In the South, barbecue is more than just a food. For many, it is almost a deeply smoky religion. This passion has sparked many heated debates across the South. Slow-cooked meats are always perfected by the combination of fire and smoke. People would argue over what sauce the meat should be served with. The true center of this culinary art remains in the South.
Keep in mind that this beloved American practice goes back a long way. Perhaps even older indigenous Caribbean tribes first began the tradition. Imagine the natives smoking meat on a grill made of wood centuries ago. Later, the Spanish brought this method to the southern United States. This produced the special flavor that people now want so badly. The word “barbecue” may be related to the word “barbacoa” from the Taíno tribe.
Now, let’s discuss some very serious places to barbecue. No matter when barbecue season arrives, don’t wait any longer. Here, you can visit these places anytime of the year. We searched the entire region and listed 17 legendary spots. They set the bar high for smoked meats in all of the states listed. However, it’s always hard to say which one is “the best” in the barbecue world. These places offer masterpieces that welcome everyone who comes easily.
1. **Jenkins Quality Barbecue — Jacksonville**: Walking into this restaurant is like stepping back in time. They have preserved the pure tradition of the Jenkins family and opened in 1957. It’s clear they’ve found the secret to longevity.Jenkins has been recognized by national celebrities.The Food Network loves them and calls them the best barbecue in the South.
What makes Jenkins special is their signature mustard. The mustard is always available in light, spicy or sweet flavors. You can even buy it online and take home the amazing flavor. They grill their meats old-fashioned in a brick pit over oak. This method gives you the traditional deep smoked flavors. The menu features ribs, birds and sandwiches that are classic and simple. Everything is wrapped in butcher paper and the sides are plentiful.
One customer on Tripadvisor raved about the good times here. “I love Jenkins BBQ. My mouth is watering just thinking about it,” they said. The mustard-based sauce is delicious and completely different from other places. They praised the chicken for being tender and juicy because it was smoked so well.
2. **Big Lee’s Serious About Barbecue — Ocala**: Rashad Jones savors the specialness of the Mississippi Delta from the food of his relatives. Rashad perfected his recipe under the tutelage of his uncle Leon, known as “Big Lee.” Then, in an effort to share this passion for food with others, what started as “Big Lee’s Barbecue” from a truck has now evolved into Big Lee’s Serious About Barbecue — Ocala. which is known as the go-to place for small-batch, authentic barbecue.
Big Lee’s Barbecue rose to fame after Rashad Jones won “Barbecue Brawl.” He was declared the “Grill Master” on the Food Network show. Their menu features large “half” portions and even larger “full” portions. Entrees include brisket, ribs, barbecue, chicken, sausage and pulled pork. They also offer hearty sandwiches and entree meat options. The brisket mac and cheese named Kathy’s has even been on TV. You must try the desserts that are made fresh daily, like the banana pudding.
3. **Pig Floyd’s Urban BBQ — Orlando**: The barbecue here is different and gives it a modern, upscale feel. They use clever “hybrid recipes” that boldly blend cultures together. It’s a fresh approach in a world of tradition.Pig Floyd’s proves that barbecue can be as traditional as it is novel.
Although modern in style, Pig Floyd’s still honors traditional barbecue methods. They still use fire pits to smoke meats in the traditional way. This ensures that the food has a basic depth of smoke. Familiar items like ribs, pork belly and chicken are also on the menu. It’s the interesting dishes that you won’t forget that really make the difference. Think brisket tostada, bánh mí, fried tofu, or yuca frita. they even have BBQ bento boxes to surprise customers.
Customers love the variety and fusion style, and Pig Floyd’s has also received 4.5 stars on Yelp and Tripadvisor. one happy customer on Tripadvisor captured the vibe perfectly. They said, “I love the BBQ and trying different kinds of food.
4. **Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ — Saint Augustine**: It should be on your must-visit list. Keep in mind that this place has won a number of major awards over the past few years.Cheapism says they won Best Ribs in Florida in 2022.News4Jax called them “the best barbecue in Jacksonville”, which shows how much the area has praised them. Receiving rave reviews means they are doing a great job.
Owner Lisa Marston keeps things running smoothly here, too. She is responsible for the fresh variety of meats on a daily basis. This emphasis on freshness is likely why their food sells out so often. For on-site dining or takeout, call ahead and make a reservation. This helps to avoid disappointment, as you’ll find that they often sell out. You can enjoy full service inside the restaurant or order from the window outside. If you prefer fresh air, you can also choose to dine at an outside table.
Woodpeckers always uses the classic grill plate format. You get your choice of meat, two sides and Texas toast. Sandwiches are lighter and come with just one side dish. The list of sides sometimes includes greens and green beans, which are great. There is also a local favorite, Datil’s Cornbread and Datil’s Baked Beans.
Their rave reviews (five stars on Tripadvisor) say a lot about how good things are here. One Yelper loved the Datil baked beans, calling the vegetable salad “the best.” This makes Woodpeckers a Florida restaurant you must visit.
5. **4 Rivers Smokehouse — several locations**: It started not as a business, but with love and community support.The Rivers family cooked barbecue in their garage to raise money for the people there. This helped the family at the time where a child was battling cancer. Kindness and delicious barbecue led Rivers to open their first store. after opening in 2009, it quickly became one of the largest barbecue chains in Florida. The perfect combination of food and love is on display here.
