Exit 329 on I-75 looks like any other Florida exit at first. There is a gas station, a stretch of highway traffic, and a small roadside setup that is easy to drive right past.
Plenty of road trippers would rather not, though. Families heading home to Ohio, commuters on the way back from work, and locals willing to drive 45 minutes all end up at the same window for the same reason.
The ribs here are tender enough that the meat slides right off the bone, and the brisket has its own loyal crowd. This spot in Wildwood has spent more than a decade turning a quick highway stop into a meal people bookmark for the next trip.
Keep reading to find out where it is, what to order, when to show up, and why so many travelers plan their drives around it.
A Smokehouse Hiding Near Exit 329
Some of the best meals in Florida sit in places that look like a pit stop. That is exactly the case with M&M Old Hickory Smokehouse BBQ.
The smokehouse is at 7993 NE 7th Dr, Wildwood, FL 34785, in the United States. It sits just off I-75 at exit 329, close to Highway 44.
From the road, it is a modest setup. The building has been described as a shack near a gas station, and that is not an insult here.
Right next door is a Sunoco station. That makes it handy for anyone who needs to fill the tank and fill up on barbecue in one stop.
The location is a big part of the appeal. Drivers searching for something other than the usual fast food often find it with a quick online search while still on the highway.
Once they find it, many come back. The exit number becomes a mental note for the next drive north or south.
Wildwood itself sits in Sumter County, and the spot works well for travelers moving through central Florida. Still, plenty of the crowd is local.
So the first lesson is simple. Do not judge this barbecue by the size of the building.
Ten Years of Florida-Style Barbecue
Every family business has an origin, and this one has been building its story for more than ten years. The owners say they have been serving customers for about 11 years.
That is a long run for a roadside barbecue stand. It also helps explain the steady stream of return customers who say they have been coming since the early days.
The team behind the window is proud of its approach. The owners describe their cooking as a barbecue style created for Florida, not a copy of anyone else.
That point comes up when people compare it to Texas or Memphis barbecue. The pit master has made it clear that the goal is a style of its own, built for folks from all over the world.
The business also calls itself the Kountry Cook. It is a family-owned operation, and the names Ms. Theresa and Mr. Mark come up warmly among regulars.
A decade of steady work has earned the place a strong 4.8-star standing across nearly 800 opinions online. That kind of consistency does not happen by accident.
For a small setup near a gas station, that is quite a résumé. The smoke has clearly been rolling for a while.
The Ribs That Started the Detour
Ribs are the most talked-about item on the menu, and it is not close. They come up more than any other dish when people talk about this smokehouse.
The big selling point is tenderness. The meat comes off the bone with very little effort, which is exactly what the headline promises.
Folks order a full slab, a half rack, or ribs as part of a combo. Some say these are the most tender ribs they have tried anywhere.
One story stands out. A husband who never ate ribs tried these on a drive home to Ohio and became a fan on the spot.
The ribs come with a dry rub. They are not drowned in sauce, so anyone who likes saucy ribs can add one of the house sauces at the table.
Opinions are not perfectly unanimous. A few people have found them on the dry side or less meaty than expected, while others describe them as meaty and full of flavor.
Beef ribs have also earned praise for being fall-off-the-bone tender. That gives rib fans more than one route to a happy plate.
Here is the tip that matters most. Ribs can run low later in the day, so arriving earlier gives the best shot at a full order.
Brisket With a Peppery Following
Ribs may get the headline, but brisket might be the quiet favorite. It is the second most mentioned item, and plenty of people rank it first.
The brisket comes chopped or sliced, and it often shows up in combos next to the ribs. It is peppery, tender, and not loaded with fat.
A pink smoke ring is a common detail people point out. That ring is a sign of time spent in the smoker.
Some regulars say they cannot break away from ordering brisket and ribs together. A local who drives 45 minutes each way orders that combo nearly every time.
There is also a brisket sandwich. It is a simpler option for anyone who wants to eat on the move.
Leftovers have their own fan club too. Extra brisket and pork apparently work well with fried eggs the next morning.
Not every plate has landed perfectly for everyone. A Texan once thought the brisket was cooked too hot, which led to a lively reply from the pit master about Florida style.
Most folks leave happy, though. The brisket is a strong reason to order a two-meat combo instead of one.
Pulled Pork, Sausage, and Rib Tips
Beyond the two big stars, the meat lineup has plenty of depth. Pulled pork is the next most popular pick.
The pulled pork has a gentle sweetness and stays juicy. It comes as a dinner platter, and it holds its own even among Memphis barbecue loyalists.
Smoked sausage is another solid choice. It has a nice snap and works as a single link or in a sandwich.
Rib tips deserve their own mention. They are a regular order for some locals, and they make a smart backup when the full ribs are running low.
Chicken is on the menu as well. It has been called very meaty, which makes it a good pick for anyone not in a pork or beef mood.
There is even fried fish. It comes out crispy and well seasoned, which is a pleasant surprise at a smokehouse.
The menu is described as having a huge selection. That variety makes it easy for a whole car full of people to find something.
So even the person who says they are not hungry has options. Usually that person ends up ordering a combo anyway.
Collard Greens Worth Bragging About
Side dishes can make or break a barbecue meal. At this stand, the collard greens might steal the show.
More than one traveler has called them the best collard greens they have ever had. That is a bold claim in the South, and it keeps showing up.
Collards appear with ribs, with smoked sausage sandwiches, and in regular two-meat, two-side orders. Locals who come often keep picking them.
They pair well with the smoky meats. That is why so many people treat them as a must on every order.
Greens are also a good way to balance out a plate heavy with brisket and ribs. At least that is the story people can tell themselves.
