Shorty's BBQ

Business Details

50+ Years

experience

Legendary BBQ Since 1951

Shorty's BBQ has been serving legendary wood-smoked barbecue in South Florida since 1951. Founded by E.L. Shorty Allen, our restaurant combines traditional Southern cooking methods with family recipes passed down through generations. We specialize in slow-cooked meats like baby back ribs, brisket, and pulled pork, complemented by classic sides such as coleslaw, corn on the cob, and macaroni and cheese. With four locations across South Florida, including our historic South Miami flagship, we maintain the authentic 'Shorty's Atmosphere' of a log cabin-style dining room with picnic tables and screen windows.

Our catering division provides full-service barbecue experiences for events ranging from backyard parties to corporate functions, delivering fresh-cooked meals on-site or through pickup/delivery options. The Piggy Bank Rewards program offers loyal customers points for every dollar spent, along with birthday discounts and exclusive offers. Over 70 years of history, including rebuilding after a fire in 1972 and Hurricane Andrew in 1992, has cemented our reputation as a community staple that preserves South Florida's barbecue heritage while adapting to modern needs.

Services

BBQ Catering Wood-Smoked Ribs Brisket Pulled Pork Catering Services

Details

Year established: 1951

Highlights and features

We offer 70+ years of authentic Southern barbecue expertise using family recipes
Our full-service catering handles events from 50 to 5,000 guests with on-site cooking
Piggy Bank Rewards program provides $10 off every 250 points earned
Historic restaurant maintains traditional cooking methods and dining atmosphere
Multiple locations serve South Miami, West Miami, and Davie communities

What people say

Best barbecue in Miami Outstanding food Amazing chicken Impeccable service Perfect bbq experience

Website

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Services

Wood-Smoked Barbecue

Our wood-smoked barbecue service delivers authentic Southern flavors using traditional slow-cooking methods. We prepare meats like baby back ribs, brisket, and pulled pork with hickory and oak wood, maintaining the same techniques since 1951. Each catering order includes seasoned servers, cooking equipment, and disposable serving items for a complete barbecue experience at your event location.

Full-Service Catering

Full-service catering brings our pitmasters and equipment directly to your event. We handle on-site cooking, setup, serving, and cleanup for gatherings ranging from 50 to 5,000 guests. Our staff arrives with everything needed to serve hot barbecue meals, including warming chafers for extended events.

Piggy Bank Rewards

The Piggy Bank Rewards program offers points for every dollar spent at Shorty's BBQ locations. Members receive a $10 sign-up bonus, earn rewards for regular purchases, and enjoy exclusive birthday discounts. The program also provides early access to new menu items and special promotions.

Historic Restaurant

Our original South Miami location preserves the 1951 log cabin design with screen windows and picnic-style seating. The restaurant serves classic barbecue dishes daily, maintaining the same family recipes and casual atmosphere that have made it a South Florida landmark for over seven decades.

Takeout & Delivery

Takeout and delivery options provide convenient access to Shorty's BBQ favorites. Orders come with disposable serving items and warming equipment for home enjoyment. We offer curbside pickup at all locations and delivery to major areas across South Florida.

Questions

What catering options does Shorty's BBQ offer?

We provide three catering options: full-service on-site cooking with servers, delivery with setup including warming equipment, and pickup-only orders ready for transport.

How can I earn rewards at Shorty's BBQ?

Join the free Piggy Bank Rewards program to earn 1 point per $1 spent, receive a $10 sign-up bonus, and get $20 birthday discounts for dine-in visits.

What makes Shorty's BBQ unique?

We've served wood-smoked barbecue using traditional methods since 1951 in our historic log cabin restaurant, maintaining the same family recipes and Southern hospitality.

What are the most popular menu items?

Our baby back ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork, and Southern sides like macaroni and cheese and corn on the cob are customer favorites.

Do you offer gift cards?

Yes, Shorty's gift cards are available for purchase online or at any location, letting recipients choose their own barbecue favorites.

Reviews (7)

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Doreen Nestell

Jun 20, 2022 Report

No gluten free vegan choices. No plant based options. A 3.99 order of baked beans, seemed like out of a can, and literally came in a 1.5oz. souffle cup. Only reason I gave it 2 stars and not one. I didn't hate the family time spent and the waitress was nice.

Katarina J.

Jun 07, 2022 Report

A CLASSIC MIAMI SPOT! My family has been going to Shorty's for YEARS. Looking for good BBQ in Miami, this is the place to be. Their menu consists of everything from Baby Back Ribs, to crinkle fries, to Key Lime Pie. They have every type of meat Chicken, Pork and Beef. They also have a few different BBQ sauces. As well has delicious sides like baked potatoes, greens, onion rings and corn. The interior is cozy and classic country looking.

Their wooden picnic tables are huge and can hold upwards of 10 people. While they are great, Shortys prices has gone up in recently years. It's hard to get out of there with a meal under $20, but if your craving BBQ it's a must. Pro Tip: Check out their lunch specials for their deals! $12 Spare Ribs includes fires, toast and coleslaw.

Naile Ruiz

Jun 04, 2022 Report

I'm not a personal fan of ribs, but my family loves the ribs here. I tried the brisket and chicken combo plate. Brisket was delicious, soft, and flavorful. It need a bit of salt, as did the chicken, but I could've had an entire plate of it. Paired it with a lemonade. Chicken was alright, had a nice charcoal crunch. Coleslaw and bread included with most meals are quite good too. Ambiance is rustic and american, food comes out in less than 5 minutes and is very very filling.

Alessandra F.

Jun 04, 2022 Report

It had been years since I've dined at Shorty's. Being a Miami native, my grandfather would frequent here and brought us on numerous occasions when I was a child. Now that I'm older, I was able to come and try to wake up my taste buds. I was really in the mood for some sliced pork, noticed they didn't offer it, so I ordered the brisket sandwich with a side of Mac n cheese. Expecting baked Mac n cheese like the server described, it tasted similar to that of Publix which wasn't terrible.

The brisket sandwich followed shortly after and it didn't disappoint! The Smokey flavor was there and the Shorty's sauce paired so well with it! I also dunked the fries in the sauce because it was like crack! It was definitely bittersweet dining here when the last time I came was with him. Definitely a sentimental restaurant for me.

Jeff S.

May 23, 2022 Report

Miami classic. been coming here most of life. Since before they had ac and before Miami was crowded. BBQ beef sandwich, corn on the cob, and a beer. Can't go wrong! Everything else is amazing too. Always ask for the sauce.

Alicia M.

May 13, 2022 Report

Great pulled pork sandwich. Enormous portions. Friends had ribs, said they were cooked to perfection.

Johnny Serra

May 10, 2022 Report

This branch is just Amazing, and we believe is the best, the food tastes better than other shorty's branches, the staff is amazing and stunning fast, the home made bbq is addictive and the space is really inviting.