Hometown Barbecue Miami Review: Ribs, Potato Salad, and Local Flavor

Address: 1200 NW 22nd St #100, Miami, FL 33142
Website: hometownbbqmiami.com

The Background

Hometown Barbecue is a Brooklyn-born smokehouse that expanded to Miami in 2019, setting up shop in the Allapattah neighborhood just west of Wynwood. Known for its wood-fired meats, hearty sides, and casual atmosphere, it’s become a go-to spot for both locals and visitors looking for classic American barbecue with global twists. The space itself has a warehouse feel—big, open, and lively—with a bar that stays packed on weekends.

I stopped by after catching a show, ready to see how Miami’s take on this New York favorite stacked up.

The Drink

The cucumber margarita with Tajín rim — refreshing look, but not much payoff.

I started with the cucumber margarita—silver tequila, cucumber, Fresno chile, and a Tajín rim. It looked great but missed the mark. I was expecting something bold and refreshing like the cucumber margarita I once had in Puerto Vallarta. Instead, it leaned closer to a house margarita with a slight kick. Not worth the price, and one I’d pass on next time.

To recover, I switched to a Tripping Animals Ever Haze IPA. Clean, hoppy, and balanced, it paired well with the smoky flavors of the meal and carried the night better than the cocktail.

The Food

I ordered the barbecue rib tips—fried and glazed in a Korean sticky sauce with cashews and scallions.

Good flavor, though not quite the “Korean” profile advertised.

They were good, but calling them “Korean” felt more like branding than authenticity. Having spent five years in Korea, I didn’t taste the depth you’d expect from bulgogi or kalbi. A touch of toasted sesame oil, more garlic and ginger, and a deeper soy note would bring it closer. The sweetness was on point, though, and overall they still satisfied.

The smoked pit beans were hearty pinto beans with pork, carrying a slow burn of pepper and tomatillos. They reminded me of white chicken chili—just elevated with smoky pork instead of chicken.

The potato salad was a standout: bursting with chives, onion, and dill, with the right balance of creamy smoothness and hearty chunks. The use of red skin potatoes gave it extra color and texture.

The cornbread leaned sweet-and-salty and was tasty, but at seven dollars a slice, I’d think twice before ordering again.

The Atmosphere

The room was dimly lit in the evening, giving it a cozy feel, while the bar stayed brighter and lively. On Saturday night, the place filled up with a good mix of locals and tourists. College football on the big screens added to the weekend energy without taking over the vibe.

Final Take

Hometown Barbecue brings Brooklyn smokehouse style to Miami with hearty meats, bold sides, and a lively weekend crowd. The rib tips didn’t hit the Korean flavor they were aiming for, and the margarita was underwhelming, but the beans, potato salad, and IPA more than made up for it.

It’s the kind of barbecue joint you come back to when you want comfort food with character and a neighborhood feel.

Independent Review – This is an honest, unaffiliated review. I have no connection to Hometown Barbecue.

Long Weekend in Tampa – Day Two

Brunch bites, day drinks, and cinema in a palace

Day two of the long weekend had a different tempo—brunch with a playful kick, a dash of culture, and just enough sweet heat to carry into the evening.

Stop One: Nueva Cantina

We rolled into Nueva Cantina for a late brunch that turned into a little day drinking session. The vibe was lively but relaxed—bright colors, upbeat music, and that easy weekend energy where no one’s rushing you.

On the table: the Birria Pizza—crispy, cheesy layers of barbacoa, cilantro, and onions, paired with a rich consomé for dipping. Comfort food with attitude, perfect for sharing.

To sip, we started with the Skinny Pitcher Margarita—fresh lime, tequila, agave, and a lineup of glasses, each complete with a floating rubber duck 🦆. Equal parts refreshing and playful, it felt like the definition of brunch done right.

