Highest-rated Barbecue Restaurants in the Tampa Area by Diners

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Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa 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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#24. Butcher N' Barbeque

- Rating: 2.8/5 (177 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1910 North Ola Ave. Armature Works Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Barbecue, Breakfast & Brunch, Chicken Wings
- Read more on Yelp

#23. LongHorn Steakhouse

- Rating: 3.4/5 (139 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2110 East Fowler Ave. Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

#22. LongHorn Steakhouse

- Rating: 3.5/5 (155 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1820 Northwest Shore Blvd. Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

#21. Smokey Bones Tampa

- Rating: 3.5/5 (382 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8020 Citrus Park Drive Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Barbecue, American, Chicken Wings
- Read more on Yelp

#20. Jimbo's Pit Bar B-Q - Tampa

- Rating: 3.5/5 (331 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4103 West Kennedy Blvd. Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

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#19. Hank's Catfish & BBQ

- Rating: 3.6/5 (292 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8546 North Dale Mabry Hwy Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Southern, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

#18. LongHorn Steakhouse

- Rating: 3.6/5 (142 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8212 Citrus Park Drive Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

#17. 4 Rivers Smokehouse

- Rating: 3.7/5 (437 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 623 South Macdill Ave. Tampa Bay, Florida
- Categories: Barbecue, Smokehouse, Southern
- Read more on Yelp

#16. Big John's Alabama Bar-B-Q

- Rating: 3.8/5 (170 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5707 North 40th St. Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

#15. Jazzy's BBQ

- Rating: 3.8/5 (356 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5703 West Waters Ave. Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

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#14. 4 Rivers Smokehouse

- Rating: 3.9/5 (681 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 14330 North Dale Mabry Hwy Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Barbecue, Smokehouse, Southern
- Read more on Yelp

#13. Sa Ri One Grill

- Rating: 4.0/5 (291 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7525 West Hillsborough Ave. Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Noodles
- Read more on Yelp

#12. Mighty Quinn's Barbeque

- Rating: 4.2/5 (168 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 202 North Dale Mabry Hwy Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Barbecue, Gluten-Free
- Read more on Yelp

#11. Mission BBQ

- Rating: 4.3/5 (444 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5602 West Waters Ave. Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

#10. K - Chicken and Grill Korean BBQ

- Rating: 4.3/5 (199 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 14380 North Dale Mabry Hwy Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

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#9. BJ's Alabama BBQ

- Rating: 4.3/5 (301 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3423 South Dale Mabry Hwy Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

#8. Mission BBQ

- Rating: 4.3/5 (243 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 13612 Bruce B Downs Blvd. University Plz Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

#7. Wicked Oak Barbeque

- Rating: 4.4/5 (155 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6607 North Florida Ave. Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

#6. Konan BBQ

- Rating: 4.5/5 (340 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1510 North Hubert Ave. Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

#5. Hong BBQ & Hot Pot Fowler

- Rating: 4.5/5 (181 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 5840 East Fowler Ave. Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Barbecue, Korean, Hot Pot
- Read more on Yelp

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#4. Station House BBQ

- Rating: 4.6/5 (214 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5214 North Nebraska Ave. Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp

#3. The Brisket Shoppe

- Rating: 4.6/5 (184 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3501 North Armenia Ave. Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Barbecue, Caterers
- Read more on Yelp

#2. Al's Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que

- Rating: 4.6/5 (503 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1609 Angel Oliva Sr St. Tampa, Florida
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern, American
- Read more on Yelp

#1. Rack City Ribz

- Rating: 4.7/5 (105 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 11201 US Hwy 41 South Gibsonton, Florida
- Categories: Caterers, Barbecue, Food Trucks
- Read more on Yelp

This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 281 metros.