Southern Luv BBQ

Absolutely incredible. Upon entering, you are greeted and the menu is broken down to you. I ordered the 3 meats of brisket, sausage and pulled pork, along with 2 sides…..Oh my gosh…The meats were perfectly cooked with a medium smoked taste, topped with savory sauce. A crisp and creamy coleslaw with a hint of sweet. The mac n cheese had the perfect char on top and deep melt. I’ll be back, you guys did me good.

Southern Luv is an absolute gem! The food is amazing — I had the pulled pork mac and cheese with BBQ beans, and it was a perfect 10/10. My fiancé went all out with the chicken, pulled pork, mac and cheese, and cornbread, and he also gave it a solid 10/10. Beyond the delicious eats, the vibes are fantastic with great R&B tunes playing in the background that really set the mood. The place is spotless and welcoming, and the staff are super friendly and attentive. Definitely worth every penny — can’t wait to come back!

Some of the best barbecue I’ve ever had. There’s a reason the Tampa Times raves about this place. Really recommend the Carolina pulled pork, the mac & cheese, and the cornbread. Delicious!

Caitlin O'Hea

10/10 for the food and the experience. Upon walking in everyone is greeted by Chef Essi! He is so kind and evidently passionate about his restaurant and quality of his food. He didn’t just say hi, he engaged in conversation and explained all of the food we ordered from how it’s made to what exactly is in it. The wait time to get the food was not long at all and everything was perfectly cooked/flavored. I am not local to the area but will absolutely be taking the 45 minute drive to come back to dine at this location. Thank you Chef Essi and your team for providing a great experience and very delicious food!

Cory King

This place is amazing! Got to meet Chef Essi who explained how they make everything fresh in house from the meat, to the sauces, to the sides. It's all fresh small batch prepared! You could tell when you tasted it. Everything had so much flavor! My wife and I shared the 3 meat platter and added the 4th meat with mac and cheese and potato salad as our sides. We also got their Carolina style pulled pork sandwich. Everything we had was next level! I highly recommend this place. The service the food and the cleanliness was top notch.

Tammy Taylor

My Aunt and I wanted to try something new so on the way to the airport we googled BBQ and this place came up as 4.8 and well we were not disappointed. First the owner and the staff were kind and walked us through the menu. Have some great recommendations... we had the brisket and jalapeño cheddar sausage. We had to try most of the sides, cornbread, Mac and cheese, beans and slaw. I can saw everything was great. Meat was tender and flavorful, the sides were also plenty and flavorful. The beans had a sweetness and smokeyness to it, the Mac and Cheese had great flavor or sharp cheddar and was creamy. The cornbread was awesome, we added cheese and jalapeños to it which added a special touch. I would recommend this place if you are in the area. We are planning on coming back whenever in back in town

Chad Ross

Welcomed in, nice people, clean, good food, I got the two meat platter and opted for the upgrade of brisket for an additional $3.50. the brisket was good but there was only about five thin slices of it. The pulled pork was good. They didn't tell me it was going to be sitting on top of a soggy piece of white bread, which I don't recommend. Just okay at best. The mac and cheese was delicious. My bill with tip was $25 without a drink for one person. Decent food high-priced, not enough portion.

Jissell Cruz

Southern Luv BBQ was so delicious! We are from out of town and found this place as a recommendation online. Food was amazing - I got the pulled pork Mac and cheese and my partner got brisket with bbq beans and mac and cheese. Staff was so kind and helpful. The owner came out and talked to us, such a nice guy! You will not be disappointed in visiting.

Luke Giargente

Had a little BBQ event at our job, and we brought in Southern Luv as the caterer — and let me tell you… my entire culinary worldview was shattered in the most heavenly way imaginable. IT. WAS. SOOOOOOO. UNBELIEVABLY freaking good. I’m talking flavor so potent, so mind-alteringly immaculate, it felt like the universe paused for a moment just to let me fully appreciate it. Every bite was like being gently escorted by angels through a smokey, sweet, slow-cooked paradise. The meat was so tender it practically dissolved on my tongue like it was performing a disappearing act just to flex on every other meal I’ve ever had. The sauces? Bro, they weren’t sauces — they were liquid poetry, cascading across my taste buds with the elegance of a Southern sunset dipped in gold. It was so astronomically gas that it legitimately rewired my brain. My entire perspective on BBQ as a genre, an art form, a spiritual experience — forever changed. And now I’m destined to spend the remainder of my mortal existence wondering if I will ever again encounter such a majestic, transcendent, borderline divine creation. I fear I may never reach that peak again… but oh, what a peak it was.

