The 25 Best BBQ in Florida

Florida is well-known for its Latin-American cultural influences. The art, nightlife, and upscale South beach attract tourists from all over the world to Florida every year.

Orlando has theme parks, including the most popular Disney World. If you are in Florida discovering amazing places and food, you cannot forget the Florida BBQ.

Like many other food specialties in Florida, such as gator bites, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie, BBQ in Florida is a must-try.

In the mood for some great BBQ? Here is our list of the top 10 best BBQ in Florida you can head over to.

Best BBQ in Florida

Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ

Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ is a restaurant in St. Augustine that serves BBQ meat platters and sandwiches in a down-home and outdoor setting.

The BBQ connoisseurs and the sides are freshly made in-house. The food is served hot by amazing staff that makes you feel like you are at home.

The indoor seating is comfortable, and the atmosphere is very casual and relaxing.

The outdoor setting makes you feel like you are on a picnic because you are seated on picnic tables under umbrellas.

The food comes out pretty fast, and you are offered huge portions of delicious BBQ meats and incredible sides.

4930 FL-16A, St. Augustine, FL 32092, United States
Tuesday – Sunday, 11 AM –7 PM
+1 9045315670

Big Lee’s – Serious About Barbecue

Big Lee’s – Serious About Barbecue is a small buzzy, small outdoor venue serving BBQ meats, sandwiches in heaped portions with tremendous sides.

As you walk into the restaurant, you are greeted by the owner or the wait staff.

The guy who owns the restaurant is very humble and is very nice to have a chat with.

Even on busy afternoons, they are trying their best to keep everyone happy.

Everything on the menu is delicious, but if you get overwhelmed with what to eat and what not to, order the BBQ meat sampler to get a taste of all 5 smoked types of meat.

3925 SE 45th Ct, Ocala, FL 34480, United States
Tuesday – Saturday, 11:30 AM –3:30 PM
+1 3523049105

Perry’s Original Roadside BBQ & Catering

Perry’s Original Roadside BBQ & Catering is one of those amazing restaurants that have delicious BBQ and great service.

The BBQ brisket just melts in your mouth and tastes heavenly.

They have signature BBQ sauces that make your BBQ super exciting. If you like to have spicy BBQ, their hot and spicy sauce is a must-try, it has a very original taste.

936 42nd St, Sarasota, FL 34234, United States
Thursday and Friday, 11 AM –6 PM
+1 9413511445

Pig Floyds Urban Barbakoa

Pig Floyds Urban Barbakoa is a rustic counter-serve joint known globally for its signature BBQ dishes served with craft beers.

There is a long line at lunchtime on weekends and special days. But the BBQ is worth the wait.

They have delicious pulled pork platters, sausage, and brisket that are fall-off-the-bone delicious.

You can also get pork belly tacos and enjoy them with the signature BBQ sauce.

The BBQ is nicely done, and the meal portions are very satisfying.

They have a few Mexican sides as well, the Mexican corn with garlic and cilantro is a must-try with BBQ tacos or BBQ platters.

1326 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803, United States
Friday and Saturday, 11 AM –10 PM. Tuesday – Thursday, and Sunday, 11 AM –9 PM
+1 4072030866

Jimmy Bear’s BBQ

Jimmy Bear’s BBQ is a Nook that serves hearty plates of North Carolina-style smoked BBQ meats, with southern sides and delicious homemade sauces.

The place is very neat, and you can smell the BBQ smoke as soon as you enter the restaurant.

The servers give you attention and time while taking your order. It is a must-visit restaurant in St Cloud if you are a BBQ fan.

4247 13th St, St Cloud, FL 34769, United States
Monday – Sunday, 8 AM – 9 PM
+1 4075080681

4 Rivers Smokehouse

4 Rivers Smokehouse is a counter-serve restaurant in Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, that sells Texas-style BBQ, homestyle sides, and delicious treats.

There is also a candy shop inside the restaurant where you can find delicious candy after finishing your BBQ plate.