The sides here get as much love as the meat. That says a lot about the care in the kitchen.
For first-timers who cannot decide on a side, collards are a safe and popular bet. They have a strong track record with the road trip crowd.
Mac and Cheese the Casserole Way
Mac and cheese fans should know what kind they are getting. It is not the extra creamy, stretchy style.
Instead, it is closer to a homemade baked casserole. It is firm, well seasoned, and comforting.
That style has its fans. Some folks order a double portion of mac and cheese with their pulled pork dinner.
It has been called a 10 out of 10 next to the collard greens. It is also among the most mentioned sides overall.
Kids and picky eaters tend to like it. It is a familiar choice that still fits right in with the smoked meats.
The mac and cheese also travels well. That matters at a place where many meals are eaten on the road or back at home.
Pairing it with collards is a popular move. One side for comfort and one side for greens covers the bases nicely.
Beans, Potato Salad, Slaw, and Cajun Corn
The side dish list keeps going, and each one has supporters. Baked beans are a steady favorite.
Even someone unhappy with the rest of a meal once admitted the beans were good. That is about as strong an endorsement as a side can get.
Potato salad gets called phenomenal. It is popular enough that it sometimes sells out, so grab it early.
Coleslaw comes out cold and fresh. A Memphis native who is usually picky about slaw called it ok, which his wife explained is his code for delicious.
Cajun corn is the less common pick with a loyal following. It is savory and smoky, and it makes a fun change from the usual sides.
Fries are also available. They work well for anyone who wants a simple add-on.
With this many choices, mixing and matching is half the fun. Two sides may not feel like enough.
Florida Gold and Other House Sauces
A good barbecue sauce can turn into a souvenir. That happens a lot here.
The smokehouse makes its own barbecue and mustard sauces. One of the stars is the Florida Gold barbecue sauce.
People like it so much that they buy a bottle to take home. It has been called a must-have.
The sauces are especially useful for anyone who prefers saucy ribs. Since the ribs come with a rub, sauce lets everyone build the plate they want.
Having house-made sauces fits the Florida-style approach. The owners have built their own flavor instead of borrowing someone else’s.
Grabbing an extra bottle is a smart move. It gives a road trip a little encore once everyone is back home.
Banana Pudding and Strawberry Shortcake
Saving room for dessert takes planning here. The portions make that difficult.
Banana pudding is a popular way to finish. It has earned some very enthusiastic praise.
Strawberry shortcake has also appeared on the menu. It is a nice option for anyone who wants something a little different.
Sweet tea is the go-to drink. It has been described as perfect, which suits a Southern barbecue meal.
Desserts can be a great thing to take to go. A highway drive goes faster with a treat waiting in the cup holder.
No need to overthink it. Order the meat, add a couple of sides, and leave a little space for pudding.
Friendly Faces at the Order Window
Plenty of barbecue joints have good food. Fewer are known this much for their kindness.
The people working the window get regular praise for being sweet, polite, and welcoming. Many say the staff checks in and goes above and beyond.
Ms. Theresa and Mr. Mark are names that regulars mention fondly. Their warmth is part of why folks feel like they are supporting neighbors.
The owners also reply to almost every comment online. Their notes usually end with a simple God bless.
There is a lively energy too. Someone near the kitchen has been known to call out yes please with gusto, which some folks find more charming than others.
Not every visit is perfect, and a few people have had a weaker experience. Still, friendly service is one of the most common themes overall.
The team clearly takes pride in its work. That pride shows up at the window as much as on the plate.
Outdoor Tables With a Wild West Vibe
Dining here happens mostly outside, and that is part of the charm. Outdoor seating is one of the features people mention most.
The setting has been compared to an American Wild West saloon. It is rustic, casual, and relaxed.
It is a good spot for families on road trips who need to stretch their legs. Kids can sit down, eat, and burn off some energy before the next leg.
Florida weather is part of the deal. Hot days can make it a warm meal outside, and one person jokingly asked for the heavens to turn on the AC.
Many people also take their food to go. Orders usually come out in about five to seven minutes, which works well for drivers on a schedule.
There is often a steady flow of customers. That busy feel is a decent sign that the food is fresh.
This place suits road trippers, commuters, and locals who want a no-fuss barbecue meal. Fancy is not the goal here.
Hours, Prices, and Planning the Stop
Timing matters at this smokehouse. The hours are limited, so plan ahead.
It is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11 AM to 6 PM. On Sunday, it runs from 11 AM to 5 PM.
It is closed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Anyone driving through early in the week will need to make other plans.
Prices fall in the $10 to $20 range per person. Portions are generous, and many people say the value is very fair for the size.
Card payments are accepted. That makes things easier for travelers who do not carry cash.
Popular items like ribs and potato salad can sell out. Arriving earlier in the day improves the odds of getting everything on the wish list.
To get there, take I-75 exit 329 in Wildwood. The stand is near Highway 44 and right beside a Sunoco gas station.
More details are available on the official website at mmbarbq.com.
Why the Exit Is Worth Taking
Some highway stops are forgettable. This one tends to stick.
The ribs live up to their fall-off-the-bone reputation for most people. The brisket, pulled pork, and sides give everyone else plenty to love.
It is not perfect for every taste, and that is fine. The owners are proud of their Florida-style barbecue and do not try to copy Texas or anywhere else.
What keeps people coming back is the mix of value, big portions, friendly service, and consistency. Ten years of that adds up.
For travelers on I-75, it is an easy detour with a real payoff. For locals, it is a regular habit worth a drive.
Just check the calendar before going. Showing up on a Tuesday would be a sad lesson in reading hours.
Exit 329 may look ordinary from the highway. The barbecue waiting near it is anything but, and the next road trip might need an extra stop.
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