Polk’s Best Barbecue competition has gotten juicy as the Elite 8 have been narrowed down to our Final Four.
Who ranks a cut above the rest has been a decided by a thin margin — in some cases less than 25 votes — out of thousands. That’s the width of the nice, crusted barbecue bark.
Two weeks ago, our foodie March Madness brackets kicked off as we revealed our readers’ Savory & Sweet 16 out of more than 40 contenders who entered into 1-on-1 brackets in hopes fo wining the title of Polk’s best barbecue.
In week one, two of the three regional chains were quickly eliminated by discerning voters.
This past week, local iconic barbecue purveyors went head to head in the competition and foodies faced some tough decisions. Two landmark smokehouses failed to advance, and a national-award winner came up just short. They just didn’t finish strong.
Maybe it’s time for some shiggin’, or in barbecue terms spying some of secrets, from this combination of old timers and up-and-comers.
Before we reveal who made the Final Four of Polk’s Best BBQ, we’ll review the ground rules on voting:
Check out Polk barbecue’s Final 4 and vote now to determine who makes the finals:
Final 4: Tenn + Charles vs. Peebles BBQ
Tenn + Charles BBQ is a Lakeland-based weekend pick-up/catering service by Chase Turbeville that also does pop-ups at the Downtown Lakeland Farmers Curb Market. It made its way onto our contenders’ list due to a loyal, dedicated following. Check out its smoked brisket.
Peebles BBQ is a well-known family landmark in Auburndale since the 1940s serving up smoked meats, including its signature chopped pork and beef — its first and only meats for many years. Take a seat at a screened-in, tin-roofed building paying heed to tradition. No frills, just smoked meats in a secretive homemade sauce.
Final 4: The Red Top Pit Stop vs. 4 Rivers Smokehouse
Two family-owned barbecue joints with vastly different styles go head-to-head in this competition.
It’s North Lakeland’s generational come-as-you-are Red Top Pit Stop taking on the commercial modern barbecue ministry of 4 Rivers Smokehouse.
The Red Top Pit Stop is north of Lakeland along U.S. 98, as if you are headed toward the Green Swamp. This out-of-the-way restaurant serves up Southern style breakfast, burgers and barbecue. It’s a no-frills classic offering up a tender brisket and far more.
4 Rivers Smokehouse likes to call itself a family-owned “barbecue ministry,” according to John Rivers, CEO and president of 4Restaurants Group. It opened its 15th site at Lake Miriam Crossing in June 2023, having started in Winter Park. Its specialties are 30-day aged Angus brisket and homestyle sides
To vote
Click on each individual bracket poll to vote. Voting is open until April 5 at 5 p.m. The winners in each bracket ― our finalists― will be announced next week. Voting must be done through the polls. Votes will not be accepted via email.
Tell us who you voted for Polk’s Best BBQ and why, email swalsh@theledger.com. Know of a great restaurant that deserves recognition, share their name with us.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: We’re down to the Final 4. Vote for Polk’s best barbecue
Reporting by Sara-Megan Walsh, Lakeland Ledger / The Ledger
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
