National Barbecue Day in Pensacola: Where to find the best BBQ in the city
Florida probably isn't the first or even fifth place you'd think of when it comes to states with great barbecue, but that doesn't mean you can't get a taste of it here.
When the temps go up and the shorts come out, you can be sure the grills are lighting up, too. And just in time for National Barbecue Day, which happens to fall on May 16 this year.
The origins of barbecue, like most things, are a little hazy. You can be sure that our ancient ancestors were out roasting chunks of mammoth thousands of years ago. More recently, according to nationaltoday.com, 'barbacoa' was mentioned in a Spanish explorer's account of traveling through the West Indies.
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Needless to say, humans and barbecue go way back.
But how can you celebrate today? The easiest way is to pick from one of Pensacola's favorite local barbecue places conveniently listed below.
Water Pig BBQ
When: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week
Where: 5 Via de Luna, Pensacola Beach
What could be a better combination than a barbecue at the beach? Water Pig BBQ, located at 5 Via de Luna on Pensacola Beach, brings award-winning Pitmaster Steve Seige's 11 years of experience to Pensacola with Texas-style smoked brisket, seasonal sides and more.
Local favorites: Loaded tots, the pulled pork sandwich, the brisket sandwich and smoked wings.
Blue Dot Barbecue
When: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 12:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday (hours subject to change)
Where: 310 N. Devillers St.
Blue Dot Barbecue has been a Pensacola hidden gem since Blue Dot was opened by Blue Robinson and his wife Dorothy, also known as "Dot," back around the 1940s.
Blue Dot is not a fancy affair. The restaurant serves two things: Barbecued hamburgers and a barbecued sandwich, but the hamburger is what people line up for. The key to a true Blue Dot experience is to order a burger and take it however it comes, typically with mayo, mustard, onions, tomatoes, salt and pepper.
Local favorites: The burger.
The Aragon Cafe
When: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 2 pm. Thursday to Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: 47 N. Ninth Ave.
Walking into the Aragon Cafe's, you wouldn't expect to be leaving with a belly full of brisket. The interior is adorned with exposed brick and modern industrial décor. There is an expansive non-alcoholic drink menu that includes signature drinks, smoothies, frappes and coffee.
Food-wise, you have plenty to choose from. There are plenty of barbecue options including collard green sandwich, Naughty BBQ Sandwich, Mama's meatloaf sandwich, smoked plates and more.
Local favorites: Macaroni Monster and Mama's meatloaf sandwich.
Hot Spot Barbecue
When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, closed on Sunday
Where: 901 E. La Rua St.
If you've ever driven down Ninth Avenue, just past McGuire's, you've probably seen the smoke billowing from Hot Spot Barbecue's outdoor smokers even if you didn't notice the restaurant.
Hot Spot has been one of Pensacola's best Southern-style barbecue joints since it first opened in 2013. Fans rave about ribs that fall off the bone, perfectly smoked brisket and the coveted lemon pie.
Local favorites: Pulled pork, burnt end ribs and lemon pie.
Brother's BBQ
When: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday, closed Sunday
Where: 3309 Gulf Beach Highway
Brother's BBQ, located on Gulf Beach Highway, has been around since 2012. The place has three smokers that can smoke 1,750 pounds of meat. All sides are homemade and seasoned with in-house meats and spices.
Local favorites: Pulled pork, brisket and the four-meat combo.
Arlene Williams Barbecue
Call 850-549-8101 for details on hours and location.
The Arlene Williams BBQ food truck has served the Pensacola area since 2008, making it another long-time favorite for Pensacola barbecue lovers.
Fans of Arlene's love to rave about the service as much as they rave about their greens, brisket and ribs. One reviewer even stated that when you let Arlene feed you, you become part of her family.
Local favorites: Jerk chicken, jerk pork and barbecue ribs.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: National Barbecue Day in Pensacola: Where to find the best BBQ
