These Florida Barbecue Chains Locals Say Are Worth Every Dollar
Florida isn’t just about theme parks and beaches, it’s also home to some seriously delicious barbecue joints that locals can’t stop raving about.
From smoky ribs to tender brisket, these chains have perfected the art of slow-cooked meats with flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Whether you’re a lifelong Floridian or just passing through, these barbecue spots offer mouthwatering meals that are absolutely worth the trip.
Get ready to discover the best BBQ chains across the Sunshine State that locals swear by!
1. Sonny’s BBQ – Jacksonville
Sonny’s BBQ has been serving up Southern comfort since 1968, making it one of Florida’s most beloved barbecue institutions.
This Jacksonville location on South Lane Avenue offers everything from fall-off-the-bone ribs to pulled pork that’s been slow-smoked over oak for hours.
Their signature sweet sauce is the stuff of legend, and regulars know to order extra on the side.
The coleslaw here has just the right amount of tang to balance out the richness of the meats.
Families love the casual atmosphere where kids can be kids and everyone leaves with full bellies.
The cornbread muffins arrive warm and buttery, perfect for soaking up every last drop of sauce.
Locals often swing by for the lunch specials that won’t break the bank but still deliver that authentic BBQ experience.
Located at 1923 S Lane Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32210, this spot is a true Florida treasure.
Whether you’re craving brisket or chicken, Sonny’s delivers consistent quality every single time.
2. 4 Rivers Smokehouse – Orlando
Born from a barbecue lover’s dream, 4 Rivers Smokehouse has become an Orlando institution that draws crowds from all over Central Florida.
Their brisket is smoked for up to eighteen hours, creating a tender masterpiece with a beautiful smoke ring that’ll make your mouth water.
The burnt ends are especially popular, often selling out quickly at busy locations.
Their house-made sauces range from tangy Carolina-style to sweet and smoky, giving you options to customize every bite.
The mac and cheese side dish is creamy perfection, and the baked beans have just enough sweetness without being cloying.
Located at 11764 University Blvd, Orlando, FL 32817, this spot has expanded across Florida but maintains its quality at every location.
The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between casual and polished, making it ideal for both family dinners and quick lunches.
The brand is also known for its strong local following and community-focused roots.
Every visit feels like a celebration of authentic Southern barbecue done right.
3. MISSION BBQ – Orlando
Walking into MISSION BBQ feels like stepping into a tribute to American heroes, with walls adorned with memorabilia honoring military and first responders.
Every day at noon, the entire restaurant pauses to honor the flag during the National Anthem, a touching tradition that sets this place apart.
The pulled pork here is incredibly tender, with just the right amount of smoke flavor that doesn’t overpower the meat’s natural taste.
Their ribs come with a gorgeous glaze that caramelizes beautifully, creating a slightly crispy exterior with juicy meat underneath.
The cornbread is moist and slightly sweet, making it the perfect accompaniment to any plate.
Located at 6324 S Semoran Blvd, Orlando, FL 32822, this spot combines patriotism with phenomenal food.
The staff treats every guest like family, adding warmth to an already inviting atmosphere.
Their commitment to giving back to communities makes every meal feel even more meaningful.
Whether you’re a veteran or simply appreciate great barbecue, MISSION BBQ delivers on all fronts with pride and flavor.
4. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit – Jacksonville
Texas-style barbecue found its way to Florida through Dickey’s, and Jacksonville locals couldn’t be happier about it.
Their slow-smoked meats are prepared fresh daily and pit-smoked with hickory wood, creating that authentic flavor barbecue purists crave.
The beef brisket is sliced thick and juicy, with a peppery bark that adds incredible texture to every bite.
Polish sausage links arrive with a satisfying snap when you bite into them, bursting with smoky goodness.
The jalapeño cheddar sausage kicks things up a notch for those who like a little heat with their meat.
Their barbecue tacos offer a fun twist on classic smoked meats with Tex-inspired flair.