We didn’t stop there. From the signature menu, the Mango Margarita brought tropical sweetness rimmed with chili salt, while the Spicy Pineapple Marg leaned fiery with tequila, lime, pineapple, and jalapeño. Together, the food and drinks turned brunch into a proper kickoff for the day.

Nueva Cantina Birria Pizza with consomé and Skinny Pitcher margarita served with floating duck garnish.

A Show at the Tampa Theatre

Fueled and buzzing, the next move was downtown to the Tampa Theatre, one of the city’s historic gems. Built in the 1920s, the venue is a masterpiece—ornate architecture, a ceiling that twinkles like a night sky, and the kind of atmosphere that makes even a casual matinee feel like an event.

We caught a showing of What We Hide (2025), an indie film whose quiet storytelling was amplified by the grandeur of the setting. In a theater like this, you don’t just watch a movie—you step into an experience.

Day Two Takeaway

Day two wasn’t about rushing or packing the schedule—it was about letting Tampa unfold. From playful brunch plates and drinks at Nueva Cantina to the timeless escape of Tampa Theatre, the city served up a balance of flavor, fun, and culture. Proof that sometimes the best adventures start with brunch and a good pour.

Tampa Long Weekend – Day One: Tampa Bay Brewing Company & Mema’s Alaskan Tacos

Kick off your Tampa long weekend with a brewery flight at Tampa Bay Brewing Company in Ybor City and unforgettable tacos at Mema’s Alaskan Tacos. A mix of craft beer, comfort food, and crunchy shells you won’t forget.

Starting the Tampa Weekend Right

Every good long weekend has a first chapter. For me, arriving in Tampa meant shaking off the road, dropping my bag, and diving straight into what the city does best: food, drinks, and a little bit of surprise along the way.

Tampa’s always been one of those places where history, nightlife, and casual eats all blur together, so it only made sense to start the trip with a mix of both planned stops and unplanned gems.

Day One brought me to Tampa Bay Brewing Company in Ybor City, followed by a chance encounter with Mema’s Alaskan Tacos—two very different vibes that made the perfect start to the weekend.

Tampa Bay Brewing Company – Ybor City

Beer Flight, French Onion Soup, and Ceviche @ TBBC

You can’t really talk about Ybor without mentioning the breweries. Tampa Bay Brewing Company sits right in the heart of it all, surrounded by cigar shops, neon signs, and the old-world architecture that makes the neighborhood famous. Step inside and it feels like the pulse of Ybor—craft beer in hand, conversations buzzing, and plates big enough to fuel the night ahead.

I ordered a flight to get the full picture: Red Eye, True Blonde, Reef Donkey, and Old Elephant. Each beer had its own personality—Red Eye was bold, True Blonde crisp, Reef Donkey refreshingly balanced, and Old Elephant rounded things out with depth.

To pair it up, I went with the French onion soup and ceviche. The soup was rich, cheesy, and exactly the kind of comfort food you want to slow down with. The ceviche had potential but fell short—the chips carried a heavy, tired oil flavor that distracted from the fish. Not a deal breaker, but something worth noting.

Would I call it a must-visit? If you’re in Ybor already, absolutely. Between the people-watching and the variety of beer, it’s a solid stop. But if you’re crossing town just for the food, I’d keep expectations in check.

Mema’s Alaskan Tacos – An Unplanned Gem

Good vibes and great Tacos @ Mema’s

After leaving the brewery, I wandered a bit and stumbled onto Mema’s Alaskan Tacos. This is where the beauty of not overplanning comes in—because sometimes the spot you didn’t know existed ends up becoming the highlight of the day.

I ordered three tacos—chicken, beef, and grouper. Each protein brought its own flavor, but the shell was the star. Perfectly crisp, sturdy enough to hold everything without falling apart, and light enough to keep you wanting another bite. That crunch is what sets Mema’s apart, and it’s the kind of detail you’ll still be thinking about hours later.

The atmosphere was the opposite of the brewery. No buzz, no frills—just easygoing, no-nonsense tacos. And that’s exactly what made it memorable.

