5 Florida BBQ Hideouts That Rival The South’s Top Smokehouses
Florida might be known for its beaches and oranges, but hidden among palm trees are some serious BBQ joints that can stand toe-to-toe with legendary Southern smokehouses.
From coastal shacks to family-run institutions, the Sunshine State has quietly built its own BBQ credentials. These Florida hideouts serve up smoke-kissed meats that would make any pitmaster proud.
1. Captain’s BBQ – Palm Coast
Nestled along the Intracoastal Waterway, this dockside gem offers oak-smoked meats with a side of stunning water views. The fall-apart brisket literally melts in your mouth while dolphin sightings add unexpected entertainment.
Weekend warriors drive hours for their legendary pulled pork and homestyle sides. What started as a fisherman’s secret has blossomed into a destination worth every mile of the journey.
2. Pumphouse BBQ – Ormond Beach
Old gas pumps frame the entrance to this converted filling station where vintage Americana meets serious smoker skills. Regular customers swear the pulled chicken sandwich, piled high and dripping with tangy sauce; might be Florida’s best-kept culinary secret.
Their signature banana pudding served in mini oil cans isn’t just cute; it’s downright addictive. The retro vibes and roadside charm make this detour absolutely essential.
3. Shorty’s Bar-B-Q – Miami
Since 1951, this Miami landmark has weathered hurricanes, changing food trends, and urban development without changing its hickory-smoking ways. The communal picnic tables, worn smooth by decades of hungry elbows; tell stories of generations who’ve gathered here.
Their ribs, charred perfectly and kissed with smoke, remain the gold standard. Family recipes and old-school cooking methods preserve a taste of Florida’s BBQ heritage that refuses to fade.
4. Tom Jenkins BBQ – Fort Lauderdale
Lines form early outside this unassuming cinder block building where heavenly smoke signals have been calling BBQ lovers since 1987. The chopped pork sandwich; a masterclass in texture and flavor, has launched countless imitations but never been equaled.
Behind the counter, pitmasters tend slow-burning oak fires with methodical precision. Their cornbread, crisp-edged and honey-sweet, completes a BBQ experience that rivals anything found in Memphis or Kansas City.
5. Big John’s Alabama BBQ – Tampa
Three generations of pitmaster wisdom infuse every bite at this no-frills Tampa institution. The rib tips—often overlooked elsewhere; achieve cult status here, caramelized to perfection and tender enough to make grown men weep.
Sauce recipes remain closely guarded family treasures, though rumors of secret ingredients abound. The humble cinder-block exterior belies the flavor explosion waiting inside, where Alabama BBQ traditions have found their perfect Florida home.
