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Best of Tampa

Barbecue spots

Barbecue that respects the slow-smoking process, rather than the oven-baked shortcuts that masquerade as the real thing.

Based on 542 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Royal Thai Restaurant image 1
Royal Thai Restaurant image 2
Royal Thai Restaurant image 3
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Thai restaurant

Small dining space offers a quiet, calming atmosphere with a charming piano in the corner and a unique runway view of planes landing. The setting feels warm and inviting, blending comfort with tasteful, simple decor. It suits both casual meals and special occasions, accommodating groups up to ten.

Food reflects Bangkok style with dishes like pad krapow that locals crave. Service supports the authentic Thai cuisine experience consistently.

Barbecue here features grilled pork with jim jaew sauce and roast pork BBQ that melts in your mouth with sweet and citrus flavors. Sticky rice pairs well with the BBQ crispy pork for a balanced meal.

People are saying

"I thought this Thai food was the best I've ever had."

"I found the Thai food here to be truly authentic, just like mama makes it."

"I wanted something authentic and wasn't disappointed."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect to wait 30 minutes or more during peak hours on weekends.

3

It's best to arrive early on Friday and Saturday nights to avoid wait times.

02
Hamada kabob حمادة مشاوي image 1

Halal restaurant offers charcoal-grilled kabobs with food prepared fresh to order near the dining area. Atmosphere stays chill and family friendly with natural wood tables and a cozy, welcoming vibe reflecting Mediterranean culture.

Offers authentic Middle Eastern flavors with consistent quality in kabobs. The food tastes delicious and genuine to traditional recipes.

Food cooks right in front of you on the barbecue grill. Options include shawarmas, half chicken BBQ, and chicken platters.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious and flavorful."

"The food here tastes like home-cooked, authentic Middle Eastern flavors."

"I found the barbecue here to be the best in Tampa."

Good to know

1

Food is prepared fresh upon order, so expect a wait of 20-30 minutes.

2

Prices are very reasonable for the portion sizes provided.

3

All food served is halal, catering to dietary restrictions.

03
Hot Pot World (锅天下) image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Spacious dining area features hot pots and grills at each table with remote heat control for cooking. Atmosphere stays relaxed and warm with pop music setting a chill vibe. Guests enjoy all-you-can-eat buffet style with a sauce bar and Korean beer options.

Chinese-style marinated lamb skewers come with options for grilling or hotpot cooking, plus dry spices for dipping. The hot pot here stays true to authentic Chinese style throughout.

Offers a mix of hot pot and Korean BBQ with an impressive variety of fresh vegetables, meats, and seafood. The lamb skewer, pork belly, and peppered beef stand out for BBQ, paired well with a house sauce mixed with garlic and cilantro from the sauce bar.

People are saying

"The marinated meats and shrimp for the BBQ were extremely good."

"The all-you-can-eat barbecue options were amazing."

"I found the Chinese style hot pot here to be 100% authentic."

Good to know

1

Hot Pot World offers all-you-can-eat options for $19.99.

2

A 15% discount is available for birthday celebrations.

3

The restaurant provides snow crab upon request at no extra charge.

04
BJ’s Alabama BBQ! image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Old gas station style with an old school mobile wood pit smoker out front creates a small town feel and signals authentic barbecue methods. Atmosphere stays family friendly and welcoming, with a relaxed, positive energy. Walls decorated with college banners add local character to the cozy interior.

Barbecue cooks old style over oak wood, delivering an authentic southern kitchen feel. The flavors capture traditional Alabama barbecue perfectly.

Barbecue features a tangy vinegar sauce with a smoky flavor and a hint of sweetness. The food has a strong reputation for being excellent and is considered among the best BBQ in Tampa.

People are saying

"I found the BBQ here to be damn good."

"I found the barbecue here to be damn good."

"I found the barbecue here to be authentic, cooked old style over oak wood."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open Wednesday through Saturday only, with a break from 3 to 4 pm.

2

They are closed on Sunday through Tuesday.

3

The restaurant often runs out of popular items like chicken and ribs.

