Brisket Basket, St. Petersburg

[RibDog]

One of my neighbors, who knows I am a BBQ nut, told me a new little place had opened called the Brisket Basket. It is an old drive-in restanrant right across from St. Pete High on 5th Ave. N. Well, even though it is tax season, I forced myself to take today off to run some errands and have lunch at BB.

Even though it was raining when I drove up, this was not a sign of bad things ahead. I walked in and was nicely greeted by the owners. As you can imagine, most of their menu is based on brisket. Brisket sandwich, brisket burger, brisket meatloaf, brisket chowder, etc. One of the offerings is called the Triple Slider Sampler. It is three "slider" size sandwiches with sliced brisket on one, meatloaf on another and brisket burger on the third. With a pickle slice, french fried onions and a chipolte mayo on each, they went down real easy. The sliced brisket was nicely tender and a good flavor. And the chipolte mayo set it off nicely.

You get one side with this and I choose the hot brown german potato salad. I also get an extra side green chile hominy. A winner on both.

You can check out their menu on their website which is:

http://www.brisketbasket.com/

I will definitely be back as I like this place. And I am not associated with and obtain any profits with this restaurant.

This is a nice addition to St. Pete.

John

[Mild Bill]

John! Your generous review 'from 2007' and recommendation was not written in vain!
I was just Googling this place to look at their menu and found your post...

I love brisket---- and I'm trying hard to get there ASAP...
I was planning on going today, but I had to hang out and waste the day with an A/C repair guy...

I'll go before the end of the week...

[rhnault]

Is it still open? I have seen it on my way to the beach and it always looks closed on Saturdays, in the sunny hours.

[CFishman]

Yeah, I think they closed a long time ago. I would be glad to find out differently but I don't think so. I remember reading John's post when he wrote it. It's nice to be able to put faces to names.

[joan]

Sadly, they are long gone.
I believe the owner passed away.
The brisket was wonderful...

[RibDog]

She did pass away. Very unexpectedly. May she rest in peace. And the brisket was excellent.

[RibDog]

Bill, give Wildwood BBQ & Grill a try out on St. Pete Beach for the brisket. I order from the fatty end as there is definitely more flavor there. They are more expensive but not bad for an occasional BBQ brisket fix.

[Mild Bill]

Oh my God, the URL is functional & the website looks happy and healthy!!!
With a 'NEW LOCATION COMING SOON' on Bay Pines!

I feel like sobbing---- curling up in a fetal position in the bathtub...

------ 'I' wanted to put them outta business!

[CFishman]

Bill,

Good detective work. I am excited too that they are back. I am always embarrassed when I falsely claim a restaurant to be out of business. It's easy to forget that people's livelihoods are at stake.

[joan]

I called, 1:50 PM, and the number is disconnected.
I did just pass this place last week and noticed they were closed looking...that is why I felt sure and posted.
Not sure what is up with the website?

[Mild Bill]

Sorry I was confusing!
It made sense at the time...
I'll make it up tooya...

[RibDog]

I hate to put the kibosh on anything but there is a strong possibility that this "new location" was what was happening just before her passing. They were in the process of opening three new locations. But this all came to an abrupt halt on her passing. I just don't think anyone has updated the website.

Now I could be wrong. Maybe the estate is finally being settled and something could happen but right now it remains a mystery. I will ask my neighbor, who was very good friends with the owner, whether she knows anything.

[Mild Bill]

Oh, right... I wasn't clear...

I was just amazed that they're gone, but their site looks so 'not gone'...

I called too and the number's no good...

It's Ok... I won't starve...

[joan]

And now...as they say...the REST of the story:

The former location of the Brisket Basket is now a "kava" bar. A drink from the South Pacific that has bizarre effects. Apparently causing a bit of an uproar, as it is across the street from a high school.

Go here for the story:
http://www.tampabay.com/news/educatio...