Living in Florida, you likely already have your own go-to place for delicious BBQ. Being in the South, no matter which state, almost guarantees that you enjoy a good platter of BBQ any time of year. And while you might not stray from your regular BBQ joint too often, we have a few places that might have you reconsidering. This hole-in-the-wall BBQ restaurant road trip will take you to seven different BBQ spots in Florida, some of which you may not have known to exist.
The entire BBQ restaurant road trip takes about 4.5 hours to complete, without stoppage time. You likely will want to stretch this trip over a weekend or long weekend for that matter, because let’s be honest - there’s a lot of good eating coming your way! You can find the entire road trip itinerary to plan your trip!.
Pearl Country Store & Barbecue - Micanopy, FL
Pearl Country Store & Barbecue in Micanopy is a one-stop-shopping experience for both goods and great barbecue. This country store has become famous for its BBQ options, from the tender ribs, pulled pork, and chicken. Anyone who stumbles onto this hole-in-the-wall is in for a real treat!
Ellie Lou's Brews & BBQ - Clermont, FL
The small town of Clermont, Florida, has a few different places to snag some delicious BBQ, but Ellie Lou’s is one we keep coming back to. Visitors can enjoy a bevy of craft beers, plus tons of deliciously prepared BBQ options. Try the brisket and the pork, plus the sides like potato salad and okra are perfect pairings.
The Red Top Pit Stop - Lakeland
Next up on the list, you’ll find the beloved local Lakeland gem The Red Top Pit Stop. You can find a delicious assortment of American-style eats from the stacks of gigantic onion rings to the pulled pork sandwich that you’ll need two hands to eat. This no-frills spot doesn’t mess around, especially when it comes to full racks of ribs slathered in sauce.
Peebles Bar-B-Q - Auburndale
Don’t be fooled by the outside of this Florida BBQ joint. Peebles Bar-B-Q has been around since the 1940s and still to this day is known for scrumptious BBQ. Indulge in a platter of meats and sandwiches as you sit on the screened-in porch. Just make sure you come hungry because these portions are HUGE.
Al's Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que - Tampa, FL
Al's Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que in Tampa is a popular counter-serve joint that offers up Tennessee-style BBQ in a historic bungalow. Al’s comes highly ranked in terms of reviews, but it still remains one of those hole-in-the-wall spots that you have to eat at to really appreciate the whole experience.
C & K Smokehouse BBQ - Parrish, FL
C & K Smokehouse BBQ in Parrish is a family-run restaurant that almost feels like you’re dining at home. With country-style eats, like smoked BBQ and homemade sides, this is one meal that will leave you satisfied. Just picture all of your favorite meats rubbed with a blend of seasonings and then set to slow-smoke over oak and citrus wood. YUM!
Nancy's Bar-B-Q at Lorraine Corners - Lakewood Ranch, FL
We end this BBQ road trip with a stop at Nancy’s Bar-B-Q in Lakewood Ranch. This locally-owned fast casual BBQ spot serves up a wide range of meats from pulled and bone-in chicken to pork, St. Louis-style spare ribs, and beef brisket. Get prepared for huge flavor before you visit - there is a secret 14-ingredient dry rub that Nancy’s uses that is out-of-this-world, making it, in our very humble opinion, one of the best BBQ restaurants in the world!
So, what do you think about this hole-in-the-wall BBQ restaurant road trip in Florida? Have you been to any of these BBQ spots before? Make sure to shout them out in the comments section! Or if there are a few more underrated BBQ joints you think we should know about, make sure to shout them out, too.
Looking for more fun foodie road trips in the Sunshine State? How about this Florida Ice Cream Trail?
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