The Top 30 BBQ Spots in Florida Ranked

Florida is packed with places that know how to do BBQ right. From roadside joints to family-run spots that have been around for years, the state has something for everyone who loves smoky, slow-cooked meat. Whether you’re in a small town or a big city, you’re never too far from a place serving up BBQ that locals swear by. This list pulls together 30 of the best BBQ spots across Florida, based on real opinions and strong reputations. These are the places people keep coming back to, not just for the food but also for the experience and the way they treat their customers.

In a state this big, with so many styles and flavors, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we put together this guide to help make the search easier. We looked at local favorites, long-time legends, and spots that stand out for doing things right. Whether you’re just passing through or you’ve lived in Florida your whole life, this list gives you a solid place to begin. Keep reading to see which BBQ places made the cut.

#30 – Blackburn’s BBQ

Blackburn’s BBQ in Eagle Lake has become a local favorite since opening in 2017, first as a food truck before moving into a full restaurant. It’s known for oak-smoked meats and a focus on scratch-made sides and sauces. Guests often point out the generous portions, steady flavor, and relaxed small-town setting. Many reviews highlight the friendly service and how the staff makes visitors feel welcome, with some noting that the owner is often seen checking in with customers. The restaurant has built a solid reputation in Central Florida for keeping things simple and consistent. Locals appreciate the home-style approach and the attention to detail in both the cooking and the service. With growing support from the community and positive word of mouth, Blackburn’s BBQ has earned its place as one of the top spots for barbecue in the area.

#29 – Captain’s BBQ

Captain’s BBQ in Palm Coast is known for its wood-smoked meats and scenic location right next to the water at Bings Landing. The restaurant uses a traditional smoker fueled by oak to slow-cook its meat, giving everything a rich, smoky flavor. The relaxed setup with indoor and outdoor seating makes it a popular stop for both locals and visitors. Guests often mention the solid portions, fair prices, and fresh sides that round out the meal. The view of the Intracoastal Waterway adds to the overall experience, making it more than just a place to eat. Captain’s also handles catering, offering the same attention to detail and flavor for private events. With its steady quality and peaceful park setting, it continues to stand out as one of Northeast Florida’s most talked-about BBQ spots.

#28 – Smokin’ D’s BBQ

Smokin’ D’s BBQ in St. Augustine is a family-owned spot known for serving real pit-smoked meat in a relaxed, roadside setting. Located off State Road 206, this small shack keeps things simple with outdoor seating and a focus on quality. Regulars often point out how tender the meat is and how well the flavors come through without being too heavy. The service is friendly, and the place gives off a local feel that makes it easy to stop by whether you’re a regular or just passing through. Even after facing setbacks like a fire, the team stayed committed to keeping things fresh and consistent. Their strong local support and dedication to craft have helped Smokin’ D’s earn its spot among Florida’s best BBQ joints.

#27 – Eli’s Bar-B-Que

Eli’s Bar-B-Que in Dunedin is a small, family-owned BBQ stand that has earned loyal fans through its simple setup and focus on flavor. Located right off the Pinellas Trail, it offers walk-up service and outdoor seating that gives it a relaxed, local feel. The place is known for its tender, slow-cooked meat and homemade sauce that adds just the right amount of flavor without taking over. Many visitors appreciate the large portions, fair prices, and the friendly service that keeps them coming back. It’s also pet-friendly, which makes it a popular stop for people out for a casual day. The straightforward style and steady reputation have helped Eli’s stay popular over the years. With its no-frills charm and focus on quality, Eli’s Bar-B-Que stands out as one of Florida’s most respected BBQ spots.

#26 – Ellie Lou’s Brews & BBQ

Ellie Lou’s Brews & BBQ is a Central Florida favorite known for its homemade sauces, steady flavors, and relaxed dine-in setting. With locations in Ocoee, Clermont, and Winter Garden, the restaurant offers daily smoked meats, a variety of scratch-made sides, and regional sauce styles including Kansas City, Carolina, and Memphis. The menu is built with care, offering something for every kind of BBQ fan. Guests often mention the clean dining areas, friendly service, and good portions that make it a comfortable place to eat. Ellie Lou’s also handles catering and online orders, which makes it a convenient choice for groups or events. Its consistent flavor and professional approach have helped it stand out among Florida’s top BBQ spots.

