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brisket, ribs and sausage on a platter with two sides
ABBQ Meat and Drink bbq plate
ABBQ Meat and Drink/Official Press Photo

Where to Find Jacksonville’s Best Barbecue Restaurants

Racks of ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, and smoked chicken paired with all the fixings

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ABBQ Meat and Drink bbq plate
| ABBQ Meat and Drink/Official Press Photo

When it comes to barbecue there’s no shortage of places to go in Jacksonville, with each spot putting their own spin on the smokehouse traditions. No matter what style of barbecue is desired there’s something available for every craving from Texas-style brisket, Memphis-style ribs, and even Carolina pulled pork with vinegar-based sauces. Below is a guide to where to find the best ‘cue in Jacksonville.

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Fred Cotten's Landmark BBQ

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Ribs are the number one must-try at Fred Cotten’s Landmark BBQ, which boast a deep smoke ring that marks their long hours in the grill. When it comes to sides, think dishes like baked beans and collard greens that are made with the same attention given to the meat in the smoker. 

Jenkins Quality Barbecue

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Since 1957 Jenkins Quality Barbecue has been serving the Bold City smoked meats and hearty sides. What makes Jenkins standout from other barbecue restaurants in town is all of its meat is smoked on a wood-fired pit and slathered in a mustard-based sauce, with standouts being its tender ribs and juicy chicken. 

ABBQ Meat & Drink

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ABBQ in Atlantic Beach is known for its tender Texas-style brisket and cheddar and jalapeno sausage that’s made on-site. Be sure to bring an appetite because the sides like macaroni and cheese, Frito pie, and potato casserole are just as good as the meat they are served with. Plus every Friday and Saturday the restaurant has beef ribs as the special, which are worth driving across town for. 

The Bearded Pig

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Bearded Pig is a beloved Jacksonville barbecue restaurant serving everything from burnt ends poutine to sandwiches topped with cheese sauce and jalapeno poppers. From the moment the doors open to the restaurant customers are washed in the scent of smoked meats like turkey, pork, and brisket, that are served with sides like creamy potato salad, smokey baked beans, and decadent macaroni and cheese. 

Monroe's Smokehouse Bar-B-Q

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Monroe’s serves up good old-fashioned Southern barbecue. The restaurant is best know for its smokehouse wings that have Monroe’s spice rub all over them, but the smoked turkey and pulled pork are also popular at this barbecue restaurant. When it’s time to pick sides, consider the sweet, Southern-style baked beans that are a few steps above what usually shows up at backyard parties. The homestyle banana pudding is also a must-try, but supplies are limited and on busy days it sells out quickly. 

Treemendous BBQ & Catering

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Treemendous BBQ has been a Jacksonville staple since 2007. While the restaurant is small with just a few tables, what it lacks in size it makes up for in flavor. The restaurant and food truck specializes in smoked chicken, which can be made into a sandwich, chopped and put onto a salad, or just eaten by itself. But the best thing about stopping in at Treemendous is being able to order an entire gallon of banana pudding to share with friends and family. 

Willard's Bar-B-Q Junction

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Willard’s BBQ Junction started in 1991 and has been a Jacksonville barbecue favorite ever since. The restaurant is known for Southern style barbecue where ribs and pulled pork reign supreme. However, true Willards aficionados know about the Carolina Hash specialty, which takes slow cooked beef and onions and two side dishes and serves them over rice or mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food mashup. 

Berndt Ends BBQ

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Berndt Ends BBQ specializes in perfectly smoked burnt ends that have a thick layer of bark made from a salt and pepper rub. Those looking for something a bit more regional should try the Alabama white chicken, made with pulled smoked chicken served in a sandwich or on its own and smothered in a white barbecue sauce. No matter what, do not skip the baked macaroni and cheese topped with more cheese, which pairs perfectly with the smoked meats. 

Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ

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Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ is a landmark barbecue restaurant in Jacksonville. Favorites at the restaurant include brisket and ribs with its popular datil pepper barbecue sauce that’s slightly sweet and fairly spicy. Datil peppers are also used in the mustard-based sauce, corn, and baked beans for a spicy kick. Its meats are so popular that guests call ahead to make sure their desired dish is available, as they tend to sell out quickly. 

