318768 Fri Aug 18 17:53:04 -0700 2006 91 10 Florida 0 1817542 Here are my top three...please share yours. 1. Flanigans (although it's a chain and not a BBQ joint), I have yet to savour better ribs in any of the state's BBQ joints. 2. Shorty's their spare rib lunch special is hard to beat. 3. Mama Lucy's soul style from the hood of Opa Locka, NW 119th St and 22nd Ave. Take out works well for me! I'm just getting over my rib burnout from a year or so ago, so I look forward to some great recomendations. Thanks FLA! Fri Aug 18 17:53:04 -0700 2006 14634 netmover 1 1818715 1. Uncle Jones in Altamonte. Get a slab to go, (not worth eating in) and order some collards and cornbread if you want, maybe some sweet potato pie to go with it. Wonderful. 2. Shorty's/Shivers -- I just renewed my rib fix last weekend at the Shorty's in South Miami on Bird Road. Good as ever. I devoured a rib (spare, not babyback) plate, some corn, two orders of the best slaw in the world, and a sliced (not pulled) pork sandwich. Don't be fooled by any of the other sauces. The pulled pork comes mixed with a sweet sauce. Ugh. Get the sliced and the original sauce. Also ate half a chicken breast, tasted some babybacks and had two huge glasses of sweet tea. The Homestead vesion is called Shiver's. Same food, just as good. Maybe a bit simpler menu. Sauce is the same, as is the coleslaw. 3. Blackwater's in Orlando. Just opened a second location in north College Park. I describe their style as Kanasas City, because they serve sauce with the meal. Bother the sauce. The dry-rubbed ribs are more Memphis style and pretty good. I've also had good barbecue at People's and Lucille's in Miami, but only once for each so I'm hesitant to rank them. I did like People's a lot, however. I know, Tom Jenkins and all the rest. I'm researching a book on Florida barbecue, so load this thread up with lots of information so I can pick and choose where to go. Bob Sat Aug 19 02:00:17 -0700 2006 1817542 11157 Bob Mervine 2 3974012 Well Bob, if you are looking down from that Smorgasbord in the sky, I have come out of hiding to thank you for your Shriver's BBQ recommendation. Although they are "now" unrelated to Shorty's, they are eerily similar, well everything but the food that is! Shriver's Spare Ribs are the best I have ever savored! Head and heels above their bobbsey twin to the North. Thanks again for that and all the other gems you gave us back in the day. May you RIP. Wed Aug 20 20:32:55 -0700 2008 1818715 14634 netmover 1 1818897 Dammit Bob, I really need to try Blackwater's and Uncle Jones (especially because I live so close to the latter). Is O-Boys any good? I pass the one on Fairbanks in Winter Park all the time. By the way, I've tried the Bubbalou's on Lee Road twice now, and I still prefer Sonny's. Sat Aug 19 04:53:51 -0700 2006 1817542 14120 Big Bad Voodoo Lou 2 1819115 O-Boys isn't bad, but to me it has nothing special beyond the usual list of meats and sauce. I'll eat there, but I won't go out of my way to eat there. I heard about the new Blackwater's location on the radio last night. I thought they said it was on Edgewater, which would put it in College Park. I am trying to get more details. If so, that might be a more convenient location for you. Another place I should have mentioned and forgot is called "It's A Secret," which refers to the cook's wonderful sauce. She does both Jamaican style and smoked chicken as well as ribs and pulled pork. Don't recall if they serve beef. Located just north of Curry Ford Road on Bumby on the east side in a tiny strip mall. You have to look for the signs. She makes powerful good 'cue, a nice tangy sauce and good sides. As for Bubbalou's, they fall pretty much in the same category as O-Boy's for me, except for the lamb and those wonderful cold beers in the tub. Bob Sat Aug 19 12:54:02 -0700 2006 1818897 11157 Bob Mervine 3 2305928 Ditto what Bob said. Uncle Jones and Blackwater's get my vote, although I havent visited Blackwater's College Park location yet. O-boys and Bubbalous are just OK. Sun Feb 18 22:04:29 -0800 2007 1819115 75700 Jakamofena 1 1819147 Forgot to mention Wildsides's in Thornton Park. He has a couple of other locations, at least one I know of in Kissimmee, but the original is the only one I've dined at. All the meat is smoked, ribs are quite good and really doesn't need sauce. Chicken is the best, again it doesn't need sauce. I also like his pork -- he does a Cuban style sandwich with the pork that is quite good. Bob Sat Aug 19 13:30:40 -0700 2006 1817542 11157 Bob Mervine 2 3829861 I second the St. Louis ribs at Wildside's in Thornton Park (downtown Orlando). Best ribs in Orlando, and I think I've tried them all. No sauce needed at all - their dry rub with the smoky flavors is heaven. I'm glad to hear Uncle Jone's is still going - I need to get back up there. Those were damn good ribs! And I just had ribs at Bono's in Gainesville and they were very impressive. Smoky, and literally falling off the bone