★★★★★
Best BBQ in Tampa, hands down. The brisket melts in your mouth and the pulled pork has real smoke flavor. Sides are legit Southern — the collards and mac are perfect.
BBQ · South Tampa · Tampa
BJ's
Alabama BBQ!
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The place
BJ's Alabama BBQ! is a Southern-style barbecue restaurant at 3423 S Dale Mabry Hwy in the South Tampa neighborhood of Tampa, Florida. The kitchen specializes in classic smoked meats including pulled pork, beef brisket, ribs, and smoked chicken, paired with Southern sides such as collard greens, baked beans, mac and cheese, and cornbread. Service is fast-casual with counter ordering and a small dining area. Takeout is available, and the restaurant is family-owned. The phone number is (813) 374-0219. Pricing skews budget-friendly at one dollar sign. The business holds a 4.6-star Google rating across more than 1,600 reviews, making it one of the highest-rated barbecue spots in Tampa.
BJ's Alabama BBQ! is a no-frills South Tampa institution that has earned a cult following along the Dale Mabry corridor for honest, slow-smoked Southern barbecue. The room is small and the setup is fast-casual, but locals come back for pitmaster-quality meats at fast-food prices — a rare combination in a city where premium BBQ usually runs double.
Order the pulled pork sandwich, beef brisket plate, or a rack of ribs with two sides. Regulars rave about the smoked chicken, the housemade sauces, and Southern staples like collard greens, baked beans, mac and cheese, and cornbread. Combo plates are the move if you want to sample the smoker — and save room for banana pudding when it's on.
Parking is in the on-site lot off South Dale Mabry. Reservations are not taken — it's order-at-the-counter — and takeout is widely used during the lunch rush. Cash and cards are accepted. The dining room is compact, so peak weekday lunches and Saturday afternoons can run a short wait at the line.
Slow-smoked Alabama-style barbecue
Budget-friendly pricing ($)
4.6★ on Google with 1,600+ reviews
Family-owned and operated
What to expect
Expect a small, casual barbecue counter focused on classic Alabama-style smoked meats and Southern sides. Order at the register, grab a number, and food comes out hot off the smoker. Budget-friendly prices, takeout-friendly, and consistently rated among Tampa's best BBQ on Google.
Then come for the photos
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The shop, in frames
Sponsored · Florida Hidden Spots
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What people are saying
★★★★★
Tiny spot but the food is incredible. Ribs were tender, sauces are great, and prices are very reasonable. Family-run and you can tell they care.
★★★★★
Drove across town after hearing about it and totally worth it. Got the combo with brisket and ribs — both excellent. Cornbread and banana pudding sealed the deal.
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Frequently asked
Does BJ's Alabama BBQ! take reservations?
No — BJ's Alabama BBQ! is a counter-service restaurant and does not accept reservations. Walk-ins and takeout orders are the standard.
Is BJ's Alabama BBQ! dog/pet friendly?
The indoor dining area is not pet-friendly, but service dogs are welcome. Most guests grab takeout if dining with pets.
Where do I park near BJ's Alabama BBQ!?
There is an on-site parking lot at 3423 S Dale Mabry Hwy, plus additional street parking along the South Dale Mabry corridor.
What are the most popular dishes at BJ's Alabama BBQ!?
The most-ordered items are the pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked ribs, and smoked chicken plates, paired with classic Southern sides like collard greens, baked beans, and mac and cheese.
What are BJ's Alabama BBQ!'s hours?
BJ's Alabama BBQ! is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 6 PM and is closed Sunday and Monday. Hours can vary — call (813) 374-0219 to confirm.
Does BJ's Alabama BBQ! offer takeout or delivery?
Yes — takeout is a major part of the business. Call-ahead orders to (813) 374-0219 are recommended, and third-party delivery is typically available.
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Closest spots by distance
Other places to fold into the same trip — measured straight-line from BJ's Alabama BBQ!.
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