Tucked inside a strip mall on South Orange Avenue in Orlando, Uncle Tony’s Backyard Barbecue is the kind of place that makes you wonder why you ever ate anywhere else. With a 4.8-star rating from over 1,200 reviews, this small but mighty BBQ spot has earned a serious reputation across Central Florida.
From melt-in-your-mouth brisket to crispy tater tots and house-made sauces, every dish feels like it was made with real love. Whether you’re a local or just passing through Orlando, this is one stop you absolutely cannot skip.
The Brisket That Melts in Your Mouth
Some brisket just sits on your plate looking pretty but disappoints the moment you take a bite. That is absolutely not the case at Uncle Tony’s Backyard Barbecue.
Customers consistently call it the best brisket they have ever tasted in Central Florida, and it is easy to understand why once you see those perfectly smoked slices.
The bark on the outside is deep and flavorful, while the inside stays incredibly moist and tender. One reviewer said it “absolutely melts in your mouth,” and another compared eating it to a warm hug from home.
The fat-to-lean ratio hits just right, giving every bite a rich, smoky balance.
Uncle Tony’s smokes their brisket low and slow, letting time and heat do the real work. If you only order one thing here, make it the brisket.
You will not regret it.
Fall-Off-The-Bone St. Louis Ribs
There is a special kind of joy that comes from picking up a rib and watching the meat slide right off the bone without any effort at all. At Uncle Tony’s Backyard Barbecue, the St. Louis ribs deliver exactly that experience every single time.
Customers from all over the country have called these ribs a highlight of their Orlando trip.
The smoke penetrates deep into the meat, creating layers of flavor that keep you reaching for the next rib before you even finish the first. One visitor from the UK said the ribs were among the best they had ever eaten, and a regular customer from Connecticut makes a special stop here every time they visit family in Orlando.
Meaty, smoky, and perfectly seasoned without being overpowering, these ribs prove that great barbecue does not need fancy surroundings to be absolutely unforgettable.
Pulled Pork That Keeps You Coming Back
Sometimes the brisket sells out before you get there, and honestly, that is okay because the pulled pork at Uncle Tony’s will make you forget all about it. Slow-cooked until the pork practically shreds itself, this dish carries a deep, smoky sweetness that sticks with you long after the meal is over.
One reviewer who arrived late and missed the brisket said the pulled pork was absolutely amazing and that the sweet vinegar-based BBQ sauce made it worth the trip alone. That is high praise from someone who did not even get their first choice.
The pork is served generously and pairs beautifully with nearly every side on the menu.
Soft, juicy, and packed with slow-cooked flavor, the pulled pork sandwich is a crowd-pleaser that families and solo diners alike keep coming back for on every visit to Orlando.
House-Made BBQ Sauces Worth Talking About
Not every BBQ spot takes the time to craft multiple house-made sauces from scratch, but Uncle Tony’s does, and the difference is immediately noticeable. From a sweet vinegar-based option to a mustard sauce that fans rave about online, these sauces are a whole experience on their own.
One reviewer said the hot BBQ sauce might be the best they have ever had, calling it a “run, don’t walk” kind of discovery. Another customer from North Carolina, who relocated to Florida and struggled to find good BBQ, specifically called out the mustard sauce with a passionate “iykyk” recommendation.
The heat builds gradually and coats your mouth in the most satisfying way.
Whether you prefer sweet, tangy, or fiery, there is a sauce here made for your palate. Trying all of them is practically a requirement, and the staff are happy to walk you through every option.
Mac and Cheese That Haunts Your Dreams
One customer put it perfectly when they said the mac and cheese at Uncle Tony’s is “still on my mind like an ex I never got over.” That kind of emotional attachment to a side dish tells you everything you need to know about how good this stuff really is.
Rich, cheesy, and deeply comforting, the mac and cheese here tastes like a Southern grandmother spent all afternoon making it just for you. The cheese sauce clings to every piece of pasta, and the flavor is bold enough to hold its own alongside the smoky meats on your plate.
Some guests prefer their mac and cheese extra creamy, and while textures can be a personal thing, nearly everyone agrees the flavor is absolutely on point. Order it as a side, but do not be surprised when you find yourself wishing you had gotten a whole bowl just for yourself.
Crispy Fried Okra That Steals the Show
Fried okra does not always get the respect it deserves, but at Uncle Tony’s Backyard Barbecue, it earns a standing ovation. Customers who are not even big okra fans walk away converted after tasting the version served here.
The outside crunch gives way to a tender, flavorful center that is wildly addictive.
Multiple reviewers specifically called out the fried okra as one of their favorite sides, which is saying something considering the competition from the mac and cheese and baked beans. The seasoning is spot-on without being overly salty, and the texture stays crispy even as you work your way through the basket.
Pairing it with one of the house-made sauces takes it to a completely different level. If you have ever written off okra as a boring vegetable, Uncle Tony’s version is about to completely change your mind in the best possible way.
Collard Greens Cooked With Soul
Somewhere in the kitchen at Uncle Tony’s, someone is cooking collard greens that have inspired at least one customer to say “may God bless you” for making them. That is not hyperbole.