tender. Great sauces, too. Tue Jul 01 10:02:36 -0700 2008 1819147 201381 jadea3 1 2065392 st louie style smokies-it's the "pink ring" @ Smokey Bones FLA/USA Sun Dec 03 05:07:05 -0800 2006 1817542 14634 netmover 2 2065412 Better get ready for a change. Darden is testing a new concept to replace Smokey Bones, I think it will be gone in 2 years. Bob Sun Dec 03 05:17:28 -0800 2006 2065392 11157 Bob Mervine 3 2065418 ok now don't leave us hangin'... Sun Dec 03 05:24:20 -0800 2006 2065412 14634 netmover 3 2065752 I guess their going to try to make some of thier "corporate-que" that can actually be eaten by people that like barbecue. I have a rule that say's never flame others for their opinions, but I'll make an exception for Smokey Bones. They are, if not the absolute worst, at least one of the poorest excuses for a barbecue restaurant. Indedible, yes, even I couldn't choke it down and I lived on MRE's and vat can rations for years. Televisions and donughts do not a BBQ place make. Sun Dec 03 14:58:06 -0800 2006 2065412 22801 bkhuna 4 2929662 I'll second that about Smoky Bones. Certainly we can do better than that here on this forum with all the foodies that hang out. I mean if we do Smoky Bones, let's just go ahead and stick Sonny's on this list(ok let's not). The best ribs I've had in Fla was at the Taste of Pinellas by a vendor called Brothers BBQ. I think they have a stall at one of the Flea Markets in the Clearwater area, off Ft Harrison Rd. I have the card stashed at home. Tue Sep 11 05:16:44 -0700 2007 2065752 120560 Baguaplayer 4 3574604 Can you provide an address ? I drive that road frequently and have never not seen a flea market or 'que joint. There used to be a eat outside/take it with you place just south of Morton Plant Hospital; but it closed at least 2 years ago. The only decent 'que that I've found in Pinellas County is Eli's in Dunedin. But he's open only on Friday and Saturday from noon to 6pm. I concur re: The Bones. Tue Apr 08 14:53:48 -0700 2008 2065752 90338 shurshot 1 2065586 They have opened a place called Rocky River Grillhouse in a suburb south of Clevland that retains some of the look of Smokey Bones, but with a radically different menu that doesn't have much, if any bbq. What they will do with the concept is up in the air -- but Darden has been pretty clear that it isn't happy with Smokey Bones in its current configuration and they have already redone the menu to "broaden its base" to be more attractive to non-bbq lovers. Bob Sun Dec 03 10:46:24 -0800 2006 1817542 11157 Bob Mervine 2 2065640 That makes particular sense outside the traditional barbecue belt. I suspect that many middle- to upper-middle-class customers are put off by the sight of pink pork. As for the South, I wonder if some of Smokey Bones' lukewarm success in its original form comes down to enduring attachment to local styles of 'cue among people who care about the stuff. And maybe the people who want to eat ribs in a homogenized theme-restaurant prefer mushy, baked baby-backs. [This chunk of the thread should probably be retitled and moved to Chains.] Sun Dec 03 12:47:48 -0800 2006 2065586 10465 hatless 1 2065760 I think the problem with Smokey Bones' lack of success is that the meat tastes like *#)^. What can you expect from Darden though. Smokey Bones is to BBQ what Olive Garden is to Italian. Cheap food for the early bird and coupon crowd. There's not a nicer way to say it. Sun Dec 03 15:02:11 -0800 2006 1817542 22801 bkhuna 1 2080350 I got to put Mama Lucy's at the Top of my list...ain't nothing like the real thing. Liberty City, 305, MIA, the bottom! Any one tried their Sause??? What does that mean??? Pork somethin' I was told and "it's good"!!! Fri Dec 08 00:16:40 -0800 2006 1817542 14634 netmover 2 3007973 Chopped-up ears, snouts, tails, what-have-you cooked up in a spicy gravy. The word is "Souse". Good stuff if done right. Fri Oct 05 10:29:41 -0700 2007 2080350 10933 flavrmeistr 3 3008167 Souse-this one's pure ears, from the Great Souse truck outside Take One lounge on NE 79th St-nightly; and a rib sandwich from the House of Bargains parking lot rib guy-Thursday and Friday only. He smokes them starting at 7AM, and doesn't start serving 'til 10:30. Get there quick! Fri Oct 05 11:15:26 -0700 2007 3007973 41156 Miami Danny 1 2228097 I know this may be a bit dated, but I ran across this post and decided to mention Rib City in Ft. Myers. Since expanding their service has become dodgy at best, but they serve a good rack of ribs, for south Florida anyhow. Thu Jan 25 20:16:27 -0800 2007 1817542 69116 notgreg 1 2228709 I think we need a post for "Worst Ribs in Florida". Sonny's would have to be on the top of the list. I had ribs there once that tasted like rubber. ugh. Fri Jan 26 05:03:16 -0800 2007 1817542 19119 Tandoori Girl 1 2229080 Net, I haven't had their ribs outright, but the Rockin' Rib Rolls at Flanigan's, sorta like an egg roll with rib meat, are fantastic. I thought they were a ready-made frozen Sysco type of