Low and slow is the name of the game, and our readers know where to find the best smoke in Tampa Bay. Here are the restaurants TAMPA Magazine readers voted Best Barbecue in our 2026 Best Restaurants List, along with the runners-up and the spots voters also loved.
Winners
Wicked Oak Barbeque
Family-run Wicked Oak smokes brisket and St. Louis ribs in Seminole Heights, with sauces and sides made daily. Tampa touches include the pulled-pork “Que-Ban,” a guava BBQ sauce and empanadas, and the pork belly burnt ends are a standout.
- 4 Rivers Smokehouse
- MISSION BBQ
Runners-Up
- Big John’s Alabama BBQ
- The Brisket Shoppe
Voters Also Loved
- Southern Luv
- The Liberty Smokehouse
Barbecue in Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay’s barbecue scene mixes Texas-style brisket, Carolina pulled pork and St. Louis ribs with local flavors like guava glazes and Cuban-inspired sandwiches. Many of the area’s pitmasters smoke their meats daily and sell out early, so plan to arrive before the lunch rush for the best selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best barbecue in Tampa?
In TAMPA Magazine’s 2026 Best Restaurants List, readers named 4 Rivers Smokehouse, MISSION BBQ and Wicked Oak Barbeque the winners for Best Barbecue. Big John’s Alabama BBQ and The Brisket Shoppe were the runners-up.
How were the winners chosen?
The results are based entirely on votes from TAMPA Magazine readers in our annual Best Restaurants contest. Advertising has no bearing on the results.
Where can I find the other categories?
See every category on our 2026 Best Restaurants List, or browse the newest results on our Best Restaurants List.
« Back to the full 2026 Best Restaurants List
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