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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Jacksonville's best

BBQ and mac and cheese

Made for those who refuse to settle for anything less than a heavy, soul-warming meal that prioritizes comfort over everything else.

Based on 751 Opinions
+748
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Updated May 2026
01
Cornbread Bae image 1
Cornbread Bae image 2
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Southern restaurant (US)

Walk-up setup creates a chill, welcoming vibe with a home-warming atmosphere. Southern BBQ style shines through scratch kitchen cooking featuring signature cornbread-based buns that hold hearty, flavorful fillings perfectly.

Offers southern BBQ style with down-home cooking. Serves quick, inexpensive, and delicious BBQ.

Creamy, cheesy mac and cheese comes baked with a golden crust. It pairs well with brisket and smoked meats, often served alongside collard greens or on a cornbread bun.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the oxtails, is tender and falling off the bone."

"I loved the brisket with mac & cheese on the cornbread bun."

"The BBQ here is fall-off-the-bone phenomenal."

Good to know

1

Arrive early on Fridays because the ox tails and brisket are usually sold out by 5 PM.

2

Cornbread Bae offers meals and sandwiches that taste like home cooking.

3

The prices at Cornbread Bae are great for the quality of food.

02
Yellow Rose BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Smoke fills the air with a rich aroma that sets a laid back and family friendly mood. Country music from Texas plays, enhancing the lively atmosphere. Small indoor space contrasts with a cute outdoor patio, where guests enjoy a true Texas-style barbecue vibe.

Barbecue here stands out with amazing brisket and authentic Texas-style flavors. Meats often sell out early, showing strong demand for the legit, high-quality BBQ.

Loaded fries, cabbage, and especially the mac and cheese stand out with rich, flavorful profiles. The mac and cheese earns its own fan club for being truly exceptional.

People are saying

"The brisket and ribs were unbelievably good BBQ."

"I thought their pulled pork was almost perfect, moist and delicious."

"The Mac and Cheese here is exceptionally flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; order and pay upfront at the counter.

2

Expect popular items to sell out quickly, especially on weekends.

3

A 3.5% service fee applies for credit card payments.

03
Gators BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Small, informal barbecue spot with tight dining space and original building charm. Atmosphere feels like a friendly picnic with a relaxed, welcoming vibe where many know each other. Consistently busy, it draws people for its tender, highly praised barbecue and casual, homey experience.

Brisket stands out as the best around with a flavorful punch despite the small size of the spot. The barbecue is consistent and ranks above many big-name restaurants in the area.

People are saying

"I thought the BBQ here was the best I ever tasted."

"I thought the Mac and Cheese was outstanding."

"I thought the seafood here was delicious and stellar."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure seating.

2

Catering services are available for events, especially in November.

3

Expect a busy dining area during peak hours; arrive early for seating.

04
Oh So Heavenly BBQ & Soul Food LLC image 1

Barbecue and soul food come with generous portions and tender, flavorful ribs that fall off the bone. Plates arrive full and beautifully presented, accompanied by perfectly seasoned sides like mac and cheese and collard greens. The atmosphere reflects a place that cares deeply about quality and craft.

Barbecue here is tender, juicy, and full of flavor with great portions. It stands out as a top choice for authentic barbecue and soul food.

Homemade mac and cheese stands out with a creamy texture and rich flavor. It often comes paired with dishes like rib tip plates, chicken dinners, and sides such as greens and baked beans.

People are saying

"I found this to be the best BBQ spot I've been to."

"The key lime cake was so delicious, I wanted another slice."

"The homemade Mac And Cheese was so good and rich."

Good to know

1

The restaurant opens between 12:05 and 12:15 p.m. daily.

2

Catering services are available for events and gatherings.

3

Portions are generous, ensuring a filling meal.

05
Th3 Central BBQ+ image 1

Small dining room offers a relaxing atmosphere with good music and a clean, comfortable setup. The vibe is friendly and unpretentious, focusing on quality and flavor rather than fancy decor. Large portions and reasonable prices complement the smoky, tender BBQ that defines the experience.

Barbecue here is artfully crafted and perfectly spiced, featuring dishes like smoked wings, BBQ ribs, and jerk chicken. Sides include baked beans and a unique macaroni and cheese, making for a phenomenal BBQ experience.

Rich, creamy mac and cheese stands out as a favorite dish here. It pairs well with options like pork belly and jerk chicken platters.

People are saying

"You have to try the jerk ribs because they are delicious."

"I found this BBQ to be the best I've ever had."

"I thought the mac and cheese was especially delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open until they sell out of food.

