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After nearly 75 years of serving smoked meats doused in sticky sauces, Shorty’s Bar-B-Q will be closing its flagship Dadeland location at 9200 S. Dixie Hwy. The South Florida staple, which has won a whopping ten New Times Best of Awards (most recently in 2019 for Best Barbecue in Miami), confirmed the news on Tuesday, September 30, exclusively with New Times, adding that there is no official closing date, but it will share the news with guests when it is confirmed.
“We are so honored to have been part of this community for nearly 75 years, and we’re deeply grateful for all the memories we’ve shared with our guests,” says Mark Vasturo, CEO of Shorty’s Bar-B-Q, in a statement. “This isn’t goodbye, it’s the start of a new chapter and an opportunity to make even more memories together. We’ll continue serving our guests at the Dadeland location for about another year, and we look forward to seeing you soon.”
Shorty’s Bar-B-Q photo
A Demolition That’s Been in the Works For Some Time
The news of Shorty’s Bar-B-Q closure first broke in 2022 when South Florida Business Journal reported that real estate developers Florida Value Partners and Atlantic Pacific Companies purchased the land Shorty’s sits on for $14.5 million, as well as the adjacent property at 9180 S. Dixie Hwy. At the time, Vasturo told New Times that Shorty’s Bar-B-Q was here to stay because the restaurant had a lease and that the developers were “big Shorty’s fans.” It almost seemed like whatever was being planned for the lot, Shorty’s was part of the plan. It’s unclear if that is still the case.
In the announcement of the closure, Shorty’s says it is ready to welcome its Dadeland patrons to its locations in West Miami and Davie, which will continue to serve the comforting food it has been known for.
Shorty’s Bar-B-Q photo
A South Dixie Landmark Since 1951
Founded in 1951 by E.L. “Shorty” Allen, Shorty’s Bar-B-Q is a Miami landmark known for its log-cabin charm, communal picnic tables, and timeless Southern hospitality. Despite fires and hurricanes over the decades, Shorty’s has stayed true to its roots, serving up hickory-smoked ribs, chicken, creamy coleslaw, and housemade sides just as it did over 70 years ago.
The original structure burned down and was replaced in 1971. Although the restaurant was sold in 1980, it remained a fixture in Miami. In 2013, Shorty Allen died at the age of 104. While there are locations in West Miami and Davie, the South Dixie location will always be the original. More than just a restaurant, this South Dixie restaurant has been a living slice of South Florida history where generations have gathered for delicious barbecue and a taste of old Miami.
Craving barbecue in Miami? Check out New Times’ list of the best new barbecue spots in Miami.
Shorty’s Bar-B-Q South Dixie. 9200 S. Dixie Hwy., Miami; 305-670-7732; shortys.com. Closing in late 2026, while its West Miami and Davie locations will continue operating.
