While we're nowhere near Austin or Kansas City's levels of reverence, these spots prove that Miami-Dade and Broward have the creativity, passion, and backyard know-how to compete with the barbecue greats. There's no doubt Miami still has some catching up to do before we can casually brag about world-class smoke rings. However, between brewery pop-ups, backyard sanctuaries, sushi-touched fusion, and generational pit wisdom, our barbecue landscape is finally starting to earn its tongs.
Therefore, pull up a chair, no three-hour wait required (fingers crossed), and taste the city's barbecue future, one smoky plate at a time.
Captain's BBQ at Casa La Rubia brewery in Wynwood is one of the best new barbecue spots in South Florida
Captain's BBQ photo
Captain's BBQ
55 NW 25th St., Miami, at Casa La Rubiainstagram.com/captsbbqTucked inside Casa La Rubia Brewery in Wynwood, Captain's BBQ is a more delicious secret than a storefront. Every weekend, Christian Gomez, a former yacht captain, swaps sea legs for a pitmaster’s apron, turning the taproom into a "cue haven" where Texas smoking techniques meet unapologetic Cuban flair. On the menu, the "Captain's Feast" sampler showcases smoked wings in four distinct styles, from the dry-rub "Cannon-fired" to the mango-habanero "Shipwrecked in La Habana," plus the straight-up spice of "Driftwood" and the tangy-sweet "Mop the Deck." Brisket empanadas arrive piping hot, featuring tender beef and a hint of tropical heat, while the "Pan Con Puerco" layers slow-smoked pork, crisp slaw, and pickles on butter-toasted bread. There is no pit out front, but it is probably Wynwood's juiciest weekend addiction.
Mr. Cobbs BBQ & Wings
20601 NW Second Ave., Miami305-965-5306
mrcobbsbbqmiami.comDon't overlook Mr. Cobbs BBQ in Miami Gardens, a soul-food-style institution forged over nearly 30 years at the pit. Here, the brisket is the product of decades of trial and error; the ribs fall off the bone the moment they hit your plate, and the pulled pork brims with smoke and seasoning. The old-school sides, such as collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and baked beans, feel like Sunday dinner every day of the week, and the neighborhood vibe reminds you that barbecue is as much about community as it is about the meat.
Slab Daddy Barbecue
795 NW 20th St., Miamislabdaddybbqmiami.comOver in Allapattah, Slab Daddy Barbecue channels the spirit of Carolina smokehouses and dresses it up in Latin swagger. Owner and pitmaster Adrian Ricouz built his rep in a backyard pit, and each rack and slice bears his commitment to low-and-slow perfection. The peach-glazed ribs are a sweet-tart revelation that won't leave you wishing for extra sauce, and the lean brisket slices carry a flawless smoke ring, delicate on their own, bold if you choose to dunk them in the house concoction. Wings here come with a sauce that lingers just long enough to give your taste buds something to remember. No frills, no gimmicks, just smoke-kissed meat that oozes authenticity.
Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse is one of the best new barbecue spots in Miami and Fort Lauderdale
Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse photo
Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse
221 SW First Ave., Ste. 1, Fort Lauderdale954-299-3661
ukiahrestaurant.comWhen you tire of mustard-based slaw, cross the county line to Fort Lauderdale's Riverwalk for Ukiah, where Japanese precision meets American smokehouse bravado. Chef Michael Lewis, fresh from his Asheville fusion supernova, offers a build-your-own smoked platter featuring half-chicken, Carolina pork shoulder, brisket, or pastrami short rib. Each comes paired with zingy kimchi, pickled vegetables, and toasted rye that soaks up all the drippings. Yes, there's sushi and sashimi rolling alongside the smoke, and yes, the dumplings make for an unexpected but welcome intermission. It's a barbecue for the indecisive, the curious, or both.
Wholly Cow BBQ in Hollywood is one of the best new barbecue spots in South Florida
Wholly Cow BBQ photo
Wholly Cow BBQ
3080 Sheridan St., Ste. 348, Hollywood754-900-8227
whollycowbbq.comIf Miami's lack of smokehouse lineage bothers you, head north to Hollywood's Yellow Green Farmers Market and find Wholly Cow BBQ. They keep things simple: white oak logs, a 16-to-18-hour cook on the brisket, and a straightforward Texas Hill Country ethos. The result is a brisket with a peppery bark that snaps under your teeth, while their three-bone Dino ribs, each tipping the scales at a pound or more, deliver rib-eye-on-a-stick decadence after a six-to-eight-hour smoke. Pulled pork and sausage plates come dressed only with slaw and pickles because, at this level of honesty, you don’t need anything else. Keep an eye on them for occasional weekend pop-ups in the Killian area.
