The smell of barbecue in Panama City Beach is more than a hint in the air—it’s a promise. One afternoon, I wandered off the main drag and found myself at a smoky roadside joint where the brisket melted with each bite and the staff had stories as rich as their sauce. That’s when I realized barbecue here isn’t just food, it’s a way of life. Every local spot carries its own flavor, and some secrets are kept as close as grandma’s family recipes.
Finding the best BBQ in Panama City Beach can feel like hunting for buried treasure, but that’s half the fun. Whether you crave slow-smoked ribs or pulled chicken, there’s a plate waiting with your name on it. This guide can help you sort through the sizzle and sauce, so you’ll know exactly where to pull up a chair and dig in. Set your cravings loose and let’s find out which spot wins your taste buds.
Where to find the best bbq in Panama City Beach, FL
Here are some of the top spots to find the best bbq in Panama City Beach, FL:
- Moe’s Original Bar B Que
- Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
- Salty Sue’s
- Shane’s Rib Shack
- Back Beach Barbecue
- Sonny’s Bar-B-Q
- Donovan’s Reef
- Texas Roadhouse
- Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q
- Moe’s Original BBQ
1. Moe’s Original Bar B Que
Moe’s Original Bar B Que knows how to turn a casual meal into a Southern memory. On my last visit, the savory scent of hickory smoke led me straight to the counter. Staff moved with the speed of a family at Sunday dinner, and every guest left smiling. It’s that blend of genuine hospitality and flavorful food that sets Moe’s apart.
The Alabama-style barbecue here leans smoky and tender, never overdone. Their pulled chicken, piled high and juicy, is a personal favorite. If you want a real treat, go for the ribs—they slide off the bone without losing their bite. Classic Southern sides like collard greens complete the experience.
Moe’s keeps it simple, but nothing about the taste is ordinary. If you’re in Panama City Beach, it’s where tradition meets appetite. Grab a napkin; you’ll need it.
2. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit brings the heart of Texas right to Panama City Beach. Walking in, you’re hit by the comforting aroma of slow-smoked meats—a scent that never lets you down. I remember eyeing their smoker late one night, seeing racks of brisket getting the respect they deserve.
The standout here is the Texas-style brisket, sliced thick with just enough bark to add a smoky crunch. Their pulled chicken carries a juicy flavor you wouldn’t expect from a fast casual spot. Pair your order with their homestyle sides—the baked beans and potato casserole warm you up from the inside out.
Dickey’s manages to make every bite feel like it’s straight from a backyard pit. It’s reliable, hearty, and exactly what BBQ should taste like at the beach.
3. Salty Sue’s
Salty Sue’s sits at the bend of Panama City Beach Parkway, where you’ll find the place buzzing with regulars and first-timers alike. I first tried it on a rainy evening, lured in by the chatter and scent of smoked meats. What struck me was how quickly it felt like home—friendly staff and big platters that land on the table steaming hot.
Salty Sue’s stands out for its sweet-and-smoky house barbecue sauce, lending every bite a signature tang. Their pulled chicken is moist and full of flavor, never overwhelmed by sauce. If you’re feeling extra hungry, don’t skip the loaded baked potato topped with barbecue meat and fresh fixings.
This spot blends local flair with classic comfort. The generous portions and relaxed vibe make it a go-to for anyone looking to settle in and savor true Southern barbecue at the beach.
4. Shane’s Rib Shack
Shane’s Rib Shack looks unassuming from the outside, but that’s part of its charm. I stopped in after a day of sun and sand, craving something hearty, and found myself in rib heaven. The service was quick and the scent of barbecue sauce in the air set high expectations—happily, those were met.
The ribs are the reason locals keep coming back. They’re slow-cooked until tender and have a nicely caramelized crust. If you’re not in the mood for ribs, try their BBQ chicken—cooked just right, juicy, and satisfying.
What sets Shane’s apart is consistency and a focus on the basics. Every dish is delivered hot and fresh, making it a great spot to unwind with a pile of barbecue staples after a busy beach day.
5. Back Beach Barbecue
Back Beach Barbecue sits quietly along the Parkway, but don’t let its laid-back vibe fool you—the focus here is on quality. I wandered in on a weekday afternoon and was greeted by the sight of an open smoker and a counter lined with locals. The aroma was impossible to resist.
The pulled chicken is tender, with layers of smoky flavor that unfold bite by bite. It pairs perfectly with their tangy slaw and a side of cornbread. For something different, try the turkey; it’s carved fresh and always juicy.
Back Beach Barbecue has mastered the balance of rustic comfort and polished technique. It’s a must if you want honest, satisfying barbecue without the fuss, just steps from the sand.
