Florida’s Must-Try BBQ Spots
Barbecue—it’s so good it should have its own food group. Florida may be well known for its beaches and theme parks, but residents know it’s also a prime destination for delicious barbecue. From smoked pork and brisket to barbecued ribs and sauces of every flavor, these best barbecue joints in Florida are serving up some amazing barbecue that will make your life complete.
Smokey Trails BBQ, Miami, FL
If you want authentic smoked barbecue, this little food truck right off I-95 will make your barbecue dreams come true. Smokey Trails knows that it takes time and attention to detail to create the most succulent barbecue, which is why they take two days to carefully prepare and smoke their meat before it ends up on your plate. Offering pulled pork, beef brisket, ribs, sausage, and all the fixins, the only downside is that they’re only open Thursday through Sunday.
Hamaknockers, Crawfordville, FL
You can’t get away with having a unique name like Hamaknockers without serving up some of the tastiest barbecue in the state. Hamaknockers prides itself on treating every guest like family, with a picnic-like mom and pop vibe that will make you feel right at home. And though it’s a bit out of the way for most folks, it’s well worth the drive.
Paul Gant’s Bar-B-Que, Port St. Joe, FL
This little roadside food truck is stationed along the main highway of the forgotten coast, but its delicious barbecue will make sure you remember the experience. Here you can grab a quick pulled pork sandwich to go, or take a freshly smoked Boston Butt back home to sate your barbecue cravings all week long.
Cecil’s Texas-Style Bar-B-Q, Orlando, FL
This cafeteria-style barbecue joint is touted as best in the area by its local fans. They hickory smoke all their own meats for 14-18 hours, making them tender enough to cut with a fork. They can slice it any way you like it to ensure you get the barbecue experience you expect every time.
Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar-B-Que, Altamonte Springs, FL
This award-winning barbecue joint has earned the attention of the food experts from Food Network, Southern Living, USA Today and others, and for good reason. They slow-cook their meats over a hardwood fire to ensure every bite has their signature tender, smoky flavor. Dine in, carry out, or talk your boss into having them cater your next event.
Smokin’ D’s BBQ, St. Augustine, FL
Don’t be fooled by the modest exterior, this little smokehouse is the real deal when it comes to authentic barbecue. Here you have your pick of pork, turkey, ribs, chicken, or brisket, in addition to a variety of original sauces. One of the best parts about a meal at Smokin’s D’s is that you can rest assure that whatever meat you choose, it was smoked fresh that very day. Your taste buds will appreciate the difference.
Key Insights at a Glance
- Florida is known for its beaches and theme parks, but also has amazing barbecue joints.
- Smokey Trails BBQ in Miami takes two days to prepare and smoke their meat.
- Hamaknockers in Crawfordville has a mom and pop vibe and treats guests like family.
- Paul Gant’s Bar-B-Que in Port St. Joe offers quick sandwiches and freshly smoked Boston Butt.
- Cecil’s Texas-Style Bar-B-Q in Orlando slow-cooks their meats over a hardwood fire.
- Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar-B-Que in Altamonte Springs offers a variety of meats and original sauces.
- Smokin’ D’s BBQ in St. Augustine smokes their meat fresh every day for a delicious meal.