05
Konan BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue restaurant with hole-in-the-wall vibes and a friendly, home-like atmosphere. Blues music and the rich aroma of wood smoke create a warm, inviting mood. Offers indoor and outdoor seating with plenty of space and parking.

Authentic BBQ shines here with Carolina-style flavors and soulful preparation. The dishes deliver a genuine taste that satisfies cravings for true barbecue.

Barbecue here stands out with its rich flavor and authentic taste that many find unmatched in the region. The menu includes a unique Pineapple sweet tea that complements the smoky dishes well.

People are saying

"The BBQ here is packed with amazing flavor."

"The barbecue here is packed with amazing flavor."

"This place offers authentic, classic barbecue that really hit the spot."

Good to know

1

Backpacks are given out the day before school starts.

2

Expect a long line at opening for lunch.

3

Get there early as they often run out of food.

06
K-chicken & Grill Korean BBQ image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Korean barbecue restaurant offers self-grill and full-service options with small grills and tables suited for intimate groups. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming with lively K-pop music enhancing a chill vibe. Many enjoy the authentic Korean fried chicken and a variety of soju flavors in a casual, comfortable setting.

Korean style chicken tastes very authentic, just like in Korea. The all-you-can-eat menu offers authentic Korean cuisine with consistently delicious flavors.

All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ offers a great family dinner experience with excellent service and prompt seating even when busy. The spot works well for first-timers and groups celebrating special occasions.

People are saying

"The servers here are so attentive and sweet with Korean food."

"Gina kept bringing us plenty of Barbecue meat and sides to try."

"I found the Korean food here to be truly authentic."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat option requires the entire table to participate.

2

An automatic 18% tip is added for using the Korean Grill.

3

There is a 2-hour time limit for the all-you-can-eat option.

07
LaMeiZi Hot Pot & BBQ 辣妹子火锅烧烤 image 1

Asian restaurant offers sunken hot pot tables and an island buffet for self-selection of ingredients. Spacious layout includes private rooms and a smoke machine to remove BBQ odors. Atmosphere is beautiful and relaxing with clean, welcoming decor and koi fish wall art.

Offers authentic Chinese hotpot with genuine broth and true Asian flavors at reasonable prices.

Offers a huge selection of meats, seafood, and vegetables for barbecue. Features some of the freshest seafood found at Korean BBQ spots. Combines barbecue with hot pot in a buffet style.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The service for the Barbecue was amazing and always attentive."

"I found the Chinese hot pot broth to be truly authentic."

Good to know

1

Karaoke starts at 9pm on weekends, perfect for a fun night out.

2

Birthday meals are free, making it a great spot for celebrations.

3

Hotpot costs $35 per person during lunch, including a drink.

08
TAQUERIA EL TRIUNFO image 1
Taco restaurant

Food truck with a screened-in patio and picnic tables offers a calm, family-oriented atmosphere. The space feels recently updated with attention to seating comfort. The vibe stays relaxed, making it a quiet spot for enjoying meals outdoors.

Food shows authentic Mexican flavors with prompt service. Dishes deliver great flavor and a genuine taste experience.

BBQ grilled chicken stands out as a key offering. Food cooks on barbecue and tastes good. Taking it to go avoids the BBQ smoke smell.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food, especially the tacos, was the best I've ever eaten."

"I found the food prompt, delicious, and authentic here."

"I thought the tacos were the best, made with handmade tortillas."

Good to know

1

Street parking is available near the location.

2

Prices for tacos range from $3 to $4 each.

3

They close late at 10 PM.

09
Flaming Mountain Chinese Grill & Skewer Bar 火焰山烧烤&烤鱼 image 1

Casual Chinese restaurant with authentic Sichuan flavors and street-side barbecue style. Atmosphere is noisy and crowded with close seating that encourages sharing. Decor is simple with bright walls and a kitchen visible from the front, creating a lively but unpretentious vibe.

Authentic Asian flavors shine through with Szechuan and Northeastern Chinese barbecue dishes. Lamb kebabs and spicy street-side barbecue bring genuine northern Chinese cuisine tastes.

Authentic Northeastern Chinese barbecue flavors come through clearly with traditional grilling methods. The BBQ oyster stands out as a delicious highlight among the offerings.

