I was looking for something filling on my way to a concert, and I'm really glad I picked this place.
First, the atmosphere: this joint is really small, but it smells great, and it just kinda feels like a "this is where people eat" sort of place. I'm sure that makes sense.
The staff are friendly and the service is fast as hell for the quality of food you're getting. The guys there today just struck me as honest, hard-working dudes.
The food was filling, delicious, and surprisingly unique. The baked beans were fantastic and unlike anywhere else I've had. The mac and cheese felt very homemade, but in the best way. I ordered turkey for my meat and it was actually tender and moist. Delicious. The envy of every thanksgiving dinner. I don't know if their BBQ sauce is in-house or not, but it was also very good.
All in all, super solid place to get some real southern feeling barbecue. I loved it.
Next time I'm in the area, I'll probably go back. I wish this place was in my town.
I just had my first meal at Al's and loved it! Decent prices with fresh barbecue food. It's certainly a sensation of tastes! The smell is amazing!
When we were in the parking lot you can smell the bbq and it smelled so good. You can park right in front. We went around noon and it wasn't packed. We got ribs, pork and sausage with sides baked beans and potato salad. The ribs were falling off and they had good flavor. The sausage was one of the best I had here in Tampa. The staff was really nice and food came out fast. Would like to come back and try their mac and cheese. Fun fact, there were roosters and chicken outside on the parking lot and just walking around.
I need to start off by saying that this place will not disappoint. Sauce! You will find yourself not using it, even though they give you a very tasty bbq sauce with your order. Each different meat has amazing flavoring and juices that you have to try to appreciate. I ordered a 3 meat plate, ribs, chicken and pulled pork and an extra order of 1/2 slab of ribs. The staff was great with that home town feeling. If you love bbq this is the place to try. It feels like you were invited to their home for a good home cooked meal.
My wife and I finally found a soul food place to eat on our 5th day in Clearwater/ Tampa. Al's didn't disappoint.
The service was friendly and fast. The food was delicious. I ordered the turkey,black eye peas and collard greens, be warned the greens are 🔥😂. My wife ordered the quarter chicken with yellow rice and collard greens.
All of the meats were tender and moist with a hint of smoke flavor not overpowered.
We were so hungry and excited to finally find a soul food place I forgot to take pics of the food but I believe a true testament and compliment of how good the food was is to post the next best thing the empty plate 😋😎👏🏾
Add this place to your stops while in Tampa 😎
The ribs were definitely finger licking good and HUGE. Probably one of the best ribs I’ve eaten.
The food was incredible. This is the real deal! They are masters at the bbq craft. Do not miss this place if you are in Tampa !!!!!
Part of me wants to rate this place horribly, so it remains a local secret. But, the truth is that Al’s is one of the best BBQ joints I have ever eaten at. Please know that I have been all over this country eating BBQ. I have even taken several trips just to tour BBQ restaurants. I always knew that Tampa was not on the BBQ map, so my expectations were low. But Al has changed my mind. Not only is it the best in Tampa, but deserves National recognition. Everything is outstanding, but the ribs and sausage are particular highlights. The sauce is amazing, although the meats do not need it at all. The sides are top notch as well … and don’t forget the dessert.
Smoked chicken and beef brisket we’re smoking. Phenomenal experience and great staff! Will come here again.
Hands down the best Barbecue! Must try if visiting the Tampa area. I loved the pulled pork, smoked turkey, baked beans, yellow rice & chicken, and potato salad. The staff was very personable & friendly. We will definitely be back our next trip to Tampa.
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