Wrapping Up Day One

That’s the way to kick off a long weekend: start with something familiar and end with something unexpected. Tampa Bay Brewing Company delivered the local craft beer scene and the buzz of Ybor, while Mema’s Alaskan Tacos reminded me why you always keep an open mind when exploring a new city.

Day One set the tone—planned meets unplanned, structured meets spontaneous. And that balance is what makes a Tampa weekend worth taking.

Stay tuned for Day Two, where the adventure shifts to new flavors and fresh corners of the city.

Casa La Rubia – Wynwood’s Local Pour

Some places you stumble into for a quick drink. Others you settle into because they feel like they’ve been waiting for you. Casa La Rubia is the latter — a Wynwood spot where the music rolls easy, the food is unapologetically good, and the drinks are built to keep you curious.

The soundtrack is a steady drift between reggae and smooth Latin grooves, filling the room with that unhurried Miami rhythm. Conversations blend in Spanish, English, and Spanglish, giving the place an easy, lived-in charm.

The kitchen, run by Cluckin’ Right Chicken, is putting out food that overdelivers. Their fried chicken sandwich is a proper heavyweight — juicy, crispy, and stacked on a toasted potato roll with tangy slaw. The golden tater tots on the side aren’t just filler; they’re part of the experience.

On the beer front, the Hazy Coast IPA leads with bright New World hops — lemon, stone fruit, and tropical edges from El Dorado and Galaxy. It’s a pint you don’t want to rush. Then there’s the curveball: Grape Escape — a playful sour ale that channels the nostalgia of grape soda, with just enough bite to remind you it’s for grown-ups.

And for the non-beer crowd, Casa La Rubia still brings its A-game. Cocktails range from crisp and classic to full-on dessert indulgence. Case in point: the Café Con Flan — their rich coffee porter fused with the creamy sweetness of flan, topped with a thick flan foam. Served as a 5oz shooter, it’s a shot of pure, sweet, coffee-kissed decadence.

Casa La Rubia isn’t just another Wynwood stop. It’s where you could drop by on a Tuesday for one drink and end up staying through the last song. A cozy corner with a rotating cast of locals, pottery nights, salsa evenings, and soccer matches on the screen.

It’s not just the pours or the plates — it’s the way the place wraps around you. And for me, as a new Wynwood neighbor, that’s the kind of spot worth claiming as your own.

📍 Casa La Rubia – 355 NE 24th St, Miami, FL 33137

Independent review — no affiliation with Casa La Rubia.

Fast Cars, Bold Flavors, and the Soul of Wynwood

Some places try to feel cool. Wynwood? It just is.

There’s something raw about the way Miami's Wynwood district hits your senses—painted walls that scream louder than traffic, scents from global kitchens dancing in the air, and a steady bassline of music that keeps the pulse alive even as the sun sets. It’s a canvas of rebellion and rhythm, and on July 26th and 27th, it became the ultimate fusion zone for Fast & Flavorful: Miami!, Smorgasburg’s first-ever Asian-Latino Street Food & Car Fest.

And you already know we had to pull up.

Smorgasburg Miami

Where Engines Growl and Street Food Talks Back

Fast & Flavorful wasn’t just an event—it was a collision. Puerto Rican pride met JDM dreams. Street tacos stood beside bao buns. Gyoza flirted with mofongo. It wasn’t about picking a side—it was about embracing the mash-up.

Car culture came fully dressed. Suzuki Trackers with butterfly doors and dragon decals sat shoulder-to-shoulder with wrapped Supras, all detailed down to the valve caps. Yoda bobbled on one hood while domino games clacked a few yards away. It was sensory overload—but in Wynwood, that’s the point.

These weren’t showroom cars. They were built stories. Street-bred machines restored and tuned by hands that know hustle. Just like the dishes being served hot from tents nearby, this was craft you could taste and touch.

