Big John's Alabama Bar-B-Q

So this is my wife's all time favorite barbecue place. So we will come here every time we are in Tampa. But as a self professed barbecue snob from Kansas, I arrived just before noon to order a large spread. The line was very orderly and stretched to the door In the clean and open restaurant. When my meal was unpacked the barbecue had great flavor but the meat didn't have the pink smoke ring I expected and didn't fall off the bone-but the people are very nice, provided great service, didn't mess up the order.

There are only five stars to give but the food only deserves so many more. I have never bit into a crispy skin rib but I did at Big John's and it was crispy and tender and smoky and juicy. The green beans were fresh and oh so flavorful. Add to that an order of creamy mac & cheese all for a reasonable price and you get a big two thumbs up. Now there always a downside...you have to stand in line to place your order so people sit down at the tables in the space waiting for their food, so there's not a lot of room if you want to dine in. And the place was packed even in late afternoon. Why there's no outside seating I haven't a clue because there's room for plenty of tables. And it would alleviate some of the indoor crowding. But still Big John's is worth it.

There is nothing like the pleasant aroma of a barbeque restaurant that smokes its meats on site. Big John's is a quaint little restaurant with friendly people working the counter, about ten tables for dining, and sport jerseys mounted on the walls. One look at the prices let me know to expect a neighborhood-type experience, not a craft BBQ show.I ordered the rib plate with cole slaw, baked beans, and hot barbeque sauce on the side. All plates came with two side orders and bread. My guess about a neighborhood-type experience was correct... the food was abundant and tasty! As usual, I cleaned my plate.The rib plate consisted of five complete sparerib bones. There was plenty of meat on the bones without any excess fat. The meat was smokey, well-seasoned and moist, even though I ordered at 3:00 in the afternoon. The sauce was non-traditional in that the heat appears to have been providing by a generous helping of Louisiana-style hot sauce, giving it a "Buffalo-ish Wing Sauce" flavor.Both sides were fresh, flavorful and served at the proper temperatures. I especially appreciated getting good quality foods late in the afternoon. My friends later confirmed that this place has peopled line up out the door during lunch time... justifiably so.

I was planning a Tampa day with my dad and wanted to eat some good BBQ. Thanks for the great reviews for the Big John's on Yelp, I added it to the itinerary. We arrived and were greeted in the parking lot, but the amazing smell of burning oak and smoked BBQ. Once inside we joined the small line. We placed our orders at the counter and took our seats. The food was ready in a short time and it sure looked good. I ordered the 2 meat and 2 sides plate, as did my dad. I had white meat chicken, beef, baked beans, and potato salad. My dad had sausage, pork, fries, and baked beans. For sauces, we both elected for the sweet BBQ. I found both the beef and chicken to be perfectly smoked and full of flavor. While I did think the BBQ sauce was a little more ketchupy than I would prefer, it paired nicely with the beef. The chicken was seasoned so well that it didn't need any sauce. I would have to say that the potato salad was some of the best I have had and had a very wonderful taste to it. The baked beans were different, but not in a bad way. They were a little sweeter than I might normally prefer. I think they get their sweetness from perhaps applesauce, as I tasted that on the back end. They were very tasty and I would order them again, but just know they are on the sweeter side. I did steal a bite my the sausage from my dad's plate, man was it also very good. It had a great smoked flavor, it was a little on the sweeter side but had a great flavor. Now for the pork, we were both thinking he would be getting pulled pork, but her was presented with ribs. Not what neither of us were expecting. I did not try them, but he said the flavor was good, but they were just a tad dry. OH, for drinks they have a Coke fountain with Cherry Fanta, which you never see. They also have lemonade, sweet tea, and a sweet tea with what I am sure was pineapple juice. That is what I had, it was so good but very sweet. You gotta least try it and have a little.The staff was so friendly and welcoming. I wanted to get a photo of the pit, but didn't want to take it over the glass without the ok. Luckily my dad who is much more outgoing than me, asked if it would be ok. They joked and said sure 3 photos for $5. They then said come on around and take your pictures. I got behind the counter a little and took a picture. They waited for me to look at it and to be sure it was good. Later while we were eating one of the cooks came out to say hi to everyone, shake hands, and see how everything was. I love that personal connection.If we find ourselves in the area, we would for sure stop back in.

THis is by far the worse bbq expirence I've had in Tampa so far. 2 meat combo the 3 drumsticks I got were thumb size and cooked dry to a crisp the ribs were smoked decently but dry like jerky. Days after MILTON, I just wanted good warm food. Potato salad how were the potato hard and chewy at the same time. This cannot be your regular product. Noone has good money for terrible food. I tried to support this black seemingly family owned business. Never again.Please Taste the food if it's going out for the paying public. I wish giving zero was an option. Not sure why pics aren't loading they are under my reviews/profile.

I can't get over their way very often but did again recently. Had to wait on a parking spot as the entire lot was full. Stood in the long line to place my order, waited a bit to have my order served but I'D EVEN WAIT LONGER EVERY SINGLE TIME. That place is amazing. ABSOLUTELY the best chopped pork you will ever eat. Collards are to die for. No wonder this place is rated the best bbq in Tampa

I ordered a 2 meat 2 sides combo on Uber eats with the thin end ribs, sausage, corn on the cob and mac and cheese. I didn't love the portion sizes for the cost, however... the flavor made up for all of that. I mixed mild, hot and sweet sauce together and got it on the side cuz I actually hate sweet and savory combos but something about that just made me curious. OMG! Best sauce I've had in forever! And the mac and cheese truly shocked me. It's something you really just order just cuz and expect to be disappointed it doesn't taste like your your own or your mom's, but it was delicious. I will be ordering again!

I've been craving BBQ for a while so I decided to check this place out. When I arrived I was greeted with a warm welcome. The setup was exactly what I expected to see at a BBQ joint......laid back. I ordered the rib dinner for $13.44. It was worth it. They give you A LOT of food. Now, let's get to it. The ribs were thick, meaty and dripping with juices. But they had no flavor at all. I mean none. I was kind of shocked seeing that this is a black establishment. I mean no type of BBQ rub...nothing. The baked beans were on point. Whoever is working on the baked beans knows what they're doing. Mac and cheese was terrible. Over cooked, and really sour. It was like sour mush. Maybe they used sour cream I don't know. It had the consistency of cottage cheese. Will I come back again? Nah

Super tasty food. The pork, ribs and chicken were awesome. The baked beans were the greatest I've ever tasted. The potatoes salad was wonderful. Would return if in the area again.

Best bbq in tampa hands down! Very chill spot with great food and staff that are such a vibe. Definitely recommend to all. A top tier spot!