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Summer and BBQ joints are the perfect combination. Lucky for us, you can find deliciously crafted pieces of meat paired with a variety of homemade, mouth-watering sauces all around Florida. In a competition for the most finger-lickin’ barbecue, the Sunshine State has to offer, from mom-and-pop restaurants to well-known eateries with multiple locations. Here are a few BBQ hot spots you must visit to get your summer started off right.
Big Lee's - Serious About Barbecue, Ocala
Big Lee’s is serious when they say they’re serious about Barbecue. They have perfected their craft, serving up moist and juicy brisket and ribs that are so tender you won’t even need to use a knife. Toss in a side of corn nuggets, mac & cheese, and banana pudding and you have a barbecue meal made in heaven.
Shiver's, Homestead
Considered an institution in South Florida barbecue, Shiver’s has been serving Southern-style cuisine in Homestead for over 60 years. The joint is family-owned and serves up comfort food like no other. Locals favor the baby back ribs and brisket burnt ends, while sides like cheesy hashbrown casserole and cornbread souffle are the cherry on top. Finish your meal with a peach cobbler with ice cream or banana pudding.
4 Rivers Smokehouse, Various Locations
4 Rivers Smokehouse has made a name for itself in Central Florida and appears as if its plans of domination has no end in sight. Expanding to more locations over the last few years, their 18-hour smoked brisket, St. Louis ribs, and Southern-style pulled pork have won die-hard barbecue fans over. Save room for something sweet, as their dessert menu is almost as extensive and mouth-watering as their barbecue.
Georgia Pig, Fort Lauderdale
Serving barbecue enthusiasts for multiple generations, The Georgia Pig is an institution. Standing as one of the oldest barbecue restaurants you’ll find in South Florida, embrace the vintage decor and indulge in one of their classic Southern-style pork specialties as you watch the experts craft their art over a live oak-fired pit. Complete your dish by covering it with Georgia Pig’s tangy signature sauce and your taste buds will thank you.
Captain's BBQ, Palm Coast
Known equally for their deliciously crafted meats and savory sides, Captain’s BBQ is a unique waterside barbecue restaurant. With stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, you can devour classic dishes, such as their Burnt End Dinner with caramelized brisket ends or Chicken Dinner, in addition to one of their more creative dishes, such as a pulled pork burrito smothered with Baja sauce. Add a side of buttered corn, collard greens, mac & cheese, and sweet corn bread, and you have a perfect combination of southern barbecue with a picturesque view of old Florida.
Smokin D's, St. Augustine
A small, unassuming BBQ joint, Smokin D’s aims to fill all your barbecue needs. Driving in St. Augustine, you might even pass this place and not even realize it, but at lunch, the place fills quickly with locals. Satisfy your BBQ cravings with one of their popular plates of ribs, chopped pork, or smoked chicken. Mix it with D’s House homemade sauce and you won’t be sorry.
MOJO, Jacksonville
You can find an array of MOJO locations littered throughout North and Central Florida. Come with an empty stomach, as MOJO has a lot to choose from, such as classics like brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, while its famous onion rings served with buttermilk ranch, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, and Frito Pie with Texas-style chili are favorites. If you can’t decide, go for the “Whole Hawg” where you can get a hodgepodge of meats and 4 sides.