food (since I worked at Sysco now I'm suspiciuos of anything like that) but DH was a server there (for about a day) and he says he saw them being lovingly prepared by hand in the back. That gets extra points from me! I was never a rib fan, and just started eating more of them. My favorite comes from our own grill, but I love the baby backs at Woody's and at Roadhouse. I know they're chains, but I've just started, ok?! :-P Roadhouse has some time of Jim Beam or other whiskey-based sauce, and it's awesome. Woody's has tons of meat. On a side note, Bob, do make time in your book research to check out Bono's in Stuart on Federal Highway. I haven't had their ribs, but the rest of their Q is pretty awesome. They do a Carolina-style pulled pork sandwich, which I'm not fond of, but other than that their pulled pork, chicken, turkey, etc. are pink-smoked and extremely juicy and flavorful. Fri Jan 26 07:37:24 -0800 2007 1817542 12858 Covert Ops 1 2229090 some lake county choices, although i'm not recommending cause i haven't eaten at any except for sugarboos, which i do indeed enjoy on a regular basis - i'm just providing the info in case anyone wants to try 'em out........ http://www.lakegovernment.com/enjoying_lake_county/barbecue.aspx also, choctaw willie's in winter garden is pretty good as i recall. Fri Jan 26 07:39:01 -0800 2007 1817542 51618 hitachino 1 2231620 In no particular order for Broward area: - Flanigans - LOVE Flanny's - Chez Porky's - great raspberry bbq sauce - Houstons - another chain but great ribs - Michael's Kitchen in Hollywood - hoisin BBQ sauce served over fried rice. Fri Jan 26 17:23:22 -0800 2007 1817542 49086 amyvc 1 2231765 Uncle Jones here in Orlando is about the best I've had in Florida. But if I want ribs I go to the source and have them shipped. "17th street bar and grill" in Murphysboro, IL. 4 time world champion at Memphis in May and best ribs I ever ate IMO. http://www.17thstreetbarbecue.com/index.htm Fri Jan 26 18:18:58 -0800 2007 1817542 16994 theflytyr 2 2986244 I haven't found a really good rib in South Florida yet. I am unimpressed with Smokey Bones, Tom Jenkins and Flanigans and don't think they can compete with real southern BBQ joints, as found in plenty of other states. The beef ribs that are sometimes on the menu in the Coral Gables Houston's are pretty good, though, and even their regular pork ones are usually decent, but again, not world class and there are much better items on their menu. I think your idea of having really good ribs shipped from some place that knows their ribs is a fine plan and I'm going to check it out :) BTW, the place you linked to above has just been awarded Best Ribs in USA by Bon Appetit magazine. They must be doing something right - Cheers :) Fri Sep 28 12:31:03 -0700 2007 2231765 125681 DagnyTaggart 3 2987189 "17 th street" shows up at the Big Apple bbq Block Party every year, full rig, with Mike Mills himself in attendance. I have eaten them a number of times, the best ribs? maybe. I think Tom Jenkins is every bit as good. Fri Sep 28 16:50:29 -0700 2007 2986244 14555 stuartlafonda 4 3007958 1. Tom Jenkins in Ft.Laud. 2. Miracle Rib in Ft. Pierce 3. CW Barbeque in Hobe Sound 4. Norris' Ribs in Ft. Pierce 5. Scruby's in Pembroke Pines Fri Oct 05 10:25:43 -0700 2007 2987189 10933 flavrmeistr 1 2231816 About once a month I pop in to 'Down To The Bone BBQ' off of HWY 60 in Brandon... I get the ribs plain---no sauce---although their sauces are good... 'First Choice BBQ' in Brandon gets mentioned a lot but 3 outta 5 times I'm really disappointed when I get stuff from there... A few weeks ago I got a rack to go at 'First Choice' and they were tiny... I HATED paying $20.00 for that, and I said so--- but I did follow thru with the dealio--- The guy could not have cared less that I was disappointed... He just stared at me... The box barely weighed a pound... I ate the whole thing and I was still hungry! A RACK! The racks I get at 'Kojak's' (last week) and 'Down To The Bone' (two days ago) weighed M-M-MUCH more! The styro lids barely close... I ate 3-4 'Down To The Bone' ribs and I wasn't hungry no more... I ate a few later, and my wife had a couple... The taste and texture are consistently great! Meaty, 'just smokey enough', and the meat pulls clean from the bone without being mooshy, like BBQ paté... I have an aversion when it tastes like I'm doing shots of liquid smoke... I classify ribs like that as 'generic'... And-------------- the character, smiles, service, warmth, pride, and professionalism, of the owners and employees are just the best! 'Down To The Bone BBQ'.... Really 'delicious' Ribs... For me, they've been consistently better than First Choice... Oh, and the ONE TIME at 'Down To The Bone' when the ribs were smaller than usual, the owner mentioned it first, assuring me that he added a few extras to make up for it... I remember the ribs that day were just insanely good! Thick, tender, juicy, and perfectly flavored/seasoned/crafted... 