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- Hours:
Mon-Tue, Sat-Sun 8 pm - 2 am
Wed-Fri 5 pm - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- Yes
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
27 reviews for Cock & Bull
Review Highlights
"However, the staff is as amazing as the beer selection."
(in 11 reviews)
"The fire pit out back was quite inviting on the chilly..."
(in 3 reviews)
"...a excellent "dive bar" atmosphere, pool table and dart room."
(in 5 reviews)
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27 reviews in English
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Review from Drew H.
Orlando, FL
1/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
Cool little bar off the beaten path in Sarasota. The selection was great and the staff knowledgable. Although, they seemed a little understaffed, I waited in line for 10 mins every time I wanted a drink. They have places to chill inside and a patio/backyard area. Prices were reasonable. Will definitely be going back next time I'm in town.
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Review from Cole O.
Best Bar in Sarasota. Hands down.
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Review from Mike D.
10/9/2011 2 Check-ins Here
My roommate, originally from Sarasota, has been telling me about this place for a while now and it didn't disappoint. The selection of beer is nothing short of amazing. The tap list was diverse and interesting. The place was never over crowded during the two nights I was there but there were just enough people to make it lively. The atmosphere is definitely homey and divey but that just adds to its charm. They have pool, darts, foosball, and a huge outdoor patio area for nice nights. We split a pizza after a few liters, which was actually pretty good. Overall, after my first time to Sarasota, I'm a big fan of Cock and Bull.
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Review from Chris M.
6/30/2011
When in Sarasota I always make it a point to hit up the Cock n' Bull when possible. The beer selection is awesome and I can almost always find something that I have never tried before when going here. Can't help but get the feeling that the people who run this place really do love beer, it is their passion and it shows. I dig.
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Review from ASD A.
Sarasota, FL
8/14/2008
If you live in Sarasota, basically it's something different to do. The bar really is a smokey dump and the owners are always getting in trouble for using the surrounding business's dumpsters and leaving kegs out and building onto their business without permits.
Parking is a tight squeeze and the much loved fire pit is just a concrete pit with kegs and picnic tables around it with tall weeds and over-grown grass occupying much of the yard. Don't bring your nice clothes as they will stink like hell when you get done. And it's hotter than heck in the bar with only one fan blowing--this place kicks in winter because it's nice outside. In the summer there is indoor hot and outdoor humid.
The beer: $5 plus for the mediocre stouts the howie light ect. When you get into the 60 minute IPA's or the Flying Dog stouts you're looking at $7 plus a pint. Wide selection of everything including lambics and ciders you really can't be disappointed with the selection though some people might have a hard time nosing around the beer case to look for something while the 35+ beer 'experts' get in your way. You can always count on staff to be friendly and get the few beer zombies that just stand there and stare out of the way. What's on draft can be kinda hard to see due to the low lighting so just ask, it will be faster. They usually have a stout, light beer, standard bar fare and a few exotics on draft so it pays to look as it's usually a buck cheaper than what's in the bottle.
The staff: Nice guys that are willing to suggest something if you get overwhelmed. Be prepared to put a deposit of $50 down if you get the liter drafts so you don't steal their liter glasses or break them.
The bathroom: stalls are small closet style with the slatted double doors and most dont have locks. If you have raging green apple splatters or have to change tampons you might just want to stay home. They're perfect for a quick drunken piss. Divas, there are no mirrors in the chicks bathroom but enjoy the usual "Tina's a slut!" graffiti and the cool beer box decor.
pool table: There's always 2 douchbags playing it for hours so don't go there expecting to play pool.
Clientelle: College students (weekends/winter) and the rest of the time a mix of normal locals and then the 30 pluses that dress up in 4 inch heels and the guys that want to bang them. There will always be one guy that has a dog in hopes a girl will talk to him. Most everyone smokes.
Music: Anything goes, sometimes if you bring in a cd they'll play it if nothing's going on. All of the live music I've heard has been terrible between the acoustics of the 600ft square that is the bar area and that it's usually something punkish.
It's not awesome, it's not bad. It's just someplace different to drink beer in Sarasota when you're tired of Chili's and Alehouse/sportsbar with the giant tv's and don't feel like sitting at home. And for a dirty place it actually is in a good part of town (residential/slightly industrial) so you're not going to get robbed going in or out of the joint or accosted by homeless people. Cops do like to sit on Cattlemen so beware drunk driving. -
Review from Robert D.
Encinitas, CA
7/27/2007
I live in San Diego, but am in Florida for a month working. I have been jonesing bad for a good IPA beer and some decent pool players and have been disappointed. I even put a thread on 'talk' but no one replied ! The Yelp scene in San DIego is MUCH more populated.
Anyway, went to this place last night on a suggestion from a friend that I bitched to, and it is great. Mucho beer, good pool table (only 2 sticks though), decent players. A Mecca for a guy like me that needs a fix. One downside is the beer isn't anywhere close to cheap. One double IPA cost me $6 !! Not even that expensive on the Left Coast where a pretzel requires a mortgage. It's not like the overhead is alot at this dive bar (I mean that in a loving way - dive bars are where the genetic soup still thrives). Guess it's getting expensive to be an alcholic. -
Review from Bianca W.
