Best BBQ Orlando Area (Apopka, Eustis: restaurant, shop, food)

[OTownKnight]

4 Rivers is the best. Their burnt ends are delicious and the fried pickles with their housemade ranch are incredible! They also have the old fashioned soda bottles and a good selection of them at that.

It's become a chain with other locations popping up in Orlando and other parts of the southeast, but I think it's still a good local pick.

[firmbizzle]

4Rivers has the best sides (corn, beans, collards, bread pudding) but the only meats that I like are the burnt ends. Pig Floyds is quite good. They would probably be my #1 right now but don't like their sauce.

[Arcenal813]

Speaking of burnt ends, I ordered those last time we went to 4Rivers for lunch... They were as salty as the Dead Sea and lacked the smoky flavor I like from a BBQ. Maybe it's just not for me.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by Arcenal352

Speaking of burnt ends, I ordered those last time we went to 4Rivers for lunch... They were as salty as the Dead Sea and lacked the smoky flavor I like from a BBQ. Maybe it's just not for me.

I think it's for those who like everything oversalted, which seems to be a good chunk of the population given the popularity of chain restaurants who "season" similarly or the ready made stuff in grocery stores which has a day's worth of sodium in one serving.

[Pete C]

4R and Bubbalous are a toss up for me. 4R if I want something a sweeter, and Bubbalous if I want more smoke. I do prefer 4R sides though.

[bmw335xi]

I thought 4R was good, not amazing, but not bad either. However, we had it soon after moving to Orlando and one of the cities we stopped was Austin where the BBQ is nothing like anything I’ve had anywhere else in the world, so maybe I will try it again as it wasn’t good enough for me to revisit since moving here. I’ve had two great bbq from food trucks with snokers but i forgot their names.

[walmill]

Have been to 4 rivers once and won't return, at least on my own accord. I had only been after hearing countless unsolicited rave reviews.
I thought I was lining up for space mountain on a summer day. Line wrapped around the outside of the building and out through the parking lot.
Finally got the food after probably 45 minutes of standing. While not necessarily gross it definitely was not 'good' everything was way too salty and way too bland and assembly line looking. Honestly seemed like a big corporate cafeteria chain type quality. Price point wasn't exceptional either. I don't understand the obsession. Doesnt seem to be an actual appreciation of good food but more like a hip thing to do to stick a 4R bumper sticker on the back of your rav4 next to your family,cat, and dog stick figure. Cant forget salt life in the middle of the rear glass.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by walmill

Have been to 4 rivers once and won't return, at least on my own accord. I had only been after hearing countless unsolicited rave reviews.
I thought I was lining up for space mountain on a summer day. Line wrapped around the outside of the building and out through the parking lot.
Finally got the food after probably 45 minutes of standing. While not necessarily gross it definitely was not 'good' everything was way too salty and way too bland and assembly line looking. Honestly seemed like a big corporate cafeteria chain type quality. Price point wasn't exceptional either. I don't understand the obsession. Doesnt seem to be an actual appreciation of good food but more like a hip thing to do to stick a 4R bumper sticker on the back of your rav4 next to your family,cat, and dog stick figure. Cant forget salt life in the middle of the rear glass.

Spot on assessment in my opinion and given the feedback of a couple of others here perhaps gives an indication of unfamiliarity of what constitutes truly good barbecue if under the impression it's somehow "the best". The bumper sticker comment seals it as well!

[Cloudship]

Does it depend upon location? I've noticed something with a lot of these new "chains" - the original location does it right, but the expansion locations never seem to quite get it.

[poodlestix]

Originally Posted by Cloudship

What are some recommendations regarding the best BBQ joint in the Orlando area?

Really, that kind of depends on where you're moving from. If you're moving from Texas and looking for that taste (mainly brisket), I can tell you our favorite place (we lived in Houston for about 9 years). Check out Johnson's Barbecue in Plant City. That is the closest you'll get. If you don't want to go that far, my next choice would be Kenny's in Clermont.