Looking for the ABSOLUTE BEST BBQ joint.

[Papa Deuce]

Would prefer a non chain place, but if a chain makes the best "Q', then so be it. Will travel up to 10, maybe 15 miles if you think it is excellent. Thanks.

 

[ahutton]

The best I've found in the area was at Flame Tree in AK. It is more St. Louis style, but good flavor. I've found though that everyone has their own ideas about what makes good Q - what do you like?

 

[Katy Belle]

IMHO you won't find it in Florida, come see us in Texas!

No, I'm sure there is good Q in FL, but I am not an expert. I have just learned to not get my hopes up away from home!

Good luck!

Katy Belle

 

[buzzlady]

Yes, it's a chain, but..
I haven't been in years, but Tony Roma's was always good. Maybe someone else has been there recently that could comment.
http://www.tonyromas.com/files/locations-US-detail.asp?state=FL

 

[2infinityandbeyond]

Originally posted by buzzlady
Yes, it's a chain, but..
I haven't been in years, but Tony Roma's was always good. Maybe someone else has been there recently that could comment.
http://www.tonyromas.com/files/locations-US-detail.asp?state=FL

I haven't come across a chain restaurant that makes real BBQ. Tony Romas, as far as I know, is not an exception to that rule.

 

[2infinityandbeyond]

Originally posted by Papa Deuce
Would prefer a non chain place, but if a chain makes the best "Q', then so be it. Will travel up to 10, maybe 15 miles if you think it is excellent. Thanks.

I stumbled across this website while looking for the same info:

http://www.flbbq.org/joints.htm

 

[webray]

There are too may types of BBQ..and all are good.

Tony Romas makes great bbq chicken/ribs. Midwest style, and they are delicious.

The best bbq place near disney..was the fireworks factory in downtown disney...disney of course, shut it down..we sure wish they would bring it back.

Carolina BBQ, also outstanding, haven't ever had any near disney though.

 

[Papa Deuce]

Well, what I'm looking for is Carolina style pulled pork or a Texas pulled brisket. But I eat almost any kind of Q, except ribs. Too much work, for not enough meat, for too much money.

And I like KC style as well. All three Carolina styles are good. I just want GREAT BBQ.

I like to think that I make some great BBQ, as I have been know to make and sell it on occasion.

Tony Roma's isn't bad if you haven't ever had GREAT BBQ. Keep the info coming. Thanks.

 

[SoonerKate]

I am ridiculously picky about my BBQ. Ask my WDWCP roommates -- it goes far beyond the point anyone could ever consider being reasonable. I spent 5 months looking for a decent barbecue place in Orlando, and the closest I found was Bubbalou's Bodacious Barbecue.

It's a chain, but at least it's a local chain. I've only been to their Winter Park location, but I hear that they're either opening or planning to open one on the main drag in Kissimmee. Anyhow, it's pretty solid barbecue; good brisket, and a killer hot sauce.

Edited to add that the closest location to Disney is 5818 Conroy Rd, which is basically the interesction of Conroy and Kirkman, north of Universal.

 

[Papa Deuce]

bump

 

[ahutton]

The pork sandwich at Flame Tree was very good - and I am tough on these. I'm sure the beef is also good, it would be smoked with the same sauce, just like the pork.

 

[phorsenuf]

Is there a Sonnys neaby? We like that place. yum yum!

 

[tar heel]

I've lived in North Carolina my entire life and have eaten way too much barbecue. I had a sandwich at Flame Tree in 2000 or 2001 and was not impressed. The flavor was good, but it was way greasy. Good barbecue is never greasy. Perhaps I caught the place on a bad day. I actually like Whispering Canyon's better than Flame Tree's although neither is in the same league as a good Carolina place.

I don't think of Sonny's as being real barbecue, although it has been many, many years since I ate at one. There's one near my house, but I don't know anyone who eats there!

 

[Forever42]

Here's my favorite place in the area. It's called Bubbalou's Bodacious BBQ, and it's an Orlando chain. Looks like there's one near Universal, here's the address

5818 Conroy Road
Orlando, FL 32835

Serving Hours
Monday - Thursday 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Friday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM


Located at the intersection of Kirkman Road and Conroy Road, north of Universal Studios

The Flame Tree at AK isn't that great. I'd say stay away if you want real BBQ. Sonny's is an ok choice, though. We like it well enough.

 

[Margie J]

I had a sandwich at Flame Tree in 2000 or 2001 and was not impressed. The flavor was good, but it was way greasy. Good barbecue is never greasy.

My ribs from there were the same, flavorful but very greasy. You're right, if BBQ is cooked correctly in a multistep process, it should not be greasy.

I'd say Flame Tree is ok for a quick meal but I wouldn't go out of my way for it.

 

[jann1033]

do not know if there is one in orlando but they opened a "smokey bones" ( started in FL according to the manager, run by Darden) and it was good and they actually have a smoker! definitly the best chain they offer in Ohio that I have found...otherwise I like N carolina for bbq.

 

[Merilyn]

I would never order BBQ in Fl. You have to come to Memphis to get real BBQ. We have the BEST!

 

[otownguy]

Yes there is good BBQ in florida. It is a chain and gets a bad rap but Sonny's is pretty decent BBQ (by BBQ I mean meat cooked low and slow). They have good ribs and pulled pork with several different sauces and yes it is real BBQ. Bubbalou's is good too I like their ribs(get the side of greens!). Smokey bones is too sterile to be good BBQ. Tony Roma's is not what you consider BBQ but they do have baby back ribs. Actually I was just at Sea World last weekend and tried their BBQ place (can't remember the name) and it was very good. The brisket was excellent and was very lean, tender and smokey. Also have not tried but heard were very good are Choctaw Willies in Winter Garden, and O'boys in Orlando.

 

[SoonerKate]

Smokey Bones is owned by Darden Restaurants (The Olive Garden/Bahama Breeze people). I'm not really a fan of theirs.

Sonny's isn't bad, their meat is solid and their portions are big, but I'm not really a fan of any of their sauces. I forgot about Choctaw Willie's -- that place is good!

 

[WebmasterBob]

Having moved down to the Orlando area 4 years ago I must agree with others posting on this thread who voted for Bubbalou's Bodacious Barbecue. It is a top selection with the Orlando food critic and it's readers for several years now.