From brisket and chicken wings to burgers and pulled pork, if you’re a BBQ lover then Tampa is going to tick off all of the foodie boxes. Full-flavoured and smoked, usually, low and slow, there’s nothing bad about the BBQ here.
This Florida city has one of the most diverse and eclectic foodie scenes in the United States, but Tampa BBQ is right up there with the very best. We went in search of the seven best places in the city to eat seriously well-cooked meat.
So, put on your eatin’ pants, grab a few friends and prepare to get stuck into some of the best BBQ in Tampa and the surrounding areas. Don’t worry, we’re not judging if you order seconds or, honestly, even thirds.
Best BBQ In Tampa
How do these rankings work?
1. Mission BBQ
As one of the best spots in Tampa for BBQ, you’ll find that this local eatery is great for a quick afternoon bite as well as a full sit-down meal with friends. A delightfully authentic menu features everything from beef brisket and ribs to tantalising sides such as mac and cheese. Definitely sample both the brisket and ribs before indulging in each and every single one of their scrumptious Southern side dishes.
2. Dr. BBQ
Texas pitmaster Lee Jasper ensures that each slice of meat that leaves the smoker at Dr. BBQ is cooked to perfection. Juicy, flavourful and seasoned, the BBQ dishes here are unique yet totally irresistible. They’ve got everything from sliced brisket and burnt ends to both Asian sticky ribs and St. Louis-style ribs. In short, they’re not playing around when it comes to serving some of the best BBQ in Tampa Bay.
3. Al’s Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que
As the name suggests, the BBQ here really is finger-lickin’ good. From beginning to end, the dining experience here is full of flavour and quality. Start off with soupy, saucy BBQ dishes or opt for trying their ribs. Then, pair it all with one of their many sides. Collard greens, fried okra and lip-smacking baked beans are all on the table. Still hungry? They serve a scrumptious banana pudding to round it all out with.
4. Deviled Pig
Award-winning pitmaster Lee Ann Whippen is behind all of the wonderful flavours at Deviled Pig. And, she’s partnered with Jennifer Daskevich, the 2013-2014 World Sandwich Champion. So, expect nothing short of world-class BBQ plates here. You can’t pass up the chance to sample the namesake dish, the Deviled Pig. It comes with smoked pulled pork and Tampa spices and is dusted with Pig Powder.
5. Iron Oak New American BBQ
The Oyler barbecue pit they use here gives the smoked meats a unique flavour you won’t find elsewhere in Tampa. And, you’ll notice that all of the meat they use features no hormones or steroids. The result? A fantastic array of mouthwatering BBQ dishes that are irresistible. Want to try it all? They’ve got a sample plate with brisket, pulled pork, sausage, St. Louis-style ribs and even a few smoked wings.
6. Konan’s BBQ
Konan’s sticks to the basics and uses family recipes to craft some of the best BBQ in Tampa Bay. They’re locals, too, so they specialise in serving authentic dishes that rely solely on fantastic flavours and lots of love to please and delight both other locals and visitors alike. Plates are simple but so great you’ll want to try them all. Order thin rib ends, big hog dinners, or get a sandwich with pork, sausage, slaw and sauce.
7. Jimbo’s Pit Bar B-Q
Since 1970, Jimbo’s has been serving up some of the best BBQ in the entire state of Florida. Famous for its tender, juicy nature, the meat here is marinated and cooked to perfection every time you order. From seasoned, saucy ribs to marinated and well-seasoned pork plates, you’ll surely find something you love here. Our expert suggestion? Definitely sample the BBQ pork ribs.