#25 – Jimmy Bear’s BBQ

Jimmy Bear’s BBQ in St. Cloud is a well-known spot that grew from a small food truck into a full restaurant with a bar and event space. It’s popular for its generous portions, smoked meats, and relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The BBQ is slow-cooked using traditional methods with woods like oak and hickory, bringing out deep flavor in every bite. Recipes have been passed down through the family, and a variety of sauces are available to match different preferences. Many customers appreciate how well the food travels, especially for takeout, with plates packed carefully to keep everything fresh. The place also hosts events and entertainment, giving it more of a local hangout feel. Jimmy Bear’s has earned steady support by focusing on quality, value, and a friendly experience that keeps people coming back.

#24 – Smoke BBQ Restaurant & Catering

Smoke BBQ Restaurant & Catering in Fort Lauderdale is known for its slow-smoked meats, casual atmosphere, and steady quality. The restaurant offers a mix of brisket, ribs, sausage, and classic sides that are made in-house and served in generous portions. The brick-walled space gives it a cozy feel, and the full bar adds to the laid-back dining experience. Guests often mention the cornbread, baked beans, and smoked meats as standouts, while the variety of sauces allows for different flavor preferences. Smoke BBQ also offers catering for events, which has helped build its reputation beyond the dining room. With a balance of flavor, comfort, and service, it has become a go-to BBQ spot in South Florida. Its consistent attention to the details, both in food and service, is what makes it stand out in a crowded BBQ scene.

#23 – Park Avenue BBQ Grille

Park Avenue BBQ Grille is a South Florida chain with several locations including Jupiter, Wellington, Boynton Beach, and Stuart. The restaurant is known for its dry-rubbed meats that are smoked fresh each day and served with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and a choice of garlic toast or cornbread. The menu offers more than just barbecue, with items like wings, catfish, salads, and sandwiches that appeal to a wide range of tastes. The dining atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with a full bar available for guests looking to relax with their meal. Many people appreciate the generous portions, fair prices, and steady quality across locations. Park Avenue BBQ Grille also offers catering and has a rewards program for regular customers. Its mix of flavor, variety, and consistency has helped it become a go-to barbecue option across the region.

#22 – Apocalypse BBQ

Apocalypse BBQ in Miami has built a strong local following by blending traditional barbecue with South Florida flavors influenced by Caribbean and Latin American cooking. The meats are smoked with oak and seasoned with house-made rubs that give each item its own bold character. The menu includes staples like brisket and pulled pork, along with sides and specials that often reflect regional flair. The laid-back setup and casual vibe make it a comfortable place to enjoy a meal, and the service is known for being friendly and welcoming. It has earned praise for its creativity, attention to detail, and steady quality, helping it stand out in Miami’s growing barbecue scene.

#21 – Hometown BBQ

Hometown BBQ in Miami’s Allapattah neighborhood is known for its oak-smoked meats, simple seasoning, and laid-back warehouse-style setting. The restaurant focuses on traditional barbecue methods, using salt, pepper, and low-and-slow smoking to bring out rich, natural flavors in brisket, ribs, turkey, and more. The space includes wooden tables, a long bar, and a patio, giving it a casual feel that fits well with the menu. Guests can pair their meals with craft beer, cocktails, or wine. The spot has received recognition from the Michelin Guide as a Bib Gourmand pick, which highlights both quality and value. Many visitors point out the consistency in cooking and appreciate the well-prepared sides like pit beans, slaw, and other smokehouse classics. Hometown BBQ has become one of Miami’s most respected barbecue restaurants by staying focused on simple flavors, good service, and steady quality.

#20 – Georgia Pig BBQ & Restaurant

Georgia Pig BBQ & Restaurant is a long-standing barbecue spot located in Fort Lauderdale, just off State Road 7. Open since 1953, it is one of the few places in the area that still uses a traditional open-pit method for smoking meat. The restaurant serves hand-chopped pork and beef with a thin, vinegar-based sauce inspired by North Georgia barbecue. All sauces and sides are made in-house, including coleslaw, macaroni salad, and potato salad. They also offer homemade pies like chocolate cream and pecan, which have become local favorites. The setting is simple and casual, with counter seating and a steady crowd of regulars. Its focus on tradition, consistent flavor, and fair prices has helped Georgia Pig stay popular for decades. For many in the Fort Lauderdale area, it remains a go-to spot for no-nonsense, well-prepared barbecue.

#19 – Yellow Dog Eats

Yellow Dog Eats is a well-known barbecue spot with locations in Gotha and New Smyrna Beach. The restaurant is known for its creative approach to barbecue, offering house-smoked meats cooked with apple wood and other natural woods. All sauces, jams, and spreads are made fresh in-house, giving each item a personal touch. The Gotha location is set in a historic building that adds to its charm, while both locations feature casual counter service and indoor and outdoor seating. The menu includes a variety of sandwiches and salads that mix barbecue with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Many guests enjoy the laid-back setting and friendly service, along with a drink menu that features local beers and wine. Yellow Dog Eats stands out for its blend of traditional smoking methods and imaginative food, making it a favorite in Central Florida.

