The UNDERGROUND BBQ Map of the Florida Keys πŸ”₯

(WARNING: This ain't your tourist guide BBQ...)

Author

Florida Keys Road Trip
February 06, 2025

In partnership with

Hey Keys Family,

Listen...

I probably shouldn't share what I'm about to share.

(Half these spots would kill me if they knew I was blowing up their spot...)

But after seeing another clueless tourist pay $35 for mediocre ribs...

I can't stay quiet anymore.

Here's the REAL BBQ scene in the Keys:

π—§π—›π—˜ π—Ÿπ—˜π—šπ—˜π—‘π——π—”π—₯𝗬 𝗦𝗣𝗒𝗧𝗦:

1. Mike's BBQ 101 (Key Largo – Authentic Pit BBQ Done Right)

πŸ“ Location: MM 101, Key Largo, FL
🌐 Facebook: Mike's BBQ 101

What to Order:
πŸ”₯ St. Louis Ribs – Smoked low and slow until they’re fall-off-the-bone tender.
πŸ”₯ Brisket Plate – A juicy, smoky Texas-style brisket with the perfect bark.
πŸ”₯ BBQ Mac & Cheese – Creamy mac topped with pulled pork and house BBQ sauce.

Why We Love It:

  • Run by a true BBQ pitmaster who takes pride in old-school wood smoking.

  • Huge portions and a laid-back Keys vibe make this a must-stop for BBQ lovers.

  • Locals rave about their homemade sauces – from tangy Carolina-style to a bold, smoky classic.

πŸ‘‰ Pro Tip: They sell out daily, so get there early before the best cuts are gone!

2. Porky’s Bayside Restaurant & Marina (Marathon – BBQ Meets Island Life)

πŸ“ Location: 1410 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL
🌐 Website: porkysbaysidebbq.com

What to Order:
πŸ”₯ Baby Back Ribs – Smoked for hours and glazed with a sticky sweet BBQ sauce.
πŸ”₯ Pulled Pork Tacos – A fusion of BBQ and island flavors, topped with mango salsa.
πŸ”₯ Deep-Fried Key Lime Pie – Because dessert should be as epic as the BBQ!

Why We Love It:

  • This waterfront BBQ joint has been serving smoked meats and seafood since 1950.

  • Live music, tiki vibes, and a pet-friendly patio make it a great hangout spot.

  • They also serve fantastic seafood, so you can get the best of both worlds.

πŸ‘‰ Pro Tip: Go for dinner and catch a killer sunset over the water!

3. Lick It BBQ & Wood Fired Pizza (Long Key – Best BBQ & Pizza Combo!)

πŸ“ Location: 65651 Overseas HWY, Long Key, FL 33001
🌐 Website: lickitbbq.com

What to Order:
πŸ”₯ Brisket Pizza – A wood-fired pizza topped with smoky brisket, caramelized onions, and BBQ sauce.
πŸ”₯ Pulled Pork Platter – Slow-smoked pork with homemade slaw and cornbread.
πŸ”₯ Smoked Wings – Tossed in a tangy bourbon BBQ glaze.

Why We Love It:

  • They take traditional BBQ and give it an island twist.

  • Their wood-fired pizza oven adds a perfect smoky crispness to their pies.

  • A fun, casual spot with friendly locals and a great beer selection.

πŸ‘‰ Pro Tip: Try the Key Lime BBQ Sauce – a tangy twist on a classic favorite!

4. Pop’s Smoke Shed (Big Pine Key – The Food Truck with BIG Flavor!)

πŸ“ Location: Multiple locations throughout the Keys.
🌐 Website: popssmokeshed.com

What to Order:
πŸ”₯ Texas-Style Brisket – Slow-smoked for 14+ hours until it melts in your mouth.
πŸ”₯ Pop’s BBQ Nachos – Loaded nachos piled high with pulled pork, cheese, and jalapeΓ±os.
πŸ”₯ Island Smoked Chicken – Juicy, tender chicken infused with tropical spices.

Why We Love It:

  • A hidden gemβ€”this food truck serves some of the best BBQ in the Keys.

  • Family-owned and passionate about true, slow-smoked barbecue.

  • Picnic-style seating under palm trees gives it a laid-back island feel.

πŸ‘‰ Pro Tip: Follow them on social media for daily specials – they mix things up with unique smoked meats!

5. Smoked BBQ (Key West – The Local’s BBQ Spot!)

πŸ“ Location: 1801 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL
🌐 Website: smokedbbqkw.com

What to Order:
πŸ”₯ Beef Brisket Burnt Ends – Smoky, crispy, and caramelized to perfection.
πŸ”₯ BBQ Platter for Two – A feast of ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and sausage.
πŸ”₯ Key West Cornbread – Sweet, buttery, and the perfect BBQ side.

Why We Love It:

  • The ONLY place in Key West serving legit, competition-style BBQ.

  • Everything is smoked in-house over hickory and oak.

  • Their brisket is award-winning, and they make all their sauces from scratch.

πŸ‘‰ Pro Tip: Get there early! Their best cuts sell out fast, especially on weekends.

6. Hog Heaven Sports Bar & Grill (Islamorada – BBQ & Beach Views!)

πŸ“ Location: 85361 Overseas Hwy Islamorada, FL 33036
🌐 Website: hogheavenbarandgrill.com

What to Order:
πŸ”₯ BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich – Smothered in house sauce and served with crispy fries.
πŸ”₯ Smoked Chicken Wings – Jumbo wings with a bold smoky flavor.
πŸ”₯ Mac & Cheese with Burnt Ends – A creamy, cheesy masterpiece.

Why We Love It:

  • Right on the beach – enjoy BBQ with your toes in the sand.

  • Great late-night spot with live music and island vibes.

  • A mix of BBQ, seafood, and bar bites, so everyone finds something they love.

BBQ Lover’s Pro Tips:

βœ” Try the Local Sauces – Many places make their own BBQ sauces using Key lime, tropical fruits, and island spices.
βœ” Come Hungry! – Portions are huge, and you’ll want to try multiple dishes.
βœ” Mix It Up – Some of these BBQ spots also serve fresh seafood, tacos, and island-inspired dishesβ€”don’t be afraid to sample everything.

Where’s Your Favorite BBQ in the Keys?

Have you tried any of these BBQ joints, or do you have a hidden gem we missed? Reply to this email and share your BBQ favoritesβ€”we’d love to feature your picks in an upcoming edition!

π—§π—›π—˜ 𝗧π—₯𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗕𝗒𝗨𝗧 π—žπ—˜π—¬π—¦ 𝗕𝗕𝗀:

Between all the tourist traps and overpriced joints...

These spots are quietly doing God's work.

No fancy marketing.
No tourist trap prices.
Just meat + smoke + time + love.

πŸ”₯ Until next time, keep it smoky and delicious! πŸ”₯
Brian


Florida Keys Road Trip Team

P.S. If this guide helps you find BBQ paradise, pay it forward. Buy the pit master a beer.

P.P.S. And yes, there are more spots I didn't mention. But you gotta earn those secrets... πŸ˜‰

#KeysBBQ #FloridaKeys #SmokeMaster #IslandLife #LocalsOnly

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