As a Florida native and self-proclaimed lover of all things barbecue, creating this list of local BBQ joints was a treat. Barbecue eats can be enjoyed all year long in Florida, but we all know summer is considered the prime time for barbecuing and grilling in the Sunshine State. Lucky for us foodie fans, there are many notable barbecue restaurants in Florida where you can satisfy your taste buds.
In a competition for the most finger-lickin’ barbecue, these restaurants ranging from small mom-and-pop restaurants to well-known eateries with multiple locations, are the best of the best. Offering deliciously crafted pieces of meat paired with a variety of homemade, mouth-watering sauces, you’ll find menus with traditional sides like cole slaw, mac & cheese, and cornbread and desserts like banana pudding. They’re also top-rated on Google, family-friendly, and many offer outdoor seating and larger takeaway options.
Check out these BBQ joints you can visit to start summer off right.
Big Lee's - Serious About Barbecue, Ocala
Big Lee’s is serious when they say they’re serious about Barbecue. They have perfected their craft, serving up moist and juicy brisket and ribs that are so tender you won’t even need to use a knife. Toss in a side of corn nuggets, mac & cheese, and banana pudding and you have a barbecue meal made in heaven.
Shiver's, Homestead
Considered an institution in South Florida barbecue, Shiver’s has been serving Southern-style cuisine in Homestead for over 60 years. The joint is family-owned and serves up comfort food like no other. Locals favor the baby back ribs and brisket burnt ends, while sides like cheesy hashbrown casserole and cornbread souffle are the cherry on top. Finish your meal with a peach cobbler with ice cream or banana pudding.
4 Rivers Smokehouse, Various Locations
4 Rivers Smokehouse has made a name for itself in Central Florida and appears as if its plans of domination has no end in sight. Expanding to more locations over the last few years, their 18-hour smoked brisket, St. Louis ribs, and Southern-style pulled pork have won die-hard barbecue fans over. Save room for something sweet, as their dessert menu is almost as extensive and mouth-watering as their barbecue.
Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ, St. Augustine
With over 2,500 positive ratings on Google, Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ is a popular spot in St. Augustine. Locally owned and operated, you’ll find all the traditional eats you’d expect from a popular BBQ joint, including tasty brisket, ribs, pork, turkey, and sausage, which come on plates with two sides and Texas toast or as a sandwich. Add loaded taters or a side of baked beans, cole slaw, or Mac and cheese. Don’t forget the sauces, which include a spicy Datil BBQ and Datil mustard, as well as orangeade white, sweet, hickory, and Carolina vinegar.
4930 State Rd 13, St. Augustine, FL 32092, USA— +1 904-531-5670
Pig Floyds Urban Barbakoa, Orlando
Located in Orlando, Pig Floyds Urban Barbakoa takes barbecue to another level. While they’ve got classic platters such as brisket and pork, their menu also includes pile-high sandwiches, such as The Big Floyd featuring oakwood smoked brisket, pulled pork, sausage, and citrus peanut slaw. Some of the favorites on the menu also include Mexican street corn fries, sticky ribs, and brisket tostada. It’s hard to argue with over 3,500 ratings on Google that approve.
Al's Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que, Tampa
A top-rated BBQ joint on Yelp and Tripadvisor, Al’s Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que in Tampa features Tennessee-style barbecue. Using a dry rub on their meats and a tomato-based barbecue sauce, they smoke their ribs for at least 2 hours, chicken for 2.5 hours, beef for 5 hours, and pork butts 6-8 hours. You’ll want to make room for dessert, especially the homemade banana pudding and pecan, sweet potato, and peach pies.
1609 Angel Oliva Senior St, Tampa, FL 33605, USA— +1 813-956-0675
MOJO Kitchen, BBQ Pit & Blues Bar, Jacksonville
You can find an array of MOJO locations littered throughout North and Central Florida. Come with an empty stomach, as MOJO has a lot to choose from, such as classics like brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, while its famous onion rings served with buttermilk ranch, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, and Frito Pie with Texas-style chili are favorites. If you can’t decide, go for the “Whole Hawg” where you can get a hodgepodge of meats and 4 sides.
