Oh Lord Jesus, it’s a fire!
While Sweet Brown was convinced that someone was BBQin’ in her backyard, we were convinced we could scope out the best (and worst, if you ask Matt) BBQ in our own backyard.
Gainesville Scene’s guide to BBQ:
Molly’s pick - 4 Rivers Smokehouse
It’s impossible that you’ve missed the past two months of 4 Rivers hype unless you don’t have an Instagram, friends, or any contact with the outside world. The former McAlister’s Deli has been transformed beyond recognition with lofty ceilings, roomy wooden booths, and high-top, cafeteria style seating. Both the atmosphere and style of BBQ serve a modern twist on southern charm.
My dedicated turned excessive investigation of the huge chalkboard menu led me to the Smokehouse Sliders. It grants you the choice of three meats, so it’s the most practical solution for those who are feeling torn. I went with the pulled chicken, pulled pork, and burnt-ends (the most flavorful parts of smoked brisket). Skimping isn’t part of 4 Rivers vocabulary; each pillowy bun was piled intimidatingly high and then smothered in their trademark sauce.
If you’re feeling adventurous I recommend taking a step outside of tradition with the cornbread salad or bread pudding, but a thick slab of Texas cornbread never fails. This moist and perfectly sweet (with a little kick from hidden gems of jalapeno) cornbread will do any meal you choose justice. It’s safe to say that my BBQ standards were met and exceeded, so don’t deprive yourself any longer; the 4 Rivers hype is real.
Alex’s pick – Adam’s Rib Co.
Growing up in Georgia, I’ve come to know quality BBQ, and living as a college student on a budget, I’ve come to know bargain deals. Adam’s Rib Co. has both. For just ten bucks, you can get the largest pulled pork sandwich you’ll ever eat, a healthy amount of ribs, a generous portion of one of their sides (I got the Macaroni and cheese), and a 32 ounce drink with refills. I honestly cannot think of any other joint in Gainesville that gives you that much food for ten bucks.
I usually go to the venue on SW 13th Street and the atmosphere is exactly like a BBQ place should be. The guys working there act like they’ve known you forever without being unprofessional, everything is kept exceptionally clean in the dining area, and the décor supports the local sports team. It’s a really chill, family friendly place to eat some BBQ. On the entire ceiling is a well done mural dedicated to Florida football’s 1984 season.
Via: hercampus.com
One factor that basically makes or breaks a BBQ joint is the sauce. Adam’s kills it in this category; it has one of the largest selections of sauces at a BBQ place I’ve seen. While none of them are terrible, only a few stand out as exceptionally tasty. In particular, their sweet sauce makes eating the pork sandwich a totally different experience and I honestly would consider it a travesty to eat the sandwich without it.
Adam’s Rib Co. is definitely a solid choice for your BBQ cravings.
Erin’s pick – The Pearl Country Store and Barbeque
Micanopy’s Pearl Country Store and BBQ hits home with smoked-to-perfection, gut-filling greatness. It’s one of those special finds in Gainesville; located past Payne’s Prairie inside of a quaint gas station in the middle of nowhere, Pearl’s stops time and reflects on the slower, simpler things in life (both figuratively and literally: there’s even a greeting card rack with several musing 1920-1960’s pamphlets.)
Unfortunately for your wallet, it’s hard to go wrong with any selection you make at Pearl’s. Getting the Meat Lovers dinner is probably going to be your best bet as it provides chicken, pork, brisket, and ribs (the essentials of any good barbeque.) It’s obvious that Pearl’s respects the art of BBQ, because they don’t smother their meats in sauce or strong rubs. You really get a taste for the meat itself, and nothing was dry or overtly seared. Their side items were decents (I went with the fries and macaroni and cheese), but their meats definitely make up for the less than exciting sides.
