If you love real-deal Southern barbecue, Kings BBQ in Jacksonville is the spot to be. With a reputation for mouthwatering, slow-cooked meats and classic Southern sides, Kings BBQ has become a beloved staple for locals and visitors alike.
But with such a diverse and delicious menu, how do you choose? We’ve curated a list of the 5 must-try dishes that perfectly capture the heart and soul of Kings BBQ. These are the heavy hitters, the crowd favorites, the plates that make people say, “Yep, I’m coming back for this.” Let’s get into it.
1. Signature Slow-Cooked Ribs
Okay, let’s be real, when you think barbecue, ribs are usually top of mind, right? And our signature slow-cooked ribs, they’re legendary. These aren’t just any ribs; they’re a labor of love, and you can taste it in every single bite.
We start with the good stuff—high-quality cuts. But the real magic? It’s in the slow cooking. Our pitmasters are like artists. They patiently smoke these ribs for hours. You can smell that sweet, smoky goodness the minute you walk in. That’s the difference.
And when you finally get your hands on them? The meat just falls right off the bone. That perfect bark, that tender meat… it’s what keeps the locals coming back.
We also have a range of sauces to go with them—from tangy vinegar kick to sweet and smoky glaze. You can grab these ribs at our restaurant or from our food truck around town!
2. Pulled Pork Perfection
Pulled pork is another one of those Southern barbecue staples, and we’ve really nailed it. It’s comfort food at its finest: tender, flavorful, and just plain satisfying.
We start with pork shoulder, packed with marbling for flavor and tenderness, and slow-cook it until it’s just right. Then we hit it with our own blend of seasonings and spices for a flavor that’s both complex and craveable.
Locals love it in sandwiches, piled high with coleslaw and our signature sauces. It’s also a big hit at catered events, from weddings to corporate gatherings.
3. Smoked Chicken
Barbecue isn’t all about the pork. Our smoked chicken is a great option if you’re looking for something a little lighter but still full of flavor.
We use quality birds and smoke them low and slow over select hardwoods. The result? Juicy, tender chicken with crisp skin and deep smoky flavor. It’s a favorite for the health-conscious, but honestly, everyone loves it.
Enjoy it on its own, in a sandwich, or as part of a larger barbecue spread—with our signature sauces on the side, of course.
4. Homemade Southern Sides
You can’t have barbecue without the sides, and ours are made from scratch with love. They’re the perfect partners to our meats:
- Baked Beans: Rich, smoky, and a little sweet.
- Coleslaw: Creamy, tangy, and refreshing.
- Cornbread: Moist, buttery, and slightly sweet.
- Mac and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy, and comforting.
We also offer seasonal specials and unique creations. You’ll often find these sides on our food truck too!
5. Low and Slow Texas-Style Beef Brisket
Let’s round this out with a true Texas classic: beef brisket.
We take pride in our brisket. It’s trimmed carefully, then smoked low and slow for hours until it develops a beautiful bark and becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
You’ll taste that bold, smoky flavor in every bite. It’s a crowd-pleaser whether served sliced on its own, in a sandwich, or as part of a full platter with our other meats and sides.
Signature Sauces and Rubs: The Flavor Enhancers
Okay, so this isn’t a “dish” exactly, but it’s crucial to the Kings BBQ experience. Our signature sauces and rubs are what make our food truly special.
Our sauces range from tangy vinegar-based to sweet and smoky, while our rubs are unique blends of spices that help create that flavorful crust on our meats.
You can even bring the flavor home—our sauces and rubs are available on our website and Amazon!
The Kings BBQ Experience: Food Truck & Catering
Food Truck: BBQ on the Go
- Perfect for grabbing a quick bite without sacrificing quality.
- Rotates locations around Jacksonville.
- Features a streamlined menu with fan favorites.
Catering: Elevate Your Event
- Customizable menus for weddings, corporate events, and private parties.
- Options from pulled pork platters to full-service barbecue spreads.
- Guaranteed to leave your guests happy (and full).
The Heart of the Smoke: Community and Connection
Kings BBQ isn’t just about the food—it’s about bringing people together. Barbecue is a communal experience, and we see it every day: families sharing meals, friends catching up over ribs, neighbors meeting at our food truck.
We’re proud to be a part of the Jacksonville community and all its celebrations. That sense of connection is what keeps us going.
Beyond the Plate: The Kings BBQ Tradition
Kings BBQ is more than just a restaurant—it’s a Jacksonville tradition built on quality food, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Whether you’re dining in, stopping by the food truck, or booking us for catering, we want you to feel like family. Our team and pitmasters are the heart and soul of everything we do, and it shows in every dish we serve.
So whether you’re a longtime local or just passing through, make sure you stop by Kings BBQ and taste what all the hype is about. And if you can’t visit in person, grab some of our signature sauces and rubs to bring the Kings BBQ magic home.
Visit Kings BBQ today and discover why locals call it the best barbecue in Jacksonville!