Located at 2401 W Beaver St, Jacksonville, FL 32209, this location serves generous portions that satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
The free ice cream at the end of your meal is a sweet surprise that kids and adults alike appreciate.
Fast-casual service means you get restaurant-quality food without the long wait times.
5. Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q – Pace
Straight from Alabama comes Jim ‘N Nick’s, bringing championship-level barbecue to the Florida Panhandle with style and substance.
Their cheese biscuits are legendary—fluffy, buttery, and studded with sharp cheddar that melts in your mouth.
Honestly, some folks come just for the biscuits, but staying for the barbecue is where the real magic happens.
The pulled pork is hand-pulled daily, ensuring every strand is perfectly seasoned and incredibly tender.
Their dry-rubbed ribs showcase the meat’s natural flavor, though their house sauces are available for those who prefer a saucier experience.
The smoked chicken is brined beforehand, keeping it moist and flavorful even after hours in the smoker.
Located at 4625 US-90 E, Pace, FL 32571, this spot offers a welcoming atmosphere that feels like visiting a friend’s backyard cookout.
Their sides are made from scratch, with the coleslaw providing a refreshing crunch that complements the rich meats perfectly.
Service is consistently friendly, making every visit feel special and well worth the drive.
6. MOJO Kitchen, BBQ Pit & Blues Bar – Jacksonville Beach
Where barbecue meets beachside vibes, MOJO Kitchen serves up incredible smoked meats with a side of live blues music that’ll have your feet tapping.
This isn’t your typical landlocked smokehouse—the coastal influence brings a fresh twist to traditional barbecue favorites.
Their smoked wings are brined in a secret blend that keeps them juicy while the smoke adds depth to every bite.
The brisket sandwich piled high on toasted bread is messy in the best possible way, requiring plenty of napkins and zero regrets.
Their house-made sauces range from vinegar-based Carolina tang to thick and sweet Kansas City-style, pleasing every palate.
Located at 1500 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, this spot combines vacation vibes with serious barbecue credentials.
The seating and atmosphere reflect the surrounding beach community, making it a great place to unwind with good food.
Live music on weekends transforms dinner into an unforgettable experience that engages all your senses.
Locals love this place for its laid-back atmosphere and consistently excellent food that never disappoints.
7. Shane’s Rib Shack – Panama City Beach
Georgia’s gift to Florida barbecue lovers, Shane’s Rib Shack brings Southern hospitality and finger-licking ribs to the Emerald Coast.
Their signature ribs are slow-cooked until the meat practically falls off the bone, then finished with your choice of six different sauces.
The chopped pork sandwich is generously portioned and perfectly seasoned, making it a lunch favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Their hand-breaded chicken tenders offer a crispy alternative for those who want something besides traditional barbecue.
The loaded baked potato with pulled pork is comfort food taken to new heights, combining two classics into one amazing dish.
Located at 10100 Hutchison Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407, this spot is perfectly positioned for beachgoers craving serious barbecue.
The sweet potato fries are addictively good, with a slight crisp outside and fluffy inside that pairs wonderfully with their tangy dipping sauce.
Fast service means you can get back to enjoying the beach without spending your whole afternoon waiting for food.
Value-conscious diners appreciate the generous portions that often provide leftovers for later.
8. Shorty’s BBQ – Davie
Since 1951, Shorty’s BBQ has been a South Florida institution serving authentic pit-smoked barbecue that’s stood the test of time.
Their long-running pit-smoking tradition fills the air with that unmistakable aroma that draws barbecue lovers from miles around.
The baby back ribs here are meaty and tender, with a smoke flavor that comes from decades of perfecting their craft.
Their famous garlic bread arrives warm and crispy, soaked in buttery goodness that makes it impossible to eat just one piece.
The hickory-smoked chicken is fall-apart tender, with crispy skin that adds textural contrast to the juicy meat underneath.
Located at 5989 S University Dr, Davie, FL 33328, this location maintains the same quality that made Shorty’s a household name.
The rustic atmosphere feels authentically Old Florida, transporting diners back to simpler times when barbecue was king.
