Barbecue, also known as BBQ for short, has captivated the taste buds of millions of people across the world; its smell, a quintessential part of backyard parties and long, lazy holiday weekends. This cooking method involves slow cooking and smoking meat over an open flame or heat source. Beyond the slab of baby back ribs and brisket that we’re probably familiar with, barbecue has a long history dating back centuries and is rooted in various cultures.
[TRENDING: It’s OMG hot in Fla. | WHOA! Large shark near swimmers | Become a News 6 Insider]
Recommended Videos
The earliest origins of barbecue can be traced back to the Taino people, who were Indigenous to the Caribbean. By the 19th century, the technique became widespread in the American South, primarily using pork. Taino people didn’t use the word barbecue. Instead, this method of cooking food over a raised wooden grate was referred to as barbacoa.
Check out the Florida Foodie podcast. You can find every episode in the media player below:
As time passed, techniques and flavors evolved as a result of colonization, globalization, and advancements in technology. Today, barbecue has become a beloved food all over the world. In the United States, there are four distinct styles: Memphis, North Carolina, Kansas City, and Texas BBQ. Memphis is renowned for pulled pork; North Carolina for smoked pork infused in vinegar sauce; Kansas City for dry-rubbed meats, and Texas for grilled brisket.
No matter the style, however, barbecue can be enjoyed anywhere, but if you’re specifically looking for the best places to enjoy the savory and mouthwatering delights, Stacker compiled a list of the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Ocala using data from Yelp. Rankings factor in the average rating and number of reviews. Keep reading to see if your favorite spot made the list.
Find every episode of Florida Foodie on YouTube:
#15. King's Jamaican Jerk and BBQ Center
- Rating: 2.5/5 (4 reviews)
- Address: 1228 W Silver Springs Blvd Ocala, FL 34475
- Categories: Caribbean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
Yelp
#14. Southern Pig & Cattle
- Rating: 3.0/5 (142 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6105 SW State Rd 200 Ocala, FL 34476
- Categories: Barbecue, Salad, Soup
- Read more on Yelp
Yelp
#13. Texas Roadhouse
- Rating: 3.0/5 (99 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3015 SW 32nd Ave Ocala, FL 34474
- Categories: American (Traditional), Barbecue, Steakhouses
- Read more on Yelp
Yelp
#12. Southern Pig and Cattle
- Rating: 3.0/5 (14 reviews)
- Address: 4433 SE Maricamp Rd Ocala, FL 34480
- Categories: Barbecue, Steakhouses, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
Yelp
#11. Horse & Hounds Restaurant
- Rating: 3.5/5 (188 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6998 N US Hwy 27 Ocala, FL 34482
- Categories: Pubs, Barbecue, Steakhouses
- Read more on Yelp
Yelp
#10. Sonny's BBQ
- Rating: 3.5/5 (60 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4102 E Silver Springs Blvd Ocala, FL 34470
- Categories: Barbecue, American (New)
- Read more on Yelp
Yelp
#9. Big Rascal BBQ & Grille
- Rating: 3.5/5 (65 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3437 NW Blitchton Rd Ocala, FL 34475
- Categories: Barbecue, Burgers, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
Yelp
#8. Sonny's BBQ
- Rating: 3.5/5 (72 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1845 SW College Rd Ocala, FL 34471
- Categories: Barbecue, American (New)
- Read more on Yelp
Yelp
#7. LongHorn Steakhouse
- Rating: 3.5/5 (86 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 307 SE 17th St Ocala, FL 34471
- Categories: Steakhouses, American (Traditional), Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
Yelp
#6. Shucker's Oyster Bar
- Rating: 3.5/5 (24 reviews)
- Address: 408 SW 16th St Ocala, FL 34471
- Categories: Bars, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
Yelp
#5. Christy's Oriental Store
- Rating: 4.0/5 (9 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1429 NE 25th Ave Ocala, FL 34470
- Categories: Filipino, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
Yelp
#4. Brick City Southern Kitchen & Whiskey Bar
- Rating: 4.0/5 (320 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 10 S Magnolia Ave Ocala, FL 34471
- Categories: Southern, Barbecue, Whiskey Bars
- Read more on Yelp
Yelp
#3. Big Lee's - Serious About Barbecue
- Rating: 4.5/5 (210 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3925 SE 45th Ct Ocala, FL 34480
- Categories: Food Trucks, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
Yelp
#2. Smokin Swamp BBQ
- Rating: 4.5/5 (8 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: Jacksonville Rd Ocala, FL 34479
- Categories: Food Trucks, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
Yelp
#1. Mission BBQ - Ocala
- Rating: 4.5/5 (17 reviews)
- Address: 2205 SW College Rd Ste 200 Ocala, FL 34471
- Categories: Barbecue, Smokehouse, Seafood
- Read more on Yelp