11 Florida BBQ Joints Locals Don’t Want Crowded (But You’ll Be Glad You Found Them)
Florida might be famous for theme parks and beaches, but the real magic happens when smoke meets meat at the state’s hidden barbecue treasures.
Locals have been guarding these smoky secrets like a prized family recipe, hoping tourists stick to the big-name chains.
From the Panhandle to the Keys, authentic pit masters are crafting fall-off-the-bone ribs, tender brisket, and pulled pork that’ll make you wonder why you ever settled for anything less.
Get ready to discover eleven barbecue havens where the sauce is tangy, the smoke rings are perfect, and the only thing better than the food is knowing you found a place the crowds haven’t ruined yet.
1. Shiver’s Bar-B-Q – Homestead
Nestled in the heart of Homestead since 1950, this family-owned gem has been perfecting the art of slow-smoked meats for over seven decades.
The moment you pull into the parking lot at 28001 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead, FL 33033, the intoxicating aroma of hickory smoke will make your mouth water.
Their secret? Patience and tradition—every rack of ribs spends hours in custom-built smokers that have been seasoning with flavor since Eisenhower was president.
Locals swear by the fall-apart tender pork that practically melts on your tongue, paired with their signature tangy sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and spicy.
The no-frills atmosphere keeps the focus exactly where it belongs: on phenomenal barbecue that tastes like someone’s beloved grandmother spent all day preparing it just for you.
Don’t skip the sides either—the baked beans and coleslaw complement the smoky meats beautifully.
Cards are accepted, so you don’t have to rely on cash, just come hungry and prepare for a meal that’ll have you planning your return visit before you even finish eating.
2. Shorty’s Bar-B-Q (40th St / West Miami) – Miami
Since 1951, this Miami institution has been serving up finger-licking goodness that’s earned it legendary status among barbecue aficionados.
Located at 11575 SW 40th St, Miami, FL 33165, this spot proves that some recipes are so good they don’t need changing for over seventy years.
What sets this place apart is their commitment to wood-fired cooking methods that most restaurants abandoned decades ago for convenience.
Every bite of their baby back ribs tells a story of dedication, with meat so tender it slides right off the bone without any effort.
The pulled pork sandwich arrives piled impossibly high, dripping with their famous sauce that locals claim has healing properties for bad days.
Families have been making pilgrimages here for generations, creating memories around checkered tablecloths and platters of smoky perfection.
The casual vibe welcomes everyone from construction workers on lunch breaks to families celebrating special occasions.
Pro tip: arrive hungry because the portions are generous enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetite, and you’ll want to try everything on your plate.
3. Big John’s Alabama BBQ – Tampa
Alabama-style barbecue found its perfect Florida home at 5707 N 40th St, Tampa, FL 33610, where Big John’s brings Gulf Coast flavors to the Sunshine State.
The star of the show here is their open-pit, Alabama-style smoked meats, an old-school approach that keeps locals coming back.
Big John’s roots run deep here: the restaurant is widely credited as being opened by John A. Stephens, and it’s been carried forward by family ever since.
The brisket arrives with a beautiful smoke ring and bark that crunches satisfyingly before giving way to impossibly tender meat inside.
Unlike fancy barbecue spots with attitude, this place maintains a down-home friendliness that makes first-timers feel like regulars.
The sides rotate seasonally, but the mac and cheese remains a constant favorite, with a creamy richness that complements the smoky meats perfectly.
Lunch crowds fill up fast, so smart diners arrive early or plan for a slightly later meal to avoid the rush.
4. MOJO Hogtown Bar-B-Que – Gainesville
Gainesville’s barbecue crown jewel sits at 12 SE 2nd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601, serving up smoky perfection that’s earned a devoted following among students and professors alike.
The name pays homage to Gainesville’s nickname while promising flavor-packed food that lives up to every bit of hype surrounding this downtown destination.
Their pulled pork gets kissed by smoke for hours until it reaches that perfect texture where it’s simultaneously juicy and slightly crispy around the edges.
