Nothing beats the smoky aroma of barbecue wafting through the air during a Florida road trip. As you cruise along the Sunshine State’s highways, you’ll find pit masters slow-cooking mouthwatering ribs, pulled pork, and brisket that’ll make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re headed to the panhandle or down to the Keys, these 10 barbecue joints deserve a special stop on your itinerary.
1. 4 Rivers Smokehouse (Winter Park)
Tucked away just off I-4 in Winter Park, 4 Rivers Smokehouse started as a Texas-style BBQ operation in founder John Rivers’ garage. Now it’s practically a Florida institution! The brisket here is legendary – smoked for 18 hours until it practically dissolves on your tongue.
Hungry travelers swear by their signature Burnt Ends, caramelized chunks of brisket point that balance sweet and savory in perfect harmony. Don’t skip the sides either – their six-cheese mac and cheese might make you forget about meat altogether.
If you’ve got room for dessert (and you should make room), the Bayou Bar – a decadent chocolate brownie topped with Kahlúa chocolate mousse – makes for the perfect road trip fuel.
2. Jenkins Quality Barbecue (Jacksonville)
Since 1957, Jenkins has been serving up mustard-based sauce that locals defend with religious fervor. Driving along I-95? The unmistakable aroma will guide you to this Jacksonville landmark better than any GPS.
What makes Jenkins special isn’t fancy frills – it’s the straightforward, no-nonsense approach to barbecue. Meat comes wrapped in wax paper with white bread and their famous mustard sauce. The sauce recipe remains a closely guarded family secret that’s survived three generations.
Though the original Lem Turner location is most authentic, all three Jacksonville spots deliver the same smoky goodness. Fair warning: they only accept cash, so hit an ATM before your barbecue pilgrimage!
3. Shiver’s Bar-B-Q (Homestead)
How about a pit stop at Miami-Dade’s oldest barbecue joint? Operating since 1950, Shiver’s sits near the gateway to the Florida Keys on US-1, making it perfect for travelers headed to paradise.
Family-owned for generations, this place smokes their meat over Florida oak for that authentic Southern flavor. Their baby back ribs fall clean off the bone – no knife needed! Meanwhile, the cornbread arrives in cast-iron skillets still bubbling from the oven.
Locals recommend the sampler platter to experience everything from tender brisket to juicy pulled pork. Though hurricanes have battered this spot over decades, Shiver’s keeps bouncing back, proving good barbecue is practically indestructible in South Florida.
4. Sonny’s BBQ (Multiple Locations)
If you’ve spent any time cruising Florida highways, you’ve probably spotted the familiar Sonny’s sign beckoning hungry travelers. Founded in Gainesville in 1968, this chain has grown into a Southern institution with over 70 locations across the Sunshine State.
Unlike some chains that sacrifice quality for consistency, Sonny’s still slow-smokes their meats daily. Their sweet tea flows like water, and the all-you-can-eat specials are a road-tripper’s dream after hours behind the wheel.
Though barbecue purists might scoff at chains, Sonny’s pulled pork sandwich with their signature sweet sauce has fueled countless Florida road trips. The restaurant’s comfortable booths and reliable air conditioning make it a welcome respite from summer heat waves.
5. Shorty’s Bar-B-Q (Miami)
A Miami staple since 1951, Shorty’s Bar-B-Q is one of South Florida’s oldest barbecue joints. Located along US-1, it’s known for its old-school charm, picnic-table seating, and oak-smoked meats.
Their ribs and chicken are longtime favorites, served with classic sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, and baked beans. Shorty’s has weathered storms and even a fire in 1972, always rebuilding and staying true to its roots.
If you’re craving no-frills, slow-cooked barbecue with a side of nostalgia, this is a must-stop on any South Florida road trip.
6. Georgia Pig (Davie)
For over half a century, Georgia Pig in Davie has charmed BBQ lovers with its lively atmosphere and mustard-based barbecue rooted in Southern tradition. What started as a roadside stand has evolved into a beloved institution, celebrated for its perfectly smoked meats and eye-catching yellow signage that beckons hungry travelers.
Locals swear by dishes like barbecue chicken and ham, all served with its signature tangy mustard sauce. The restaurant serves hearty portions, often calling patrons out by name from hundreds on the lot.
Charming, unfussy, and bursting with personality – Georgia Pig delivers satisfying BBQ that pairs nostalgia with deep flavor, making it a worthy stop for anyone passing through South Florida.
7. Society BBQ (Midtown Miami)
Nestled in Miami’s trendy Midtown district, Society BBQ brings elevated barbecue to the heart of South Florida, blending traditional slow-smoked meats with chic presentation.
Their menu includes melt-in-your-mouth brisket, pulled pork, tender baby back ribs, and flavorful burnt ends – paired with standout sides like smoked mac & cheese, kale slaw, and heirloom cornbread.
Diners also rave about indulgent sweets like smoked bourbon bread pudding. While it leans upscale in ambiance and pricing, Society delivers generous portions and exquisite taste. This pit stop balances flavors with flair, making it a fitting option when you’re craving high-quality BBQ that fits seamlessly into Miami’s vibrant culinary scene.
8. Uncle Tom’s Barbecue (Miami)
A Miami legend since 1948, Uncle Tom’s Barbecue stands as one of South Florida’s oldest pit-style institutions. The current ownership restored its original secret sauce and pit tradition, honoring its legacy while refreshing the space.
They serve ribs, chicken, brisket, and pulled pork grilled over a traditional brick-lined pit – unsauced, yet bursting with smoky flavor, with sauce added on request. Its enduring appeal stems from generations of loyal patrons who still enjoy its hearty, authentic fare in a no-frills, nostalgic setting.
Now expanded with multiple locations, Uncle Tom’s continues to anchor Miami’s BBQ tradition and represents a timeless taste of the city’s culinary roots.
9. Tropical Smokehouse (West Palm Beach)
Tropical Smokehouse, helmed by James Beard semifinalist Rick Mace, brilliantly fuses traditional BBQ with Floribbean flair. Here, barbecue is reinvented with dishes like coffee-infused brisket, mojo-marinated pulled pork, and alligator sausage – served alongside Caribbean coleslaw, crispy plantains, and classic cheddar mac & cheese.
The vibrant, neighborhood-focused restaurant has earned accolades for blending Southern, Caribbean, and Latin influences into a flavor-forward BBQ experience.
With seafood – including smoked mahi – playing a starring role, and creative desserts like chocolate-dipped key lime pie pops, this inventive smokehouse is shaping a new, distinctly Floridian style that’s as welcoming as it is delicious.
10. Smoke & Dough (West Kendall, Miami)
Hailed by The New York Times as one of 2023’s “50 places in the U.S. we’re most excited about,” Smoke & Dough delivers Miami-style barbecue with Latin soul.
Chef-owner Harry Coleman, drawing from his bakery background and lessons from renowned pitmasters and Steven Raichlen, serves dishes like cafecito-rubbed brisket, guava-ancho glazed ribs, pastrami tequeños, and smoky specialties. Even the flan is barbecued to silken perfection.
Blending robust smokehouse technique with Latin flavors and desserts like smoked mac & cheese and croquetas, Smoke & Dough offers a chef-driven, soulful BBQ experience that feels both gourmet and deeply rooted in Miami’s cultural tapestry.
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