Smokin’ Oaks Barbeque

I just went there at 7:30 and the place was closed. Smh… I guess they leave early sometimes

Had lunch there today, great experience. Highly recommend the big sloppy or the rib sandwich. BBQ sauce was top notch as well. Ask for Earl!

Such amazing BBQ. Since I moved to Tampa from Pinellas I have been exclusively loyal to first choice BBQ; however, living in Seminole heights and 2 streets from Smokin oaks we had to try it. It was amazing. Totally different style sauce than I’ve ever had (mustard based). The brisket is incredible. And every single side is delicious. The macaroni salad is perfectly seasoned and spicy, the slaw which I typically don’t like ever was great, the potato salad my husband could order by the bucket load. Literally anything I’ve ever had here is good.

Ribs are delicious! OMG and the macaroni salad! I’m not a fan of macaroni salad and was skeptical when he offer it instead of Mac n cheese. But my god, it was delicious! I can’t wait to go back! Even the service was awesome and very friendly! The only problem is the odd hours however A+ from me. Happy customer for sure =)

I really wanted this to be good. I had high expectations based on the Unilocal reviews, which I mostly trust. Although the owner is super nice and the place is on my backyard, the BBQ was not great. Or even good. The ribs were dry, the sauce was very acrid, and I still don’t know what the white sprinkle is. Not salt or garlic … It was unidentifiable, not exactly salty, but leaves a strange warming sensation in your mouth. Possibly MSG but that Is speculation. But people seem to like it. To each there own I guess.

Food is just flat out delicious and they are the friendliest people ever. I’ve lived in the area for a week and I’ve been there twice already.

I had a rib dinner today and although I’m not a mustard-​based barbecue sauce fan, this one was excellent. The meat was tender and came off the bone easily. The potato salad was okay. The baked beans had an odd taste to it until I realized it was pineapple throwing off my taste buds. Once I recognized the «odd taste», it grew on me. Although, I do still think the baked beans were a little too sweet. They separated the bread from the rest with a piece of foil, which made my little food-​must-​be-​separated heart pitter-​patter. (Thank you for that!!)
The tiny restaurant smells like heaven when you walk in. Polite, friendly service. You have to spend $ 10 to pay with a credit card/​debit, so forewarning.
ETA: Just bit into the lemon pound cake that I was soooo looking forward to. It tasted like barbecue. Hork! No more dessert from this place.

Why 5 stars? Because it’s turned out to be awesome!
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I admit that I was skeptical of Smokin’ Oaks in the beginning. I thought that Q was solid, and the people were friendly, but I just wondered if they could stay afloat, as they were buried in the midst of the neighborhood, and not visible to a ton of drive-​by traffic.
On my first visit, I had some ribs that were a bit off from what I was hoping for. But I’ve been back about 3 times since, the ribs have always been top notch. Definitely in line for some of the best in Tampa Bay.
This is the closest restaurant to my front door, and oh how lucky that makes me feel.

By far my favorite bbq place. Don’t let the size fool you. The meat is great! They do combo platters which are nice to try.

This review is only for the ribs… oh my dear, I am still dreaming of these ribs. They are smoky, perfectly seasoned, and great texture. I don’t believe that rib meat needs to «fall off the bone.» The ribs here are very tender, but still have a bit of a bite to them. I want to eat them everyday. Will definitely be back to try more!

Fantastic BBQ! Almost drove by this place, but changed our mind last minute and we are glad we did.
Great people and great food. If you are afraid of spicy– get the mild!

I just moved into the neighborhood and was looking for a quick lunch and stumbled here and am so glad I did. This is easily one of the best BBQ places I’ve had. You’ll smell the smoker from about a quarter mile away and it pays off when you walk in. One of best Mom & Pop hidden gems of Seminole Heights.
Make a point to try this and you won’t be disappointed.

Best bar-​b-​que in Seminole Heights. Enviroment is welcoming and folks are friendly — just like the neighborhood. Don’t just drive by — stop in, try the Big Sloppy and tell Earl (owner) hello!

Smokin’ Oaks is a little gem tucked into the neighborhood. Off the beaten path, but worth the drive. Limited menu, but what they do serve is delicious. Earl Kelly, Jr., the owner, tells me he’s been open a year.
The brisket was lean and had a full smoky flavor, just like a good barbeque should. The sauce is tangy and sweet. The red potato salad was creamy without being overpowered by too much of dressing. The baked beans were nothing to toot about, although I might later. Just beans.
This was my first trip to Smokin’ Oaks. I’ll be back. The next visit will be for the «Big Sloppy,» Smokin’ Oaks signature dish. You want to know what a Big Sloppy is? Stop by for yourself and enjoy some of the best barbeque in this part of town!
Under $ 10 per person for most entrees.