College students on tight budgets appreciate the generous portions that often provide leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.
The brisket here develops a peppery crust that barbecue purists travel across counties to experience firsthand.
Don’t sleep on their house-made sauces—ranging from vinegar-based Carolina-style to thick and sweet Kansas City variations—each one thoughtfully crafted to complement different meats.
The casual atmosphere buzzes with energy, especially during football season when orange and blue fans pack the place before games.
Even vegetarians find happiness here with creative smoked vegetable options that prove barbecue restaurants can satisfy every palate.
5. Pearl Country Store & Barbecue – Micanopy
Step back in time at 106A NE Hwy 441, Micanopy, FL 32667, where this charming country store serves barbecue that tastes like a delicious piece of Old Florida history.
The building itself oozes character, with weathered wood and a front porch that invites you to slow down and savor life at a gentler pace.
Micanopy, one of Florida’s oldest inland towns, provides the perfect backdrop for a barbecue joint that honors traditional smoking techniques without cutting corners.
Their ribs arrive at your table glazed to perfection, with meat that’s been tended carefully throughout the entire smoking process.
The country store aspect means you can browse local goods and quirky finds while waiting for your order—a delightful combination of shopping and dining.
Locals treasure this spot as a community gathering place where neighbors catch up over plates of brisket and homemade sides.
The collard greens here taste like someone’s grandmother spent all morning preparing them with love and just the right amount of seasoning.
Small-town charm meets serious barbecue skills, creating an experience that feels authentically Floridian in the best possible way.
6. Crydermans Barbecue – Cocoa
Space Coast residents guard this secret at 401 Florida Ave, Cocoa, FL 32922, like it’s classified NASA information.
The Cryderman family has been perfecting their craft for years, creating a loyal following that stretches from Cocoa Beach to Titusville.
What makes this place special is their refusal to compromise quality even when lines stretch out the door during peak hours.
Their smoked turkey might just be the best-kept secret on the menu—moist, flavorful, and proof that chicken isn’t the only poultry worth smoking.
The pulled pork gets piled high on soft buns that somehow manage to contain all that saucy goodness without falling apart in your hands.
Regulars know to order extra sauce on the side because once you taste their signature blend, you’ll want it on everything.
The potato salad here deserves its own fan club, with a creamy texture and seasoning that complements the smoky meats beautifully.
After a day at the beach or watching a rocket launch, nothing hits the spot quite like a plate of Crydermans’ barbecue enjoyed at their outdoor picnic tables.
7. Ellie Lou’s Brews & BBQ (Flamingo Crossings) – Winter Garden
Tucked away at 153 Sugar Belle Dr, Suite M, Winter Garden, FL 34787, this newer addition to Florida’s barbecue scene proves that innovation and tradition can create something magical.
The Flamingo Crossings location attracts theme park visitors who stumble upon it by accident, then return deliberately because the food exceeds anything they expected.
Ellie Lou’s takes classic barbecue seriously while adding creative touches that keep the menu exciting without abandoning what makes great barbecue great.
Their brisket develops that coveted bark on the outside while remaining impossibly juicy inside—a balance that many pitmasters spend lifetimes trying to achieve.
The modern atmosphere welcomes families with kids who’ve just spent the day at nearby attractions and need real food to recharge.
When they’re on the menu, the specials are worth showing up for, and the brisket alone is reason enough to make the stop.
The sides menu ventures beyond traditional offerings, incorporating fresh Florida ingredients that celebrate local agriculture.
Despite being newer than some competitors, Ellie Lou’s has quickly earned respect from barbecue purists who appreciate quality regardless of how long a restaurant has been smoking meat.
8. Big Lee’s Serious About BBQ – Ocala
The name says it all—Big Lee doesn’t mess around when it comes to barbecue at 2611 SW 19th Avenue Rd Ste 100, Ocala, FL 34471.
