West Palm Beach is sun, palms, and ocean breezes—but it’s also got a hidden hunger for smoky, meaty comfort food.
Florida barbecue here is colorful: a mix of Southern tradition, Caribbean zest, and the bold flavor experiments of a city where every meal feels like a party.
Think saucy ribs, tropical glazes, and pitmasters who turn backyard barbecues into citywide celebrations.
Tropical Smokehouse
The name says it all: fresh local seafood (think smoked fish dip and grilled shrimp), succulent brisket, and pork slow-cooked over oak.
Their sweet-heat guava BBQ sauce and creative sides (elote, plantains, yucca fries) will make you rethink what Florida barbecue can be.
Okeechobee Prime BBQ
With a pedigree in high-end steakhouses, Okeechobee marries great beef and down-home barbecue technique.
Try the brisket sandwich or order the massive meat platters.
Their house-pickled veggies and cornbread are the perfect sweet-salty balance.
Park Avenue BBQ Grille
A local mini-chain with a devoted following, Park Avenue does all the classics—fall-off-the-bone baby backs, pulled pork, smoked chicken—plus Southern-style sides like collard greens and baked beans.
Easy, fast, and friendly, it’s a comfort-food champion.
Shorty’s BBQ
A South Florida legend for decades, Shorty’s keeps it real with no-fuss rib plates, hearty brisket, and all manner of sandwiches.
Their tangy slaw and French fries are almost as iconic as the slow-cooked meats. Check their specials for punchy sauces with local roots (including a mean mustard-based option).
Big John’s BBQ and Soul Food
Come for the ribs, but don’t leave without sampling the smoky chicken and soul food sides (think collards, black-eyed peas, and sweet potato pie).
Big John’s is all about home-style flavor and warm family vibes—a “hidden gem” according to locals.
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