14 Hidden Florida BBQ Joints That Could Compete With The South’s Best
Across Florida, BBQ isn’t just food; it’s a passion, and these 14 hidden joints prove it.
From Tampa to the Panhandle, locals flock to these off-the-beaten-path spots for smoky ribs, tender brisket, and sauces that hit all the right notes.
Florida’s backyard BBQ scene may surprise outsiders, but for anyone craving real Southern flavor without leaving the state, these Florida gems turn every visit into a mouthwatering adventure worth savoring.
1. Big Lee’s – Serious About Barbecue
Walking into Big Lee’s – Serious About BBQ at 2611 SW 19th Ave Rd in Ocala feels like stepping into your uncle’s backyard cookout, except the meat is about ten times better.
Owner Rashad Jones doesn’t mess around when it comes to his craft, spending up to 14 hours smoking brisket until it achieves that perfect pink ring and butter-tender texture.
The pulled pork here practically melts on your tongue, and the ribs have a bark that snaps before revealing juicy meat underneath.
Locals have been keeping this place somewhat secret, but word is spreading fast.
The sauce selection includes everything from vinegar-based Carolina style to thick and sweet Kansas City variations.
This no-frills spot proves that great barbecue doesn’t need fancy decorations or Instagram-worthy plates.
2. Pearl Country Store & Barbecue
Blink while driving through tiny Micanopy and you’ll miss this gem at 13551 SE County Rd 234, which would be a crying shame.
Pearl Country Store has been serving up authentic barbecue since way back, and the building itself looks like it belongs in a Southern novel.
Their smoked chicken is criminally underrated, with skin that crackles and meat that stays moist thanks to their secret brine.
The sides deserve their own spotlight, especially the collard greens that taste like someone’s grandmother has been stirring them all morning. Fried okra arrives hot and crunchy, never soggy.
Portions here are generous enough to share, though you probably won’t want to.
The atmosphere screams old Florida charm, complete with creaky wooden floors and walls covered in local memorabilia. Arrive hungry and leave happy.
3. Hot Spot Barbecue
Pensacola’s Hot Spot Barbecue at 901 E La Rua St doesn’t look like much from the outside, but that’s exactly how the best barbecue joints should be.
The magic happens in the smoker out back, where hickory wood works its aromatic wizardry on pork shoulders and beef ribs for hours on end.
The brisket has converted more than a few Texans who swore nothing outside the Lone Star State could compete.
The meat comes sliced thick, with a smoke ring that tells you these folks know what they’re doing.
Hot links pack serious flavor and just enough heat to make things interesting without overwhelming your taste buds.
The white sauce here is something special, a tangy Alabama-style concoction that pairs perfectly with smoked chicken.
Service is friendly and fast, even during the lunch rush when local workers pack the place.
4. Dixie Pig Bar-B-Q
Since 1954, Dixie Pig at 4495 N Dixie Hwy in Oakland Park has been slinging some of South Florida’s finest barbecue, long before the area became trendy.
The recipes haven’t changed much in nearly seven decades, which is exactly how the regulars like it.
The ribs arrive fall-off-the-bone tender but still have enough chew to remind you this is real barbecue, not boiled nonsense.
The pork is hickory-smoked to perfection and comes chopped or sliced, depending on your preference. Both options are excellent.
What really sets Dixie Pig apart is their commitment to consistency.
Visit on a Tuesday or Saturday, and you’ll get the same quality every single time.
The tangy sauce has a devoted following, with customers buying bottles to take home.
Plan accordingly and bring your appetite for a proper barbecue experience.
5. Rock N Roll Ribs
Coral Springs might not scream barbecue destination, but Rock N Roll Ribs at 4651 N State Road 7 is changing that perception one rack at a time.
The owners combined two great loves, music and meat, creating a spot where classic rock plays while you demolish perfectly smoked ribs.
Baby backs here get rubbed with a spice blend that includes brown sugar and paprika, then smoked low and slow until they achieve that ideal texture.