A loyal regular who relocated from North Carolina posted a heartfelt update after their second visit in one week just to praise the collards specifically.
Cooked with turkey for depth and seasoned with a careful hand, these greens hit a perfect balance between tender and flavorful without becoming mushy or bitter. The seasoning is layered, not sharp, with hints of smokiness that complement the BBQ meats beautifully.
Southern collard greens done right are genuinely hard to find, especially in Florida. Uncle Tony’s version respects the tradition while making it feel fresh and deeply satisfying.
Order them alongside the brisket or ribs and prepare to have your expectations for a BBQ side dish completely redefined.
Baked Beans With a Smoky-Sweet Kick
Baked beans might sound like a simple afterthought, but at Uncle Tony’s they are anything but ordinary. Reviewers describe them as having a mild sweetness with unmistakable hints of smokiness that tie the whole meal together.
One customer who ordered nearly everything on the menu made a point of mentioning the baked beans by name.
The beans are slow-cooked to a tender consistency that soaks up all the flavors around them. Unlike overly sweet canned versions you might have had elsewhere, these taste like they were built from scratch with real care and a solid understanding of Southern cooking traditions.
They pair especially well with the ribs or pulled pork, acting as a savory, slightly sweet counterbalance to the smoky meat. At a restaurant where every dish fights for your attention, the baked beans quietly hold their own and leave a lasting impression worth returning for.
The Sweet Lemonade That Makes You Want to Dance
One customer from Connecticut wrote that Uncle Tony’s sweet lemonade makes them “want to dougie in the middle of the street.” If a drink inspires that kind of reaction, you know it is something special. Refreshing, perfectly balanced, and not overly sugary, this lemonade is the kind of cold drink that makes a hot Florida day feel manageable.
Several reviewers specifically mentioned the lemonade alongside the food, which is a rare compliment for a beverage at a BBQ joint. It cuts through the richness of the smoked meats and cleanses your palate between bites in the most satisfying way imaginable.
Sweet tea is also a popular choice here, described as genuinely refreshing and made the old-fashioned Southern way. Whether you go with lemonade or sweet tea, the drinks at Uncle Tony’s are not an afterthought.
They are a full part of the experience.
Southern Hospitality That Feels Genuinely Real
Walking into Uncle Tony’s feels less like entering a restaurant and more like showing up at a cookout hosted by someone who genuinely wants you there. The staff have been praised in review after review for going above and beyond, checking on customers, offering drink refills, explaining the menu, and making recommendations that always seem to hit the mark.
One customer who visited while traveling for business said the staff member working the counter was playing multiple roles at once, taking orders, serving food, and cleaning tables, all while keeping every guest feeling well taken care of. That kind of hustle paired with warmth is genuinely rare.
Tony himself has been spotted chatting with guests about the business, which adds a personal touch that no chain restaurant could ever replicate. People from the UK, Australia, and across the United States all leave mentioning the hospitality as a highlight of their visit.
A Hidden Gem in a Strip Mall Setting
Do not let the strip mall location fool you for even a second. Tucked into Suite 110 at 6807 South Orange Avenue, Uncle Tony’s Backyard Barbecue looks modest from the outside, but the moment you step through the door, the smell of real wood smoke tells you something extraordinary is happening inside.
Multiple reviewers warned their readers not to judge this place by its surroundings, and they are absolutely right. Some of the best food in Florida hides in plain sight, and Uncle Tony’s is a perfect example of that.
The interior is cozy and casual, with TVs playing classic cartoons and just enough seating to keep the atmosphere intimate.
Parking is limited, which is worth knowing before you arrive, but every single person who has mentioned that detail also said it would never stop them from coming back. The food makes every bit of the effort worthwhile.
Portion Sizes That Actually Fill You Up
At some BBQ restaurants, you leave the table still hungry and significantly lighter in the wallet. Uncle Tony’s operates on a completely different philosophy.
Customers regularly mention being surprised by how generous the portions are, with multiple reviewers noting they had leftovers even after eating a full plate.
The two-meat plate is a popular choice, letting you mix and match proteins like brisket, ribs, and pulled pork alongside your choice of sides. One customer said the portions were “definitely more than enough” and another described leaving with a “grown man belly” fully satisfied.
That kind of honest feedback says a lot.
Pricing falls in the moderate range for the area, and considering the quality and quantity of food you receive, the value is outstanding. Families visiting Orlando on vacation have called it one of the best meals of their entire trip, and the price-to-satisfaction ratio is hard to beat.
Hours, Location, and Why You Should Plan Your Visit Now
Planning your trip to Uncle Tony’s Backyard Barbecue requires just a little bit of timing awareness, but it is absolutely worth the effort. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 7 PM and is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Arriving earlier in the day is a smart move since popular items like the brisket can sell out before closing time.
Located at 6807 South Orange Avenue, Suite 110 in Orlando, the spot is accessible from many parts of the city and well worth the drive from surrounding areas. You can reach them by phone at 407-601-0068 or check their full menu and updates at uncletonysbackyardbbq.com before heading over.
With a 4.8-star rating from over 1,200 reviewers and fans flying in from across the country just to eat here, the only real question is why you have not visited Uncle Tony’s yet. Go soon and go hungry.
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