In the heart of Florida’s horse country, this joint has become as much a local institution as the thoroughbreds that made Ocala famous.
Big Lee himself can often be found tending the smokers, ensuring every rack of ribs meets his exacting standards before it reaches a customer’s plate.
The passion shows in every bite, from the perfectly seasoned dry rub to the tender texture that only comes from patient, low-and-slow cooking.
Their sauce selection offers something for everyone, whether you prefer vinegar-forward tang or thick, sweet molasses-based varieties.
The atmosphere stays refreshingly unpretentious—paper plates, plastic utensils, and all the focus on what matters most: incredible barbecue.
Locals bring out-of-town guests here to prove that Central Florida can compete with any barbecue region in the country.
The cornbread arrives warm and slightly sweet, perfect for soaking up any sauce left on your plate when the meat is gone but you’re not ready to stop eating.
9. The Bearded Pig BBQ (San Marco) – Jacksonville
Jacksonville’s San Marco neighborhood houses this barbecue destination at 1808 Kings Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207, where traditional techniques meet contemporary flair.
The Bearded Pig has cultivated a following among both old-school barbecue lovers and younger crowds seeking quality food in a hip atmosphere.
Their commitment to sourcing quality ingredients shows in every bite—these folks know that great barbecue starts with selecting the right cuts of meat.
The pork belly burnt ends are an indulgent treat that showcases what happens when skilled pitmasters get creative with premium ingredients.
Brisket here gets the respect it deserves, with careful trimming and smoking that results in perfectly rendered fat and tender, flavorful meat.
The modern industrial decor creates an inviting space that feels equally appropriate for a casual family dinner or meeting friends after work.
Don’t overlook their house-made pickles—the acidity and crunch provide the perfect counterpoint to rich, smoky meats.
The mac and cheese achieves that ideal creamy consistency while incorporating just enough smokiness to tie the whole plate together beautifully.
10. Johnson Barbeque – Plant City
Hidden in strawberry country at 1407 W Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Plant City, FL 33563, Johnson Barbeque represents everything authentic about Florida’s barbecue tradition.
This unassuming spot doesn’t rely on fancy marketing or trendy decor—just honest-to-goodness smoked meats that speak for themselves.
The Johnson family has been serving their community for generations, building relationships one perfectly smoked rib at a time.
Their sauce recipe remains a closely guarded secret, passed down through family members who understand that some traditions are too precious to change.
Pulled pork here gets chopped by hand, ensuring the perfect mix of tender inside pieces and slightly crispy outside bits.
The no-nonsense approach extends to the service—friendly, efficient, and focused on getting delicious food to your table without unnecessary fuss.
During strawberry season, the combination of Plant City’s famous berries for dessert and Johnson’s barbecue for dinner creates a perfect Central Florida food experience.
This is the kind of place where regulars are greeted by name and newcomers are welcomed like old friends returning home after too long away.
11. Hot Spot Barbecue – Pensacola
Way up in Florida’s Panhandle at 901 E La Rua St, Pensacola, FL 32501, Hot Spot Barbecue proves that great barbecue thrives in every corner of the Sunshine State.
Pensacola’s proximity to Alabama and Mississippi influences the barbecue style here, creating a delicious fusion of regional techniques and flavors.
The ribs arrive fall-off-the-bone tender, with a beautiful mahogany color that comes from hours of patient smoking over the right kind of wood.
Hot Spot’s reputation among locals is fierce—this is the place they bring visitors to prove that Pensacola offers more than just beautiful beaches.
Their smoked chicken stays incredibly moist despite the long cooking time, with skin that achieves that perfect balance between crispy and chewy.
The baked beans are a must-order side, simmered until rich and smoky, and they taste like the perfect companion to a plate of ribs or brisket.
Portions are generous enough that even hungry construction workers and military personnel from nearby bases leave satisfied.
The friendly staff treats everyone like family, creating a warm atmosphere that perfectly complements the comforting, soul-satisfying food they serve.