★★★★★
Been coming here for over 30 years and I tell every visitor to Florida they have to stop in. Nobody does ribs like Big John's — the smoke and sauce are just right.
BBQ · East Tampa · Tampa
Big John's
Alabama BBQ
01
The place
Big John's Alabama BBQ is a counter-service barbecue restaurant at 5707 N 40th St in East Tampa, Florida 33610. Founded in 1968 by Rev. John A. "Big John" Stephens, a transplant from Eufaula, Alabama, the family-owned joint specializes in open-pit Alabama-style barbecue cooked hot and fast over a brick chimney pit. The menu features pork ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked chicken, and house-made sausage, served with classic sides like mac and cheese, potato salad, and baked beans. Hours are Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; closed Sunday. Takeout and delivery are available via Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. The restaurant holds a 4.3-star Google rating across 2,156 reviews and was voted Florida's Best Barbecue Joint by Southern Living readers in 2025.
Big John's Alabama BBQ has been smoking meat on the same East Tampa block since 1968, when Rev. John A. "Big John" Stephens brought his Eufaula, Alabama pit technique east on 40th Street. Three generations later, the family still runs the counter, and the brick-chimney open pit out back still cooks ribs, chicken, and sausage hot and fast — the Alabama way, not the Texas low-and-slow way. Southern Living readers named it Florida's Best Barbecue Joint in 2024 and again in 2025.
Order the ribs — full slab, half slab, or a sandwich — for the dish that built the reputation, glazed in Big John's signature tangy-sweet sauce. The pulled pork plate, smoked beef, and link sausage are all pit-cooked the same way. Pair anything with the homemade mac and cheese, potato salad, and baked beans, then save room for sweet potato pie or pound cake from the dessert case up front.
Seating is casual counter-service with a free on-site parking lot — no reservations needed and none taken. The restaurant is closed Sundays, and Friday and Saturday hours run an extra two hours later than weekdays. For pickup or delivery, the kitchen lists on Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, and Clover online ordering. Cash and cards both work at the counter.
Open since 1968 — family-owned, third generation
Alabama-style open-pit, hot-and-fast brick-chimney barbecue
Voted Florida's Best Barbecue Joint by Southern Living readers (2024 & 2025)
Counter-service / casual
What to expect
Walk-in counter-service with a short line at lunch on weekdays and a longer one Friday and Saturday afternoons. Order at the register, grab a number, and the kitchen runs trays out within a few minutes. Seating is no-frills indoor tables; this is a takeout-heavy spot. Plan to pay in the $10-$15 range for a two-meat plate with sides, more for a full slab. Sweet tea and a small selection of sodas only — no alcohol.
Then come for the photos
03
The shop, in frames
Sponsored · Florida Hidden Spots
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What people are saying
★★★★★
Ribs fall off the bone, BBQ chicken sandwich is stacked, and the mac and cheese tastes homemade. Staff is friendly and the line moves fast.
★★★★★
Authentic Alabama-style pit barbecue in Tampa. Sweet potato pie alone is worth the trip. Counter-serve, easy parking, great prices.
05
Frequently asked
Does Big John's Alabama BBQ take reservations?
No — Big John's is counter-service only and does not accept reservations. Walk-in for dine-in, takeout, or use Clover online ordering for pickup.
Is Big John's Alabama BBQ dog-friendly?
Dogs are not permitted inside the dining room. There is no dedicated outdoor patio, so dog owners should order takeout.
Where do I park near Big John's Alabama BBQ?
Big John's has a free private parking lot on-site at 5707 N 40th St with ample spaces, plus additional street parking along N 40th Street.
What are the most popular dishes at Big John's Alabama BBQ?
The pork ribs (slab or sandwich), BBQ chicken sandwich, pulled pork plate, and homemade mac and cheese are the most-recommended items. Save room for sweet potato pie.
What are Big John's Alabama BBQ's hours?
Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Sundays.
Does Big John's Alabama BBQ offer takeout or delivery?
Yes — takeout is available at the counter or via Clover online ordering, and delivery is available through Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub.
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Closest spots by distance
Other places to fold into the same trip — measured straight-line from Big John's Alabama BBQ.
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