2

The two meat combo costs $30.

3

Expect no wait times as a walk-in.

06
Carolina Jax image 1
American restaurant

Small, crowded restaurant with cozy, tight space and fun pig decor creates a relaxed, family-friendly vibe despite a loud, bustling atmosphere. Sidewalk seating offers an alternative to the cramped interior. Walls display art and history, adding unique character to the old building setting.

Pulled pork shines with BBQ sauce and add-ins that boost flavor. The Carolina BBQ sandwich and barbecue hotdog stand out, paired well with loaded fries and solid sides.

Creamy texture stands out in the mac and cheese. It tastes great even when cold and pairs well with burgers and sandwiches like the patty melt.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and always seasoned perfectly."

"I found the Mac and Cheese to be simple and delicious."

"The loaded fries here are generously loaded with toppings."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so expect to walk if you canโ€™t find a spot.

2

Dining during lunchtime on Fridays is nearly impossible due to long lines.

3

Expect about 15 minutes in line to order and another 30 minutes for food.

07
Billy Jack's BBQ image 1

Waterfront setting offers breathtaking views and a comfortable atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating. Live country music and outdoor games like cornhole and Jenga create a lively, family-friendly vibe. The place features an unlimited barbecue sauce bar and a variety of tasty barbecue dishes.

Barbecue quality stands out with great taste and generous portions. Friendly staff and a relaxed atmosphere by the river add to the experience, plus you can bring your pups along.

People are saying

"The brisket and pulled pork here are tender and tasty."

"I loved dining outside by the water; the food was the best."

"I thought the mac and cheese was very good."

Good to know

1

Fried Chicken day is every Sunday with special offerings.

2

Lunch specials during the week are $12 and include a drink.

3

Happy hour runs daily from 4 to 6 PM.

08
Smoke in the City BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Unassuming food truck with laid back atmosphere and old school music creates a relaxed, backyard vibe. The energy feels pleasant and welcoming, drawing people early before popular items sell out. Known for exceptionally tender ribs and unique baked beans, it stands out as a top barbecue spot focused on takeout.

Tender and flavorful barbecue comes hot and moist with huge servings. The excellent barbecue sauce complements the meat perfectly, especially the BBQ chicken from the pink truck on University Blvd.

Rich and cheesy with a sinfully good flavor, the mac and cheese pairs well with smoked cabbage and hearty sides like ribs and chicken. It offers a tasty comfort food experience.

People are saying

"I thought the BBQ was so good and tender."

"I thought their smoked chicken was the best BBQ I've ever had."

"The Mac and Cheese is sinfully good and cheesy."

Good to know

1

This place is primarily a takeout spot.

2

I advised to arrive early because they tend to sell out.

3

The prices are reasonable.

09
Sonny's BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue restaurant offers cozy, friendly atmosphere with ample space between diners and college football games playing in the dining room. The drive-thru operates quickly and efficiently, supporting both dine-in and takeout. The vibe feels like gathering around a warm campfire, creating a welcoming and pleasant experience.

Ribs stand out with great flavor and consistent quality. Service is quick and friendly, making it a solid spot for value-packed barbecue.

Creamy texture defines the mac and cheese here, often paired with pulled chicken or pork. It appears in combos and bowls alongside BBQ beans and coleslaw, blending flavors smoothly.

People are saying

"The food here is really tasty and came out fast."

"I thought the BBQ here was amazing."

"The mac and cheese was so creamy it melted in my mouth."

Good to know

1

Thursdays feature a rib and pork special for $12.

2

Family deals feed up to nine people for around $100.

3

No reservations are accepted due to pandemic changes.

10
My Season Chicken and Ribs image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Food truck serves grilled wings and smoked ribs with sweet, smoky sauce in a setting that feels friendly and positive. The menu features juicy chicken, tender ribs, and seasoned sides like collard greens and baked beans. Operations close before dark and prices remain consistently affordable.

Great BBQ features flavorful chicken, ribs, and pulled pork with well-made sides. The cooking shows strong skill and care in traditional barbecue.

Mac and cheese comes with a smoked flavor but has little cheese. It pairs with smoked chicken and collards.

People are saying

"I found the food trucks here serving big, smoky flavor."

"The rib sandwich was so tender and flavorful."

"I thought the BBQ here was great and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The food truck is closed on Mondays and not open after dark.

2

Call in your order early to avoid long wait times.

3

Prices at My Season Chicken and Ribs are considered great by many customers.

