Best BBQ restaurants in Lakeland
These are the 8 highest-scoring BBQ restaurants in Lakeland, ranked by our earned composite score (see methodology), which weighs rating, review volume, recency, and sentiment together rather than star rating alone.
Picks are ranked by relevance to bbq restaraunt.
At a glance
| # | Business | Rating | From | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mojo Federal Swine & Spirits | 4.5 (2330) | moderate | Smoked meats & historic atmosphere |
| 2 | BubbaQue's BBQ - Lakeland North | 4.4 (774) | moderate | Sauces & casual catering |
| 3 | KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot | 4.9 (2316) | moderate | Groups, birthdays & AYCE hot pot |
| 4 | Gaskins Barbecue and Lobster | 4.3 (545) | moderate | Barbecue & lobster combo |
| 5 | Sonny's BBQ | 4 (3439) | moderate | Family AYCE platters & value |
| 6 | Sonny's BBQ | 3.9 (2165) | moderate | Pit-smoked ribs & rewards app |
| 7 | Jimbos Pit Bar BQ | 4.5 (1718) | inexpensive | Ribs & apple pie tradition |
| 8 | 4 Rivers Smokehouse | 4.3 (1250) | moderate | Brisket & clean family dining |
Ranked picks
Mojo Federal Swine & Spirits
Why it ranks first
Mojo pulls one of the strongest composite scores on this list, built on 2,330 reviews that consistently single out the brisket, burnt ends, and sides as some of the best barbecue in Central Florida. Staff turn up by name again and again for attentiveness, and the restored bank building gives it a setting few competitors can match.
Pros
- Consistently praised brisket and burnt ends
- Named staff (Chelsea S, Lindsey, Lisa, Madison, Toni) called out for attentiveness
- Distinctive restored bank building setting
- Catering across North and Central Florida
Services: smokehouse bbq, texas style bbq, carolina style bbq, rib house · Price: moderate
BubbaQue's BBQ - Lakeland North
Why it ranks second
BubbaQue's North location earns solid marks for its sauce variety, clean dining room, and attentive counter staff, with 774 reviews behind a medium-confidence score. It's a dependable pick for a quick, no-fuss BBQ meal or a catering order.
Pros
- Wide variety of house sauces
- Clean, well-kept dining area
- Friendly counter service
- Catering packages available
Services: smokehouse bbq, texas style bbq, rib house, bbq catering · Price: moderate
KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
Why it ranks third
KPOT posts the highest composite score on this list, backed by high confidence across 2,316 reviews and a 4.9 average rating. The all-you-can-eat, table-grilled format covers extensive meats and seafood, and staff like Mackenzie, Melanie, John P., and Sam keep service fast and genuinely welcoming, which is why it's become a go-to for birthdays and group celebrations.
Pros
- All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ and hot pot format
- Table grilling of meats and seafood
- Consistently attentive, named staff
- Full sauce and hot bar
Services: korean asian bbq, smokehouse bbq, bbq catering, bbq buffet · Price: moderate
Gaskins Barbecue and Lobster
Why it ranks fourth
Gaskins stands out for pairing scratch-smoked barbecue with lobster rolls, a combination reviewers single out along with the staff's warmth. With 545 reviews and a medium-confidence score, it's a smaller sample than some competitors but a distinctive one on this list.
Pros
- Scratch-smoked meats paired with lobster rolls
- Full-service catering available
- Clean, naturally lit dining space
- Children's menu
Services: smokehouse bbq, texas style bbq, carolina style bbq, rib house · Price: moderate
Sonny's BBQ
Why it ranks fifth
This Sonny's location draws on five decades of operation and 3,439 reviews, with regulars returning for tender ribs, pulled pork, and brisket at prices most reviewers call fair. Staff like Tiffany and Lee get called out repeatedly for genuine care and attentive refills.
Pros
- 50 years of family-run operation
- Named staff known for attentiveness and refills
- All-you-can-eat platters
- Founder's special rib-and-pork combo
Services: smokehouse bbq, texas style bbq, carolina style bbq, rib house · Price: moderate
Sonny's BBQ
Why it ranks sixth
Ribs and pulled pork keep regulars coming back to this Sonny's location, and the mobile app's deals and rewards program adds a reason to stick around. Across 2,165 reviews the score reflects a wider range of experiences than some other picks on this list, but the core barbecue still draws praise.
Pros
- Pit-smoked ribs praised across reviews
- Mobile app with deals and rewards
- Catering and family meal options
- Multiple service channels: dine-in, delivery, curbside
Services: smokehouse bbq, texas style bbq, carolina style bbq, rib house · Price: moderate
Jimbos Pit Bar BQ
Why it ranks seventh
Jimbos backs up a high-confidence score with over 60 years in Lakeland and Tampa and 1,718 reviews. Reviewers keep coming back for ribs that shred easily and the signature spiced apple pie served with cider, plus sides like hush puppies, mac and cheese, and baked beans that get called phenomenal.
Pros
- Over 60 years of consistent BBQ reputation
- Signature fall-off-the-bone ribs and apple pie with cider
- Multiple ordering formats: dine-in, drive-up, walk-up, online
- Bulk catering and family meal options
Services: smokehouse bbq, texas style bbq, carolina style bbq, rib house · Price: inexpensive
4 Rivers Smokehouse
Why it ranks eighth
4 Rivers combines strong smoked brisket and St. Louis-style ribs with a dining room and restrooms reviewers repeatedly call clean, backed by 1,250 reviews. Staff engagement with diners and generous portions come up often, with some visits described as rivaling any BBQ spot in Central Florida.
Pros
- Smoked brisket and St. Louis-style ribs
- Clean, well-run facility
- Generous portions for families
- Multiple catering and party package options
Services: smokehouse bbq, texas style bbq, carolina style bbq, rib house · Price: moderate