Best BBQ restaurants in Apopka
This ranking covers the 11 BBQ and grill restaurants in Apopka with enough review data to score fairly, ordered by an earned composite (see methodology) that weighs rating, review volume, recency, and sentiment rather than star rating alone.
The picks on this list, and their order, are editor-reviewed.
At a glance
| # | Business | Rating | From | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Papa Diesel’s BBQ | 4.8 (1026) | moderate | High-volume proof of consistency |
| 2 | Crave BBQ at Hall’s on 5th | 4.8 (408) | moderate | Sauce variety and on-site dining |
| 3 | Sonny's BBQ | 4.3 (3603) | moderate | Dine-in BBQ with named favorite servers |
Ranked picks
Papa Diesel’s BBQ
Why it ranks first
With over a thousand reviews and a 4.8 rating, Papa Diesel's BBQ backs up its reputation with real volume, not just a handful of enthusiastic write-ups. Diners repeatedly call out fall-off-the-bone ribs, fork-tender brisket, and house-made sides like smoked mac and cheese and corn muffins, and the owner is noted for personally checking on guests at both the restaurant and the catering truck.
Pros
- Fall-off-the-bone ribs and tender brisket
- Large, well-established review base
- House-made sides (mac and cheese, corn muffin, baked beans)
- Catering and food truck available for events
Services: bbq food truck, smokehouse bbq, bbq catering, texas style bbq · Price: moderate
Crave BBQ at Hall’s on 5th
Why it ranks second
Crave BBQ at Hall's on 5th combines a high rating with strong review volume, and reviewers single out Chef Robert and staff like Grayson for personal attention alongside multiple distinct sauce options. Sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread earn consistent mention, and the on-site smoking pit backs up the flavor claims.
Pros
- Multiple sauce options with distinct flavor profiles
- Owner-operator Chef Robert known for hands-on service
- Well-regarded sides (mac and cheese, collard greens, cornbread)
- Custom sandwich prep (point vs. flat cut)
Services: smokehouse bbq · Price: moderate
Sonny's BBQ
Why it ranks third
Sonny's BBQ carries the largest review base on this list by far, and dine-in visits consistently earn praise for staff warmth, with servers like Claudia and Chandler named repeatedly. The drive-thru and specials menu give regulars more ways to order.
Pros
- Named servers earn repeat visits
- Strong dine-in quality and speed
- Drive-thru available
- Large, well-established review base
Services: smokehouse bbq, texas style bbq, bbq catering, carolina style bbq · Price: moderate