Before all of the 212 invaded the 305, Hometown led the pack (in terms of meat, that is) with this Allapattah outpost of its famed Brooklyn barbecue joint. The covered, open-air space is sprawling with a fully stocked bar that spans its width for a drink program that’s equally sizable. Find a variety of wines (listed with tasting notes), local brews and craft cocktails to go with your meaty spread. Smoked meats are served by the half-pound—think marbled brisket and pulled pork—while ribs are available in three kinds and sizes. It’s a sharing place, especially if you’re thinking about starting off with a Frito pie or smoked brisket queso—which you absolutely should.
Summer is peak grilling season, but who says you have to wait? Better yet, who says you have to grill the food yourself? You can find the best BBQ in Miami at restaurants throughout South Florida, from trendy New York transplants in Wynwood to holes-in-the-wall in far-flung areas like Homestead to local favorites that have been around for years. Post lockdown, the city has added a new category to the growing list of barbecued meat purveyors (besides the beloved Miami steakhouses): the pop-up, serving up tender ribs and smoked pork to-go. City dwellers used to have to make pilgrimages to far-away suburbs and farmlands in search of the saucy, meaty good stuff but now the options for tasty BBQ in Miami abound, and we’ll happily eat it year-round. After all, that’s exactly how long summer lasts in Miami, so bring on the ‘cue!
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