This is excellent authentic bbq. The perfectly smoked meat is pulled out from a wood-fired bbq and chopped fresh for your order. The pork has just the right amount of char to it, and the house sauce is great. The inside of the restaurant is not the most comfortable of settings, so I would probably recommend you order takeout unless you are just stopping in for a quick lunch.
Veeatables Plate. Greens, mac & cheese sweet potatoes
Best in Tampa. I felt that I had to create this review because of the negative reviews that I have seen on this site. In no way do the negative review reflect what I believe is an accurate review. Below I will describe what BJ's is and is NOT.
BJ's Is:
A Hole In The Wall
Authentic Alabama Barbeque (3 Men from Bama were in the house and said this place was better then Bar B Q in Bama)
The Best Bar B Q in Tampa
Not to Pricey
Ribs-Chicken-Pork-Sausage-Collard Greens-Mac n Cheese-etc
BJ's Is NOT:
Fine dining
Fast Food Chain
Food you are looking for a smile (even though people were friendly)
Do yourself a favor and give them a try. If you do not like this type of Bar B Q then you just don't like true blue, southern, Alabama style Bar B Que.
I personally hate Carolina Bar B Q and you would never here me say anything good about it.
BJ's is Alabama brought to you in Tampa.
Best home style BBQ in Tampa. Friendly staff, decent prices, tasty meals.
Consistently Awesome BBQ & sides!. This is one of the best BBQ places I have ever eaten at! The food is fresh, the meat is perfectly cooked be it the ribs, pork or chicken. the meat is never dried out and the sauce is delicious... not too sweet and not to hot! The collard greens and mac and cheese are home made and hit a high mark for southern cooking. The slaw is good too!The serving sizes for the meat and sides are generous. The staff is always incredibly friendly and nice.
Two-Meat Goodness. My co-workers and I like to get BBQ on Fridays for lunch, and we've been all over the place to try new Q. I was really impressed with the quality of the food and the service. I was hungry, so I skipped past the "lunch special" and went straight for the two-meat combo with two sides. As the choices were a bit overwhelming, I asked for a recommendation from the owners. They said, "Try the ribs and sausage," which is what I did, along with BBQ beans and potato salad. ALL portions were generous in size, and every bit of it was great. The sausage was the true stand-out for me though! We do what we call "fatties" on the smoker, and this was about as close to that as you could get, but with the added bonus of a light, crisp casing to really provide the smoked meat flavor. To top it off, free cupcakes to "celebrate the weekend," as the owners exclamied...NICE!
Outstanding. BBQ doesn't get any better than this.
I laughed, I cried, I had some good damn ribs tonight.
Solid BBQ! Good portions, Friendly service, Good price. Don't know why anyone would complain about the ambience in BBQ joint. Had lunch there- no complaints.
Came for the BBQ pork Sammy, not bad for 6.75$ with a drink and side. The sandwich was huge and the meat was tender and plentiful. Sweet and delicious sourthern style iced tea. The beans had a smoky, cinnamon taste that was different, but good. A great lunch place, no frills and pretty good BBQ
During a visit to Tampa, I saw the smoke. I smelled the food. And I was hungry! I stopped into BJ's Alabama BBQ with hopes of consuming some "backyard" family bbq! They did not disappoint! Not only was the customer service over-the-top, but the food was hot, good amount and tasted great. If you're in the area and want a good BBQ spot without all the drama of a chain restaurant, I'd highly recommend you check out this spot. I'll definitely be back!
I have to say, what a find. Excellent food, great service. This place as been around for 3 decades, my only regret is I didn't find it sooner. I will for sure return. Thanks BJ's for the great real smoked BBQ.
I had visited here in July and let me tell y'all something, this is best barbacue I've had in a long while! I got myself a pork sandwich, corn on a cob, cornbread, and coleslaw, and everything tasted wonderful! The women here are also very friendly and lively! They really bring a lot of joy into the place! Go ahead and get yourself some good barbacue from here! 😋👍
I went in today for the first time and told them it was my first time coming here and it was for take out for Michelle and this is the taste I was looking for! I ordered a full slab with half chicken all white meat, bbq beans and potato salad and it was amazing! I found my BBQ place and everyone was so nice and they shared with us their take over and hope they are making their grandparent proud. They are definitely making him proud 💜🦋
In town and we heard about this place so, we decided to check it out. They did not disappoint! This family owned business served up some of the best ribs we’ve had in a long time. They were so tender and Smokey! Potato salad, collards and Mac were equally delicious as well. If you’re looking for some good bbq, this is it.
Our first visit and we were NOT disappointed!! A family owned business for decades, they treat everyone coming in like they're family. With simple, unpretentious surroundings, the bottom line is that the food is fresh, the prices fair, and the servings ample. You will NOT go away hungry! These are good people who deserve your business!! If you like BBQ the old fashioned way, make note of when they're open and check them out! As for my wife and I, we'll be back soon!
Best BBQ I've ever had! Do not pass this place up. The family that runs this 35+ year establishment welcomed us warmly and feed our stomachs and souls.
We got a little of all the meats, chicken, brisket, ribs, sausage and beef - all of it was amazing- the sauce is a tangy vinegar based gem.
For sides we got the slaw, beans and yams - usually not a huge sides person but they held up as delicious as the meat and I went for seconds.
Portions are huge and my husband can eat so that's saying something.
Eat here you will not be disappointed.
Having lived in both Alabama and Georgia for several years, I can honestly say that this is some of the best BBQ I’ve ever had. Staff were the ideal of true Southern hospitality, and unlike most places, the sides were incredible. We’ll be regulars here!
We were in town visiting from Jersey and came across this joint on the way to our Dinner 😂 We saw the smoke outside and made a sharp right! This place was OUT OF THIS WORLD!!! Everything we ate was incredible- especially the potato salad! My daughter devoured the chicken and rice 😀 I wish I could give this family owned restaurant more than 5 stars! The customer service, hospitality and food was all 5+ stars!
First time here and already can’t wait to come back. The service was awesome- not only do they cook great food, they treat you like family. Large portions, variety and the price is very reasonable.
And my gosh does it smell amazing!! Can they make a wax melt that smells like their BBQ for my house?!?
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