10 of the Best BBQ Restaurants in Tampa
Tampa is known for having quality eateries that represent a variety of cultures. Since Florida is also the southernmost state in the country, it’s no surprise that Florida cities like Tampa also have tasty barbecue restaurants you can try the next time you’re in the city. Here are some of the best BBQ restaurants in Tampa.
1. Kojak’s House of Ribs
2808 W Gandy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33611
(813) 837-3774
If you’re looking for ribs that are cooked to perfection and delicious sides like baked beans and corn on the cob, check out Kojak’s House of Ribs. The restaurant has a laidback feel that is perfect for a meal with friends, and you can even order a decadent dessert like a fudge brownie topped with vanilla ice cream after you’ve finished your barbecue dinner.
2. First Choice BBQ
10113 E Adamo Dr, Tampa, FL 33619
(813) 621-7434
First Choice is one of the best BBQ restaurants in Tampa and after you visit the eatery, you’ll see why. You can choose from barbecue entrees like ribs, chicken, beef, or pork, whether you want a healthy helping of seasoned meat on your plate or prefer a sandwich. Favorites include the brisket sandwich and the chicken dinner with sides like baked beans, macaroni salad, potato salad, or fries.
3. Al’s Finger Licking Good Barbecue
1609 Angel Oliva Senior St, Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 956-0675
There are several delicious entrees for you to choose from, like the Sparky’s Pulled Pork Sandwich and the ribs dinner served with bread, sauce, and two sides. Add delicious side dishes like black-eyed peas and coleslaw to your meal, and don’t forget to add a sweet treat like pecan pie or sweet potato pie to your order to complete your savory barbecue meal.
4. 4 Rivers Smokehouse
14330 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618
(844) 474-8377
The meat entrees at 4 Rivers Smokehouse are prepared with a coffee rub, mustard sauce, or the eatery’s signature sauce for an intense flavor that makes this restaurant one of the best in the Tampa area. You can also purchase these sauces to take home and make some homemade BBQ. Diner favorites include the pulled chicken meal served with baked beans, fried corn, and macaroni and cheese. 4 Rivers also offers monthly specials like chili by the bowl or pint.
5. Mission BBQ
13612 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33613
(813) 443-9443
If you’re in the mood for a healthy serving of smoked chicken prepared with a variety of spices and herbs, Mission BBQ is the place to go when you’re in Tampa. You can choose from delicious sides like cornbread and baked beans, and the macaroni and cheese is some of the best in the area. You may also want to try the smoked meatloaf, and satisfy your sweet tooth with a delicious helping of peach cobbler.
6. Jazzy’s BBQ
5703 W Waters Ave, Tampa, FL 33634
(813) 243-8872
Whether you’re craving a sandwich with pulled pork or chicken, or want a hearty dinner with two or three of your favorite barbecued meats, you can find the meal you’re looking for at Jazzy’s BBQ. The ribs are some of the best in Tampa, and side dishes like BBQ beans, collard greens, and coleslaw are the perfect additions to any meal on the menu. Jazzy’s is also known for its decadent desserts, which include loaded pecan pie and 7-Up pound cake.
7. Jimbo’s Pit BBQ
4103 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609
(813) 289-9724
Jimbo’s is one of the best places to visit in Tampa when you’ve got a craving for a tasty plate of ribs. The hush puppies and mac and cheese are pretty impressive as well, and the chopped BBQ pork sandwich is a favorite with diners, too. Jimbo’s is also a popular local breakfast spot, and you can get a meat and egg sandwich on a biscuit or a serving of pancakes and French toast if you want something other than barbecue.
8. Holy Hog Barbecue
3699 W Gandy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33611
(813) 282-4647
The beef ribs and St. Louis-style ribs are among the favorite menu items at Holy Hog Barbecue. CBS gave Holy Hog the distinction of having the best pulled pork in Tampa Bay. You may also want to try the Hog and Heifer meal, which is a delicious combination of pork and beef on a bun. The restaurant also serves lip-smacking side dishes like collard greens and macaroni and cheese.
9. Big John’s Alabama BBQ
5707 N 40th St, Tampa, FL 33610
(813) 623-3600
Big John’s offers saucy barbecue that is so rich and indulgent, you’ll need a few slices of white bread to sop up all the sauce. The collard greens are some of the best Tampa has to offer, and you’ll also want to try the barbecue beef or pork sandwich with a side of coleslaw. Even if you love the smoky flavor of barbecue but don’t want the meat, you can try the smoked potato topped with butter and cheese.
10. The Deviled Pig
3307 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33629
(813) 488-9420
As you may have guessed by the name, The Deviled Pig offers savory smoked pork that is great for sandwiches or an entree with sides. You can also order the Pitmaster “Queban,” which is a smoked turkey and pork sandwich on Cuban bread, or the pulled chicken sandwich. Don’t forget to add an order of house-made fries to your barbecue meal, or try the panko-topped mac and cheese with smoked gouda.
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