This guy has been in business at the same location for decades, and there's a reason for his long success: The barbecue is super. Oh, sure, the building is a battered hole-in-the-wall. You're not going to see any frou-frou designer paint or wallpaper here. Sometimes dust blows through the parking lot. But you won't care as soon as you taste John's barbecue. It's The Real Deal, the big side of pork smokin' on the grill, homemade secret sauce, and the freshest plain white bun. Watch as the grillman chops the meat right in front of you, then piles it in a huge heap on the bun. Sink your teeth into its soft spiciness for a sublime treat.
Big John's Alabama BBQ, 5707 N. 40th St., Tampa, 813-626-9800.
This article appears in Sep 25 – Oct 1, 2003.