The burnt ends are worth ordering as an appetizer, arriving crusty on the outside and tender inside.
Pulled pork sandwiches come piled high on toasted buns with coleslaw adding a nice crunch.
The mac and cheese is dangerously addictive, loaded with multiple cheese varieties and baked until golden.
Weekend crowds can get intense, so weekday lunches offer a more relaxed experience.
Takeout is popular here for good reason.
6. Smokey Trails BBQ
Finding authentic barbecue in Miami feels like searching for snow in July, but Smokey Trails BBQ at 10400 NW 7th Ave proves it exists.
This family-run operation brings Texas-style barbecue to South Florida with serious dedication and even more serious smoke.
The brisket is the star attraction, with a peppery bark that gives way to melt-in-your-mouth meat that barely needs sauce.
Pork ribs come glazed or dry-rubbed, both preparations showcasing excellent smoke penetration.
The sausage links are house-made and snappy, with just enough grease to remind you this is real deal barbecue.
Sides include proper potato salad, not the sweet stuff, and beans that have been simmering with bits of brisket.
The location isn’t fancy, but the quality speaks for itself.
Locals line up during lunch hours, so arrive early or late to avoid the rush.
7. Smokin’ D’s BBQ
St. Augustine is famous for history, but Smokin’ D’s BBQ at 3400 US-1 South gives tourists another reason to visit.
Owner Darren started smoking meat in his backyard before opening this spot, and his passion shows in every bite.
The turkey here deserves special mention because smoked turkey is often dry and disappointing, but not here.
It stays juicy and flavorful, seasoned perfectly without overpowering the natural meat taste. Pulled pork gets the attention it deserves, smoked for hours until it achieves that ideal combination of bark and tender interior.
Ribs come with a beautiful mahogany color and enough smoke flavor to satisfy purists. The cornbread arrives warm and slightly sweet, perfect for soaking up sauce.
Outdoor seating lets you enjoy Florida weather while devouring your meal.
Service is friendly and knowledgeable, with staff happy to explain their smoking process.
8. Texas Best Barbecue
Englewood got lucky when Texas transplants opened Texas Best Barbecue at 2520 S McCall Rd, bringing authentic Lone Star State techniques to Florida’s Gulf Coast.
These folks don’t play around with their meat, using post oak wood and traditional offset smokers to achieve that genuine Texas flavor.
Brisket is sliced to order, revealing that coveted smoke ring and glistening fat that makes barbecue lovers weep with joy.
The bark has serious flavor without being overly peppery, and the meat pulls apart with minimal effort.
Sausage links are coarse-ground and smoky, with a satisfying snap when you bite through the casing.
Sides stay traditional with creamy potato salad and pinto beans cooked with bacon.
The sauce is served on the side, as it should be, letting the meat shine on its own merits. Prices are reasonable for the quality you receive.
9. Deep South Family BBQ
Brooksville’s hidden treasure sits at 7247 Cedar Ln, where Deep South Family BBQ serves up honest barbecue without pretension or gimmicks.
The family running this place learned their craft through generations of backyard cookouts and church fundraisers before opening their doors to the public.
The pork ribs have a devoted following among locals who appreciate the perfect balance of smoke, spice, and tenderness.
The meat doesn’t fall off the bone immediately, which is actually the sign of properly cooked ribs rather than boiled ones.
Pulled chicken is often overlooked but shines here, staying moist and packed with smoky flavor.
Brunswick stew is the real deal, loaded with pulled pork, vegetables, and just enough tomato.
The banana pudding for dessert is mandatory, featuring real vanilla wafers and homemade custard.
Portions are generous enough to feed an army or provide leftovers for tomorrow.
10. Granny’s Southern Smokehouse
Saint Cloud’s Granny’s Southern Smokehouse at 818 Pennsylvania Ave lives up to its name with cooking that tastes like your grandmother spent all day in the kitchen.