Northridge, CA
5/10/2009
So, here's the thing...
Howie and Dawn are amazing, Cock & Bull is stunning, a huge selection of brews, a seriously kickback bar atmosphere, wonderful people, movie nights, stunning.
The first time I attended C&B was with an Ex who grew up in the area, C&B was his absolute favorite bar, and with good reason, years later I attended while traveling through on a road trip, still as good as ever. -
Review from Leslie D.
Punta Gorda, FL
9/24/2010
I love this place. Oh my heart skips a beat when it knows that the rest of my body will be taking it there.
Fabulous beer selection. The menu is spectacular, the Balboa is pretty much the ONLY thing that I eat there; it is simply the best. Better than all the rest.
Comfortable, awesome, and definitely up high on the list of favorite spots to drink in the world. -
Review from Matt J.
New Orleans, LA
7/17/2010
This is the bar with the best beer selection I've ever been to. Period.
If you like beer, stop reading this and go get your ass over there for a brew - especially if it's cold outside so you can chill by the fire pit. Good pizza here too. -
Review from Mike D.
Brooklyn, NY
12/1/2007
Definitely one of the best beer bars in Florida. Hidden away in a middle-of-nowhere part of Sarasota, the roadhouse-type atmosphere is enhance by friendly locals, knowledgeable bartenders and a fantastic selection of imported and domestic craft brews. They don't have a beer list, so prepare to chat with the bartender or peer into the coolers behind the bar.
In addition to beer, they serve quite respectable bar fare--pizzas, cheese steaks, chicken parm sandwiches and the like. The drink prices are obviously higher than a Bud Light at Chili's, but they are quite reasonable for the quality ($6 or so for better bottles, $4 pints, etc.) The fire pit out back was quite inviting on the chilly evening I visited, and atmosphere was laid back and friendly. -
Review from Steve B.
Sarasota, FL
5/11/2010
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! And you will find me there ALOT!!!
Great selection of BEER!!! The Cock and Bull is off the beatin track and it happens to be very close to where I work, which I like! This is a Great place for the whole gang to meet and unwind!! The owners Howie and Dawn know Beer and that makes a big difference!!! -
Review from Arnaud H.
Lakeport, CA
1/6/2010
We discovered this joint by accident. Some friends of us had invited us to meet them there, and we had been driving by for years at each of our visit thinking this was some uninteresting redneck bar.
Surprise when pushing the door: hundreds of bottles of beer neatly organized behind the bar in industrial fridges. Imported beers from Europe and Asia, microbrews from all over the country, and a large selection of exotic beers and ales on tap, ranging from wheat to fruit beers, as well as many seasonals and limited brews. Any pub that serves two Dogfish Head ales directly from the keg deserves at least four stars.
There was a bonefire outside, a pool inside, and they serve basic, standard pub fare like hot pretzels. Prices are reasonable. Crowd was friendly and reminded us from home - the San Francisco Bay Area. The place used to be on Main Street before that. The roadhouse it moved to a few years ago is a much better fit for this place. We'll be coming back at our next visit in Sarasota. -
Review from Tom F.
Brooklyn, NY
9/6/2010
I've been coming to this bar for several years, though not as often as when I lived in Sarasota. At present, as a New York resident, I only have the pleasure of visiting the Cock & Bull Pub a few times a year, but I look forward to it every time.
This is by far my favorite place to drink, anywhere. As someone who has drank all over the place, such as England, Germany, France, and Belgium, etc., I can say that Cock & Bull Pub is right up there with some of the best beer gardens. The ultimate beer selection, very reasonable prices, amazing staff, awesome events, great bar food, and a very welcoming atmosphere.
Over the years the bar has been updated and expanded since moving to its current location, though it has always retained its defining qualities. The bar has also become somewhat of a music venue, and quite often has live, local music in the backyard area.
Also, I don't recommend trying one of the soft pretzels with beer-cheese, they are not only delicious, but highly addictive... -
Review from Julaine N.
Frederick, MD
5/25/2011
Awesome beer selection and I love live music, but where were all the people?!?!?? They had a band playing out back and the potential for some many people, but no one was there and it was a Saturday night.
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Review from Julia S.
Sarasota, FL
1/31/2009 26 photos
I'm a wino not a beer drinker, I LOVE this place!!! My favorite is a Belgium white ale Hoegarrden draft, it's simply the best. I enjoy pairing it with the gut bomb pizza; I get 1/2 BBQ chicken 1/2 Balboa, which is a steak, shroom, green pepper, onion, mayo & mustard, again simply scrumptious along with the beer. Not your typical pizza parlor pizza.
You place your orders at the bar; there is no table service, which is fine for me. It's dark & sort of trashy, that is what makes it fun, and people even bring their dogs!! 600 plus beers & the brew masters really know their brew!! -
Review from Jennifer K.