#18 – The Bearded Pig

The Bearded Pig in Jacksonville is a beloved BBQ and beer garden known for serving authentic Southern-style smoked meats in a laid-back, open-air setting. Meats like brisket, pulled pork, ribs, sausage, and turkey are smoked low and slow over wood and served alongside scratch-made sides such as collard greens and beans. Guests often praise the tender, juicy brisket and the mix of flavorful sauce options. The space feels relaxed and friendly, with casual seating and a variety of local beers on tap. It also offers happy hour deals, which adds value for families and seniors. With strong reviews calling it “the best brisket” and noting “very good” sides, The Bearded Pig builds a solid reputation through consistent cooking and welcoming service. That blend of smokehouse-style flavor, approachable atmosphere, and fair prices helps it stand out as one of North Florida’s favorite BBQ joints.

#17 – Smokemade Meats + Eats

Smokemade Meats + Eats in Orlando has become one of the top barbecue spots in Florida, known for its Central Texas-style approach and steady quality. What started as a pop-up turned into a full restaurant serving slow-smoked meats cooked over oak for more than 14 hours. The focus is on simple seasoning, proper technique, and letting the flavor of the meat come through without being covered up. Guests often praise the brisket, house-made sausage, and well-prepared sides like mac and cheese and collard greens. The space offers both indoor and outdoor seating with counter service, creating a casual and efficient setup. Smokemade stands out for its attention to detail, honest cooking, and consistent service, making it a must-visit for barbecue fans in Central Florida.

#16 – Hamaknockers BBQ

Hamaknockers BBQ in Crawfordville has been a local favorite since opening in 2004. Known for its wood-smoked meats and laid-back setting, the restaurant keeps things simple and flavorful. Pulled pork, ribs, and smoked wings are among the most talked-about items, often praised for their smoky depth and tender texture. Each plate comes with two house-made sides and Texas toast, served in generous portions at prices that regulars say are fair and consistent. The casual setup and friendly service make it a comfortable stop for both dine-in and takeout. Located along Coastal Highway 98, it’s become a go-to for travelers and locals looking for real barbecue without any extras. Hamaknockers has built a solid reputation by focusing on good food, steady service, and a commitment to traditional smoking techniques.

#15 – Crydermans Barbecue

Crydermans Barbecue has earned a strong following in Central Florida with locations in Cocoa Village and Melbourne. Known for its Central Texas-style approach, the restaurant uses oak-fired offset smokers and serves all-natural meats without hormones or antibiotics. The menu features brisket, turkey, and pork sourced from trusted farms, with a focus on quality and careful smoking. Since opening in a restored 1930s gas station, Crydermans has become known for its clean setup, simple counter service, and steady flavor. Guests often highlight the tenderness of the brisket and the balanced seasoning of the ribs. With consistent quality, solid ingredients, and a commitment to classic smoking methods, Crydermans Barbecue has become one of the most respected names in Florida’s BBQ scene.

#14 – Big John’s Alabama BBQ

Big John’s Alabama BBQ in Tampa has been serving wood-smoked barbecue since 1968, making it one of the city’s longest-running and most recognized spots for Southern-style cooking. The restaurant uses an open-pit method, where meats like ribs, sausage, and chicken are smoked over real wood inside a brick chimney setup. This brings out a strong, smoky flavor that regulars say hasn’t changed in decades. The sauces are house-made, and sides like collard greens, potato salad, and baked beans are prepared fresh and served in hearty portions. The setting is straightforward, with counter service and outdoor seating, and there’s free parking available right out front. With its long history, bold flavors, and loyal customer base, it continues to be one of the city’s most talked-about barbecue spots.

#13 – Keller’s BBQ

Keller’s Bar-B-Q has been serving traditional smoked meats in the Orlando area for years, with locations in Altamonte Springs and Lake Mary. The restaurant uses oak wood to slow-cook brisket, pulled pork, ribs, chicken, and turkey daily, giving each item a deep, smoky flavor. Regulars often mention the brisket and pulled pork sandwiches for their size and taste, along with classic sides like baked beans, fried okra, and collard greens. The dining area is casual and no-frills, offering quick service in a comfortable setting. Prices are reasonable, and the portions are known to be generous. Many guests return for the steady quality and relaxed atmosphere, noting that Keller’s focuses more on the smoke than heavy sauces. Its straightforward style and focus on the basics have helped it stay a local favorite in Central Florida’s barbecue scene.

