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Even though Orlando is mostly known for its seafood, warm weather, and beautiful beaches, it has so much more to offer, especially regarding BBQ. But since most restaurants in this city are seafood palaces and steakhouses, the BBQ options are a bit limited. While some people might argue that the BBQ here is not the same as what you would find in other BBQ parts of the country, you might be surprised to taste some of the best-smoked meats influenced by the Florida and Southern cooking styles.
Here are our 10 best BBQ restaurants in Orlando, Florida:
# 10 – Pete’s Famous BBQ
To most locals, Pete’s Famous BBQ is the place to visit if you need an inexpensive yet delicious BBQ fix. This unassuming little restaurant is located in a strip mall off International Drive and is always packed with tourists and locals alike. The menu is small but has all the BBQ staples you would expect, including ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and beef.
This place might not look like your fancy BBQ joint, but the food makes up for it. The pulled pork is some of the best in town, and the beef brisket is smoked to perfection. The ribs are also a must-try as they are some of the most tender and juicy that you will ever have.
Address: 4334 Raleigh St, Orlando, FL 32811
# 9 – Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is the first place you can visit if you’re looking for some of the best Texas-style barbecues in Orlando. It is one of the most popular barbecue chain eateries, with house-smoked meats, stuffed baked potatoes & classic sides. The restaurant is also located in multiple locations across the city, so you can easily get your barbecue fix whenever you’re craving it.
Apart from using only the freshest and finest ingredients, their meats are also slow-smoked for 14 hours each night to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness. The brisket is one of their most popular items on the menu, and it doesn’t disappoint. Other than that, other standout dishes include ribs, pit-smoked wings, pulled pork, and sausage. And if you’re looking for delicious sides to go with your meal, try their barbecue beans and homestyle mac and cheese.
Address: 9368 Narcoossee Rd, Orlando, FL 32827
Website: https://www.dickeys.com/locations/florida/orlando
# 8 – Smokey Bones
Next up is Smokey Bones, a BBQ restaurant that’s all about good food, drinks, and good times – and they deliver on all three fronts. The place has been described as “a bar and fire grill, but not necessarily in that order,” They know their way around a grill. The pork is slow-smoked and pulled each day, the steak is cooked to perfection, and the bartenders make some mean cocktails.
The menu here is packed with mouth-watering smoked and grilled meats, and the bartenders know how to make a mean cocktail (or three). The mix of food, drink, and good vibes make Smokey Bones the perfect spot for a casual night out with friends – or even a solo meal when you’re in the mood for some seriously delicious BBQ.
Address: 3400 E. Colonial Dr. Orlando, FL 32803
Website: https://locations.smokeybones.com/smokey-bones-b4628c1ee95b
#7 – Mission BBQ
Mission BBQ restaurant is all about celebrating America’s heroes, and they deliver on the food front. The atmosphere of the restaurant is somehow patriotic and filled with tributes to America’s heroes. It opened its doors on September 11, 2011, and it is still going strong ten years later. The founders of Mission BBQ are passionate about BBQ and believe there is nothing more American than BBQ. And they put their money where their mouth is.
Their menu features classic BBQ staples like ribs, brisket, and pulled pork. But they also have a few unique items like smoked wings and BBQ nachos. The sides are also classic BBQ fares like baked beans, coleslaw, macaroni, and cheese. And of course, no meal is complete without a cold beer or sweet tea.
Address: 6324 S Semoran Blvd, Orlando, FL 32812
Website: https://mission-bbq.com/florida/orlando-lee-vista/
# 6 – Bubbalou’s Bodacious BBQ
If you need a taste of Orlando BBQ at its finest, then Bubbalou’s is the place for you. The restaurant has garnered awards and recognition from some of the most well-known publications, such as USA Today, Southern Living, and The New York Times, and for a good reason.
The menu offers a variety of items that have all been slow-cooked over a hardwood fire, so you know they’re going to be tender and full of flavor. And if you’re indecisive, go for the baby’s back ribs – they’re world-famous. Plus, the prices are reasonable for the quality of food you’re getting.