11
Treemendous BBQ & Catering image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Cozy pink building with a big concrete pig outside sets a rustic charm and Southern BBQ atmosphere filled with the aroma of smoked meat. Seating includes booths and benches, with a quiet, comfortable, and casual vibe. Known for tender ribs and unique sauces, it offers hearty meals at great value.

Smoked meats fill the cozy setting with a Southern BBQ aroma. The beef brisket melts in your mouth and the BBQ turkey stands out as a top choice. Rich, meaty BBQ beans and classic sides like greens and tater complement the main dishes.

Creamy texture and well-seasoned flavor define the mac and cheese here. It pairs well with other sides like coleslaw and baked beans that have a hint of sweetness.

People are saying

"The brisket and ribs here are tender and smoky."

"This lunch spot's slow-smoked brisket is tender and unforgettable."

"The Mac And Cheese was delicious and seasoned well."

Good to know

1

You can get a full meal for $10.

2

The meal cost $42, and the change was not worth it.

3

The tables were sticky and needed to be wiped down.

12
SeaBoar Seafood and barbeque image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue restaurant with a fresh, clean interior and a welcoming, lively atmosphere. Music complements the vibe, creating a friendly energy throughout. Known for large portions and well-seasoned seafood and smoked meats.

Barbecue here has a unique spin on classic flavors. The pork and turkey stand out, and the BBQ sauce complements the meats well.

Mac and cheese comes as a side with seafood combos and includes coleslaw and hush puppies. It tastes okay but does not stand out or leave a strong craving for more.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be oh so good."

"The pulled pork BBQ here is smoky, moist, and tender."

"I highly recommend trying the Mac and Cheese."

Good to know

1

They charge a 4% fee for debit or credit card payments.

2

The restaurant has a drive-thru for convenient ordering.

3

You order at the counter and seat yourself.

13
HolySmoke Barbeque image 1

Barbecue restaurant with a laid back atmosphere and a backyard BBQ family vibe. Music plays softly while people enjoy their meals, creating a chill and welcoming energy. Known for perfectly smoked ribs and brisket, it often sells out of popular items by day's end.

Tender brisket stands out with skillful seasoning and authentic southern smoked flavors. The BBQ offers a real and satisfying experience that feels true to traditional barbecue.

Mac and cheese comes out well seasoned and tasty, with a texture that resembles a casserole. It pairs well with meats like brisket and ribs, making it a solid side choice.

People are saying

"The brisket here is smoked to perfection and incredibly tender."

"I found the BBQ here to be the best I've had in a long time."

"This Mac and Cheese is seasoned and tasty."

Good to know

1

Ribs cost $4 each.

2

We waited no longer than 10 minutes for our food.

3

There was limited parking available.

14
The Red Gill Bistro image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue restaurant with Hawaiian-inspired decor and tropical tiki-themed cocktails creates a relaxed, island vibe with upscale touches like real linen tables. Atmosphere shifts from quiet dining in the back to a merry, festive lounge filled with glittering decorations. Food features standout ribs and flavorful seafood, while drinks include expertly crafted rum cocktails and Bloody Marys.

Ribs come out tender with a rich barbecue sauce that stands out. The BBQ beans taste like enhanced Bush's beans, adding a familiar yet boosted flavor.

Mac and cheese features a blend of real cheeses that keeps it simple but tasty. It pairs well with dishes like brisket and burnt ends, offering a flavorful, comforting side.

People are saying

"The bar staff are super nice and always smiling."

"The owner is a passionate lady who makes amazing BBQ ribs."

"I loved the mac and cheese, it was so flavorful."

Good to know

1

An 18% gratuity is automatically added to all bills.

2

Reservations are recommended for special events like the Sippin Santa pop-up.

3

The restaurant requires online or kiosk ordering for food.

15
The Southern Grill image 1
Southern restaurant (US)

Southern restaurant offers a laid back atmosphere with live music and both indoor and outdoor seating. The space includes a spacious patio and multiple large TVs, creating a casual spot for food and games. The vibe is family-owned and community-focused, blending comfort with entertainment.

BBQ ribs and burgers stand out as specialties here. The BBQ offers great flavor that impresses even those from Texas, with options like sweet potato with sweet butter and BBQ omelettes adding variety.

Mac and cheese here has a creamy, Velveeta-style texture similar to Kraft. It serves as a solid, classic side alongside dishes like country fried steak and BBQ beans.

People are saying

"I found the food to be tasty and prepared perfectly."

"The BBQ sauce was off the chain and the pork was tender."

"The Mac and Cheese was just okay."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 PM.

2

Trivia night occurs every Tuesday with a lively atmosphere.

3

Live music features rotating bands on Friday nights.

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