#12 – Tropical Smokehouse

Tropical Smokehouse in West Palm Beach offers a barbecue experience that blends traditional oak-smoking techniques with South Florida flavors. The restaurant focuses on slow-cooked meats that highlight natural taste, using house-made sauces and rubs to complement rather than overpower. Guests often point out the ribs and brisket for their balanced smoke and texture, along with sides that reflect local influence, like citrus slaw and seasoned rice. The dining space has a relaxed feel, with both indoor and outdoor seating and a full bar offering a range of drinks. The restaurant has received attention for its consistent quality and creative use of regional ingredients. Many visitors appreciate the focus on clean flavor, portion size, and friendly service.

#11 – Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar-B-Que

Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar-B-Que has been a well-known name in Orlando’s barbecue scene since 1986. The restaurant focuses on Southern-style smoked meats cooked low and slow over hardwood, delivering steady flavor that regulars have counted on for years. The menu includes brisket, pulled pork, ribs, sausage, and chicken, all paired with classic sides and house-made sauces. The dining setup is casual, with picnic-style seating and vintage touches that keep the atmosphere relaxed and friendly. Guests often mention the generous portions and straightforward service, which adds to the down-home feel. Even after some changes over the years, the original Orlando location continues to serve a steady stream of locals and visitors looking for dependable barbecue.

#10 – Shorty’s Bar-B-Q

Shorty’s Bar-B-Q has been a steady name in South Florida barbecue since 1951, known for serving smoked meats in a casual, no-frills setting. The restaurant cooks over open pits using real wood, offering a menu with staples like ribs, brisket, chicken, and sausage. House-made sauces and classic sides such as coleslaw, baked beans, and corn on the cob round out the meals. The atmosphere sticks to its roots with picnic-style tables, friendly counter service, and a focus on straightforward food. Many guests return for the generous portions and familiar flavors, making it a go-to for locals looking for traditional barbecue without modern twists. Shorty’s remains one of the most recognized names in South Florida’s barbecue scene because of its long history and dependable service.

#9 – Peebles Bar-B-Q

Peebles Bar-B-Q in Auburndale has been serving wood-smoked barbecue since 1947, making it one of the oldest continuously operating barbecue joints in Florida. Known for its straightforward menu, the restaurant offers ribs, chopped pork, turkey, sausage, and chicken, all cooked over a traditional open pit using oak wood. Regulars praise the tenderness of the meat and the flavor of the house-made sauce, which is served on the side. The restaurant closes during July and August each year, reopening in the fall. Its long history, loyal following, and no-nonsense approach to barbecue have helped Peebles remain a respected name in Central Florida’s barbecue scene.

#8 – Big Lee’s Serious About Barbecue

Big Lee’s Serious About Barbecue in Ocala has earned a loyal following for its focus on wood-smoked meats and bold flavor. What began as a food truck grew into a brick-and-mortar location that keeps things simple and quality-driven. The restaurant uses oak wood to smoke brisket, pulled pork, ribs, sausage, and burnt ends, all seasoned and cooked with care. Customers often highlight the tenderness of the meat and the generous portions, along with sides like mac and cheese and banana pudding. Guests return for the steady quality, straightforward menu, and strong smoke flavor that defines every bite. Big Lee’s stands out in Central Florida for sticking to what works and doing it well.

#7 – Tom Jenkins BBQ

Tom Jenkins BBQ in Fort Lauderdale has been a steady presence in South Florida since the early 1990s. Starting as a roadside trailer, it grew into a popular counter-service spot known for oak and hickory-smoked meats. The menu focuses on barbecue staples like ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and sausage, paired with sides such as collard greens, baked beans, and macaroni and cheese. The setup is casual, with indoor seating and a porch-style area outside that gives it a relaxed feel. Guests often return for the consistent flavor and friendly atmosphere, with many pointing to the ribs and pulled pork as standouts. Tom Jenkins BBQ has remained a favorite by focusing on smoke, tradition, and no-frills service that keeps the food at the center.

#6 – Pearl Country Store & Barbecue

Pearl Country Store & Barbecue in Micanopy has been a go-to spot for barbecue lovers in North Central Florida. Housed inside a small-town general store, the setup is simple but welcoming, with a mix of gas station charm and country diner comfort. The restaurant serves slow-smoked meats like ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and chicken, cooked over real wood and served with classic sides and house-made sauces. Guests often point to the pulled pork and brisket as standout options, while others mention the friendly service and relaxed setting as part of what makes it special. Pearl continues to be known for simple, solid barbecue in a peaceful, small-town atmosphere.

