I recently experienced an authentic American Bar-B-Q in Fort Lauderdale pre-cruise at Tom Jenkins’ Bar-B-Q and it made me realise that here, they take BBQ to a WHOLE NEW LEVEL!

Having lived in England all my life, a BBQ typically involves a few sausages and burgers cooked on the grill, sometimes from under an umbrella – seriously, a few years ago a summer shower rained on our BBQ parade and had to be finished off under an umbrella!
As you walk into Tom Jenkins’ Bar-B-Q you are greeted warmly by the staff who are happy to explain the menu.
Our waitress even found one of the owners, who was so friendly and insisted on bring our table a selection of meats to try before ordering.
There is so much on the menu that I could recommend but I have to mention a few special items that we sampled:
- Pork spare ribs (yum)
- Baby back ribs (delicious)
- Pork and beef brisket (absolutely amazing)
- Potato salad (so good)
- Macaroni and cheese (great side)
The meats are smoked for 10 hours, which produces a pinkish smoke ring, even when it’s well done.
Go for the ‘dinner’ option that comes with your choice of meat along with a corn muffin, two sides and BBQ sauce.
Finally, I have a special recommendation to wash the delicious food down with a drink called a Flip Flop – half fresh lemonade, half iced tea – this is so good!
Tom Jenkins’ Bar-B-Q is not far from the Port Everglades Cruise Port at 1236 South Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale. It’s open Tuesday to Thursday from 11am to 8.30pm and until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.



