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Best BBQ Place In Florida Is Right Here In Tampa

Author Tampa Bay's Morning Krewe

The Best BBQ place in Florida is right here in Tampa.  First, when you think of BBQ, you think of the South.  The best BBQ is always from the south.  With that, there are many places to choose from.  Of all the places you can get BBQ, the best happens to be right here in Tampa.

Southern Living just came out with their BESTS list.  One list they have readers vote on is the Best BBQ in each state.  This year, the best BBQ joint was named for a popular place on North 40th Street.  It’s called Big John’s Alabama BBQ.  Before, I have to admit I have never been to this place, but I have plans to now.  I love BBQ.  Pulled pork and pulled chicken are two of my favorites.  Excited that I have a new place to check out.

Best BBQ in Florida Winner

Readers of Southern Living picked Big John’s Alabama BBQ as their favorite in Florida.  It is located on North 40th Street in Tampa.   Big John and his family opened the restaurant in 1968.  They still run the business today.  They’re best known for their signature sauce, chicken, sausage, and ribs cooked on an Alabama-style open pit with a giant brick chimney.  Big John’s offers a variety of sides, and specials, and even does catering.

You can read the entire list of winners HERE

BBQ is something that everyone loves.  Secondly, I see more BBQs being served at large gatherings like weddings, retirement parties, and birthday celebrations.  Big John’s like most BBQ places has their variety of meats.  One of the most popular is of course the BBQ pork.  Ribs, sausage, whole chicken and beef.  Thirdly, having a BBQ place cater an event is a great idea.  Most BBQ places have a variety of sides like Big John’s does.  On their menu, you can find potato salad, macaroni salad, Cole Slaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, and more.  Finally, the most important ingredient at a BBQ place is the sauce.  A variety of sauces are available at Big John’s whether you like it sweet or spicy.  Their signature sauce is one of the things that keeps their customers coming back.

Jen was born and raised in the Tampa Bay area. She’s been with Beasley Media Group since 2022. In her spare time, you can find her at Tampa Bay Lightning games, Tampa Bay breweries, or the beach. Catch up on Jen’s content about the highest-rated restaurants/bars in Tampa, things-to-do around the area, and upcoming concerts.

7 Best Barbecue Spots in Tampa Bay

Florida has been making a name for itself in the BBQ world over the past few years. We asked you on social media where to find the best barbecue in Tampa Bay and you didn’t disappoint. We put together a list of the 7 Best Barbecue Spots in Tampa Bay.

Earlier this year, Southern Living Magazine named Tropical Smokehouse in West Palm Beach the 8th best BBQ spot in the country. Then, Taste of Home named Shiver’s Bar-B-Q in Homestead, FL, as the best barbecue in Florida. Both of those options are different types of BBQ, so that comes down to personal preference.

Do different states have different styles of BBQ?

The short answer is yes, and they’re all much different from the next. BBQ isn’t a one size fits all type of cooking and in fact, the wood used to cook the various meats really decides the kind of flavor you’re getting. The big four in BBQ are Kansas City, Texas, Memphis, and Carolina Style BBQ.

In Texas, you have the sweet and hot flavor blasted brisket. In Carolina, pulled pork is the go-to. In Memphis, they love their smoked meat and hardwood charcoal. Finally, Kansas City has grown to perfect all kinds of BBQ.

In Florida, you’ll see a variety of types of BBQ. We’re known for doing things differently down here and that’s why some of the barbecue you see here, you won’t see anywhere else. There’s tons of different kinds of barbecue in the state of Florida from food trucks, trailers, and full fledged restaurants. Tropical Smokehouse in West Palm Beach offers gator meat … if that scream FLORIDA, we’re not sure what does. 

So what’s the best barbecue in Tampa Bay?

We asked and you answered. There were dozens of great choices to choose from, but the people have spoken. 

Here are the 7 Best Barbecue Spots in Tampa Bay.

  • Laurie Cue (Brooksville)

    With the most votes and the clear top choice in the area, Laurie Cue’s  “serves the sexiest BBQ in Florida” according to their site. All of their food is fresh, never frozen and they make all of their rubs and sauces homemade. They’re a food truck serving up pulled chicken, pulled pork, sliced brisket and more to the people of Brooksville. Laurie’s also caters so you can enjoy the best BBQ in Tampa at your next party.

  • The Brass Captain Saloon & BBQ (Madeira Beach)

    Serving up freshly smoked Texas style BBQ, The Brass Captain Saloon & BBQ is a Madeira Beach favorite. Kick back with ribs, pulled pork, chopped brisket, drinks, live music and more.

  • The Ozona Pig (Palm Harbor)

    The Ozona Pig is the spot where “Southern Style BBQ” meets Memphis roots. If you’re looking for hickory smoked, slow cooked BBQ pulled pork, fresh brisket, ribs, grilled rib-eye, and more, The Ozona Pig is the place for you.

  • Johnson Barbeque (Plant City)

    Johnsons Barbeque has been a tradition in Plant City for over 60 years. Elton Johnson started slow smoking pork shoulders from his “gas station-turned-restaurant” and now proudly serves up some of the best classic southern dishes in Tampa Bay. You’ll find BBQ tacos, pit barbeque, steak specials and more.

  • Hungry Harry's Bar-B-Que

    Hungry Harry’s has been proudly dishing out it’s famous BBQ to the people of Tampa Bay since 1985. They are located in Land O Lakes and Seffner. They cater, offer daily specials, and regular menu items.

    A neon sign burns in the window of a barbecue pork restaurant in...

    A neon sign burns in the window of a barbecue pork restaurant in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images

     

  • Mission BBQ (Tampa)

    Mission BBQ first opened its doors on September 11, 2011. “Ten years after our world changed forever, in some small way we wanted to change it back. As the founders of MISSION BBQ, we strive every day to remind everyone what makes Our Country great—its heroes. Who are we? Two friends passionate about BBQ, patriotic for Our Country, and who believe in running a business with meaning and purpose” says Mission BBQ.

  • Jimbo's Pit Bar B-Q

    For over 50 years, Jimbo’s Pit Bar-B-Q has been serving the Tampa community.  You can order up breakfast specials, sandwiches with sliced or chopped BBQ pork, ribs and more. Visit their website for more information.

     

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    A post shared by Jimbos Pit Bar B-Q (@jimbospitbarbq)

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