would probably order meat to go and make my own sides at the house. But Overall for the money , it was 3+.... a hair below 4 stars and good ovreall. It beats the hell out of some of the corporate BBQ places, not to mention names, but if you are looking for huge portions, this isn't your place.

I always try and look at the restaurant through the eyes of the owner. And if I put myself in his/her shoes, they did a pretty good job with the space. If they get away from canned foods and go fresh, this place should consistency grow in the Saint Cloud community for many years to come. Thanks for BBQ and all the best...

REVISITED: 7 years have passed since the review I gave on my last visit, today I returned and comparing the look back at that time and today, this same place has now exceeded my expectations, you see, is not just comparing 7 years ago to today, but rather a well travelled and well tasted bbq throughout the entire country for the last 7 years, and as all the area’s former shining stars have been fading into mediocrity and poor tasting and even bad food, Meat n Fire has been going in the opposite and difficult direction of improving their offerings from true humble beginnings every year that I did not return. We have top level BBQ now in town. Top national level that is.

I'll start by saying that I believe in buying local and reinvesting my hard earned dollars into the community that I call home. Ok, I saw the signs around town, saw the website, all good. Got there tonight and the chaos that I saw behind the counter was more what you would expect on a busy shift of a chain restaurant, it was just 2 people ordering. I kept positive by thinking, "food looks ok". What did me bad was all the staff did not seem to have any concept of service or patron appreciation. My garlic bread was fiddled with several times, to make it fit into a styrofoam box, although a third box was needed, there was a trifty push to make it fit in two. Same bare hands were also handling cash. Perhaps I am being completely unfair, but the only expectation after driving 12 miles, skipping Sonny's BBQ and waiting 17 minutes for already cooked food, was that I was working harder to give my business to Meat N Fire. 2 stars for now. I truly hope it gets better, but if this is it, I can neither recommend or go back. Please change my mind. The food flavor was good, portions were a bit on the slim side. You guys need to do the same or better than Sonny's or it will hurt...

A day late, but this restaurant deserves to have my undivided attention for its review. My brother and sister in law casually mentioned this place and said it was good. Man, what an understatement.

The place smelled incredible when we walked in. When we made our way up to the counter, I mentioned that it was my first time there and the young woman taking our order gave me the best breakdown of the menu, explained everything, and answered my all my BBQ questions. The gentleman next to her (I'm thinking he was the owner), gave me samples of their different types of brisket that just melted in my mouth. Hands down, the absolute best BBQ Brisket I have ever had in my life. The level of customer service is only matched by the quality of the food.

I ordered the country cowboy or the cracker cowboy.... It was a huge mess of brisket on garlic bread ($1 upcharge) topped with jalapeños, onions, and cheese. No sauce needed, but if you want some, I recommend their hot BBQ for just enough kick and incredible flavor.. We also ordered a few sides to try out. We had the collard greens which are made in-house, not in-can, then fried okra which was delicious, and my favorite side, was the sweet potato soufflé. Our total bill came to about $20 total for my sandwich, all the sides listed, my wife's chopped pork sandwich, one soft drink, and a water.

You won't find better BBQ period. Let alone for this price. We are commuting back and forth to Kissimmee every day this weekend for country thunder, but I would take the 20 minute detour anyday. We will be back there today to try something new! I wish they had a food truck out at country thunder.... they would make enough money to open a new store closer to my house! Haha a guy can dream. I'll review the next meal this afternoon! Thanks MEAT N FIRE, see you guys...