C&W BBQ in Oviedo- our local favorite- see Orlando area reviews
Captain Q has been a big barbecue fan for many years. In his travels he rarely misses a chance to sample the local fare. The Captain isn't a judge for any events. He is just a fan of fine Q and a backyard chef like many of you. If you have any suggestions, just drop us an email. Click on the links on the left to read about BBQ in Florida.
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RIP Meatball
You won't find any reviews of the major chains here, the Captain generally avoids them. You can do the same, just pick out one of the places here. Also, it's been a while since some of these places was visited, so if you know of closings, management changes, etc, please let us know!
4 Rivers BBQ, Orlando/ Winter Park.
Yuppie alert. Parking lot is full of BMW's Volvo's, Mercedes' and Hummers. Food is OK, but prices are waaaay high and service is slow.
3/1/10
Grant Chapel AME Church, Oviedo
Not really a BBQ joint, of course, but a side of the road church fund raiser. This stuff is GREAT! Tender slow cooked ribs and chicken, colards greens, Mac and Cheez, cornbread, and pound cake. If you are hungry one week end, stop by the Grant Chapel Church on Aloma Ave, just east of Oviedo. You won't be sorry.
5/2/09
Planes, Trains and BBQ
Tavares
Strange day. As a community event, it was great. Quite a variety of activities, display, etc. As a BBQ event, PT&B was the pretty lame. I think the reason that so few were vending here was the $5 sample ticket to taste the competitors entries after the judges picked it over. No thanks. The only- yes only- decent Q available to purchase by the public was the chopped pork that the Miller, Legg crew provided. Chillin' and Grillin's Brisket was boring. The Pink Sisters Ribs were nearly burned, and the "Slow Smoked BBQ" place in the photo was selling "Smoked SuperDogs" (?????) The lemonade was like flavored dishwater. None of our usual favorites were there. If it were not for the good company, one small shady spot and a rescue run to the Dam Smoker, it would have been a disastrous waste of gas.
4/23/09
Dickey's- Oviedo
Normaly we don't include chain BBQ places here. However, the Captain is making an exception here. The New Dickey's on Aloma is darn good. Yes, it's pretty much Texas oriented- you know- brisket and sauge and stuff, but it is good. Real good. We've tried pretty much everything there and haven't found anything much to complain about. Well ,except maybe a couple of the sides. The portions on the waffle fries was a bit sparse, and the mac and cheese was kinda commercial. Otherwise, like I said- darn good. The meats are done nicely, and the sausage sandwich was great. If you are in the area, I'd say that next to C&W, DIckey's is worth a try!
2/25/09
Bark-N-Purr - Bronson
The Captain and Mrs Q will not be attending.
"Barbecue is the dish which binds together the taste of both the people of the big house and the poorest occupants of the back end of the broken-down barn" - Jonathan Daniels
We all have opinions about what makes good barbecue. The Captain leans towards slow cooked pork, chopped, served on white bread with vinegar sauce. Others think that beef brisket is the only real "Q". However, the social aspect is the one thing that is constant across the spectrum of Bbqaholics. Real barbecue knows no race or class distinctions. Historically barbecue has been part of church socials and political rallies alike, a great place for people of all social classes to mix. A great equalizer. So what does this have to do with the Captain and Mrs Q not attending the Bark N Purr event in Bronson? Simple. This event has set aside "VIP" seating for those whose financial and/or social status is above the rest of us. That just goes against all traditions. While we send our best wishes to all those we have met at other events, we won't be seeing you there.