Address: 5818 Conroy Rd, Orlando, FL 32835
Website: https://kirkman.bubbalous.com/
# 5 – Cecil’s Texas Style BBQ
Cecil’s Texas Style BBQ is the restaurant you want to visit if you’re craving some good old-fashioned Texas barbecue. This food joint was founded in 1992 by Cecil Reaves, and it has been providing top-quality meats and veggies to its customers ever since. All the meats served at Cecil’s are slow-smoked over hickory wood for hours, making them incredibly tender and juicy.
The meats are also hand-trimmed before they’re cooked to order, so you know they’re fresh. And if you’re looking for something a little different, Cecil’s has partnered with Rockpit Brewing to offer a special menu only available at the brewery. The servings are small, but the quality makes up for it.
Address: 2800 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32806
Website: https://www.cecilsbbq.com/
# 4 – Sonny’s BBQ
Sonny’s BBQ is another popular chain of barbecue restaurants founded in 1968 by Floyd Sonny Tillman in Gainesville, Florida. In 2018, Sonny’s was ranked as the 23rd best barbecue restaurant in America by “The Daily Meal.” Sonny’s BBQ has been featured on several food-related television shows, including the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” and the Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food.”
Even though the reputation might be because it’s a chain restaurant, the Orlando restaurant has mostly maintained a down-home feel, with checkered tablecloths and signed photographs of country music stars on the walls. The BBQ palace is best known for its slow-cooked, hickory-smoked pork ribs and secret barbecue sauce.
Address: 310S Alafaya Trail Orlando, FL 32828
Website: https://www.sonnysbbq.com/locations/orlando-alafaya
# 3 – 4 Rivers Smokehouse
This award-winning barbecue restaurant was started by pitmaster John Rivers in 2009 and has grown to four locations in Orlando, including Winter Park, Longwood, Kissimmee, and downtown Orlando. The restaurant is known for slow-smoked meats that are cooked fresh daily. They offer a wide variety of items on their menu, including sandwiches, plates, salads, and desserts.
This counter-serve chain eatery will serve you Texas-style BBQ, sweet treats, and homestyle sides. The most popular items on the menu are pulled pork, brisket, baby back ribs, and chicken, but they also offer an array of sides such as mac and cheese, baked beans, coleslaw, and mashed potatoes.
Address: 11764 University Boulevard Orlando, FL 32817
Website: https://www.4rsmokehouse.com/locations/orlando/
# 2- American Kitchen Bar and Grill
A rustic-chic atmosphere awaits diners at American Kitchen Bar & Grill, where classic cocktails and New American eats come together. The restaurant takes an artisan approach to cooking, from house-made pasta and cheese to cured and smoked meats. Steaks are aged to perfection and thoughtfully prepared, while small bites and sides offer something for everyone.
The menu is also available for group dining, with custom tasting menus available upon request. The restaurant is popular for its private events, so book in advance if you want to celebrate a special occasion. Best of all, the food here is delicious and reasonably priced.
Address: 1905 Hotel Plaza Blvd B Resort and Spa, Orlando, FL 32830
Website: https://www.bresortlbv.com/dining/american-kitchen-bar-grill/
# 1 – Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa
Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbacoa is a unique Orlando eatery with a menu that features a variety of global flavors. The restaurant’s namesake dish, Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbacoa, is a must-try for any barbecue fan. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of craft beers, making it the perfect spot for a casual night out with friends.
The restaurant was founded by Pig Floyd, a former professional chef who has always been passionate about food. The menu at Pig Floyd’s is inspired by large cuts of meat or whole animals but with a modern twist. The restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients and offers a variety of unique meats, including chicken, pork, and beef. The barbacoa is cooked in a special oven that infuses the meat with flavor and tenderness.
Address: 1326 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
Website: https://www.pigfloyds.com/
10 Best BBQ Restaurants In Orlando, Florida article published on BigCityReview.com© 2022
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