6. Sonny’s Bar-B-Q
Sonny’s Bar-B-Q delivers that classic pitmaster magic that keeps locals loyal. I stopped in after hearing friends around town praise their slow-cooked approach. It’s the kind of place where the scent of smoke clings to your clothes in the best way. The staff treats everyone like a neighbor, and platters arrive stacked high.
Their pulled chicken, slow-smoked and perfectly seasoned, is a menu highlight. Pair it with sweet potato fries for a Southern twist. If you want to sample a bit of everything, the BBQ chicken platter showcases their range of smoky flavors.
Sonny’s is all about tradition, consistency, and generous helpings. It’s a top choice when you want reliable, old-school barbecue on Panama City Beach.
7. Donovan’s Reef
Donovan’s Reef strikes the perfect balance between a laid-back beach joint and a solid barbecue spot. My visit was after a long day out, and the buzz of locals made it feel like I’d stumbled onto a hidden hangout. The bar vibe mixes well with the aroma coming off the grill.
The BBQ chicken is a standout—smoky, juicy, and seasoned just right. It’s best eaten with a side of coleslaw and fresh fries, especially if you’re keeping an eye on tradition. If you’re sharing, the sampler platters let you try a bit of everything.
Donovan’s Reef is where casual fun meets genuine flavor. It’s a go-to for relaxed evenings and no-fuss, satisfying barbecue steps from the sand.
8. Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse isn’t your average steakhouse—it hums with energy and the smell of a real wood fire. I’ve dropped in with friends more than once, and each visit packs the same punch: friendly service, lively music, and plates you can barely finish. The line dancing between tables is a bonus you didn’t know you needed.
The star of the show is the fall-off-the-bone BBQ chicken. It’s smoky, tender, and bathed in a homemade sauce. Pair it with their fresh-baked bread and made-from-scratch sides—the seasoned green beans are a must.
Texas Roadhouse blends big flavors and bigger portions. You leave full, happy, and planning your next round, which is exactly why locals keep coming back.
9. Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q
Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q offers an experience straight out of a Texas road trip, right in Panama City Beach. My first visit felt more like stepping into a backyard cookout than a restaurant—rows of picnic tables, self-serve drinks, and an unmistakable smell of oak-smoked meats.
The brisket here is worth the detour, slow-smoked and sliced to order for maximum juiciness and flavor. For an extra kick, add their signature sauce, which finds a balance between sweet and peppery. Their turkey is also a hidden gem—moist, never dry, and full of wood-fired flavor.
Rudy’s stands out for its authentic, no-frills approach. It’s the kind of place where you fill your tray with a mix of barbecue classics and settle in for a meal that’s as honest as it is tasty.
10. Moe’s Original BBQ
Moe’s Original BBQ feels like an invitation to slow down and savor real Southern barbecue. On my last visit, I noticed how every table seemed to be sharing stories along with their food—it’s that kind of welcoming place. The staff treats you like an old friend, piling plates high with classics and checking in with a smile.
The pulled chicken sandwich is a must-try—smoked until tender and topped with crisp slaw. The ribs are another favorite, always generously seasoned and cooked to perfection. Don’t skip the sides; their baked beans and cornbread hit all the right notes.
Moe’s stands out for soulful flavors and genuine hospitality. Each visit feels like a gathering, and that’s why people keep coming back for another round of barbecue and good company.
More Things to Try in Panama City Beach, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best BBQ spot in Panama City Beach?
The “best” depends on your taste, but Moe’s Original Bar B Que and Back Beach Barbecue earn constant praise for their tender smoked meats and welcoming service. Each place on our list delivers a unique spin on classic Southern barbecue.
Are there BBQ places with vegetarian or gluten-free options?
Yes. Salty Sue’s lists both vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free options, and most barbecue joints can modify sides to fit dietary needs. Always check the latest menus to confirm.
What BBQ dishes are must-tries in Panama City Beach?
Pulled chicken sandwiches, tender ribs, and smoked turkey are among the local favorites. Don’t sleep on signature sides like baked beans, coleslaw, or cornbread—these round out the meal.
Do BBQ restaurants in Panama City Beach offer takeout or delivery?
Almost all major BBQ spots, including Dickey’s Barbecue Pit and Shane’s Rib Shack, offer takeout. Many also provide delivery and catering options, perfect for beach picnics or gatherings.
Are there family-friendly BBQ spots in the area?
Absolutely. Most barbecue restaurants in Panama City Beach are set up for families, offering kids’ menus, highchairs, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home.