Via: pearlcountrystore.com
The Pearl Country Store and BBQ is perfect for anything from an adventurous first date to a regular senior visit. It’s that hole-in-the-wall tourists aren’t familiar with, a place to take the kids to, a restaurant to impress visiting food connoisseurs. It’s also close to several local campsites and serves breakfast (Pearl’s regular hours are 6 AM to 9 PM.) You really cannot go wrong with Pearl’s. The drive from town to Micanopy might be a stretch, but I promise it is worth the wait.
Luke’s pick – Kay Bro’s
Via: urbanspoon.com
Located in the heart of midtown, Kay Bro’s provides the closest BBQ option to the University of Florida campus. Nestled between Larry’s, Sushi Chao, and Cantina, Kay Bros provides a different experience for the midtown dining area.
Upon entering street signs fill my eyes. The theme inside feels like a mix between a construction zone, a busy street, and a firehouse. The bricks on the walls and street signs give an instant vibe to the place that makes me crave some BBQ goodness. As far as the menu goes, Kay Bros provides the typical BBQ grub choices. Turkey, Beef, Pork, Chicken, the world of meat is your stage. I went with the Turkey and it didn’t disappoint.
The sauce selection speaks to my heart. If mustard based sauce sits on the shelf, I’m a happy BBQ eater. Kay Bros comes through with a wide variety that will leave even the pickiest sauce enthusiasts happy. Kay Bros also features a solid selectio. With mid town right around the corner, it’s the perfect spot to pig out and pre game. Stop by if you’re looking for solid BBQ and a great location.
Jake’s pick – KC Crave
Definitely one of the more exciting new restaurants in Gainesville, KC Crave located on 35th st and 2nd avenue has all the tools to become a hot new spot for students. While I really hoped this place was going to be located downtown, there are certainly some impressive features that make it worth the trip.
The front entrance is built like a south beach lounge, with outdoor seating equipped with modern furniture, the place is a few drink specials away from getting some serious recognition.
More so known for their tech friendly, innovative service, consisting of a personal self serve beer tap at your table (for an additional cost), the actual food was not bad. The presentation is an A+, but the flavors did not quite match. I ordered the bourbon sliders as my appetizer and the Feta Pesto Chicken sandwich for my main dish. Portions are a good size but I didn’t find the flavors to be all that impressive. The main pull seems to be the alcohol; customers can participate in a whiskey tasting during their meal, or use a provided iPad (located at certain tables) to order a beer of their choice. With a pretty cheap lunch menu ($8-$9) it’s a great place to take your babe for a nice change of scenery.
Matt’s pick – Sonny’s
Every time I review a food place I usually have great things to say and love talking about how awesome my experience was. Here’s my honest opinion about Sonny’s: it sucks and I hate it so much.
There are very few places that I absolutely hate going to in this world, i.e. (the dentist, Lowes, Norman hall to take an exam with those god damn little desks they expect you to take a test on…etc.) and today, Sonny’s makes the list in a solid 4th place.
The atmosphere is simply unpleasant. It reminds me of when I walk into Southwest to go workout – a place filled with despair where insecurity is seeping it’s way through the cracks of the walls. Sonny’s is encompassed by lifelessness, run down tables and chairs, a decrepit salad bar in the corner of the building and the same damn rib special that everyone gets in front of their plate with their napkins tucked into their shirts. The food is mediocre at best and is the epitome of barbeque food chains in the business. They do nothing to differentiate themselves from any barbeque place I’ve ever been in my life besides make me want to scoff at the person who brought the idea up of even going to Sonny’s.
Granted, I’m sure some people love those ribs and the pulled pork – I am not a fan. I’d much rather repeatedly slam my head against the floor than spend $15 on a lousy meal and sub-par service at one of the biggest BBQ chains in America.
My opinion on Sonny’s will never change but don’t hesitate to go check it out and then come back to me and tell me how it, “wasn’t that bad!” Well, neither is drinking your own pee (See: Auto Urine Therapy) but you won’t catch me doing that any time soon either.
Photos courtesy of: Chernobogslair
