Follow the smoke to what local BBQ Hall of Famer Ray Lampe, better known as Dr. BBQ, calls "..the only truly American cuisine," and sample what Tampa has to offer when it comes to the "art of the BBQ".  BBQ in Tampa is an art, a skill-set to be learned and perfected over time.  We are fortunate to have many dedicated practitioners among us, people experimenting with flavor profiles, and methods, as they perfect their brand. With the summer coming up about to explode across the Bay area what better time than now to suggest you relax while passing the tongs to an expert.  Call today,  pre-order for the holiday, or swing by soon to sample the best Barbecue in Tampa Bay for your next lunch or dinner.  

Though not complete, Follow the Smoke | 12 of the Best BBQ Joints in Tampa is a list of great BBQ joints found locally, some you may know, others probably not! Discover the differences, try them all; we double-dog dare ya!  

Read how you can contribute to this article below! We want to know what you think!
BBQ is something you 'enjoy', NOT just 'something you eat'. Involving all the senses from the first smell to the look, to the sound of joyous people about us, to that first soft, savory bite; with gooey hands, we wipe the corners of our mouths and smile. Good BBQ does that.  So follow that smoke, and get your hands on the best BBQ in Tampa Bay today!

Let us know what your picks for Best Barbecue restaurants in Tampa are in the comments below, we are always looking to add to our lists, searching for the best of the best we will check it out and can add them to the list. Register on the site to begin sharing your thoughts and reviews as you too connect to the businesses you support.  We look forward to hearing from you! 

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Station House BBQ
4.9  5 Rating (4)
16319 North Florida Avenue, Lutz FL, 33549
Station House BBQ is cooking all of your favorites with a hip new spin on the traditional barbeque. Using the freshest ingredients, we make real food for...
The Deviled Pig
5.0  5 Rating (3)
3307 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa FL, 33629
A Tampa original serving up Classic Modern BBQ, Original Sandwiches, and Pitmaster Pizza. With Extreme Chef Terry French and World Sandwich Champion Jennifer...
Mission BBQ | Tampa Offices
Restaurant
5005 West Laurel Street, Tampa FL, 33607
At Mission BBQ you will find two friends passionate about superior BBQ, patriotic for the U.S.A.; these are people who run their business with meaning and purpose. Follow the link above to their 813area page and their website to read more. The food is great, the atmosphere special and their purpose, divine! Hurry out to dine at Mission BBQ!
Al's Finger Licking Good BBQ
4.8  5 Rating (5)
1609 Angel Oliva Sr St, Tampa FL, 33605
Located in a bungalow off 7th Ave in historic Ybor City, Al's Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que is dedicated to serving the most delicious BBQ while demonstrating true Southern hospitality. A previous Best of the Bay award winner, Al will be open on Monday, the 4th of July 2016! Stop in and grab a slab, but get there early, you do not want to miss out!
New World Brewery
4.4  5 Rating (7)
810 E Skagway Ave, Tampa FL, 33604
Located in Tampa's prime entertainment district, New World Brewery brings you the best in original music from the local independent music scene to recognized and respected national bands, along with simple, honest, delicious BBQ. Bring your four-legged friends, enjoy craft brews and amazing BBQ on the patio at New World Brewery one day soon!
BJ's Alabama BBQ
Restaurant
3307 S. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa FL, 33629
BJ's is a premier destination for top of the line, authentic Southern barbecue in Tampa. Stop by this no-frills eatery for a hearty dose of everything from ribs to pulled pork, smoked chicken, brisket and more. A long-time resident of the South Tampa restaurant scene, resident's are familiar with the irresistible smells emanating from Big John's BBQ. A real treat, stop by today, and don't forget to order the cornbread!!!
Holy Hog Barbecue South Tampa
Restaurant $$
4004 Henderson Blvd, Tampa FL, 33629
Become a member of the Hog Nation at the “HOG”, you know you want to, truly great barbecue is what they do. As a member of the 'Nation' you receive special offers, discounts and prizes. Heck, you get 10% off your next meal just for signing up! Holy Hog is a family-friendly restaurant serving the very best southern B-B-Q in the Tampa Bay area. Enjoy all your favorites, dine-in or take out!
4 Rivers Smokehouse | South Tampa
4.9  5 Rating (3)
623 S MacDill Ave, Tampa FL, 33609
Founded in Winter Park, 4 Rivers Smokehouse opened their 8th location in South Tampa at Swann and Mac Dill this year. Dine-in or take-out at the convenient streetside window, call ahead and it's a breeze to swing by and grab dinner any night. If you love great BBQ beans, theirs are difficult to beat! We love everything about this modern, eclectic BBQ. You will too!
Smokin' Aces BBQ & Steakhouse
2.6  3 Rating (2)
Plant City FL, 33563
It's ALL good at this family owned and operated business with 2 locations, a food truck, and a catering operation, Smokin' Aces can be found in Lakeland and Plant City. Hours are as follows at these locations:
Lakeland: (Lunch Only)

Monday-Thursday: 11am-4pm
Friday: 11am-5pm
Saturday: (OPEN FOR PRIVATE PARTIES)
Sunday: (OPEN FOR PRIVATE PARTIES)
Plant City:

Monday-Thursday: 11am-9pm
Friday-Saturday: 11am-10pm
Sunday: 11am-8pm
Peck's Flamed Broiled Chicken
Restaurant
8203 US Hwy 301, Tampa FL, 33578
Peck's Flame Broiled Chicken is the healthiest and tastiest chicken around! At Peck's you find only farm fresh grade-A chickens marinated in a special blend of herbs and spices sure to keep you coming back!
Restaurant $$
8624 US 301 S., Riverview FL, 33573
Located inside the BP gas station, Trust Me BBQ seriously has the BEST NAME EVER! How can you not trust this family-owned BBQ eatery specializing in traditional and Caribbean inspired BBQ, with everything from jerk chicken to ribs, red beans and rice, and more, they put soul on a plate!
Johnson BBQ
5.0  5 Rating (1)
1407 West Doctor Martin Luther King Junior Bouleva, Plant City FL, 33563
Everyone loves the barbecue at Grandpa Johnson's BBQ in Plant City! Known to locals for years, this place is road-trip worthy if you live out of the Plant City area. Take a drive and savor great BBQ flavor!
5.0  5 Rating (1)
4103 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa FL, 33609
Deluxe Bar-B-Q Chicken & Ribs serving breakfast, lunch & dinner. Jimbo's Pit BBQ also offers catering.