110 S Kings Ave Brandon, FL 33511 653-9903 Fri Jan 26 18:34:08 -0800 2007 1817542 10783 Mild Bill 1 2268381 King's Taste in Mount Dora -- I'm not really a ribs girl, but their ribs are smoked in such a way that the whole top of the rack is like bacon. mustard/vinegar sauce, too -- I'm from the midwest so that was a new one, but it was delicious. kind of a shady neighborhood, but worth it. Wed Feb 07 09:33:33 -0800 2007 1817542 71006 waffle789 2 2274784 Shhhh. don't mention King's Taste. It's bad enough driving two hours to get there and find they've run out without you telling everone about it. Let's keep it our little secret. :) Thu Feb 08 20:49:54 -0800 2007 2268381 22801 bkhuna 1 2270093 Tom Jenkins!!! Bar none in Fort Lauderdale. Any given weekday you are going to be rubbing elbows with a crowd of all aspects of society. Cash only and closed on Sundays "It is the day of the Lord" prominently displayed over the counter. I have not tried them in years, since I became kosher. Still hear about it. On a different note, I'd like to contact the owners of the web-site to suggest separating Florida geographically. It is a long state and I don't think that what applies to Monroe, Dade, Broward & Palm Beach is pertinent for someone looking for something in Central or North Florida. Do you know how to do that? Wed Feb 07 15:14:36 -0800 2007 1817542 62974 mrotmd 2 2271716 If you're just kosher-by-known-ingredients when eating out, don't forget that Tom Jenkins also puts out fantastic chicken, with the same smoky goodness as the pork items. Thu Feb 08 06:18:26 -0800 2007 2270093 10465 hatless 2 2297142 No reason to separate the state (it's big - but a lot of us have spent lots of years living in it and exploring it). I would however say - as someone who lives in NE Florida - that talking about getting the best ribs in Florida - and then concentrating on south Florida - is like talking about getting the best stone crabs in Florida - and then concentrating on Jacksonville ;). I can get better ribs at any local county fair than you get at Tom Jenkins. Robyn Thu Feb 15 15:29:50 -0800 2007 2270093 47697 pvgirl 3 2297923 Exactly my point! So Fla is becoming a foodie heaven. Not so much as a ribs place. The kosher-by-known-ingredients is almost doable in vegan places. Short of that, stakes are too high :) Thu Feb 15 19:59:57 -0800 2007 2297142 62974 mrotmd 1 2270920 This is a really easy question. Best ribs, in order- First place- Tom Jenkins (N. Federal Hiway in Ft Lauderdale) Big drawbacks are closed Sundays, no beer, no credit cards, nowhere to sit (there are about 6 picnic tables for seating) and GIANT lines... Call ahead to take out. Weekends they have peach cobbler to die for for dessert. Also, they have lemonade made with 3 ingredients, just the way God meant it to be -lemons, sugar, water, period! Second place- Scruby's (Pembroke Pines, University and Pines) Great pork, spectacular sides (I would kill for the beans and slaw) Nice smokiness. Always crowded. Third place- Jack's Smokehouse (Oakland Pk Rd between I95 and West Dixie) Ribs are similar to Tom Jenkins, sides aren't as good, but they do sell beer and take credit cards and are open Sundays and you can find a place to sit, so that compensates a lot. Fourth place (distant 4th) is Shorty's. (locations in Kendall by Dadeland Mall and Davie at University and Stirling) I used to love this place (well, the one in Kendall) but it got gussied up when they rebuilt after Hurricane Andrew blew it away. Installed actual glass windows, fer pete's sake! And the food kind of suffered. Plus, I just find their sauce yucky. Ordinary bottle of BBQ sauce from Publix is better. Still, the meat is nicely smoked and pretty tasty, so I just skip the sauce. Wed Feb 07 19:22:46 -0800 2007 1817542 48416 kate7047 1 2272972 Brothers & Sisters pork ribs in Ocoee (Orlando) - mmmmmmmmmmmm Thu Feb 08 11:42:32 -0800 2007 1817542 15138 YosemiteSam 2 2274789 This place is most definitely worth the two hour drive. Wonder food, wonderful people. One of my absolute favorites. Thu Feb 08 20:50:49 -0800 2007 2272972 22801 bkhuna 1 2285070 1. The Miracle Rib, Avenue "D" in Ft. Pierce. Best ribs and sauce anywhere, neighborhood is deadly. 2. Tom Jenkins in Ft. Laud.--What can I say? I fly into FLL just for the ribs and collards. 3. Scruby's in Pembroke Pines--Decent ribs, sliced pork is better. Good sauces. Scruby's is what Sonny's wishes it was. 4. Dale's Barbecue in Ft. Pierce--Sentimental favorite. 