2/21/09
Ribs on the Ridge - Haines City
For a first time event, this was a good one. It sure helped that the weather was great. Some teams probably went up to Gainesville this week end, but we're glad that some of the really good ones came to Haines City. Team Unknown came back to try and duplcate their earlier success, along with many of the regulars. The event layout was a bit strange, and the parking was.... well.. not so good. After getting the lay of the land though, all that mattered was the good BBQ, good company, and good sounds from a local group, Tavelin Light. The turnout was a bit light, but those that made it were treated to some fine BBQ. After the word gets out about this fine event, next year should be a sell out! After surveying the affair, and saying hello to some of the regulars, it was time for tasting. Team Low Rent had some very fine pulled pork, served on white bread (!). Their Hot Vinegar sauce was a winner as well. The Captain and Mrs. Q tried several teams' ribs. Best by far was the Tarheel Cookers. Two Crackers had good ribs as well. However, Backwoods Bar-B-Que's offering left a bit to be desired. Having a bad experience a couple of weeks ago, we passed on the BBQ Nachos that several teams had on the menu. We're always looking for something a little different and today was no exception. From the Sticks had Southern Style (meaning with pulled pork) Egg Rolls. Interesting, but too weird, even for us, we'll pass next time. The Fired and Wired team had smoked jalapeno poppers. They were GREAT!!!! If you have had those frozen things they serve in bars- forget it. These were fresh jalapenos, cleaned and deveined, filled with cheese and stuff, then cooked in the smoker. Nice.
All in all, a good day by any measure. Looking forward to next year.
2/7/09
"Smoke on the Water" Winter Haven
Made the trip to Winter Haven for Smoke on the Water. Definitely worth the drive. Weather was perfect. Lots of choices, lots of old friends there like the Junk Yard Dogs and Jim Rabe's Smokin' Jim's. As always, there's the good, the not as good, and the ugly. Luckily, we found lots of good. Good Buddies ribs were top notch. After walking around a while we made it back for dessert- Frozen, chocolate dipped, Key Lime cheesecake on a stick stiff competition for Junk Yard dogs fabulous cheesecakes. OK, not BBQ but good stuff. Wonderful pork sandwiches were everywhere. Two standouts were Team Unknown and Stumble's Delight. Stumble's gets an extra attaboy for the vinegar based sauce- hard to find in Florida. Team Unknown gets an extra attaboy for enthusiasm, plus they has gen-u-ine Alabama White Sauce. (edit) Just found out that Team Unknown placed FIRST in the backyard division- they deserve it. The Cap'n rarely agrees with the judges, but they really got it right this time. Swamp Boys pulled pork just about cornered the market on tender, it almost melted in your mouth. The Smokin' Rednecks ribs were a little "commmercial", that is, they seem to be almost too moist, like maybe pre-boiled...... Eb's pulled pork was a bit disappointing as well, just a little on the bland side.
Now for the "ugly" part. Parking was chaotic at best. The side streets were blocked with cars just pulling off to the side, and the lots were helter skelter, with poor staff directions....... Fix it next year guys and you'll get two thumbs up.
Rockin' Ribs
See Sanford section! Rib Ranch is gone!!
12/14/08
Rib Country
2121 W Us Highway 64, Murphy, NC 28906
OK, so it has it's name lit up in neon, usually a bad sign for BBQ. The captain has been traveling a bit and ended up in Murphy this week. Rib Country on Hwy 64 in Murphy is really pretty good. Pulled pork was not swimming in sauce (like so many Florida places), but just a tad dry. The cole slaw is sorta rough cut, not ideal for putting on the sandwich, but good nonetheless. Baked beans were just a bit gooey, but good as well. Garlic toast was a bonus. While not strictly a BBQ item, the fried onion loaf is definetly a keeper! If you are ever in Murphy, stop by and check them out. Drop us a line and tell us what you think!
11/22/08
Pig Jam, Plant City, FL
The folks in Plant City sure have a winning formula, and threw in the best weather you could ask for this time. This year's event was as good as last year- maybe better- and that is saying a lot! The Captain and Mrs Q really piled on the calories again. The organizers sure deserve kudos for a well run event. All the volunteers were as helpful as could be. Parking was well orgainized and we didn't have to ride a %^&* bus like at some events. Activities for the little ones, lots of food for us big 'uns Quite a few semi-BBQ related vendors, and we had to check out the pepper plants at "Mild to Wild Pepper Plants"- even brought one home. One small item we'd like to see changed is a way to turn in unused Pig Bucks..also the website said parking was $3- they got us for $5 (OK I know, nit pickin')..... Entertainment was once again by Buck Hummer and the Pickups who put on a great show for all.