Bradenton, FL
Updated - 3/23/2011
Great place to go straight after work. Dark and rustic place. They have a good selection of Belgium beer.
1 Previous Review:
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3/6/2011
Laid back atmosphere. Unique beer selection. Great place to go after work.
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Review from Gillian G.
San Francisco, CA
12/25/2009
I have been coming here for years, and I still love it. Yes, it is a dive. However, the staff is as amazing as the beer selection. The atmosphere is very laid-back, from the couch room to the outdoor patio to the fire pit out back. Nothing can beat their $5 liter night.
C&B is a Christmas Eve tradition -- every year they tap a keg of something super alcoholic, special, & delicious. They are also open Christmas Day.
To top it off, they now have great pizza.
As a non-smoker, my only beef with this place is the smokiness, but it's really not as bad as some other places I have been in Sarasota. -
Review from Jacqueline L.
Siesta Key, FL
3/23/2011
They have a solid beer selection, on draught and in a bottle. There's a bonfire pit out back and a pool table, darts, a lounge, you name it. But I'm just not that impressed with the service, it's rather unfriendly. I'm a bit daunted by trying to choose a beer by gazing into the florescent-lit cases. There isn't a menu, so I really have to go by the name of the beer (or the price...eesh). The prices are high and they don't allow samples of beer on draught. I periodically return, but I don't usually make the trip.
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Review from Luke L.
Philadelphia, PA
12/28/2009
Im used to "beer Snob" bars. Living in philly I have access to one of the east coasts greatest spots. Monks is what I compare most snob bars to. And let me say that Cock and bull gives monk's a good run for the money. I didn't have any food at cock and bull so I can't comment on that, but the beer selection is not to shabby. I explained to the bar keep i was a out of towner, and gave a brief description of what I like and she made a few recommendations. In addition to the great beers this bar has a excellent "dive bar" atmosphere, pool table and dart room. The thing that I really enjoyed was the fire pit outside, it really made the experience.. met a few new people outside and had a few beers. Next time im in sarasota I will definitely be back at cock and bull!
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Review from CHARITY F.
Bradenton, FL
6/22/2011
i like that they have a stage and support local talent.
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Review from Coty S.
Bradenton, FL
1/16/2009
I am not much of a beer drinker (go figure), but when I do go to Cock & Bull, I drink the Framboise (Belgian raspberry beer) on tap ($7.50). Not many places have it, and it is quite tasty. Everything is really expensive. If you are one of those piss beer drinkers that likes Bud Light, then please go to the nearest sports bar and act like a fool there. Beer snobs go here and pay more for their beer and for the vast selection, in turn they tend to be nicer people (aka not women chasing frat boys). And, guys do not come here to pick up girls. There is a diverse group that attends and I have never had a bad experience, yet.
Cock & Bull is definitely NOT a dive bar, as some of the other reviewers claim. Trust me, I have seen some dive bars and this is definitely not one of them. Cock and Bull is more of a pub full of indie rockers that like to drink expensive beer.
Don't eat the food unless you are absolutely starving or drunk. It is not good and is all prefab and expensive. People told me how wonderful the pizza is, so I ordered it one night and it was Boboli crust with sweet sauce. Gross... I guess drunken people are not that picky.
I would NEVER go here if it is hot outside, because there is nowhere to keep cool. That limits my visits to only certain times of the year, and I'm fine with that.
This is a great place to meet up with friends during the cooler months, have a drink, sit outside, and have some good conversation. -
Review from Kate E.
5/17/2007
An escape from the usual Florida bar scene. One of the best selections of beer I have ever seen, and bartenders who know their stuff. Some of the brews are more expensive, but well worth it (especially the ones that are 10% strong). A great time overall!
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Review from Christy S.
Homestead, FL
7/18/2010
My favorite bar! Oh how I miss you Great atmosphere, Great beer, and Great food too!
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Review from Kent S.
Chicago, IL
3/15/2009
Beer lovers can go nuts here. The atmosphere beckons you want to take off your shoes and make yourself at home. Being of northern blood, it's funny to see people gather around a bonfire because of the 40-50 degree nights in the winter, as if we might not survive another night if this continues. I've never tried the food here, but I guess I just come here for the beer selection. The SRQ was once home and I'll always have fond Cock & Bull memories. Anytime that I'm around, this destination won't go unchecked.
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Review from David B.
Troy, NY
8/13/2008
Knowledgeable bartenders that will help you explore the extensive array of bottles and taps. The pizza is also very good, and comes in sizable portions for bar food. The outdoor seating is plentiful, and the fire pit is cozy. Inside, the pool table is always in use and the seating is tucked away in funky corners around the bar. Even the bathrooms have character, the walls covered in flattened six-packs.
Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Adam F.
Walnut Creek, CA
4/18/2010
Great beer selection. Solid prices. Liked the bonfire, but it smelled like sewage outside.
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Review from Rachel B.
Sarasota, FL
4/4/2011
Love this place. If you're looking for a beer....you're sure to find it here!