The BBQ brisket, jalapenos, and signature cheese side make their iconic Texas Destroyer Sandwich. In dessert, they serve banana pudding that is simply wow.

1600 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789, United States
Monday – Saturday, 11 AM – 8 PM
+1 844 474 8377

Ellie Lou’s Brews & BBQ

Ellie Lou’s Brews & BBQ is a very laid-back counter-serve joint just off Moore Road that serves BBQ plates and sandwiches.

They take your order right away, and the food comes out quickly. The BBQ meat has the perfect smokey flavor and smell.

The pork and turkey platters are heavenly they are served with coleslaw with bleu cheese dressing.

The St. Louis ribs have an authentic flavor that stays in your memory forever.

336 Moore Rd, Ocoee, FL 34761, United States
Friday – Saturday, 11 AM – 9 PM. Monday – Thursday and Sunday, 11 AM – 8 PM
+1 407 347 9515

Smoke BBQ Restaurant & Catering

Smoke BBQ Restaurant & Catering is a BBQ joint serving ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and flavorful American BBQ classics in casual, brick-walled surrounds.

The pork belly, pastrami, baby back ribs, jalapeno cheddar sausage, and brisket are scrumptious.

On the side, you can order cilantro potato salad, mac n cheese, cornbread, and root beer beans.

The North Carolina-style BBQ is drenched in a vinegary spicy sauce that tastes luscious.

3351 NE 32nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308, United States
Monday – Saturday, 11:30 AM – 9 PM. Sunday, 12 PM – 9 PM
+1 954 530 5334

Uncle Kenny’s BBQ

Uncle Kenny’s BBQ is a rustic family-run eatery that serves Kansas City-style BBQ with freshly prepared sides.

They have excellent customer service, and you are given so much attention to the point that you feel like you are at grandma’s home.

The BBQ is exceptional, and pulled pork egg rolls are outstanding. The Southern sides are delicious and taste heavenly.

The BBQ texture is perfect with dark bark and tender pink meat inside.

157 US-27, Clermont, FL 34711, United States
Friday and Saturday, 10:30 AM – 9 PM. Tuesday – Thursday and Sunday, 10:30 AM – 8 PM
+1 352 394 1225

Mission BBQ

MISSION BBQ is a casual chain of restaurants serving BBQ & American sides in a patriotic setting. The brisket and ribs are delicious.

The BBQ has a strong and heavy Smokey flavor. Blueberry cobbler for dessert is divine.

The place is clean, and the staff is also very friendly. The décor is all the military photos and pictures of veterans on the walls.

They also have pictures of first responders on the walls.

4014 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33813, United States
Monday – Saturday, 11 AM – 9 PM
+1 863 225 8433

Smokin’ D’s BBQ

The folks at Smokin’ D’s BBQ get crackin’ before dawn to ensure their customers get fresh, delicious, in-house smoked meats.

Their menu features meats like brisket, turkey, and pork by the pound with tried-and-true sides like baked beans, rice, and coleslaw.

If you’re a little hungrier, you can opt for various platters and specials that feed anywhere from 1 to 8 people. Sauces include Texas Heat, Alabama White Sauce, and tangy Georgia Mustard dubbed “D’s House.”

110 FL-206, St. Augustine, FL 32086
Monday – Sunday 11 AM – 7:30 PM
+ 1 904-797-2050

Georgia Pig

Georgia Pig BBQ & Restaurant is a must-try if you pass through Fort Lauderdale. This roadside stop serves up Southern-style cooking in a no-frills kinda setting – but the food is always impressive!

Sauces and sides are made fresh daily, and the meat is smokin’ over oak wood first thing in the morning.

Don’t miss out on their sliced bar-b-q platters or spicy Brunswick stew – and key an eye out for their famous pecan pie before it’s all gone.

1285 S State Rd 7, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317
Monday – Friday 7 AM – 7 PM; Saturday 7 AM – 5 PM
+ 1 954-587-4420

Mojo BBQ Old City

Mojo BBQ Old City has been a St. Augustine favorite since it opened in 2003. They’ve got a few locations, all well-known for quality BBQ, fresh sides, good music, and a social atmosphere.

