How lucky are we to live in the south, where BBQ was practically invented? In our Guide To The Best BBQ places in Pinellas, we covered neighborhood restaurants from St. Petersburg and Clearwater, Largo to Gulfport and more. Whether you love ribs, pulled pork, burnt ends, or brisket, you surely have a favorite BBQ spot. We dare you to leave your comfort zone and try something new! With this list of drool-worthy spots, picking will be the hard part!
Your Guide to the Best BBQ in St. Petersburg and Clearwater
Chief's Smokehouse
Located on 22nd street in St. Pete, Chief's Smokehouse brings back authentic local BBQ back to "the deuces". Expanding on their local success next door to Chief's Creole Cafe, expect all the best smokey goodness you can handle. Ribs, chicken, pulled pork all cooked to perfection with incredible sides like fried okra, grilled corn, and candied yams highlight their menu. With the blessing of local BBQ legend John "Geech" Black who ran Geech's on 22nd Street S, Chief's promises to bring back authentic BBQ for the entire community!
Brady's Backyard BBQ
Open 7 days a week, Brady's Backyard BBQ features some of the best, fall-off-the-bone fresh BBQ in the Tampa Bay area. Brady's has a casual environment with friendly staff and budget-friendly options. If you are in the mood for some juicy BBQ and a laid-back atmosphere, this is the place to be! 
Smokin J's BBQ
For a taste of real, Texas BBQ in the heart of Gulfport, there's no better choice than Smokin' J's. Enjoy ribs, chicken, brisket, and more, all smoked to perfection. Smokin J's serves up BBQ from behind the counter while you dine on picnic tables. Spend the day strolling the quaint streets of Gulfport then head over to indulge in what locals say is the best southern cooking in the county. Trust us, it is insanely delicious! 
Urban Brew and BBQ
Urban Brew and BBQ is the place to be for delicious craft beers and slow smoked barbecue in the heart of Downtown St. Pete's Grand Central District. This brick-lined nook provides diners with an easy-going vibe that complements their wide variety of BBQ and beer options. Urban Brew and BBQ is perfect if you are looking for some craft beer and comfort food with a "hipster meets urban" atmosphere. 
Sonny's BBQ
We get it....sometimes you just feel like heading to a chain! From slow-smoked favorites like pulled pork, ribs, brisket and more, to homemade sauces and service that defines Southern hospitality, Sonny’s is Southern BBQ at its finest. Sonny's BBQ has been around since 1968 and offers a large menu including options for those of your with food allergies. We like their redneck eggrolls, shown in the photo below. Dunk those things in your dip of choice and thank us later!
Reel BBQ
Reel BBQ strives to be the "best BBQ you have ever had," but we will leave the decision up to you! Reel BBQ makes their own sauces and smokes their meat on site. Their BBQ take on the traditional grilled cheese is a fan favorite. They don't serve beer or wine but you are more than welcome to bring your own. BYOB and roadside BBQ, what could be better than that?!
Poppa's BBQ
Get your real, slow smoked, southern barbecue on at Poppa's BBQ in Clearwater. Chow down on some fall off the bone ribs, chopped brisket, chicken, pulled pork, and other delicious barbecued meats. Put Poppa's BBQ on your list of BBQ to try in the Pinellas area!
Dr. BBQ
Dr. BBQ is where outrageously delicious smoked meats are made right in the middle of Downtown St. Pete. If you've ever walked down Central Ave and smelled that smokey barbecue smell that we all love so much, it's likely coming from Dr. BBQ. Stop by today to grab a smokey, sweet and delicious bite to eat!
