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BEST RATED TAMPA, FL BARBECUE RESTAURANTS

3 Best Barbecue Restaurants in Tampa, FL

Expert-recommended Top 3 BBQ Restaurants in Tampa, Florida. All of our barbecue restaurants actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

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MISSION BBQ

(5.0 Score)
13612 Bruce B Downs boulevard,
Tampa, FL 33613 Directions

Since 2011

Specialities:

✓Chicken ✓Half a Yard Bird ✓Smoked Salmon ✓Baby Back Ribs 5 Bone ✓Baby Back Ribs 10 Bone ✓Smoked Cheeseburger ✓Black Plate Special Grilled Shrimp on the BBQ ✓Pulled Chicken Sandwich ✓ Brisket Sandwich ✓Pulled Pork Sandwich ✓Turkey Sandwich ✓Chopped Brisket Sandwich

" Mission BBQ offers a variety of BBQ items and strives to serve authentic BBQ made from the freshest, most delectable ingredients. They provide a wide range of BBQ, and their country is remarkable, given to those who earned it.

2026 Highlights: They serve across 23 locations around the United States. They feature BBQ and classic sides, plus memorabilia honoring soldiers and first responders. The restaurant offers its customers a pleasant ambiance with a spacious dining area. Stop by at lunchtime, and you might catch them during their daily salute to the Star-Spangled Banner. They offer catering services for weddings, business events, and picnics; Mission BBQ makes it easy to satisfy everyone. Enjoy comforting, homemade-style BBQ in a welcoming space filled with heartfelt tributes to heroes and American patriotism."

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Menu:

Ladderlaunchers
Bangbangshrimp $14
Ahitunatostado $16
Thehotmess $14
Nachosnachos $15
Buffalochickendip $13
Giantbavarianpretzel $13
Mozzarellasticks $12
FriedpicklesorjalapeñOs $11
Spicycauliflowerbites $12
Onionringtower $13
Chickenquesadilla $14
Loadedfries $14
Firehousechili
Housemadechilicup $6
Housemadechilibowl $8
Hook&Ladderpizza
Bbqchicken $15
Margherita $14
Buffalochicken $15
Vegetariandelight $14
Chickenparmesan $13
Hotchicken $13
Boomboomchicken $13
Pulledpork $13
Fishsliders $13
Fivealarmwings&Tenders
Wings(8pc) $14
Wings(16pc) $24
Wings(24pc) $32
Tenders(5pc) $12
Tenders(10pc) $20
Tenders(15pc) $28
Extrasauce $1
Firestationsalads
Sesamesearedahitunasalad $18
Choppedcobb $15
Classiccaesar $13

Contact:

(813) 443-9443

Mon-Sat: 11am - 9pm
Sun: 11:30am - 8pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

4 RIVERS SMOKEHOUSE - Tampa, FL Barbecue Restaurants - Dish Image
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9+ YEARS ON TBR
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4 RIVERS SMOKEHOUSE

(4.8 Score)
14330 North Dale Mabry Highway,
Tampa, FL 33618 Directions

Since 2014

Specialities:

✓Signature Angus Brisket BBQ Sandwich ✓Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich ✓Pulled Chicken BBQ Sandwich ✓Burnt Ends ✓BBQ Sandwich ✓Texas Sausage ✓Smokehouse Sliders ✓Vegan Burnt Ends BBQ Sandwich ✓Coop Chicken Tenders ✓BBQ Melt ✓Texas Destroyer ✓Cuban Sandwich ✓BBQ Quesadilla ✓Six Shooter ✓BBQ Street Tacos and Messy Pig

" 4 Rivers Smokehouse is a family-owned brand specializing in 18-hour smoked Angus brisket, homestyle sides, and signature stackers.

