Dive into this laid-back barbecue haven where mouthwatering pit-smoked meats, stellar cornbread, and a craft beer selection make every visit a feast.
"Recognized by *Southern Living* magazine in 2023 as one of the top 50 barbecue joints in the South, Tropical Smokehouse and its sister restaurant, Tropical Market, have cemented their place as barbecue destinations in West Palm Beach. The menu showcases Caribbean-inspired flavors that reflect South Florida’s diverse culture, featuring dishes like Cuban-style mojo pulled pork, wild Everglades smoked gator sausage with Cajun seasoning, Caribbean coleslaw, and sweet plantains." - J. Miller
"Well worth the car ride north, Pitmaster Rick Mace prepares some of the best barbecue found in South Florida. Selected as a 2023 James Beard Award semifinalist, diners can expect barbecue with Latin flair as seen in dishes like brisket empanada, chorizo queso, mojo pulled pork, and Caribbean slaw. Don’t pass on the barbecue salmon or the burger. And for pet parents, don’t forget to grab a pair of smoked pig ears for the pups!" - Eater Staff
"This week, I took my own advice and hit up a spot from our guide to Restaurants Perfect For A Day Trip Outside Miami. I chose West Palm Beach’s Tropical Smokehouse (and paired it with a visit to the lovely Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens). This place is excellent, and should be on the radar of all South Florida smoked meat enthusiasts. The ribs, fish dip, and key lime pie are all outstanding. But my favorite thing here was their old fashioned hamburger, a really simple but perfect handheld burger wrapped up all nice and neat inside a paper bag. It made me want to buy a timeshare within walking distance." - ryan pfeffer, carlos c olaechea
"Head to West Palm Beach to sample James Beard Nominated Best Chef South 2023 chef Rick Mace’s barbecue inspired by South Florida’s diversity. Paying homage to Haitian, Dominican, Cuban and Jamaican cuisine, dishes include smoked brisket, mojo pulled pork, spicy wahoo dip, and cajun gator sausage. Hot and sweet hushpuppies, fried cobia sandwiches, and barbecue jackfruit are options for those not eating meat. Burger fans will be glad to have made the drive." - Alona Martinez
"We will happily travel far and wide for outstanding barbecue. If you feel the same way, you should know about West Palm Beach's Tropical Smokehouse, which might just be the best barbecue restaurant in all of Florida right now. They’ve got classic things like brisket, baby back ribs, and a perfect little burger—but they also have some great Florida-specific dishes like smoked fish dip, gator sausage, and smoked cobia. They’ve got indoor seating, a patio, and they use crinkle-cut fries, which is a very underrated fry shape." - Ryan Pfeffer