#5 – 4 Rivers Smokehouse

4 Rivers Smokehouse has grown into one of Florida’s most well-known barbecue chains, with locations across the state including Orlando, Tampa, Gainesville, and Jacksonville. It serves Central Texas-style barbecue using oak-smoked meats like brisket, pulled pork, sausage, and chicken. Each location offers a wide selection of house-made sides such as baked cheese grits, smokehouse corn, and collard greens. The restaurant keeps a fast-casual setup, allowing guests to order at the counter and get their food quickly without losing quality. 4 Rivers Smokehouse continues to attract both locals and visitors looking for reliable, flavorful barbecue with a variety of menu choices and convenient service.

#4 – Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa

Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa in Orlando stands out for mixing traditional oak-smoked barbecue with bold flavors influenced by Caribbean, Latin, and Asian cooking. Located in the Mills 50 area, the restaurant offers smoked ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and sausage prepared fresh daily. What sets it apart is the creative use of seasonings, house-made sauces, and sides like citrus slaw and street corn that reflect the cultural mix of the neighborhood. Guests often praise the ribs for their smoky flavor and tenderness, along with the fusion sandwiches that bring something different to the table. The dining space is casual with counter service, and the menu is built to offer both value and variety. Its strong flavors and consistent quality have helped it become one of the most talked-about barbecue spots in Central Florida.

#3 – Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ

Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ in St. Augustine is a locally loved spot known for its traditional wood-smoking process and relaxed, small-town setting. Tucked away from busier areas, it draws steady crowds who appreciate the straightforward cooking style and friendly service. The barbecue here is made fresh daily and served with a variety of house-prepared sides and sauces, including one made with local Datil peppers that many guests say adds the right amount of heat. The space has a casual, welcoming vibe with both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a comfortable place to enjoy a slow-cooked meal. The reputation holds strong with both locals and out-of-town visitors who return for the familiar taste and laid-back atmosphere.

#2 – Jenkins Quality Barbecue

Jenkins Quality Barbecue has been part of Jacksonville’s food scene since 1957, holding strong with its focus on oak-smoked meats and a house-made mustard-based sauce. The family-owned restaurant cooks its barbecue over open brick pits, a method that adds depth to the flavor and keeps longtime customers coming back. The setup is simple and consistent, with counter service and no-frills presentation that puts all the attention on the food. Its long history, steady following, and recognizable flavor make Jenkins Quality Barbecue a lasting name in Florida barbecue.

#1 – Shiver’s BBQ

Shiver’s BBQ in Homestead has been a steady part of South Florida’s barbecue scene since 1957. Known for using hickory wood and traditional smoking methods, the restaurant has built a reputation for consistent flavor and a welcoming, laid-back setting. Guests eat at long picnic tables, often under covered outdoor seating, which adds to the casual, family-style atmosphere. People return for the steady taste, large portions, and no-nonsense service. Shiver’s stands out for its simple approach and long history, continuing to earn praise as one of the most reliable barbecue spots in Florida.

What Makes Florida BBQ Different from the Rest?

Florida BBQ stands out because it doesn’t follow just one tradition. Instead of sticking to one regional style, Florida offers a mix of flavors influenced by the South, the Caribbean, and Latin America. You’ll find everything from slow-smoked brisket and baby back ribs to pulled pork with mustard or vinegar-based sauces. In some areas, especially South Florida, pitmasters experiment with tropical ingredients like guava or citrus for a twist on classic recipes. It’s not unusual to see barbecue plates served with sides like black beans, rice, or fried plantains instead of the usual coleslaw and baked beans.

The type of wood used for smoking also changes across the state. Oak and hickory are most common in Central and North Florida, while some South Florida spots add fruit woods for a lighter, sweeter smoke. Overall, Florida BBQ is all about variety and local flavor. The state’s diverse communities have shaped a BBQ scene that’s flexible, flavorful, and always changing.

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Florida BBQ FAQs

What kind of meat is most popular in Florida BBQ?

Pork is the most common, especially pulled pork and ribs, but many top spots also focus on brisket and sausage.

Does Florida have an official BBQ style?

Not really. Florida doesn’t follow one traditional style like Kansas City or Texas. It’s more of a blend of regional and cultural influences.

Is there a BBQ season in Florida?

BBQ in Florida is popular year-round thanks to the warm weather, but it gets especially busy in spring and fall when outdoor festivals and cook-offs take place.

Are there any famous BBQ festivals in Florida?

Yes. Events like the “Lakeland Pigfest” and “Suncoast BBQ & Bluegrass Bash” draw thousands every year with food competitions and live music.

Do Florida BBQ joints use sweet or spicy sauce?

Both are common, but sweet and tangy sauces are more popular. Some places offer mustard- or vinegar-based options too, depending on the region.