Awards | Hot Spot Barbecue

Celebrated Barbecue, Local and Beyond 🏆

At Hot Spot Barbecue, we believe great food speaks for itself, and our community agrees. Over the years, we’ve been honored with local, state, and even national recognition for our slow-smoked meats, homemade sides, and warm hospitality. From “Best Barbecue in Pensacola” to national top rankings, each award is a reminder that we’re serving more than just barbecue, we’re serving the people who make it all possible.

Inweekly’s: Best of the Coast 2013-2025

Hot Spot Barbecue has been a repeat winner in Inweekly’s Best of the Coast awards, consistently earning recognition as one of Pensacola’s favorite barbecue restaurants. These community-voted honors celebrate the restaurant’s dedication to flavor, quality, and hospitality year after year.

GuideToFlorida.com: Best of Florida 2024-2025

GuideToFlorida.com honored Hot Spot Barbecue as the Best Event Caterer in Florida for two years in a row. This award recognizes the restaurant’s outstanding catering services, trusted not only for their delicious barbecue but also for their professionalism and Southern hospitality.

Yelp: Top 10 Barbecue in the Nation 2024

In 2024, Yelp named Hot Spot Barbecue one of the Top 10 Barbecue Restaurants in the United States. This national recognition put Pensacola on the BBQ map, showcasing the restaurant’s unbeatable ribs, brisket, and homemade sides to food lovers across the country.

Faces Pensacola: Best Barbecue 2023

In 2023, Faces Pensacola named Hot Spot Barbecue the city’s Best Barbecue. The award reflects the strong support of the local community, who continue to rank Hot Spot as the go-to destination for authentic, flavorful BBQ.

VIP Pensacola Magazine: Best in Pensacola 2023

Hot Spot Barbecue was crowned Best Barbecue in Pensacola by VIP Pensacola Magazine in 2023. This recognition highlights the restaurant’s reputation as a must-visit spot for both locals and visitors craving top-tier barbecue.

TripAdvisor: Traveler’s Choice 2020

Hot Spot Barbecue earned the TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award in 2020, placing it among the top 10% of restaurants worldwide based on customer reviews. This honor reflects consistent excellence in food, service, and overall guest experience.

Pensacola News Journal: Best of the Bay 2018

In 2018, the Pensacola News Journal awarded Hot Spot Barbecue the Best of the Bay title, recognizing it as the city’s top barbecue restaurant. This award celebrated Hot Spot’s impact on the local food scene with its signature slow-smoked meats and welcoming atmosphere.