Brisky's BBQ

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For those willing to to drive for good barbecue, Briskey’s BBQ in St. Augustine is certainly worth a visit. The restaurant serves some of the best brisket in the area, with a crispy, flavorful bark that gives way to tender meat. The side boasts Southern staples like sweet fried corn, beer glazed barbecue beans, and French fries. 

Fred Cotten's Landmark BBQ

Ribs are the number one must-try at Fred Cotten’s Landmark BBQ, which boast a deep smoke ring that marks their long hours in the grill. When it comes to sides, think dishes like baked beans and collard greens that are made with the same attention given to the meat in the smoker. 

Jenkins Quality Barbecue

Since 1957 Jenkins Quality Barbecue has been serving the Bold City smoked meats and hearty sides. What makes Jenkins standout from other barbecue restaurants in town is all of its meat is smoked on a wood-fired pit and slathered in a mustard-based sauce, with standouts being its tender ribs and juicy chicken. 

ABBQ Meat & Drink

ABBQ in Atlantic Beach is known for its tender Texas-style brisket and cheddar and jalapeno sausage that’s made on-site. Be sure to bring an appetite because the sides like macaroni and cheese, Frito pie, and potato casserole are just as good as the meat they are served with. Plus every Friday and Saturday the restaurant has beef ribs as the special, which are worth driving across town for. 

The Bearded Pig

Bearded Pig is a beloved Jacksonville barbecue restaurant serving everything from burnt ends poutine to sandwiches topped with cheese sauce and jalapeno poppers. From the moment the doors open to the restaurant customers are washed in the scent of smoked meats like turkey, pork, and brisket, that are served with sides like creamy potato salad, smokey baked beans, and decadent macaroni and cheese. 

Monroe's Smokehouse Bar-B-Q

Monroe’s serves up good old-fashioned Southern barbecue. The restaurant is best know for its smokehouse wings that have Monroe’s spice rub all over them, but the smoked turkey and pulled pork are also popular at this barbecue restaurant. When it’s time to pick sides, consider the sweet, Southern-style baked beans that are a few steps above what usually shows up at backyard parties. The homestyle banana pudding is also a must-try, but supplies are limited and on busy days it sells out quickly. 

Treemendous BBQ & Catering

Treemendous BBQ has been a Jacksonville staple since 2007. While the restaurant is small with just a few tables, what it lacks in size it makes up for in flavor. The restaurant and food truck specializes in smoked chicken, which can be made into a sandwich, chopped and put onto a salad, or just eaten by itself. But the best thing about stopping in at Treemendous is being able to order an entire gallon of banana pudding to share with friends and family. 

Willard's Bar-B-Q Junction

Willard’s BBQ Junction started in 1991 and has been a Jacksonville barbecue favorite ever since. The restaurant is known for Southern style barbecue where ribs and pulled pork reign supreme. However, true Willards aficionados know about the Carolina Hash specialty, which takes slow cooked beef and onions and two side dishes and serves them over rice or mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food mashup. 

Berndt Ends BBQ

Berndt Ends BBQ specializes in perfectly smoked burnt ends that have a thick layer of bark made from a salt and pepper rub. Those looking for something a bit more regional should try the Alabama white chicken, made with pulled smoked chicken served in a sandwich or on its own and smothered in a white barbecue sauce. No matter what, do not skip the baked macaroni and cheese topped with more cheese, which pairs perfectly with the smoked meats. 

Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ

Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ is a landmark barbecue restaurant in Jacksonville. Favorites at the restaurant include brisket and ribs with its popular datil pepper barbecue sauce that’s slightly sweet and fairly spicy. Datil peppers are also used in the mustard-based sauce, corn, and baked beans for a spicy kick. Its meats are so popular that guests call ahead to make sure their desired dish is available, as they tend to sell out quickly. 

Brisky's BBQ

For those willing to to drive for good barbecue, Briskey’s BBQ in St. Augustine is certainly worth a visit. The restaurant serves some of the best brisket in the area, with a crispy, flavorful bark that gives way to tender meat. The side boasts Southern staples like sweet fried corn, beer glazed barbecue beans, and French fries. 

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