Families have been coming here for generations, creating memories over plates of incredible smoked meats.
Their commitment to traditional smoking methods ensures every visit delivers that classic barbecue experience you’re craving.
9. Smokey Bones – Tampa
Fire-grilled meats and slow-smoked favorites come together at Smokey Bones, where barbecue meets sports bar atmosphere in the best possible way.
Their combo platters let you sample multiple meats at once, perfect for indecisive diners who want to try everything.
The St. Louis-style ribs are rubbed with their signature spice blend before spending hours in the smoker, emerging tender and flavorful.
Their pulled pork nachos take bar food to championship levels, piling smoky meat atop crispy chips with all the fixings.
The brisket is prepared low and slow, offering a rich bark and deep smoke flavor barbecue fans appreciate.
Located at 8020 Citrus Park Dr, Tampa, FL 33625, this spot offers comfortable booth seating and plenty of TVs for catching the game.
Their extensive menu means there’s something for everyone, even those who aren’t die-hard barbecue fanatics.
The fire-grilled salmon provides a lighter option without sacrificing the smoky flavors that make this place special.
Friendly servers keep the atmosphere lively and ensure your glass never stays empty for long.
10. Famous Dave’s – Doral
Award-winning barbecue comes to South Florida through Famous Dave’s, bringing competition-level meats to everyday diners who appreciate quality.
The brand is widely recognized for its championship-style barbecue recipes and national reputation.
The Texas beef brisket is hand-rubbed with spices and smoked for up to twelve hours, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Their country-roasted chicken is brined overnight before hitting the smoker, keeping it incredibly moist and flavorful throughout.
The cornbread muffins arrive piping hot with honey butter that melts into sweet pools of deliciousness.
Located at 8210 NW 36th St, Miami, FL 33166, this Doral location brings Midwest barbecue traditions to the Magic City.
Their feast options feed the whole family without breaking the budget, making it perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
The wilbur beans are slow-cooked with bacon and brown sugar, creating a side dish that often steals the show.
Consistent quality across visits means you know exactly what deliciousness awaits every time you walk through the door.
11. OakWood Smokehouse & Grill – Clermont
Central Florida’s hidden gem, OakWood Smokehouse & Grill serves up authentic barbecue with a commitment to quality that locals absolutely adore.
Their menu focuses on classic smokehouse favorites prepared with time-tested techniques and attention to detail.
The pulled pork here is incredibly moist, seasoned perfectly so the meat’s natural flavor shines through the smoke.
Their smoked turkey breast defies expectations, staying juicy and tender despite being one of the leanest meats on the menu.
The collard greens are cooked Southern-style, with just enough seasoning to make them addictively good.
Located at 230 Citrus Tower Blvd, Clermont, FL 34711, this spot offers a cozy atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.
Their homemade mac and cheese is creamy comfort in a bowl, with a golden-brown top that adds textural interest.
The staff genuinely cares about your experience, often checking in to make sure everything exceeds your expectations.
Generous portions mean you’ll likely have delicious leftovers to enjoy the next day, extending the barbecue bliss.
12. BubbaQue’s BBQ – Brandon
Family-owned flavor meets competitive barbecue expertise at BubbaQue’s, where every plate reflects decades of smoking knowledge and passion.
The restaurant is known for its competition-inspired barbecue style and strong local following.
The beef brisket is trimmed and smoked to perfection, with a peppery crust that complements the tender, juicy meat inside.
Their smoked sausage has a satisfying snap and robust flavor that makes it a must-order for anyone who appreciates quality links.
The potato salad is made fresh daily with just the right balance of creaminess and tang to refresh your palate between bites of rich meat.
Located at 957 E Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511, this spot has become a Brandon institution that locals fiercely protect and promote.
Their sauce selection includes everything from vinegar-based to molasses-sweet, ensuring every preference is covered.
The casual, welcoming atmosphere makes it perfect for everything from quick lunches to family dinners celebrating special occasions.
Consistent excellence keeps customers coming back week after week for their barbecue fix.