Rome

Absolutely incredible. Upon entering, you are greeted and the menu is broken down to you. I ordered the 3 meats of brisket, sausage and pulled pork, along with 2 sides…..Oh my gosh…The meats were perfectly cooked with a medium smoked taste, topped with savory sauce. A crisp and creamy coleslaw with a hint of sweet. The mac n cheese had the perfect char on top and deep melt. I’ll be back, you guys did me good.

Linette Santana

Southern Luv is an absolute gem! The food is amazing — I had the pulled pork mac and cheese with BBQ beans, and it was a perfect 10/10. My fiancé went all out with the chicken, pulled pork, mac and cheese, and cornbread, and he also gave it a solid 10/10. Beyond the delicious eats, the vibes are fantastic with great R&B tunes playing in the background that really set the mood. The place is spotless and welcoming, and the staff are super friendly and attentive. Definitely worth every penny — can’t wait to come back!

Vanessa

Bbq done right. Everything is made to order there so it comes out fresh. We sampled a little bit of everything and the Tachos were hands-down our favorite—crispy, flavorful, and generously topped! Everything was packed well and still hot when we got home. The inside of the restaurant was very clean and inviting, which makes us excited to dine in next time. Friendly service, great food, and a welcoming atmosphere. We’ll definitely be back!

Michael Weigold

Some of the best barbecue I’ve ever had. There’s a reason the Tampa Times raves about this place. Really recommend the Carolina pulled pork, the mac & cheese, and the cornbread. Delicious!

Becky Hallaian

Absolutely amazing and couldn't recommend higher. Amazing service very friendly and very accommodating. Offered me to sample when I was a little hesitant on an item I shouldn't have been hesitant on anything here the food is absolutely AMAZING.. My son said the absolute best cornbread he had ever had so of course we took a couple pieces home as well! DEFINITELY will be back again! Best Mac & Cheese EVER!

Robert Cruz

Essa was great showing us the menu and how they cook the Mac and cheese from scratch each time! Definitely coming back again great environment and service.

Fenelix K Paulino Jr

The place is small. But the food was good and their service was on point. I enjoyed the Cuban Sandwich and the Brisket. Their BBQ sauce / spicy sauce was a good combo. Mac & cheese wasn't the best it was good. I would recommend and plan to return.

We were in Tampa for the weekend and stopped here for dinner. Absolutely amazing food. My daughter wanted mac and cheese but they were out. The owner went out of his way to make some just for her. Nice guy and great service. I had the Alabama Slamma and it really was one of the best barbque sandwiches I have ever had. My entire family enjoyed all of our selections. Best part, they are expanding to South Florida. Looking forward to attend their grand opening whenever they make it there.

Sorry about no pics, I was hungry🫢🤫😉. Always the small joints are better at this, than corporates. All handmade. My Que bano was awesome. Loved the potato salad, lighter like a cole slaw dressing. Mac and cheese legit, not salty. Gonna blow the owner's mind next time, and ask for brisket(upcharge)instead of the pulled pork, which was excellent, in my Quebano.

The food was delicious! I love BBQ. Its traditional smoked BBQ with great sauce options.(they also offer beef ribs on the weekend) I also had a burger amazing as well. The bake beans were really good. The potato salad not your regular and was absolutely delicious. I also tried the strawberry shortcake for dessert. I have no complaints. The owner was extremely friendly and passionate about his menu. I will return!

BeefRibs!!!! I have been looking for a place that has them. Fall off the bone and so delicious. Fridays and Saturdays only for now. Pork is amazing and so is the chicken. Definately 10 out of 10. Staff is awesome and very patient. If you haven’t tried this place you are missing out. I never leave reviews but I had to. So amazing.

Great food, very friendly people. The brisket, pulled pork were my favourite. My wife’s favourite were the brisket too and the smoked chicken. All sides were equally amazing, had the mac n cheese, cornbread, coleslaw and their own bbq chips. Would definitely recommend!