2026 Highlights: With 16 locations across Florida, 4 Rivers Smokehouse has grown into a popular destination for authentic, slow-smoked barbecue and Southern-inspired flavors. Helm is chef-owner John Rivers, who strives to support the local community through exceptional products, steadfast customer service, and uncompromised integrity. 4 Rivers Smokehouse was named one of "The South's Best BBQ Joints" by Southern Living Magazine and rated "The Best BBQ in Florida" by Food & Wine Magazine. Whether you're planning a wedding party, birthday dinner, or special event, 4 Rivers Catering offers a complete catering experience with an extensive catering menu. They have an expert catering team and packages for events of all sizes. If you are traveling in town for vacation, business, or adventuring around Tampa Bay, just visit the 4 Rivers Smokehouse."

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Florida Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2013
License #L14000054437

Menu:

Spud Love $8.99
New Big Horn $11.99
Longhorn $12.99
New Seasonal Blueberry Bbq Sauce Pint $6.99
Bbq Platters
1×2 $13.89
2×2 $16.79
Cowboy Combo $19.29
On The Bone
St. Louis Style Ribs
Full Rack: $30.89
With 2 Sides Full Rack: $33.89
14 Chicken: $5.29
12 Chicken: $9.79
14 Chicken: $8.19
12 Chicken: $12.89
Happy Herd $54.99 (+$2.99 With Brisket)
4r Party Package Feeds 6 $61.79
4r Party Package Feeds 12 $122.99
Farmhouse Salad $9.49
Bbq Classic Sandwiches
Signature Angus Brisket $10.89
Pulled Pork $8.29
Pulled Chicken $7.99
Burnt Ends $8.99
Texas Sausage $9.99
Smokehouse Sliders (3) $10.49
Vegan Burnt Ends $10.69
Smoked Turkey $8.99
John Rivers Originals
Coop Chicken Tenders $7.99

Contact:

(813) 544-2694 (844)474-8377

Mon-Sat: 11am - 9pm
Sun: 11am - 7pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

JIMBOS PIT BAR BQ - Tampa, FL Barbecue Restaurants - Dish Image
JIMBOS PIT BAR BQ - Tampa, FL Barbecue Restaurants - Restaurant Exterior Image
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5+ YEARS ON TBR
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JIMBOS PIT BAR BQ

(4.8 Score)
4103 West Kennedy Boulevard,
Tampa, FL 33609 Directions

Since 1970

Specialities:

✓Chopped BBQ Pork ✓Sliced BBQ Ham ✓Chicken Sandwich ✓Hamburger ✓Fried Fish ✓Smoked Sausage ✓Sandwich Platter ✓Bar BQ Pork Ribs ✓Bar BQ Chicken ✓Bar BQ Pork ✓Bar BQ Beef ✓Bar BQ Ham ✓Smoked Sausage Dinner ✓Shrimp ✓Child Plate

" Jimbo's Pit Bar B-Q is a family-owned and operated business. They offer mouthwatering barbecue lunches and dinners that are marinated and cooked to perfection. Their menu items are also available through a barbecue catering service, accommodating both large events and small parties. Their catering menu is available for pickup for large orders for a minimum of 15 people. They take pride in always providing the most flavorful barbecue menu, coupled with premium customer service. This cozy barbecue joint serves chicken, ribs, and other familiar foods in a relaxed atmosphere. From freshly battered ribs to seasoned chicken and pork, Jimbo's Pit Bar-B-Q has lots of dishes. They offer all of their outstanding barbecue dinners and lunch items through their competent catering service.

2026 Highlights: The restaurant offers convenient private-lot parking, accepts credit card payments, and is dog-friendly, so guests can bring their furry companions along."

