★★★★★
The original Shorty's still hits. Ribs were tender, the mustard BBQ sauce is unlike anywhere else in Miami, and the corn on the cob and garlic bread combo took me straight back to childhood.
BBQ · South Miami · Miami
Shorty's BBQ
South Miami
01
The place
Shorty's BBQ South Miami is a Western-themed barbecue restaurant at 9200 S Dixie Hwy in the South Miami area of Miami, Florida. Founded in 1951, it is the original location of the regional Shorty's BBQ chain and serves pit-smoked pork, chicken, and beef over oak. The dining room features long communal picnic tables and saddle-topped stools. Signature items include baby back ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, smoked chicken, and the house mustard-based barbecue sauce. The restaurant offers dine-in, takeout, curbside pickup, and third-party delivery. Parking is available on-site in a free surface lot along US-1. Reservations are not accepted; seating is first-come, first-served. The location is family-friendly and accessible by Metrorail at the South Miami station.
Shorty's BBQ has been a South Miami fixture since 1951, when Edward 'Shorty' Allen opened a small log-cabin smokehouse on what was then a quiet stretch of US-1. The original South Dixie Highway location still anchors the regional chain, with the same Western-saloon decor, communal picnic tables, and saddle-topped barstools that generations of Miamians grew up with. It is a true Florida hidden classic — equal parts roadside cookout and time capsule.
Order the baby back ribs glazed in Shorty's signature mustard-tinged sauce, the pulled pork sandwich piled on a soft bun, or the quarter smoked chicken with a side of corn on the cob, baked beans, and coleslaw. The combo platters let you mix ribs, chicken, and pork in one tray, and the Key lime pie is the right way to finish. Sweet tea is served in mason jars by the pitcher.
No reservations are taken — walk in, grab a tray cafeteria-style, and find a seat at the long tables. The on-site parking lot off US-1 is free, and the South Miami Metrorail station is a short walk away. Takeout and curbside pickup are available through the website, and delivery runs on Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. The restaurant is family-friendly and wheelchair-accessible.
Original 1951 location of the Shorty's BBQ regional chain
Oak-smoked ribs, pork, chicken, and brisket
Signature mustard-based house BBQ sauce
Western-saloon decor with communal picnic tables
What to expect
Casual, order-at-the-counter Western-themed barbecue joint with communal picnic-table seating, oak-smoked meats by the platter or sandwich, free on-site parking, and takeout plus third-party delivery. No reservations — first-come, first-served.
Then come for the photos
03
The shop, in frames
Sponsored · Florida Hidden Spots
04
What people are saying
★★★★★
Old-school South Miami spot with the wooden saddle stools and picnic tables. Pulled pork sandwich was huge and smoky. Service is cafeteria-style and quick — perfect for a family lunch.
★★★★★
Been coming since the 90s and the smoked chicken is still the best deal in town. Free parking right off US-1, walking distance from Metrorail, and the Key lime pie is legit.
06
Frequently asked
Does Shorty's BBQ South Miami take reservations?
No — Shorty's BBQ is first-come, first-served with cafeteria-style ordering. Walk in, order at the counter, and grab a seat at the communal picnic tables.
Is Shorty's BBQ South Miami dog/pet friendly?
Service animals are welcome inside. Pets are generally not permitted in the dining room, but leashed dogs are typically fine in the parking-lot area for curbside pickup.
Where do I park near Shorty's BBQ South Miami?
Free on-site parking is available in the restaurant's surface lot directly off South Dixie Highway (US-1). The South Miami Metrorail station is also a short walk away.
What are the most popular dishes at Shorty's BBQ South Miami?
The most-ordered items are the baby back ribs, the pulled pork sandwich, the quarter smoked chicken, and the corn on the cob. The Key lime pie is the classic finisher.
What are Shorty's BBQ South Miami's hours?
Shorty's BBQ South Miami is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., including weekends. Hours may vary on major holidays.
Does Shorty's BBQ South Miami offer takeout or delivery?
Yes — takeout and curbside pickup can be ordered through shortys.com, and delivery is available via Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub.
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Closest spots by distance
Other places to fold into the same trip — measured straight-line from Shorty's BBQ South Miami.
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From Instagram
@shortysbbq