Don’t let the word “chain” fool you, 4 Rivers really puts a lot of effort into their barbecue. Their brisket is prepared using a very meticulous and meticulous process that shows their dedication. The brisket is wet-cured for 30 days and marinated in a special seasoning. It is then typically smoked for 18 hours straight. You can choose from classic bone-in or creative dishes on the menu. You can also try the Burnt Ends Melt or Six Shooter dishes.
One Yelp user said the baked beans alone were “worth the trip.” They praised the lean brisket and noted that no sauce was needed. Reviewers said it was “pure smoky goodness.” They also recommend making sure to get the bread pudding for dessert.
6. **Shiver’s Bar-B-Q — Homestead**: It’s been serving hickory-smoked barbecue since 1950, and it’s a barbecue joint that’s been around for over 70 years. Their longtime success is no accident. Media giants like the New York Post have recognized Shiver’s as one of the best barbecue joints, and the Food Network has included them on their list, demonstrating their relentless pursuit of quality.
Shiver’s has a full assortment of slow-cooked meats. They offer three types of ribs, pork, chicken and fully cooked brisket. Their pulled pork undergoes a half-day of focused smoking. This makes the pork super tender before it reaches your plate for consumption. Like many other classic restaurants, the meat comes with two sides. There are also some tantalizing options on the side menu, such as the jalapeño cheese grits. The cheesy potato pancake casserole is another great option.
Another detailed the baby back ribs with coleslaw and fries there. “It’s unlike anything in Miami,” they said. “I don’t know how they make the ribs, but it’s never been done before.” According to the reviews, people in the Miami area did give it high marks.
7. **Jimmy Bear’s BBQ — Saint Cloud**: Formerly a truck, this establishment didn’t find a place in St. Cloud until 2014. Once they settled in, they added bars and other nightlife venues.Jack Rabbit Slims Bar and Porky’s Comedy Club were also part of the mix. Now, it’s always been an entertainment venue centered around great food.
Favorite side dishes at Jimmy Bear’s include the smoked mac and cheese. The Rib Float is another item that always sparks curiosity and interest. You can also just have one of their appetizers, and tempting treats like Hushpuppies or BBQ Sundae are also worth a try.
Earlier food trucks would sometimes make surprise visits. Now you may also see them on the road. Their commitment to deliciousness has earned them 4.5 stars on Yelp. One reviewer raved, calling the food “absolutely amazing.” The Bacon Strips with Bourbon Maple Sugar Sauce were “outstanding,” so they said. It sounds like this restaurant will keep you coming back for more with every bite.
8. **Park Avenue BBQ Grille — several locations**: This is a restaurant that has been famous since 1988. Their business mission is simple and straightforward: to serve the best BBQ around. Owner Dean Lavallee shares his philosophy that goes right to the heart of hospitality. “Make the food as if your mom is coming to dinner,” he tells his chefs. “Cooking dishes they know” is a commitment to culinary love and familiarity, always. It’s a recipe for success that makes customers very happy on a regular basis.
Here, you get two sides in the classic BBQ plate style. They make sure to offer options for everyone and also offer plant-based dishes. This plant-based option is very sweet for everyone.The Porknado Sandwich is pulled pork wrapped in cheddar cheese and “stupid sauce”. It’s also piled high with diced bacon, jalapenos, and tomatoes.
It’s clear from the many customer reviews you read that they’re passionate about Park Avenue. One person gave four stars on Yelp, specifically praising many of the dishes there. “The pulled pork was delicious and the ribs were top notch,” the reviewer said.”
9. **Ellie Lou’s Brews & BBQ — Orlando area**: The goal of this Orlando restaurant is, of course, to “bring you great flavor the right way.” Their family has been dealing in Southern cuisine since the 1800s. This shows that they have a truly deep connection to the old ways of cooking.
Chef Dennis Cheplick is the creative leader today. He handcrafts the sauces and puts layer after layer on the bacon. Exciting daily specials offer something fresh for everyone.
The sauces here come in many different flavors. You might try the hot and spicy Southern Lava Sauce. Maybe the tangy mustard-based Carolina Gold is even better. The classic Kansas City Sweet Sauce has a syrupy flavor that you might enjoy. Or try a rich Memphis-style sauce. Customers rate Ellie Lou’s highly, with Yelp showing 4.5 stars. One reviewer liked the Gospel Grits with Smoked Turkey dish. They said the turkey is always flavorful and moist. The grits had great flavor and the portions were generous.
10. **Oakwood Smokehouse & Grill — several locations**: This location opened in 1998 in Lake County, Florida. Today, it has grown into a beloved place with multiple locations.
This place has been open for a long time. This is a good sign for a place that sells slow smoked meats. Sometimes you can call ahead or come early. Popular items here sometimes sell out because they are delicious.
This proves that the food is fresh and people want to eat it. When you come to Oakwood, the slow-smoked meats here are delicious. Pick up chopped or sliced pork and drizzle it with sauce. Or you can choose from beef, turkey, sausage or chicken. Chicken can be smoked or grilled to your liking.
In addition to regular barbecue, Oakwood has other cuisines. You can find half-pound steak burgers and fish dinners. They also have a variety of sandwiches for different tastes. The eight different salads are even more remarkable. This may indeed be unusual for a smoked restaurant. But it offers an option that is both light and flavorful.
From Florida traditions to North Carolina’s Smoke Wars. This Southern food tour is passionate. It showcases history and, more importantly, gives you a taste of incredible flavors. Each place tells its own story through smoke and sauce. Hospitality is also key to each spot. The word ‘best’ sparks interesting debates amongst people. But making perfect barbecue with care is a language everyone understands.
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