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License #SEA3900113

Menu:

Jimbo'S Pit Bar-B-Q
4103 W. Kennedy Blvd.
Popular Items
Bar-B-Q Pork Ribs $17.50
Hush Puppies $3.80
Sliced Or Chopped Bbq Pork Sandwich $8.70
Child Plate $9.50
French Fries $4.10
Bar-B-Q Pork $17.05
Salads
Jumbo Garden Salad $10.35
Side Salad $5.75
Sandwiches
Sliced Or Chopped Bbq Pork Sandwich $8.70
Sliced Or Chopped Bbq Beef Sandwich $8.99
Sliced Bbq Ham Sandwich $8.75
Chicken Sandwich $10.75
Hamburger $10.75
Fried Fish Sandwich $10.95
Smoked Sausage Sandwich $8.75
Sandwich Platter | With 2 Sides $11.64
Dinners
Bar-B-Q Pork Ribs $17.50
Bar-B-Q Chicken $11.99
Bar-B-Q Pork $17.05
Bar-B-Q Beef $18.50
Bar-B-Q Ham $17.25
Smoked Sausage $17.25
Shrimp $19.50
Combination | 2 Meats $19.75
Combination | 3 Meats $24.99
Child Plate $9.50
Bulk Meats
Chicken $9.99

Contact:

(813) 289-9724

Mon-Sat: 7am - 9pm
Sun: Closed

TBR® Inspection Report:

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MISSION BBQ REVIEWS

Customer service was top notch! The cashier walked us through the menu and was so helpful. She checked up on us twice after we got our food and all I can say is visit mission BBQ, you will not be disappointed but leave with a happy stomach ;) the food is delicious and so is the dessert banana pudding which they gave it to us for free, being 1st time customers, they were so Kind and genuine. We will definitely visit them when we are in town!! Kudos to Mission BBQ staff.

My husband and I went here for the first time today. The food came out quickly, and was delicious. Everything that we got was amazing. The best part though was speaking to the manager, Cyndi. She gave us the background story and the history of the restaurant. The company values and respects their first responders and military. She was so kind and brought both of us a complimentary banana pudding (delicious), and vouchers for free sandwiches. We will definitely be back.

This was the first time here and I'll definitely be back! Awesome food and great service.

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4 RIVERS SMOKEHOUSE REVIEWS

I recently moved to Tampa from Houston and this is the closest I’ve seen to Texas-style BBQ anywhere. 4 Rivers is legit. The brisket had solid bark and a smoke ring and was very tender. My wife had the smoked turkey which was also excellent - and paired well with delicious quality sides. We’ll be back for authentic Texas BBQ. Atmosphere and service was also outstanding.

Great place for a meal! Portions are just right! Flavors are out of this world and they have a ton of room for large parties. I would even be able to bring my wife who has Celiac here confidently as they have many gluten free options. They desserts are so tasty and the price for all is great too.

Clean. Friendly. Fast. The barbecue sauce is excellent! The meat is very tender and it smells amazing when you walk in. Don't forget to visit the bakery! Totally delicious...leaving you wanting to come back just for dessert.

JIMBOS PIT BAR BQ REVIEWS

Great space for a quick bite. Food was some of the best BBQ in the Tampa Bay. The people make you feel at home and the atmosphere is relaxed. We will definitely return.

Very succulent dishes, generous portions – the value for money is absolutely spot on. The friendly and attentive staff perfectly rounds off this all-round enjoyable experience.

Ordered UberEats. Pork Rib Dinner. 5 stars are not enough. If you could get everyone to sit down at big table with a platter of those ribs, you could have world peace. They're that good.

TBR® Inspection Score Report

MISSION BBQ Total Inspection Points: 119/120
Page Maintenance: 9
Acknowledgments: 10
Business Hours: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Multiple Branches: 10
Online Order: 10
Pricing: 10
Social Media: 10
Video: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

4 RIVERS SMOKEHOUSE Total Inspection Points: 116/120
Experience: 8
Page Maintenance: 9
Social Media: 9
Acknowledgments: 10
Business Hours: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Multiple Branches: 10
Online Order: 10
Pricing: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

JIMBOS PIT BAR BQ Total Inspection Points: 115/120
Business Hours: 9
Complete Info: 9
Current Evaluation: 9
Page Maintenance: 9
Social Media: 9
Acknowledgments: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Online Order: 10
Pricing: 10