The states that come to mind when you bring up barbecue probably include Texas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Florida might not be one of the first places you think of, but after you visit a few of the places on this list, you just might change your mind. There’s nothing better than a good meal, and these are some of the best BBQ restaurants in Florida, worthy of a road trip from any corner of the state. In no particular order, here are some of our favorite hole-in-the-wall BBQ restaurants where you can get finger-licking-good BBQ.

1. Al's Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que, Tampa
Facebook/Al's Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que
Yelp/Fernelly M.
From the outside, you might pass by this little house without even realizing what you're missing. Inside, you'll find some of the best barbecue in Florida. Head to Tampa's historic Ybor City neighborhood for a barbecue joint that really lives up to its name.

Address: 1609 Angel Oliva Senior Street, Tampa, FL, 33605
2. The Red Top Pit Stop, Lakeland
Yelp/Jon H.
Facebook/The Red Top Pit Stop
Guests can not rave enough about this little hidden gem. Ribs are their specialty, but you can't go wrong with a burger or a pulled-pork sandwich.

Address: 12160 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland, FL, 33809
3. Peebles Bar-B-Q, Auburndale
Kent Ross via Facebook/Peebles Bbq
Facebook/Peebles Bbq
This long-standing family-run restaurant is a must-try in Polk County. It's closed during the months of July and August, so hurry in and get a taste before it's too late.

Address: 441 Dixie Highway, Auburndale, FL, 33823
4. Blue Dot, Pensacola
Yelp/Pete R.
TripAdvisor/MCarmine
They're most famous for their burgers, but next time you're at this local favorite, make sure you try the ribs.

Address: 310 N De Villiers Street, Pensacola, FL, 32501
5. Yellow Dog Eats, Gotha
Facebook/Yellow Dog Eats
Facebook/Yellow Dog Eats
This incredible restaurant is creative in its food and atmosphere. YDE serves everything from salads, sandwiches, and wraps with their lip-smacking barbecue.

Address: 1236 Hempel Avenue, Windermere, FL, 34786

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6. Eli's BBQ, Dunedin
TripAdvisor/Gary A.
TripAdvisor/Tom S
This little hole in the wall is so small it doesn't even have indoor seating. Walk up to the window and order, then have a seat at one of the outdoor picnic tables. We promise you won't regret a trip to this tiny but locally famous spot.

Address: 360 Skinner Boulevard, Dunedin, FL, 34698
7. Shiver's BBQ, Homestead
TripAdvisor/David K
TripAdvisor/Alberto40
If you're looking for barbecue in South Florida, look no further than this slow-cooked hickory-smoked barbecue. If it's been around for more than 60 years, so they must be doing something right.

Address: 28001 S Dixie Highway, Homestead, FL, 33033
8. Pearl Country Store & Barbecue
Facebook/Pearl Country Store & Barbecue
TripAdvisor/doctorbobster
You never know where you'll find good barbecue in the Sunshine State. This converted gas station is now a delightful country store and barbecue restaurant that will take you back to Old Florida. Finding a little-known place like this in a small town is guaranteed to make your day.

Address: 106 US-441 A, Micanopy, FL, 32667
9. Tom Jenkins Bar-B-Q, Fort Lauderdale
Yelp/Kim C.
Yelp/Christian R.
When you're in Fort Lauderdale, this is one restaurant you have to try. You will never forget their famous BBQ sauce and ribs.

Address: 1236 S Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33316
10. MichelBob's Championship Ribs & Steaks
Yelp
Yelp/Brian R.
This beloved local spot is well known for its fall-off-the-bone tender ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and just about everything else. Try the walk-up version in Marco Island, too.

Address: 371 Airport-Pulling Road, Naples, FL, 34104

Our state may not be known for BBQ, but we still managed to come up with a hefty list of the best BBQ restaurants in Florida. How many of these have you tried? What’s your favorite barbecue joint in Florida? Let us know in the comments below!

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Best BBQ Restaurants in Florida

Jackie Ann | September 21, 2019

Is Florida known for BBQ?

Florida is known for many different types of food, but BBQ isn’t one of them. When most people think of Florida cuisine, Cuban or Southern comfort food probably come to mind, but that’s slowly changing as more and more pitmasters fire up their grills with delicious BBQ. Even though our state isn’t known for BBQ, there are countless local restaurants in Florida that are serving some incredible BBQ.

What style of BBQ can be found in Florida?

You can find every different style of BBQ in Florida. From North Carolina to Alabama style, Florida has several restaurants that are serving multiple different styles of BBQ. So no matter whether you prefer a vinegar or a white sauce, there’s a restaurant in the state doing it and they are the best BBQ restaurants in Florida.

What are the other best hole in the wall restaurants in Florida?

Sometimes the most incredible restaurants can be hiding behind unassuming exteriors. They’re often the places that will remember your face and welcome you like family, adding a memorable moment to an already incredible meal. Some of the best hole in the wall restaurants in Florida include Hole In The Wall Seafood in Apalachicola, The Burg Bar & Grill in St. Petersburg, and BeckyJack’s Food Shack in Week Wachee.

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