The macaroni and cheese was so wonderful that my wife and I were still talking about it long after the meal—let’s just say it inspired us to spice some things up and take that mac and cheese all the way home with us. It was truly the highlight of the menu. Creamy on the inside with that perfectly crispy top… I just can’t get over it. The Cuban sandwich was wonderful too, but that mac and cheese stole the show. She from Texas, I can tell by the way she was cooking that good food. To the owner—consider this official notice: you’re invited to the cookout. 🔥

From the atmosphere to the chef who was the sweetest and my granddaughter (6yrs old) can’t stop talking about him LOL to the outstanding food. It was my first time eating here and it was amazing unfortunately I didn’t get to try the ribs which I’m going to try today (Sat Jan 17) yay but not only was the food delicious and so fresh the homemade potato chips n chicken salad was something so perfect it’s a must. The sandwich I had was delicious 🤤. You must try Southern Luv you won’t regret it.

Lindsay Mease

We tried this for lunch. It did not disappoint! The ribs were delicious! I love their sauces. Baked beans were delicious and uniquely flavored. Mac & cheese and que-bano sandwich are also fantastic!

Brinsden Culver

The macaroni and cheese was so wonderful that my wife and I were still talking about it long after the meal—let’s just say it inspired us to spice some things up and take that mac and cheese all the way home with us. It was truly the highlight of the menu. Creamy on the inside with that perfectly crispy top… I just can’t get over it. The Cuban sandwich was wonderful too, but that mac and cheese stole the show. She from Texas, I can tell by the way she was cooking that good food. To the owner—consider this official notice: you’re invited to the cookout. 🔥

Miss KNM

The food was delicious! I love BBQ. Its traditional smoked BBQ with great sauce options.(they also offer beef ribs on the weekend) I also had a burger amazing as well. The bake beans were really good. The potato salad not your regular and was absolutely delicious. I also tried the strawberry shortcake for dessert. I have no complaints. The owner was extremely friendly and passionate about his menu. I will return!

Melony Moore

I love when the Executive Chef Essi came out to greats the customers. We had the 3 meat combo brisket, chicken and sausage with 2 sides mac n cheese and baked beans! Food was very flavorful and delicious. Very impressed, everything was moist and tender. Will be back

Alicia Acevedo

From the atmosphere to the chef who was the sweetest and my granddaughter (6yrs old) can’t stop talking about him LOL to the outstanding food. It was my first time eating here and it was amazing unfortunately I didn’t get to try the ribs which I’m going to try today (Sat Jan 17) yay but not only was the food delicious and so fresh the homemade potato chips n chicken salad was something so perfect it’s a must. The sandwich I had was delicious 🤤. You must try Southern Luv you won’t regret it.

Emma Yepes

Absolutely AMAZING customer service!!!! Chef Essi is an absolute doll and SO kind. The floors were spotless, tables were clean and accessible, the drink fountain was also neat and NOT sopping wet (like most places tend to be). The half rack of ribs, no notes. VERY tender and deliciously seasoned. Literally perfect!! The Mac and cheese is heavy on the garlic, but as a garlic fan, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The cornbread was light, cakey and had GREAT honey flavor. The chocolate chip cookie was also a banger. The ratio of chocolate chunks to dough was perfect. Nothing like a nice, doughy, warm cookie to wrap up a salty meal. My only note is that I prefer a sweeter dough (but that’s literally just preference). I just needed a glass of milk to accompany it lol Overall, a very quaint place to get some good grub! I would definitely go back again and you can genuinely tell Chef Essi loves what he does. 🥰🥰

stephanie chiaramonte

Our FAVORITE BBQ place!!! Walked in around 6:30pm and was greeted by Chef Essi. He gave us a quick run through of the menu since it was our first time eating here. Freshly made dishes, sauces, tender and flavorful meats!! We got the Notorious P.I.G. Mac n' Cheese bowl with pulled pork and the Beef Brisket platter with coleslaw and cornbread. Perfect portions! Three other guests walked in and Chef Essi knew their exact to-go orders. Wonderful service!! Thank you staff and kitchen crew!!