A Local BBQ Spot in Panama City Beach
A Local BBQ Spot in Panama City Beach

Back Beach Barbecue smoked brisket and BBQ plates.

Back Beach Barbecue

Hours

  • Monday–Sunday: 7 AM–9 PM

Average Price

  • Sandwiches: $9–15
  • BBQ plates: $15–25
  • Family meals: $40–70
  • Most guests spend about $20–35 per person, depending on what they order.

Popular Menu Items

  • Texas-style brisket
  • Beef ribs (when available)
  • Pulled pork
  • Smoked sausage
  • Loaded baked potatoes
  • Mac and cheese
  • BBQ baked beans
  • Banana pudding
  • Key lime pie

What Is Back Beach Barbecue?

Back Beach Barbecue is one of the best places in Panama City Beach when you're craving authentic Southern barbecue instead of seafood. The restaurant specializes in meats that are slow-smoked over wood for hours, giving them the rich smoky flavor traditional BBQ is known for.

The atmosphere is casual and relaxed. You order at the counter, find a seat indoors or outside, and enjoy generous portions without the formal feel of a sit-down restaurant. It is popular with both locals and visitors looking for real barbecue rather than a tourist-focused chain restaurant.

Why It's Worth Visiting

If you've already had several seafood dinners during your vacation, Back Beach Barbecue is a great change of pace.

  • Authentic slow-smoked barbecue.
  • Large portions that are easy to share.
  • Excellent brisket and beef ribs.
  • Reasonable prices for the amount of food served.
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it a convenient stop at almost any time of day.

It is also a great option if you want to pick up dinner and enjoy it back at The Beach Break after a long beach day.

What Guests Love Most

Across hundreds of reviews, a few menu items are mentioned again and again.

  • The Texas-style brisket is easily the most recommended dish, praised for being juicy, tender, and full of smoky flavor.
  • The beef ribs are another standout and often described as some of the best BBQ in the area when available.
  • Many guests also recommend the pulled pork, loaded baked potatoes, and the rich, creamy mac and cheese.
  • Visitors frequently mention that the portions are generous enough for sharing or taking leftovers home.
  • Several families also like that feeding four people here can cost about the same as a fast-food meal while offering much higher quality food.

Things to Know Before You Go

Back Beach Barbecue is a casual counter-service restaurant.

Available

  • Indoor and outdoor seating.
  • Takeout.
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • Craft beer.
  • Free parking.
  • Wheelchair accessible.
  • Family friendly.
  • Dog-friendly outdoor seating.

Not Available

  • Table service.
  • Delivery.

During weekends, holidays, and peak vacation season, waits of 20–30 minutes are not uncommon. Seating can also become limited during busy lunch and dinner hours, so arriving a little earlier is often worth it.

Our Recommendation

If you're staying at The Beach Break for several days, Back Beach Barbecue is one of those places we recommend adding to your list. Spend the day at the beach, pick up brisket, ribs, and a few Southern sides on the way home, and enjoy a relaxed BBQ dinner back at the house without having to cook.

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