5. Woody's--My favorite rib chain, especially the one on 27 in Lake Wales. Mon Feb 12 12:05:29 -0800 2007 1817542 10933 flavrmeistr 2 3870701 Do you think that Norris's Ribs, which won "Best Ribs" in St. Lucie county, are better than Miracle or Dale's? I only ask cause: - I don't confess to being a ribs man - My 90 y/o mother (now in Jax) keeps talking about Norton's. - So instead of flying into JAX over Labor Day weekend, I'm going to Ft. Lauderdale first (beach time for me) then DRIVE up and pick up some Norris's Ribs. www.norrisribs.com Tue Jul 15 11:26:32 -0700 2008 2285070 209984 howard hodges 3 4016922 I guess this is after the fact, but if you drive 10 minutes from FLL north to US1 and Davie Blvd., you'll find Tom Jenkins BBQ. which has the best spare ribs in South Florida. I fly into FLL solely for that reason, whether I'm going to West Palm or Miami. Mon Sep 08 07:00:39 -0700 2008 3870701 10933 flavrmeistr 1 2289238 People's is my fave, though Tom Jenkin' rocks and Lil Red's (both in Broward) are fine. Lucille's in Delray and Boca is/are good, too. And count me in the pro-Sonny's contingent. Here's a review of People's http://www.wordsonwords.com/reviews/Peoples.html Tue Feb 13 12:59:59 -0800 2007 1817542 74224 Rockin Rich 1 2301137 Quarterdeck has nice baby backs too and at 10.99 for a full rack special (coleslaw only) you can't go wrong. It's all in the Flanagan family... Fri Feb 16 18:27:37 -0800 2007 1817542 14634 netmover 2 3574623 Big John's is the Tiffanys of 'Que. I've been eating 'Q for more than half a century and this is the best ever!! Tue Apr 08 14:59:20 -0700 2008 2301137 90338 shurshot 1 2318438 Big John's Alabama BBQ on 40th in Tampa, highly recommended by a buddy on the Tampa PD (and he was right!)... Porkie's on 441 in Apopka is good too, especially their "chipped" pork or beef sandwiches. Thu Feb 22 10:45:34 -0800 2007 1817542 76817 RC16 1 2319033 Can't leave out Newberry's Backyard BBQ just outside Gainesville...Pretty sure the guy who runs it is in witness protection, but it's the best barbeque (ribs included) I've ever had. Thu Feb 22 12:32:08 -0800 2007 1817542 76828 blondie23 2 2929284 Yep they are the best. Newberry's Backyard BBQ. If there is one thing the mafia knows besides all the good places to put the bodies it is foooooood. They have the best St. Louis ribs Baby Backs and pork in the business. They are 20 minutes west of Gainesville on Newberry Road aka SR 26. Mon Sep 10 21:19:12 -0700 2007 2319033 126359 deaconator 1 2929465 West Coast visitor here. I had great time visiting Orlando, and the Tampa area this past summer. If I may plug a great BBQ restaurant in St. Petersburg called Atwater's Cafeteria. My buddy and I were in town attending a Tampa Bay Devil Ray game (Great facility). However, before the game we just did the tourist thing and drove around site seeing and looking for a place to eat. Lo and behold in a corner parking lot was a big ol' BBQ smoker belching and bellowing and calling our name. Thank God we stopped. Smoky, tasty, fall off the bone ribs. We tried the pork and beef ribs with Mac&Cheese, Collard greens, Yellow rice, and white rice. Oh yeah, two pieces of fried chicken. Washed it all down with some suds. Mon Sep 10 23:16:02 -0700 2007 1817542 99017 Pakkai 2 2929635 Anyone ever tried JJ's in Bradednton? How is it? Tue Sep 11 04:54:32 -0700 2007 2929465 14634 netmover 2 3574663 Atwaters has been in South St. Pete for decades. It is a SOUL FOOD restaurant- NOT 'QUE. If you got ribs there, they were boiled short ribs in a greasy gravy. Hardly "Q!! Tue Apr 08 15:09:31 -0700 2008 2929465 90338 shurshot 3 3594235 Shurshot, you sound like a Q expert, I am not. However, those were the best boiled short ribs in a greasy gravy that I've ever-ever eaten! Ummm I don't know the last time you were there but in their parking lot is a big, old, smoking, black oil drum with a smoke stack chugging along. The beef ribs were delishious and the pork ribs were soft, falling off the bone sweetness. You may be correct about the pork ribs as they did come from a tray dripping with gravy. Gosh Damn they were good. I love southern soul food and this was my third experience with this cuisine. If this is hardly Q, please show me the light. I am a Q rookie. Alas I live on the other coast but I will be back to Florida soon. I hope. Mon Apr 14 17:31:23 -0700 2008 3574663 99017 Pakkai 1 2933851 I know alot of you chow hounds in S. Fla don't make it up to Ocala, but I have to mention Tommy's on N. 441 as excellent BBQ. The ribs are awesome! There are alot of BBQ joints around here, but Tommy's is far above the rest! If you're ever passing thru, you should check them out. Wed Sep 12 07:46:26 -0700 2007 1817542 117248 lisamos 1 2935894 My brother has been talking good about this place in P'cola, it is on the top of my list for the next time I am home. King's BBQ, 2120 N. Palafox,... one man operation, good chopped beef or pork BBQ; not much selection... good prices, for take out only - no eat in capabilities, picnic table out front near hot asphalt main thoroughfare. Wed Sep 12 15:59:16 -0700 2007 1817542 29164 tiomano 1 2944331 I am sorry, but Tom Jenkins is just a category killer here. No one makes better ribs, or chopped pork, or mac and cheese or most anything on the menu. They do it right. Everything is actually smoked from start to finish, no oven, no boiling, no crap. The meat has the proper pink smoke ring, and the sauce is as good as it gets. That is why they have been voted best BBQ for