Highest-rated Barbecue Restaurants in the Pensacola Area by Diners

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Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Pensacola area by diners

Barbecue stands as one of America's most cherished culinary traditions, weaving together a rich tapestry of history, regional diversity, and evolving flavors that resonate with diners from coast to coast. A July 2022 YouGov survey revealed that nearly all Americans (96%) who consume meat enjoy barbecue, underscoring its widespread enduring appeal and cross-cultural significance. Among the 1,000 survey respondents, Texas dominated as the place most often associated with barbecue, but the cuisine's roots expand far beyond the Lone Star State.

American barbecue can be traced back to Indigenous cooking techniques and was further enriched by the influences of enslaved Africans. In the centuries since, it's evolved into a multifaceted culinary art with distinct regional styles: the tangy, vinegar-based sauces and slow-cooked pork of the Carolinas; the tender brisket of Texas with sauce served on the side; the robust, sweet-forward flavors characteristic of Kansas City; and Alabama's signature mayo-based white sauce drizzled over some juicy chicken.

Alongside these classic offerings, innovative interpretations have surged in popularity in recent decades, as multicultural variants such as Korean BBQ, with its marinated cuts and sizzling grill presentations, and Mexican barbacoa, known for its richly spiced, slow-cooked succulence, have carved out their own niche in the competitive barbecue landscape.

Over the years, barbecue has not only mirrored America's evolving palate but has also fostered a spirit of community, as festivals, backyard cookouts, and friendly competitions celebrate the art of smoking and grilling—traditions lovingly passed down from generation to generation.

Nationwide, barbecue restaurants today greet families and friends with the intoxicating aroma of slow-smoked meats served on sturdy metal trays, often covered in rustic butcher paper. And what meal would be complete without those hearty sides? Whether you opt for gooey mac and cheese and smoky collard greens or crumbly cornbread and creamy coleslaw, you can't go wrong.

If you're craving some good 'cue in your neck of the woods, Stacker has you covered with the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Pensacola based on diners' reviews on Yelp as of February 2025. Restaurants with at least 20 reviews tagged as "barbecue" within a 10-kilometer radius of Pensacola were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may serve other food items.

Keep reading to see where to go when the hunger for all things low-and-slow strikes you!

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#18. Sonny's BBQ

- Rating: 3.3/5 (134 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8313 Chellie Road Pensacola, Florida
- Categories: Barbecue, New American, Desserts
- Read more on Yelp

#17. Texas Roadhouse

- Rating: 3.3/5 (302 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7177 North Davis Hwy Pensacola, Florida
- Categories: Barbecue, Steakhouses
- Read more on Yelp

#16. VooDoo BBQ & Grill

- Rating: 3.4/5 (170 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1741 East 9 Mile Road Pensacola, Florida
- Categories: Barbecue, Cajun/Creole, Seafood
- Read more on Yelp

#15. Arlene Williams BBQ

- Rating: 3.5/5 (54 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4238 West Fairfield Drive Pensacola, Florida
- Categories: Barbecue, Food Trucks
- Read more on Yelp

#14. Sonny's BBQ

- Rating: 3.5/5 (192 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 630 North Navy Blvd. Pensacola, Florida
- Categories: Barbecue, New American
- Read more on Yelp

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#13. Hula Hawaiian Barbecue

- Rating: 3.6/5 (25 reviews)
- Address: 2170 West 9 Mile Road Pensacola, Florida
- Categories: Barbecue, Hawaiian
- Read more on Yelp

#12. Smokey's Real Pit Bar-B-Que

- Rating: 3.6/5 (81 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 6475 Pensacola Blvd. Pensacola, Florida
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

#11. Sonny's BBQ

- Rating: 3.6/5 (119 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 6702 North 9th Ave. Pensacola, Florida
- Categories: Barbecue, New American
- Read more on Yelp

#10. LongHorn Steakhouse

- Rating: 3.7/5 (153 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5500 North 9th Ave. Pensacola, Florida
- Categories: American, Steakhouses, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

#9. Pensacola Smokehouse

- Rating: 3.7/5 (63 reviews)
- Address: 232 East Main St. Pensacola, Florida
- Categories: Sandwiches, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

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#8. HQ Korean BBQ & Hot Pot

- Rating: 3.8/5 (117 reviews)
- Address: 4958 Bayou Blvd. Pensacola, Florida
- Categories: Hot Pot, Barbecue, Korean
- Read more on Yelp

#7. Brother's BBQ

- Rating: 3.8/5 (310 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3309 Gulf Beach Hwy Pensacola, Florida
- Categories: Barbecue, American, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#6. Water Pig BBQ

- Rating: 3.9/5 (243 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5 Via De Luna Drive Ste K Pensacola Beach, Florida
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

#5. Mr Wings

- Rating: 4.0/5 (44 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1708 West Fairfield Drive Pensacola, Florida
- Categories: Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp

#4. Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q

- Rating: 4.1/5 (58 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7011 North Davis Hwy Pensacola, Florida
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

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#3. Blue Dot Barbecue

- Rating: 4.5/5 (154 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 310 North De Villiers St. Pensacola, Florida
- Categories: Burgers, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

#2. Hot Spot Barbecue

- Rating: 4.6/5 (488 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 901 East La Rua St. Pensacola, Florida
- Categories: Barbecue, Bars, Southern
- Read more on Yelp