We visited several of our old favorites and tried a few new ones as well. It was good to see the Junk Yard Dogs (Taft, FL) back, we missed them at the Grant Festival. Up to their usual standards for sure. Ribs were very nice, and leaving without having tried one of the cheesecake varieties would have been a terrible mistake. Rub Me Tender (Have to be Memphis folks with the Elvis connection..) gets a double attaboy for knowing that slaw belongs ON the sandwich- not as a side!! They even remember Leonard's BBQ in Memphis- the Captain's fondest memory. Tried the ribs from Just Bar-B-Que (Lake Alfred, FL). Nice and meaty, quite tasty, but a tad on the dry side, a little overdone for our taste. Couldn't pass up the Tar Heel Cookers with real vinegar based sauce. Good to see something besides the standard pulled pork and red stuff. Although we thought that it wouldn't be possible to eat another bite- walked by Manuel's Bar-B-Que and Grill and saw the chickens and turkey legs. A work of art in the smoker! Tried both- and ended up taking a whole chicken home to devour later. Notice no brisket, that's for Texans..........
You know we don't pay much attention to the judging at these events, We don't know and don't care if someone is a "Pro" or an "Amateur", wins a trophy or comes in last place, so it's likely someone might be offended or disagree with our tastes- so be it. We had fun, and that's what it is all about.
9/27/08
Grant BBQ Festival Grant, FL Made the now annual trek to Grant. As always, a great festival, the turnout was a little light (kinda expected given the economy), but well worth the drive.
9/20/08
Wow. Just made a quick trip to Gainesville. Lucky Captain. David's BBQ on NW 39th Ave made it worthwhile. Meanwhile check them out at David's web site .
7/1/08
I know this thing is getting a little sloppy and such..... but that's just the way good BBQ is sometimes..
Recent Happenings........Flash!
6/30/08
Added a new report by Soilentgreen on Sugarboo's in the Mount Dora section. Check it out- amazing how great minds think alike.....
4/10/08
The Captain is pleased to report that we have a guest review from fellow BBQ aficionado Questis. Please check out the review of King's in the Eustis section.
4/9/08
"Dam" Smoker- Eustis- Try it!
Also, King's has been recommended to us, we'll get up there soon.
4/4/08
Jack Benny's- Minneola- See Clermont section, or maybe don't bother.
11/17/07
Pig Jam, Plant City Florida
No doubt the best BBQ festival we've seen this year. Special thanks to the Junk Yard Dogs for some fine ribs and pumpkin cheesecake! We visited some of our "regulars" and saw a lot of folks we hadn't met as well. The organizers really seemed to have it together. Plenty of "pro" and "backyard" teams showing their art and skill. The band "Buck Hummer and the Pickups" played some fine sets. Activities for the kids, too. All in all, well worth the drive!
10/28/07
Made it to Kissimmee's Great Outdoor Days. Sampled some barbecue from Uncle Kenny's, www.unclekennysbbq.com . The Captain and Mrs Q didn't entirely agree on Uncle Kenny's. We both did agree though, that you won't go hungry with Uncle Kenny! Portions are generous! We also decided that their seasoning was great! However, Mrs. Q thought that both the chicken and the ribs were a little on the tough side, although the Captain was pretty happy with both. The pulled pork, though, was way too much like sloppy joe....... Since Uncle Kenny's is really more of a caterer that a joint, we'll probably not post a full review.
10/22/07
Made it to Brooksville for Blazin' Butts and Brisket competition. According to the Florida Barbecue Association the Swamp Boys were the winners. However the Captain's friens say that Eb's was the best hands down. But heck, what do we know?
9/29/07
Checked out the Grant Barbecue Festival in Grant, FL. Special tip of the Capt's hat to the Junk Yard Dogs team from Taft, FL. Fine ribs, good sandwiches, and a super friendly crew!
Honorable mention to the Tar Heels Cookers for some fine ribs. We may post more later, depending on the length of the nap......
We have added reviews by two of Florida's foremost fans of fine Q - Soilent Green and Popeye304. You can read Soilent's reviews on Cotten's and Louis's by clicking on the Jacksonville and Space Coast links on the left. Popeye304 has been traveling in Maryland, and you can read his notes from his travels by clicking the Maryland tab.
Suggestions
Please feel free to email us with any suggestions for good BBQ joints!
