In spite of its southerly latitude, Miami is not known for its barbecue. But excellent food from a range of culinary traditions is available in the Magic City. And barbecue is no exception. If you like barbecue, here are 10 respected Miami barbecue restaurants worth checking out.
Bulldog Barbecue
When you receive accolades for having some of the best burgers and the best barbecue in a city as big and rich as Miami, you’re doing something right. We’re going to go out on a limb here and say Top Chef alum Howie Bulldog is doing more than just something right. Visit his North Miami barbecue joint to see, taste, and judge for yourself. The brisket sandwiches have an especially good rap.
Famous Dave’s Doral
Dave Anderson’s Minnetonka-based chain has 170 locations to its name. Although not a Florida institution, Famous Dave’s award-winning sauces can please even the pickiest Miami barbecue snobs. Dine in or place a to-go order at Famous Dave’s NW 36th Street location.
Georgia Pig
If you like Georgia-style barbecue, check out this cash-only Miami barbecue joint. Affectionately referred to as the “the Pig,” this Miami BBQ institution has been satisfying stomachs and hearts for more than 60 years. Georgia Pig’s open pit BBQ in Fort Lauderdale is 10 minutes from AMLI Toscana Place and 15 from AMLI Flagler Village.
Harvey’s Smokehouse BBQ
The key to restaurateur Harvey Alexander’s barbecue success is in the rub. In a three-step process, Alexander wet-rubs, dry-rubs, and then smokes his meat. The result is some of the most tender barbecue meat you can find. Try more than just one dish with the good-value samplers and multi-person meals on the menu. In good traffic, Harvey’s Smokehouse barbecue is a 15-minute drive from AMLI Dadeland.
Pit Bar-B-Q
Deep on Tamiami Trail, on the edge of the Florida Everglades, sits one of South Florida’s best barbecue joints and not much else. Serving up quality barbecue since 1965, The Pit is known for its smoked meats, savory sauces, and regionally inspired menu. If you’ve ever hankering to try a gator burger or gator sausage, hit up the Pit.
Shiver’s BBQ
The oldest on our list, this South Miami barbecue joint is known for its hickory-smoked meats and warm atmosphere. Make the drive on an empty stomach to fully appreciate why Shiver’s has thrived since opening its doors in 1950.
Shorty’s
Another seasoned Miami barbecue restaurant, Shorty’s opened just a couple years after Shiver’s. Visit for heaping portions of smokey barbecue, butter-basted corn, and crinkle fries. Shorty’s has locations in Davie (10 minutes from AMLI Toscana Place), Dadeland-South Dixie (a mile from AMLI Dadeland).
Sparky’s Roadside Barbecue
This downtown Miami barbecue joint is often busy, but the wait is rarely long. Try inventive takes on classic barbecue here, like the mojo BBQ pork leg, smoked fried chicken, chopped duck sandwiches, and the Ex-Patriot (basically a Cuban prepared with smoked picnic ham).
Swine Southern Table & Bar
This Coral Gables barbecue joint is a bit pricey, but loyal patrons swear they get what they pay for. The menu here is also inventive, with the wood-fired and grilled octopus bringing a seafood barbecue option to the table. Swine, recognized by Thrillist for having some of the country’s best wings, is a 15-minute drive from AMLI Dadeland.
Tom Jenkins’ Barbecue
Started in 1990 by two friends who share a love for barbecue, Tom Jenkins’ has grown into one of South Florida’s most successful barbecue restaurants. Diners drive to Fort Lauderdale from Miami to eat at Tom Jenkins’, which is almost always packed. Tom Jenkins’ is a five-minute drive from AMLI Flagler Village’s Fort Lauderdale apartments.
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