Florida Cracker Cook Shack

511 S Broad St, Brooksville, FL, 34601

Florida Cracker Cook Shack sits on South Broad Street in downtown Brooksville and describes what it does as Florida soul food, which is a more useful label than barbecue alone. Smoked meats are the backbone, but the menu reaches into Southern comfort cooking in a way a straight barbecue joint does not. Brisket and cornbread are the two things reviewers mention most, by a wide margin. After those come the Original Hot Chicken Sandwich, fried catfish served with grits and tomato gravy, beef tips over white rice, smoked chicken quarters, gator sausage, brisket mac and cheese, chipped pork, and fried green tomatoes. There is a condiment bar with a sauce selection that reviewers single out, dispensed from udders rather than bottles, which is the kind of detail that tells you the place has a sense of humor about itself. The weekly specials are worth planning around. Smoked ribs run Tuesday and Sunday. Wednesday is all-you-can-eat smoked chicken quarters, and Wednesday at 5:30 PM is also Kids Night. Thursday brings beef tips and white rice. Friday is fried catfish. Outdoor seating is one of the most mentioned features in the reviews, and there is a safe play area for children, which makes it a genuine family option rather than one in name only. The restaurant sits on the Florida Coast to Coast Trail, and at least one reviewer found it mid-ride. Hours are 11 AM to 9 PM Tuesday through Saturday and 11 AM to 7 PM Sunday. Closed Mondays. Expect roughly $10 to $20 per person. Dine-in, takeout, delivery and online ordering are all available, and catering is booked on a separate line at (352) 699-1681. The Cook Shack is part of the wider Florida Cracker group of Brooksville restaurants, which also includes Florida Cracker Kitchen. They are separate restaurants with separate menus, so check which one you are heading to.