Updated Summer 2025

When it comes to barbecue, Florida is not the first state that springs to mind. The smoky flavors of Texas, the tangy sauces of Kansas City, and the slow-cooked Carolina hog roasts are what usually pop into your head. Once you’ve traveled and tasted for yourself why other areas are titans in BBQ, Orlando has a hard time competing, and it’s safe to say we don’t have a BBQ style to call our very own.

That isn’t to say we don’t have a growing BBQ scene here. We, in fact, do have some serious smokers doing the work, and it seems to be growing each year. However, regarding price, BBQ has become one of the more expensive “casual” meals out there. I won’t fight anyone on the price due to inflation; I will say that if I’m paying premium prices (easily $70 bucks for two people at some spots), I want the best there we can find locally.

I’m no expert, but I’d like to think I learned a thing or two after working for a BBQ company for four years. Here are my current recommendations, but I am excited to have some new spots to check out.

Mohawk Smokehouse

Right now, Mohawk is my reigning champ for the best BBQ you can find in the city. You can read my full review on it here, but the brisket is by far the most flavorful and tender you'll see. It has a crispy bark with a beautiful smoke ring, so tender that it barely stays intact as you grab a forkful. You don’t need sauce for any of the meats. On top of that, the cornbread, mac, and beans are impeccable. As with so many of our sleeper foodie hits, they are a pop-up only, so you have to track them down, but it’s worth it.

U ncle Tony’s Backyard BBQ

The first thought I had when biting into a meal at Uncle Tony's was the distinct smoky flavor that added depth to the meat. That showed me they truly are smoking over wood (not just claiming to), and they aren't afraid to let those smoky flavors shine. While they had many sauces to utilize, they were not truly needed.

I love a BBQ place that does both the meat and sides justice, and here, you get complimentary additions to the main protein, just like you would at a friend's BBQ, where everyone brings the side they are known for. The mac and cheese and coleslaw hit all the right notes for me. Not dry, extra cheesy, and not overly sweet. Lucious cheese pulls, and lightly sweet vinegar bites from the coleslaw hit you, making every rotating taste hit different taste buds just right.

Smokemade Meats

From a popular pop-up to now a full brick-and-mortar, you can get Smokemade in the comfort of air conditioning. I would be lying if I said I didn’t notice a slight dip in the standards now that the full sit-down restaurant is open. It’s not exactly matching those mobile days (especially on some of the sides). However, you can still find yourself pleased with the BBQ platter of your choice. One of my favorites remains the jalapeno cheddar sausage.

JESSE’S RIB SHACK

Although wings did not make top billing into the name, that is undoubtedly my favorite item to get from Jesse’s Rib Shack. This spot has been around for a while, moving spaces a few times, but now back on Pine Street downtown. On different occasions, I have enjoyed the fried shrimp (dunk those bad boys) and some succulent ribs, but the wings remain my favorite. Wherever Jesse goes, I will follow for his shack sauce and lemon pepper wings. The only thing I am not a fan of is the macaroni and cheese, but for entrees like his, that was never supposed to be the main event. Find it at 2202 W Pine Street.

Southern Style BBQ

Everyone knows the true way to find good BBQ - stop at the roadside smoker. That’s exactly what I did after driving by Southern Style BBQ at the corner of Lee Rd and Edgewater. These ribs are smothered with his housemade sauce, and they were incredibly tender, falling off the bone, and infused with smoky flavors. Again, the side game is also crucial to me, and for not being someone who loves potato salad, his was great. It wasn’t a bland lump of mush and mayo; he flavored it well. My meal was ready within 10 minutes of ordering at his food truck; the owner was so pleasant. You’ll see his trailer at 4890 Edgewater Drive, and you can pull up or order online.

BBQ BOYZ

Over near Eatonville, the BBQ Boyz smoker is working hard most days in the lot of the Kennedy and Forest City Road gas station. The menu is usually limited to brisket and ribs (at least when I’ve ordered), but that’s really all you need. Flavorful bites of tender brisket that come sauced, same with the ribs. There is a heavy smokey aroma and taste; I could smell it all over my hands after eating. If sweet potato casserole is on the menu when you try it, get it.

Unless you physically go to the gas station or order on Postmates, there isn’t any other way to get your hands on this BBQ. And yes, despite dormant social media accounts, they are open.

Jerkman BBQ

There are two locations - one on Ivey Lane in West Orlando, and the other inside the West Oaks Mall food court. Whether you get the ribs, the wings, or the Jerk fries, nothing here will be lacking in flavor. Their wings have been extremely crispy in my experience, and while I usually don’t love my ribs so heavily sauced, the sauce they use is lip-smacking. The Jerk Fries are a must.

As always, I’m not a food snob. If your go-to BBQ is 4Rivers or Sonny’s go right on ahead! But perhaps add one of these local spots into your rotation.

Six BBQ Spots to Try in Orlando