so many years. Try the chopped pork, which is like the best of ribs, with no bone. It is NOT pulled pork, it is much better. Not to be missed are the mac and cheese (which I do not eat anywhere else) and the greens. If you have any room left, the peach or apple cobbler will fix that. Sat Sep 15 11:10:41 -0700 2007 1817542 127540 EDBM 2 2986055 Is the Tom's in West Palm Beach run by the same people as Fort Lauderdale? We thought it was because the location in Boca was supposed to have moved to West Palm. We went out of our way to try it and were very disappointed - the pork didn't even seem to be smoked. We asked the person at the reception desk and she said it was "slow cooked" and she didn't know about smoked. We thought it was a replay of what happened at Piggy Pat's south of Utica - used to be great and then they cut corners when they got a bigger crowd. Fri Sep 28 11:45:09 -0700 2007 2944331 130743 barkeater 3 2991780 No, no connection. I've eaten in both and Tom Jenkin is entirely better. The Boca/Palm Beach Tom seems to sell his sauce in Publix, but the joint is nowhere near as good as Tom Jenkins. Mon Oct 01 00:01:27 -0700 2007 2986055 48416 kate7047 1 2954220 I got to say Lucy's ain't what it used to be since their smoker went up in smoke! They now barbie them out in the parking lot and they're just not the same... Tue Sep 18 19:03:37 -0700 2007 1817542 14634 netmover 1 2983025 This is in JAX, FL There's a new place called Treemendous BBQ on the west side. Hope I spelled it right since I can't find the address right now. It's on Herlong Rd about 1/4 mile off Normandy Blvd (by Herlong Airport), next to some kind of trailer parks of somesort... This place opens only from Fri-Sun during meal times. It's a very small place but clean place, seats maybe about 15 total, most people order to go. Friends claim their ribs rivals those long time establishments in town, I haven't had a chance to taste it because they sold out when I went there...and that was early in the evening too! Thu Sep 27 13:07:02 -0700 2007 1817542 62498 travelingfood 2 2986288 There's a rib place, and I cannot remember the name of it (I'm sure someone will want to kick me in the shin for that) which is right on the border, between Ft. Pierce and Vero Beach, on the east side of US1. All of the locals eat there, and the selection and quality of their ribs is absolutely incredible. I have never had better, literally anywhere in the world, except for Jamaica, possibly, if you can compare bbq qith jerk seasoning to good 'ole American style ribs. I was actually trying to describe it to a co-worked who is in that area this weekend - anyone have any idea what it is called? Fri Sep 28 12:42:17 -0700 2007 2983025 130745 Okun 3 3008005 Might be The Miracle Rib trying a new location. The original is on Avenue "D" in Ft.Pierce, but the neighborhood is so rough that they have occasionally tried branching out to various locations along Rt.1. On the other hand, it could also be Norris's Ribs, which has been there for many years. Decent ribs, but can't compare to the Miracle. Fri Oct 05 10:39:59 -0700 2007 2986288 10933 flavrmeistr 3 3610546 The place you are thinking of (and it is named by others in this string) is Norris's [sic - yes, they even spell their own name wrong, a sign that it MUST be good eats]. Website is http://www.norrisribs.com/. I've gone there for 20+ years whenever I'm up that way, and have always been confounded by their claim to fame: "voted best ribs in St. Lucie county" SUCH an understatement (for me they are the best anywhere). They would have to be best in state, and I say that as a regular customer of Tom Jenkins (love almost everything Tom Jenkins makes, except the ribs, which I have found to be very dry). Flannigan's is not too shabby, but the US 1 location of Norris's aluded to in the prior post is the end-all be-all in my book of ribs. Sat Apr 19 14:16:25 -0700 2008 2986288 185039 non sequitur 4 3870715 Do you think that Norris's Ribs, which won "Best Ribs" in St. Lucie county -- and according to you -- are the best anywhere, better than Miracle or Dale's in FP? I only ask cause: - I don't confess to being a ribs man - My 90 y/o mother (now in Jax) keeps talking about Norris's as the best she's ever eaten in her life (and baby back ribs are her favorite.) - So instead of flying into JAX over Labor Day weekend from Wash., DC, I'm going to Ft. Lauderdale first (beach time for me) then DRIVE up and pick up some Norris's Ribs. www.norrisribs.com Tue Jul 15 11:30:13 -0700 2008 3610546 209984 howard hodges 2 3870742 LOOKING FOR A JAX RIBS PLACE! Have you found the correct name/# for that place OR have you found a better rib place in JAX? I ask cause although I'm driving some ribs from Norris' in Ft. Pierce, obviously I can't do that on a regular basis (if at all again.) They can ship it but they freeze the ribs and pack it in dry ice. Somehow I think that's going to change the tastes of the ribs, so I'm looking for a GREAT baby