People are saying

"I found the Chinese food here to be truly authentic and not Americanized."

"I found the grilled fish to be super delicious."

"I found the Chinese barbecue here to be really authentic."

Good to know

1

Karaoke is available for those who are brave enough to participate.

2

All noodles are 20% off from January 4th to January 7th.

3

Expect long wait times for takeout orders, sometimes up to an hour.

10
Big John's Alabama BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Smokey aroma of oak wood fills a cozy space with rustic décor and local sports memorabilia. Friendly, family-like atmosphere with sounds of meat being chopped behind the counter. Focus on authentic southern BBQ with strong smoky flavors and excellent sauces.

Smoked barbecue features authentic Alabama-style flavors prepared right in front of you. Dishes offer mouth watering Southern taste with reasonable prices and genuine hospitality.

Authentic Alabama-style barbecue features tender pulled chicken with a signature BBQ sauce. Generous portions come with a clean and friendly environment and a notably good BBQ sauce and Tea Punch.

People are saying

"I considered this the best BBQ spot I've ever had."

"I considered this the best Barbecue spot I've ever had."

"I found the authentic Alabama-style barbecue here to be tender and well smoked."

Good to know

1

Expect a 20-minute wait for chicken during peak hours.

2

Arrive early to avoid running out of high-demand items.

3

Parking is limited during lunch and dinner times.

11
Jubao Palace Noodle Bar (in Seminole Hard Rock Tampa) image 1

Small, crowded Asian restaurant with shared tables and a lively, relaxed vibe. Lines form consistently due to popular, authentic Chinese-style BBQ and noodle soup. Drinks like espresso martinis and passion fruit margaritas add to the energetic atmosphere.

Food features fresh ingredients and rich, flavorful broths with high quality roasted meats. Dishes focus on authentic Chinese-style BBQ and noodle soups.

Combination plates feature spare ribs, duck, and barbecue pork with good flavor. The BBQ ribs are tender and well-seasoned, matching the quality of the barbecue pork and roasted duck.

People are saying

"The noodle soup here has such a rich, flavorful broth."

"The Barbecue ribs here are tender and perfectly seasoned."

"I loved the authentic Asian noodle dishes with rich, flavorful broths."

Good to know

1

Expect a 20-minute wait to get seated during peak hours.

2

Bottled water costs $5, so consider bringing your own.

3

The restaurant is located in a smoking area, leading to a strong smoke smell.

12
Jerk Pit image 1
Jamaican restaurant

Caribbean atmosphere fills the space with reggae music and colorful decor creating a warm and welcoming vibe. The energy stays lively and authentic, making it feel like home. The dining area is small but clean, hosting a crowd that appreciates genuine Jamaican culture.

Jamaican food here has authentic flavor with fresh, hot dishes and grilled jerk chicken. The small, clean dining area serves true Caribbean seasoning that stands out.

Spicy and flavorful jerk BBQ ribs come with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. The BBQ jerk chicken pairs well with rice and peas, cabbage, and sides like Mac and cheese and various patties.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, well-seasoned, and deeply satisfying."

"The food here is authentic, fresh, and full of rich Caribbean flavors."

"The jerk barbecue ribs are seasoned perfectly spicy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Sundays have dinner pricing, which is considered worth it.

2

The weekday lunch specials offer great value.

3

There are many vegan options available.

13
Naz's Halal Food - Tampa image 1
Halal restaurant

Halal restaurant offers a clean and spacious interior with bright lighting and beautiful wall art. Atmosphere feels relaxed and lively, creating a welcoming vibe that feels like home. Seating is plentiful, supporting a comfortable dining experience.

Food captures an authentic NYC gyro vibe with New York-style halal cart flavors. Chicken over rice and gyros come with incredibly high quality and true street cart style.

Spicy BBQ wings come breaded and coated in a sauce that balances sweet and heat. The menu also features a cheeseburger and a variety of platters including chicken options.

People are saying

"I found the food here delicious and flavorful."

"I found authentic New York-style halal food here."

"You have to try the spicy Barbecue wings; they're breaded and perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

The portions are super generous, making it a good deal.

2

They charge $2.60 for a water bottle.

3

The restaurant is very clean.

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