Ellie Lou’s Brews & BBQ, Ocoee
Head to Ocoee to try Ellie Lou’s Brews & BBQ, a much-loved spot with perfectly smoked meats. Chopped BBQ sandwiches (pork, brisket, turkey, and chicken) are served on a Kaiser bun and include 1 side and a corn muffin. Keep an eye on the weekly specials to try inviting eats like Dirty Bird fries topped with Mac n cheese, Nashville hot chicken, pickles, and house-made Mississippi sauce. Chef Dennis’ Kansas City Sweet sauce is popular with its sweet, rich flavor profile, while Southern Lava Sauce has a kick, derived from Ghost Pepper extract and Habanero Peppers.
Big John's Rockin' BBQ, Kissimmee
Big John’s Rockin’ BBQ in downtown Kissimmee is a Central Florida favorite, serving up homestyle BBQ seven days a week. In addition to a homestyle breakfast, you can pick from their BBQ lunch and dinner menu, which features savory Texas-style beef brisket, succulent ribs, and a Super Sampler with brisket, pulled chicken, pulled porch, rib, and andouille sausage. Pair it with loaded fries, corn nuggets, fried pickles, or “potachos” (chips topped with cheese, pico, and sour cream). Check their calendar for live music and trivia nights.
220 E Monument Ave STE A, Kissimmee, FL 34741, USA— +1 407-483-7770
The Bearded Pig, Jacksonville
Located in Jacksonville, The Bearded Pig brings big flavors to your tastebuds with their selection of smoked meats. Start with the rib tenders or burnt ends appetizer, then move on to meat a-la-carte (brisket, pulled pork, sausage, turkey, and beef ribs) or sandwiches. The San Marco platter includes ribs, chicken, 1/4 lb each of two meats, and two sides, with side options ranging from Mac & cheese, slaw, and collard greens to sweet potato waffle fries. Wash it all down with a Pigtail (house cocktail).
1808 Kings Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207, USA— +1 904-619-2247
Georgia Pig BBQ & Restaurant, Fort Lauderdale
Serving barbecue enthusiasts for multiple generations, Georgia Pig BBQ & Restaurant is an institution. Standing as one of the oldest barbecue restaurants you’ll find in South Florida, embrace the vintage decor and indulge in one of their classic Southern-style pork specialties as you watch the experts craft their art over a live oak-fired pit. Complete your dish by covering it with Georgia Pig’s tangy signature sauce and your taste buds will thank you.
Captain's BBQ, Palm Coast
Known equally for their deliciously crafted meats, savory sides and tempting desserts, Captain’s BBQ is a unique waterside barbecue restaurant. With stunning views of the Matanzas River, you can devour classic dishes, such as their Burnt End Dinner with caramelized brisket ends or Chicken Dinner, in addition to one of their more creative dishes, such as a pulled pork burrito with Baja sauce. Add a side of buttered corn, collard greens, mac & cheese, and sweet cornbread, and you have a perfect combination of Southern barbecue with a picturesque view of Old Florida. Save room for dessert, as the homemade cheesecakes are a treat. Try the Ebony & Ivory dessert (that is also gluten-free!), or wash down your meal with one of the 60+ beer options that are mostly brewed in the Sunshine State.
Michelbob’s Championship Ribs & Steaks, Naples
Located in Naples, Michelbob’s Championship Ribs & Steaks is a long-time favorite dating back to 1979. Along with dine-in, they have a breezy deck and super-speedy take-out window. You’re spoiled for choice with their baby back ribs, sliced smoked pork, sliced smoked beef, smokehouse sausage, and BBQ chicken, but don’t miss the homemade onion rings, giant salads, and desserts. If you’re in Marco Island, you can also check out their take-out-only spot.
371 Airport-Pulling Rd, Naples, FL 34104, USA— +1 239-643-7427
Porkie’s Original BBQ, Apopka
With a slogan like ‘Ain’t nuthin’ serious, but the BBQ’, you just know the BBQ menu will be good. Porkie’s Original BBQ in Apopka consistently delivers, serving BBQ sandwiches (including their popular Monster Rib Eye Samich), ribs by the pound, family meals, and fried appetizers. Try their Sloppy Cow, which is brisket and sautéed onions topped with a creamy horseradish sauce.
Smokin D's, St. Augustine
A small, unassuming BBQ joint, Smokin D’s aims to fill all your barbecue needs. Driving in St. Augustine, you might even pass this place and not even realize it, but at lunch, the place fills quickly with locals. Satisfy your BBQ cravings with one of their popular plates of ribs, chopped pork, or smoked chicken. Mix it with D’s House homemade sauce and you won’t be sorry.