Swing in this Old City location for pulled shoulder, Texas hot links, and delicious pit-smoked chicken.

They’ve got loads of sides, and their sweet potato mash and Frito pie will hit the spot. If you’re a Whiskey lover, you’ll appreciate the collection at this Old City location.

5 Cordova St, St. Augustine, FL 32084,
Sunday – Tuesday 11 AM – 9 PM; Wednesday & Thursday 10 AM – 11 PM; Friday & Saturday 11 AM – 11 PM
+ 1 904-342-5264

Tom Jenkins BBQ

Tom Jenkins BBQ brings the South to Fort Lauderdale with its award-winning BBQ. Succulent pork spare ribs, smoky turkey breast, and chopped brisket all make the cut.

Make it a full meal and add fresh hush puppies, collard greens, and baked beans served by the pint.

They also offer up some great value two-meat combo specials, as well as family samplers. You’ll wanna make space for the sweet potato pie – you might even buy one whole!

1236 S Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Tuesday – Saturday 11 AM – 7 PM
+ 1 954-522-5046

Captain’s BBQ

Captain’s BBQ is another great Southern BBQ joint on the list with many return customers – for a good reason! If you love tender BBQ with a nice, smoky bite – this one is for you.

Slow-cooked meats get special treatment in their wood-burning smoker; low and slow until it’s perfect.

Chow down on their “Grand Slam Combo” with your choice of 3 meats with side options like sweet cornbread, mashed yams, or beet salad with goat cheese.

5862 N Ocean Shore Blvd, Palm Coast, FL 32137,
Daily 11:30 AM – 8 PM
+ 1 386-597-2888

Rob’s Family BBQ

If you happen to be cruising around South Florida, make sure to pay a visit or two to Rob’s Family BBQ while you’re there.

Ribs here are the highest grade, imported from Denmark, and slow-cooked til they fall off the bone. Meats are smoked daily, while the trademark baked beans and coleslaw get made from scratch.

For the best bang for your buck, grab a lunch platter of beef brisket with slaw, garlic toast, and tasty sweet potato.

8990 W State Rd 84, Davie, FL 33324
Daily 11:30 AM – 9 PM
+ 1 954-370-2774

Drinking Pig BBQ

A hidden gem in North Miami, Drinking Pig BBQ certainly shouldn’t be overlooked. It all started as a pop-up BBQ at the end of a cul-de-sac in 2020, and Drinking Pig proudly carries on.

They’ve got covered picnic tables set up so you can enjoy your ‘cue in the shade at the quiet end of the neighborhood.

The menu is short and sweet; the brisket is tender, and the baby back ribs slide right off the bone.

845 NE 151st St, Miami, FL 33162
Saturday 12 – 6 PM; Sunday 12 – 8 PM
+ 1 954-589-3759

Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar-B-Que

With a name you’re unlikely to forget, Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar-B-Que serves up delicious meats and sides in Orlando.

The pulled pork sandwiches are soft and tender, and the Texas brisket melts in your mouth. They don’t disappoint with the sides either – fix yourself up with Brunswick stew, creamy mac & cheese, baked beans, or crunchy coleslaw.

They have a few locations, and this joint is laidback with great service with an old-school décor feel.

5818 Conroy Rd, Orlando, FL 32835
Daily 10 AM – 9 PM
+ 1 407-295-1212

Wicked Oak Barbeque

Take a break from the classics and try some of the creative dishes served up by Wicked Oak Barbeque. Brisket mac n’ cheese sandwich? No problem!

Jalapeno Cheddar sausage in a bun and stuffed with pulled pork? They’ve got you! Feeling for some pulled chicken nachos piled high with cheese?

Of course! If that’s not your vibe – don’t worry, they also serve up classic sandwiches and platters, and their whole menu is sure to impress your taste buds.

