10 Fat Boy's Bar-B-QThis Vine St. venue has been slinging quality Q -- and on the relative cheap -- for 40-odd years, a sure sign they're doing something right. Neither fancy nor touristy, visitors who happen are generally more than pleased with the discovery. Hefty slabs of wood-smoked ribs are the stars (sauce them as you like). A selection of sandwiches and classic sides from slaw to mac to barbecued beans -- these are something like a sweet chili due to ground meat in the sauce -- should keep you quite sated. You can even come early, too. Fat Boys' serves breakfast in the mornings, beginning at 8 a.m. (407-847-7098)
9 American QWith an all-you-can-eat buffet that's served off the massive flatbed of a cherry-red classic Ford pickup truck, American Q -- located inside the B Resort Orlando, just a few minutes' walk from Downtown Disney -- puts the good 'ol USA on display as its whimsical centerpiece. For about $35 per person, the stuff-yourself menu includes a roster of apps, salads, sides and desserts, along with churrascaria-style visits from servers happy to slice off as much pork shoulder, brisket, slow-smoked turkey, steak and several other protein offerings as you'd like. The regular menu features classic mains culled from St. Louis, Texas, Memphis and more. (407.827.3080)
8 ShinJung Korean RestaurantTrue, this is not a traditional entry for a barbecue list, but we'd be remiss without including the deliciousness that is Shin Jung, an Orlando-local favorite that serves a vast menu of Korean specialties including what many gourmands consider the best bulgogi (Korean short rib BBQ) and kal bi (thin-sliced BBQ rib eye) in the city. These, along with pork and chicken BBQ offerings, can be cooked tableside if ordered in for-two portions. Along with Shin Jung's superb BBQ, fans of Korean cuisine will find beautifully executed soups, stews, dumplings, noodles and other entrees, along with excellent -- and spicy -- kimchi. (407-895-7345)
7 Porkie's Original BBQBarbecue aficionados in just about any town will often cite more local, off-the-path venues among their favorites and such is the case with Porkie's, a casual, friendly, little place with a massive following they've built over the decade-plus they've been open. Slow-cooked oak- and hickory-smoked ribs are the specialty, but Porkie's burgers, chicken, steaks and hearty sandwiches have some serious proponents. Porkie's has a regular Bike Night, so you can come for the Q and stay for the show as motorcycle enthusiasts roll in for a family-friendly event that draws impressive crowds. Porkie's sauce selection ensures there's a delicious drizzle for every palate. (407-880-3351)
6 Pig Floyd's Urban BarbakoaPig Floyd's Urban Barbakoa's location amid the multicultural stretch of Mills on which it sits is ideal, and not merely for the hip vibe its confines -- particularly the lovely open-air section -- help breed. With Caribbean, Latin and Asian culinary influences finding its way into the menu, PF's allows lovers of traditional Southern Q and those with a hankering for flavors from far-flung places to have fun sampling the menu. Here you'll find the surprise of soy, citrus and curry along with the sweet, smoky profiles you'd expect. Succulent pork belly, tender brisket and pulled share the bill with an array of street tacos, BBQ banh mi and other intriguing selections. (407-921-1696)
By: A.D. Thompson -Local Expert
