Our service was really good. It’s a cool place, but the food just wasn’t good. The ribs were really dry, baked beans were average nothing special, Mac n cheese was eh. Idk I guess I have high expectations for BBQ. I’d probably go to mission bbq instead of here.
Overview
Looking for a perfect place to enjoy mouthwatering barbecue in Venice, FL? Gold Rush Bbq located at 661 S Tamiami Trl is where the flavors of traditional BBQ meet a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. This restaurant quickly became a favorite for locals and tourists alike, known for its rich, smoky flavors and tender meats. Whether you're craving a classic rack of ribs, pulled pork, or a plate of crispy fried chicken, Gold Rush Bbq promises to serve up a memorable experience.
The charm of Gold Rush Bbq is not just in the food; it's also in the relaxed and friendly vibe that invites everyone to unwind. As soon as you step inside, you're greeted by the rich aroma of smoked meat wafting through the air. The casual and unpretentious setting makes it the perfect spot to enjoy a hearty meal with family and friends. No frills, just great food cooked with passion and care.
Gold Rush Bbq prides itself on using only the finest ingredients, sourcing meats that are hand-selected and marinated to perfection. The star of the menu is undoubtedly their slow-smoked meats, which are cooked low and slow over a wood fire to capture that distinct, smoky flavor. Their ribs are a local favorite-fall-off-the-bone tender, glazed with a homemade BBQ sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. Each bite delivers a mouthful of savory goodness, leaving you wanting more.
But ribs are just the beginning. The menu at Gold Rush Bbq offers a wide range of options to suit every taste. From the rich and flavorful brisket to the juicy pulled pork, every item is cooked to perfection. Pair your meal with a side of their hand-cut fries, creamy coleslaw, or mac and cheese, and you've got yourself the ultimate BBQ feast.
The staff at Gold Rush Bbq are known for their friendly and attentive service. They’re quick to make recommendations and are always happy to share their knowledge about the best pairings from the menu. Whether you’re a BBQ aficionado or new to the scene, they make sure you have a great dining experience from start to finish.
What sets Gold Rush Bbq apart from other BBQ spots in the area is its commitment to tradition while embracing modern flavors. The restaurant’s sauces are a true testament to the balance between old-school BBQ techniques and a creative twist on classic recipes. For instance, the signature "Gold Rush Sauce" is a blend of smoky, tangy, and just a hint of heat-making it the perfect complement to their meats.
For those who prefer to keep it light, Gold Rush Bbq also offers a selection of fresh salads and grilled vegetables, giving you the option to enjoy BBQ flavors without overindulging. The salads are crisp, refreshing, and perfect for balancing the richness of the meats, with dressings made fresh daily.
Gold Rush Bbq doesn’t just cater to those dining in. Their take-out service is equally impressive, with every order packed up hot and fresh, ready for you to enjoy at home or on the go. They also offer catering services, making them the go-to spot for your next event, whether it’s a family gathering, corporate event, or special occasion.
Customer reviews of Gold Rush Bbq consistently rave about the exceptional quality of the food, with many highlighting the tender meats, perfect seasoning, and overall dining experience. Visitors from out of town often mention that the barbecue here is unlike anything they’ve tasted before, with a distinct flavor that captures the essence of traditional Southern BBQ.
The restaurant’s location on South Tamiami Trail makes it easily accessible, whether you’re coming from downtown Venice or nearby beaches. After a day of exploring the area, there’s no better way to cap off your trip than with a hearty meal at Gold Rush Bbq.
If you find yourself in Venice, don’t miss the chance to visit Gold Rush Bbq. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this restaurant will satisfy your cravings for authentic, delicious BBQ. With its fantastic food, welcoming atmosphere, and exceptional service, Gold Rush Bbq has earned its reputation as one of the top BBQ spots in Venice, FL.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Kerbside pickup âś“ Delivery âś“ On-site services âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-inHighlights
âś“ Fast service âś“ Great beer selection âś“ Serves local specialtyPopular for
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ All you can eat âś“ Beer âś“ Cocktails âś“ Coffee âś“ Comfort food âś“ Quick bite âś“ Spirits âś“ WineDining options
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Catering âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ Bar on site âś“ ToiletAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ CosyCrowd
âś“ Groups âś“ TouristsPlanning
âś“ Accepts reservationsPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ Good for kids âś“ High chairs âś“ Kids' menuParking
âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Free parking lot âś“ ParkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 2793 reviews
Ok its not amazing BBQ, but the price to quality is really good. Ribs and pulled pork were good, the chicken wings were solid and had crispy skin. The beer price is incredible at 1.50 to 4 and the soft drinks and wine also were cheap. The sides felt phoned in. Portions were huge you won't leave hungry.
It was my first time here and the staff are amazing (very attentive) , the atmosphere is very nice and the food is delicious. The portion size is very large. There's a good variety of options for everyone and lots of sauces for dipping.
Any BBQ resteruant that has a hand washing station before you walk in, you know it’s about to be good. And it was! Every items was great. Pork, slaw, and mac n cheese all on point. I liked the homemade sauce too. Great sweet tea! I will be back one day. Mmmm good.
Gold Rush BBQ is our new go-to spot in Venice! I had the fried catfish—crispy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. My husband ordered the ½ lb of beef brisket and devoured it before I could even snap a photo—that’s how good it was! The food is consistently delicious, and the staff couldn’t be warmer or more welcoming. It’s casual, cozy, and full of charm. We’ll be coming back again and again to this local favorite. Highly recommend!
I ordered the 1/2 rack baby back ribs combo with corn on the cob and red mashers and it was extremely delicious. It's been a long time since I've had good ribs and these were a delight A+++
Gold Rush BBQ has quickly become our go-to spot for great barbecue! Huge thumbs up from our family. The service is always impeccable, and the atmosphere is clean, welcoming, and relaxed. The food? Absolutely delicious—every single time. It’s consistent, packed with flavor, and the portions are generous. We’ve visited for both lunch and dinner, and every visit has been a hit. The photos we’ve shared are just a glimpse of what we’ve tried so far: a BBQ chicken Caesar salad (which, by the way, is now the only place I’ll ever order a Caesar salad—it’s that good!), a baby back rib & shrimp combo, mac and cheese, baked beans, and cornbread. We’re a family of three and usually share meals since our 6-year-old eats what we eat. That said, we were pleasantly surprised by the kids’ menu—it actually has healthy options. One evening, I just wanted chili for dinner, so we got our son a kids’ BBQ chicken breast meal with beans and cornbread. He loved it, and the portion was big enough for leftovers. All around, Gold Rush BBQ delivers a consistently great experience—from food to service to atmosphere. Highly recommend!
We really enjoy Gold Rush! Service & food are always consistently good. Always worth the wait as it can get packed. $1.49 beer & candy station are very neat. On Thursdays they do all you can eat ribs which are always delicious. Brisket sandwich is my personal favourite. 10/10