★★★★★
Best BBQ on the Southside. Brisket was tender, ribs fell off the bone, and the fried okra is a must. Staff was friendly and the drive-thru is fast.
BBQ · Lakewood · Jacksonville
Bono's
Pit Bar-B-Q
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The place
Bono's Pit Bar-B-Q is a barbecue restaurant in the Lakewood area of Jacksonville at 4907 Beach Blvd, near the Emerson Street intersection. The Bono's brand was founded by Joe Bono Sr. in Jacksonville in 1949 and is one of the city's oldest pit-smoked barbecue names. This location serves pit-smoked pulled pork, sliced beef brisket, St. Louis ribs, smoked chicken, and smoked sausage with Southern sides such as fried okra, mac and cheese, and baked beans. Guests rate it 4.4 stars across more than 1,560 Google reviews. The restaurant is casual and family-friendly, with dine-in, drive-thru, takeout, online ordering, and catering. Reservations are not required. A free on-site parking lot is available. Hours run daily from late morning through dinner.
Bono's Pit Bar-B-Q on Beach Boulevard is a Jacksonville institution. The original Bono's opened in 1949 and the chain still smokes meats over wood in dedicated pits, which is why locals on the Southside have been pulling into this Lakewood-area location for decades. The dining room is wood-paneled and casual, the line moves fast, and the smell of hickory hits you before you reach the counter.
The move here is the meat-plus-two: order pulled pork, sliced beef brisket, or a rack of St. Louis ribs, then pair it with classic sides — fried okra, mac and cheese, baked beans, coleslaw, or collards. Smoked chicken and smoked sausage rotate as additional pit options. Save room for banana pudding, and order sweet tea by the gallon if you're feeding a crew.
No reservations are needed — it's counter-service and walk-in. There's a free on-site parking lot, a drive-thru window for to-go orders, and online ordering for pickup or delivery. The kitchen handles full-scale catering for offices, tailgates, and family events, with party packs sized from a dozen people to several hundred.
Jacksonville barbecue brand since 1949
Pit-smoked over hickory and oak
Drive-thru window
Dine-in counter service
What to expect
Casual counter-service Southern BBQ joint with a drive-thru, wood-smoked meats, a deep sides menu, and full-service catering. Expect a quick lunch line, generous portions, sweet tea on tap, and an order-at-the-counter format with table-runner delivery to your booth.
Then come for the photos
03
The shop, in frames
Sponsored · Florida Hidden Spots
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What people are saying
★★★★★
Bono's has been a Jacksonville staple my whole life. The pulled pork sandwich and mac & cheese never miss, and the sweet tea is exactly what you want.
★★★★★
Solid local BBQ. Catered our office lunch with a party pack — the team raved about the ribs and banana pudding. Easy ordering and on-time delivery.
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Frequently asked
Does Bono's Pit Bar-B-Q take reservations?
No — Bono's is counter-service and walk-in only. Seating is first-come, first-served. For large groups, call ahead about catering or party packs.
Is Bono's Pit Bar-B-Q dog friendly?
The indoor dining room is not pet-friendly, but well-behaved dogs are welcome at outdoor tables where available. Service animals are welcome inside.
Where do I park near Bono's Pit Bar-B-Q on Beach Blvd?
There is a free on-site parking lot at 4907 Beach Blvd #4831, with dedicated spots for the drive-thru and to-go pickup.
What are the most popular dishes at Bono's Pit Bar-B-Q?
The most-ordered items are the pulled pork sandwich, sliced beef brisket plate, St. Louis ribs, fried okra, mac & cheese, and banana pudding for dessert.
What are Bono's Pit Bar-B-Q's hours?
The Beach Blvd location is open daily, typically from 10:30am to 9pm. Hours can vary on holidays — confirm with the store before you go.
Does Bono's Pit Bar-B-Q offer takeout or delivery?
Yes. Bono's offers dine-in, drive-thru, in-store takeout, online ordering for pickup, and third-party delivery. Full-service catering is available for events of all sizes.
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Closest spots by distance
Other places to fold into the same trip — measured straight-line from Bono's Pit Bar-B-Q.
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From Instagram
@bonosbarbq