5 Best Barbecue Joints in Brandon, Florida to Try

Just east of Tampa, Brandon combines suburban Florida living with a culinary scene that refuses to be boring.

Here, barbecue is as much about Southern roots as it is about good times—tailgates, patio parties, and family dinners.

The humid Gulf air, rich agriculture, and Florida’s multicultural spirit mean you’ll find everything from smoky pork to fried catfish, Memphis rubs to Cuban sides. Brandon’s BBQ is all about flavor—and plenty of it!

1. Smokin’ Pig BBQ

A Brandon essential for nearly two decades, Smokin’ Pig is all about real-deal barbecue: hickory-smoked pulled pork, sliced brisket, St. Louis–cut ribs, and a sweet-vinegar sauce that’s both tangy and crowd-pleasing.

Their loaded baked potato (stuffed with meat and fixings) is famous, and the sweet tea runs bottomless.

2. BubbaQue’s BBQ

A small Florida-based chain, BubbaQue’s offers enormous combos of pork, ribs, brisket, sausage, and classic sides (cheesy grits, fried okra, and BBQ beans).

You can “build your own feast” or dive into a BBQ sandwich topped with slaw and crispy onions. Retro picnic décor and “Bubba” humor make it fun for families.

3. Mission BBQ

This patriotic chain is all about community roots and military appreciation, but the food is no afterthought. Mission BBQ’s menu highlights all the regions—Texas brisket, North Carolina pulled pork, Kansas City burnt ends—and the sauces range from smoky Alabama white to zippy Memphis red. A portion of sales even supports veterans.

4. Florida Cracker Kitchen

Known for its Southern comfort and “Florida Cracker” heritage, this spot serves smoky barbecue in a friendly, rustic setting: try fried green tomato BLTs alongside pulled pork, sticky ribs, and scratch-made collards.

The bacon-wrapped meatloaf is a guilty pleasure, and, for dessert, nothing tops the homemade buttermilk pie.

5. Jimbo’s Pit Bar B-Q

An old-school, roadside-style BBQ joint, Jimbo’s has fed Brandon since 1970—and walking in feels like stepping back in time.

Pork is the star here, but the chicken and rib specials are worthy too. Everything is cooked over oak wood, and the hush puppies are always golden and piping hot.