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with checkered tablecloths and walls decorated with vintage family photos.
Ribs here come slathered in a sauce that walks the line between sweet and tangy without leaning too far either direction.
The pork shoulder is smoked until it practically shreds itself, requiring minimal effort from your fork.
Beef brisket shows up on weekends when they smoke extra, so plan accordingly if that’s your preference.
The real stars might be the sides, including mac and cheese that’s baked until bubbly and collard greens that have been simmering with ham hocks.
Sweet tea is properly sweetened, the way Southerners intended.
Desserts rotate but often include peach cobbler that arrives warm with vanilla ice cream melting on top.
11. Uncle Tony’s Backyard BBQ
Orlando has plenty of theme park food, but Uncle Tony’s Backyard BBQ at 4828 S Orange Blossom Trail offers something more authentic and infinitely more satisfying.
Tony started this operation after years of winning backyard competitions, and his trophy collection decorates the walls as proof of his skills.
The ribs are competition-quality, with a glaze that caramelizes without becoming sticky or overwhelming.
Pulled pork comes from shoulders that have been rubbing shoulders with hickory smoke for over twelve hours.
The result is meat that’s flavorful throughout, not just on the outside edges.
Baked beans here include chunks of brisket, making them a meal unto themselves. The coleslaw provides a crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich meats.
Portions are massive, so come hungry or plan to take home enough for another meal. Weekend specials often include smoked wings that disappear fast.
12. Red Top Pit Stop
Lakeland’s Red Top Pit Stop at 12160 US-98 N occupies a former gas station, which somehow makes the barbecue taste even better.
There’s something perfect about eating smoked meat where cars once got filled up, a very American combination of convenience and comfort food.
Their specialty is pork, specifically ribs and pulled pork that have spent quality time in their custom-built smoker.
The meat develops a deep mahogany color and a flavor that’s more complex than simple smoke. It’s the result of careful temperature control and quality wood selection.
The sauce selection includes six different varieties, from Carolina mustard to spicy habanero, letting you customize your experience.
Fried pickles make an excellent appetizer, arriving hot and tangy.
The staff treats regulars like family and newcomers like future regulars. Outdoor seating lets you watch the world go by while you eat.
13. Jimmy Bear’s BBQ
Saint Cloud scores again with Jimmy Bear’s BBQ at 1206 13th St, a spot so unassuming you might drive past it twice before realizing you’ve found barbecue gold.
Jimmy runs a tight ship here, smoking meat daily and refusing to serve anything that doesn’t meet his exacting standards.
The brisket gets smoked for up to 16 hours, resulting in meat that’s tender enough to cut with a fork but still has proper texture.
Ribs arrive with a rub that includes coffee grounds, adding an unexpected depth of flavor that works beautifully with the pork.
Pulled chicken is brined overnight before hitting the smoker, keeping it incredibly moist.
Sides rotate based on what’s fresh, but the cornbread muffins are a constant and they’re spectacular.
The casual atmosphere encourages lingering over your meal and striking up conversations with fellow diners. Takeout is available but eating there is recommended.
14. Peebles Bar-B-Q
Auburndale’s Peebles Bar-B-Q at 441 Dixie Hwy has been a local institution for decades, serving up barbecue that keeps families coming back generation after generation.
The recipes haven’t changed because when you’ve perfected something, there’s no reason to mess with success.
Pork is king here, whether you order it sliced, chopped, or on a sandwich piled high with their signature slaw.
The smoking process uses a combination of oak and hickory, creating a flavor profile that’s distinctly their own.
Ribs are meaty and substantial, with a sauce that complements rather than drowns the meat.
The atmosphere is pure old Florida, with vinyl booths and a counter where solo diners can sit and chat with staff.
Prices remain reasonable despite rising costs everywhere else.
The iced tea is brewed fresh throughout the day. This is the kind of place that reminds you why barbecue matters to communities.