Big John's Alabama BBQ
Big John's Alabama BBQ is a barbecue restaurant in Tampa that smokes meats using an open pit method over live flames. The menu features sandwiches and dinners with choices like ribs, chicken, and sausage, accompanied by sides such as homemade mac and cheese and sweet potato pie.
The restaurant was founded in 1968 when Rev. John A. Stephens relocated from Alabama to Tampa and opened on North 40th Street. The founder sought to bring Alabama's flavors to Florida while combining his faith with a mission to serve quality food and the community.
Big John's reflects the legacy of its founder, who brought Alabama's culinary traditions to Tampa as an act of community service. The restaurant remains a gathering place where the ritual of sharing hearty meals brings people together across generations.
The restaurant is located on North 40th Street and does not take reservations, so you may encounter wait times. The staff works efficiently and the dining area is spacious enough to accommodate groups comfortably.
The restaurant was nominated by actor and radio host Steve Harvey in 2007 for a best barbecue restaurant award. This recognition shows that the local tradition gained national attention for its quality.
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