6607 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604
Tuesday – Thursday 11 AM – 7 PM; Friday & Saturday 11 AM – 8 PM; Sunday 11 AM – 5 PM
+ 1 813-304-2425

Shiver’s Bar-B-Q

You might have already heard of Shiver’s Bar-B-Q; this Homestead staple is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

Grab an open spot at their long picnic table with family-style seating and rolls of paper towels for those sticky fingers.

They’ve got a selection of sauces to try on their meats – choose from smoked chicken, pulled pork, ribs, and brisket. The burnt end sandwich is worth mentioning, and so is their fried corn.

28001 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead, FL 33033
Sunday – Thursday 11 AM – 9 PM; Friday & Saturday 11 AM – 10 PM
+ 1 305-248-2272

Society BBQ

Chef Richard Hales is the man behind Society BBQ in midtown Miami, and you should add it to your list. Their award-winning brisket is sliced to order, and the burnt ends are twice smoked and tossed in a delicious BBQ sauce.

The smoked mac & cheese adds an extra level to the classic dish, and crunchy kale coleslaw and slightly sweet cornbread are the perfect sides.

Don’t leave without sampling the smoked bourbon bread pudding – it’s a crowd-pleaser.

125 Buena Vista Blvd, Miami, FL 33127
Daily 12 – 9 PM
+ 1 305-576-8096

Al’s Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que

You might have guessed by the name, but Al’s Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que has a serious reputation to uphold!

This house-turned-restaurant is a small but mighty Tampa BBQ favorite worth trying to find. They offer some of the most succulent, smoked meats around in a relaxed setting with friendly staff.

They don’t skimp on portions or taste, and their soul food menu is equally tasty with sweet treats like banana pudding and sweet potato pie.

1609 Angel Oliva Senior St, Tampa, FL 33605
Wednesday & Thursday 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM; Friday & Saturday 11:30 AM – 7 PM
+ 1 813-956-0675

Shorty’s Bar-B-Q

South Florida has relied on Shorty’s Bar-B-Q for delicious eats since way back in 1951. They’ve since opened up 3 locations around Florida, each carrying on Shorty’s legacy by satisfying hungry customers.

The menu here gives you lots of choices, with starters and classic sides like fried okra, baked mac & cheese, cornbread, and fried green tomato.

Award-winning brisket is seasoned with dry rub and smoked for 12 hours – try it out by the plate or on a sandwich with fresh coleslaw.

9200 S Dixie Hwy, Miami, FL 33156
Daily 11 AM – 10 PM
+ 1 305-670-7732

Michelbob’s Championship Ribs & Steaks

Another longstanding Florida ‘cue joint, Michelbob’s Championship Ribs & Steaks is a Naples go-to for delicious BBQ.

This family-run spot will win you over with its charm and collection of vintage signs and memorabilia. They have lots to offer, including lunch and dinner menus with famous ribs paired up with meats like BBQ chicken, sliced BBQ beef, or sausage.

You can’t go wrong with a taste of their Florida special either – perfectly balanced Key lime pie.

371 Airport-Pulling Rd, Naples, FL 34104
Monday – Friday 11 AM – 9 PM; Saturday & Sunday 12 – 9 PM
+ 1 239-643-7427

Yellow Dog Eats

Yellow Dog Eats is a quirky joint in New Smyrna, dishing out great craft barbecue dishes and thirst-quenching brews. This isn’t regular BBQ, though!

They take regular BBQ and add a lot of creativity, like the “Florida Cracker” sandwich with pulled pork, gouda, and pecan-smoked bacon. Appropriately named “The Holy Crap,” will impress you with the combo of mesquite roasted turkey, avocado, bacon, goat cheese, and basil mayo.

Shake it up a bit and give ’em a try!

1236 Hempel Ave, Windermere, FL 34786
Daily 11 AM – 9 PM
+ 1 407-296-0609

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William Thomas

I have been smoking and grilling meat from an early age and enjoy sharing my knowledge and expertise through the hundreds of articles I have written about BBQ. I hope to make everyone’s BBQ journey that little bit easier.