back ribs place in JAX that I can drive her to during my occasional visits from Wash., DC (A dutiful son!) Tue Jul 15 11:36:53 -0700 2008 2983025 209984 howard hodges 3 3871012 howard, it's Treemendous BBQ, 8927 Herlong, just west of 295 close to where Herlong angles into 228. Hors 11A-8P Th Fr Sa. . Menu and directions at www.smokinbbq.org Tue Jul 15 12:43:59 -0700 2008 3870742 51743 crewsweeper 1 2992277 Dixie Pig in Fort Lauderdale on Dixie Highway. A real hole-in-the-wall outdoor shack with great ribs, chicken, etc. Mon Oct 01 07:45:23 -0700 2007 1817542 96940 larfied 2 3608995 I agree that the special roadside ambiance of the Dixie P is hard to beat, but I consider their smoky rich brunswick stew, rather than their ribs, to be the glory of this hole in the wall. For ribs, I love Tom Jenkins. And I would love to praise the Georgia Pig on 441 for their ribs as well, but, alas, I have never been able to eat beyond their incredible pulled pork sandwich (plus a slice of home-made pecan pie) to find out! Fri Apr 18 18:50:15 -0700 2008 2992277 184850 bobby k 1 3008151 I have yet to have a great rib in South Florida. Granted I haven't eaten at them all, but... * Shorty's sauces are so poor that it turns me off from what is generally a decently cooked rib * Flannigans has decent ribs, but it ain't no rib joint I've ended up just smokin' my own in the back yard on my grill. It takes a lot longer, and they aren't the best I've ever had, but they're better than the other places I've tried here in Miami. BTW -- anyone ever tried The Pit? A friend of mine from Texas raves about the place that's so far west on 8th St. it's past the Urban Development Boundary. Fri Oct 05 11:11:53 -0700 2007 1817542 132436 fultonbrewing 2 3008230 House of Bargains-100 NE 79th St. Guy smokes some major ribs in the parking lot every Thursday and Friday. I've sent out-of-town film crews there, and months and months later, the only thing anyone talks about is Joe's Stone Crab and the rib guy. There are tons of great rib guys here. Even the guy on Federal Hwy behind Publix (Biscayne and about 50th St) smokes a great rack-he's there every weekend. Both dudes make their own sauces. The best rib-dudes here are mobile. Fri Oct 05 11:32:24 -0700 2007 3008151 41156 Miami Danny 3 3008395 Fantastic tips. I'll seek out the guys with the smoker on the trailer hitch! Fri Oct 05 12:14:10 -0700 2007 3008230 132436 fultonbrewing 3 5076297 Danny, is the House of Bargains parking lot operation still in existence? And if so, what time is the best to go there? I went by yesterday evening (Fri) and there was nobody there. The House of Bargains itself was padlocked and had a city notice posted on the door. Sat Oct 03 08:17:11 -0700 2009 3008230 48389 racer x 2 3009816 MD bringing it for real..."going mobile", the Who and now MiamiDenny. Keep your eyes open FLA for TOP mobile RIBS... FB, I tried the The Pit and fondly remember it...umpteen years ago. Did I see where they garnered (a while ago now) a dirty dining segment on the local news? Fri Oct 05 22:17:46 -0700 2007 3008151 14634 netmover 2 3009957 The Pit has excellent Q, a close runner-up to Tom Jenkins. Everytime I am out that way, I make the pilgrimage to the Pit. It's important. Sat Oct 06 02:08:19 -0700 2007 3008151 88361 keysrat 1 3010277 I can't get past Tom Jenkin's. The best. Period. Sonny's? How the heck do they stay in business? Worst ever. Sat Oct 06 08:40:17 -0700 2007 1817542 109838 1stmakearoux 1 3595671 My favorites I did not even see mentioned here. It's PARK AVENUE BARBECUE! They started as a single mom and pop place but now have quite a few locations throughout Palm Beach County. I don't know if that makes them a chain, but i think they're great! I used to love Tony Romas and Bob Rubino's. They are no longer in this area. What I really loved was the fried onion loaf. Yummy!! Tue Apr 15 07:57:57 -0700 2008 1817542 183168 Booboo731 1 3612322 Austin's Smokehouse in Hobe Sound is the best of any between Boca and Stuart. Why? Because he actually allows the wood smoke to make contact with the meat. And he uses a dry rub, which you will not find anywhere I know of. Sauces kick booty and the sides are home made. To be honest, there are some below average mentions on this thread. But if you prefer faux-Q made for the masses, then that is your choice. Thre is not one single chain in SoFla that makes BBQ worth mentioning IMO. Chain + BBQ usually = disaster. BBQ is not grilled meat slathered with sauce. Call me a hardliner...... Sun Apr 20 11:50:41 -0700 2008 1817542 159150 freakerdude 1 3827707 Out of curiosity has anyone here ever tried Hitching post? I'd love some great fall of the bone ribs or any bbq this 4th of July weekend. I'm near the gables and rather stick to the Dade area. I'm not a fan of shorty's so not looking for a recommendation for there, lol. Mon Jun 30 15:27:06 -0700 2008 3827658 174986 miamisweet 1 4015561 My top three choices: 1. Tom Jenkin's 2. Tom Jenkin's 3. Tom Jenkin's I won't even bother discussing the chains, and I really cannot understand how places like Sonny's, Shorty's and many others even stay open. TJs put an end to the BBQ debate the day they opened their trailer on US 1, years before they bought the building. Do I wish they served beer? Yes. Do I wish they were open Sunday and Monday? Yes. Am I willing to put up with every inconveneince to eat the greatest BBQ around? Yes. (as well as their mac 'n' cheese) And BTW, they have been taking credit cards for a while, making things a little easier, and also, call in your order in advance, then you will only have a short wait on arriveal. Sun Sep 07 13:48:42 -0700 2008 1817542 224477 truffled 2 4047843 I agree! Tom Jenkin's is the best. Fri Sep 19 12:56:09 -0700 2008 4015561 220845 joda 1 4016608 Eli's in Dunedin. Open only on Friday and Sat until they're out. Alt 19 and Main st. Smoked Turkey Legs, if they have them, are killer. Mon Sep 08 01:24:53 -0700 2008 1817542 215237 tangodiva 1 4047491 Rax by the Trax BBQ is a little place in Port St. John (Brevard County) that sells the best St. Louis Ribs I have ever eaten. They are melt in your mouth good. My Mom loves them cause she can take her teeth out to eat them! Its a small place just a few seats that focuses on take out and delivery. I asked them how biz was, the owner told me they sell 500+ racks a week. Baked beans and Horsradish fine grind cole slaw was to die for. We had a Chocolate Eclair Cake for dessert. I going every week from now on. :) Fri Sep 19 10:46:45 -0700 2008 1817542 227181 Jeff Mullins 1 4285383 I just breezed thru this thread and was surprised not to see People's BBQ in downtown Miami. (I may have missed a post?) That is the real deal BBQ for sure, I would have to say they are among the best bbq, if not the best bbq here in the MIA. Take out works well for me. Go straight to the cashier to place your order, otherwise it can be a cluster...enjoy! Wed Dec 31 07:50:17 -0800 2008 1817542 14634 netmover 2 4286033 I think Fat Man's is still tops-and that joke about your mother taking her teeth out was actually a quote from Fat Man (scroll down to the video where he explains 'tenderoni') http://dailycocaine.blogspot.com/2008/02/tenderoni-fat-mans-bbq-smoke-and.html Outside Take One Lounge-Fri/Sat for fresh smoked ribs-10:30PM-5AM Wed Dec 31 11:43:54 -0800 2008 4285383 41156 Miami Danny 2 5041680 Here's a little preview of what you find over at downtown Miami's Peoples BBQ...finger licking good straight out da hood! Sat Sep 19 06:23:30 -0700 2009 4285383 14634 netmover 2 5042427 Afraid I must disagree, netmover. People's BBQ doesn't come anywhere near the best in FLA, I wouldn't even include it in the top 5 in Miami. Sat Sep 19 13:55:27 -0700 2009 4285383 48389 racer x 3 5043487 Let's have your top 5 list then... Sun Sep 20 07:05:03 -0700 2009 5042427 14634 netmover 4 5046018 It's premature, as I am still sampling different places. Having said that, of what I have had so far in the greater Miami area only, I would say VII Sports Club Tom Jenkins St City The Pit Mama Lucy's There are a lot of mentions of Saturdays-only, guy-with-a-grill in a parking lot places that I need to try. Mon Sep 21 09:31:33 -0700 2009 5043487 48389 racer x 5 5048022 Thank you. You bring two new to the table I never knew. Truth is any Dade County BBQ discussion must include Peoples BBQ. It is an institution. You may not like their sauce or their style of rib, but many have for generations. In fact, I make no bones about my dislike for mustard style bbq sauces which theirs is, but I must say it is growing on me . Their ribs are served unlike any others too. And all that smothered stuff looks so good! Anyhow, when hungry for lunch and near downtown Miami, People's BBQ is definately a dandy option. Mon Sep 21 21:18:26 -0700 2009 5046018 14634 netmover 1 4286875 Hot Boyz on NW 27th Ave about a block north of Broward Blvd in Ft Lauderdale is without a doubt the best ribs I've had in South Florida. Saturday only and you have to bring cash, but it's well worth it. They pull some smokers out into an empty lot between a couple of buildings. Wed Dec 31 18:13:41 -0800 2008 1817542 233191 swoll50 2 5043575 nice nugget! thx. Sun Sep 20 08:14:37 -0700 2009 4286875 14634 netmover 3 5048714 Let's go Back to central florida and Lake County(the undisputed rib capitol of Florida). The Mount Dora hound had some exceptional ribs over the weekend here at a place called Sugarboo's I have given them a hard time about their doneness or lack there of in the past. After 4 visits and perfectly cooked every time,in a black pepper dry rub,I can now recommend them! I am still not crazy about the sauce,,but it is good on the chicken. I just like sweet hot sauce on my ribs. AND The chicken is good too! Tue Sep 22 07:52:24 -0700 2009 5043575 27014 mountdorahound 2 5107998 Anyone know what happened to the guys from Golden Ribs, a similar situation in Coconut Grove? Fri Oct 16 09:24:07 -0700 2009 4286875 170007 Ryan Goldschlager