The Wynwood Way

Wynwood has long been where Miami’s grit and color converge. It’s not about fine dining or pristine perfection—it’s about expression. Every mural is a manifesto. Every plate, a rebellion against bland. It’s a neighborhood that never asks for permission and certainly doesn’t apologize for its vibe.

Strolling through the streets, you're surrounded by art that doesn’t just sit on walls—it bleeds into the culture. From hyperrealistic faces to surreal reptiles to graffiti tags that feel like ancient sigils, Wynwood doesn’t whisper. It shouts.

This is where craft lives. Not in studios or galleries—but on scaffolds, in kitchen tents, under hoods, and in hands that have something to prove.

Why Stag & Stow Shows Up

We don’t follow trends—we chase moments that have weight. Wynwood's Fast & Flavorful wasn’t just a social scene—it was a living, breathing example of what happens when grit meets flavor, and culture isn’t just celebrated—it’s amplified.

We came to eat. We stayed to feel it.

So, whether you're rolling deep in chrome or pulling up on foot, Wynwood’s the kind of place that reminds you: every scar tells a story, every dish deserves a bite, and every night is one you earn.

Sharpen your craft. Walk the hard road. Built with Grit. Guided by Purpose.
— Stag & Stow Co.

📍 Event Info

Fast & Flavorful: Miami!
🗓 July 26–27 | ⏰ 2PM–11PM
📍 Smorgasburg Miami — 2600 NW 2nd Ave
🎶 Featuring: Custom rides, street eats, domino tables, vinyl-spun beats, and a celebration of Asian-Latino fusion culture.

Roots, Recon & Base Camp: Miami Through the Stag & Stow Lens

Touching down from up north, Miami arrives like a collage of color and energy—palm‑fringed boulevards giving way to pastel Art Deco, sleek high‑rises towering above hidden dive bars, and ocean breezes carrying the hum of a dozen languages. In our first year, Stag & Stow Co. treated Doral as a reconnaissance zone: broad boulevards, family‑run Cuban cafés, and suburban pockets where every weekend felt like a block party. We learned to read weathered murals, hunt down the best croquetas, and chart shortcuts past traffic‑choked arteries.

But every expedition needs a base camp, and for Stag & Stow Co., Wynwood called our name. Here, the streets pulse with murals that morph daily, craft‑coffee shops hum beside vegan taco stands, and old warehouses breathe new life as art galleries and taprooms. Wynwood’s grid is our new launch point—where gritty meets creative, and every alleyway hints at the next story.

Base Camp: WynwoodStationed amid converted warehouses, we’ve staked our claim in a shared studio—walls scrawled with mural mock‑ups, shelving stacked with flasks and fishing lines, and a map peppered with our “must‑hit” list.

Each month, we’ll launch quick “mini‑recons” into the county’s corners: one week chasing clandestine supper clubs; the next, testing camp gear at dawn’s first light; then back to Wynwood to decode a chef’s tasting menu or sample the latest small‑batch IPA.

What to Expect

Recon Reports: Bite‑size dispatches on dive bars, surf breaks, and camp spots.

Flavor Finds: From roadside arepas to exclusive brewery collaborations.

Gear Trials: Field‑tested kits—kayak rigs, cast‑iron cooksets, minimalist fly‑rods—right here in our backyard.

This isn’t tourism—it’s living Miami’s layers, one rugged story at a time. Stag & Stow Co.’s Wynwood base camp is ready. Next stop: wherever grit, purpose, and salt‑laden breezes meet. Stay tuned for recon reports, and come explore with us.

Kaptain Kush & Tuna Tostones: A Tank Tale

Stepping into The Tank Brewing Co. at 5100 NW 72nd Ave A-1, you immediately feel the buzz of character curating its own neon-lit universe. Under warm Miami air, the taproom hums with local energy—perfect for a proper beer flight.

Four pours, each a statement:

• La Playita: Bright and crisp, this clean classic primes the palate for more adventurous flavors.

• El Farito: A tropical IPA that pours like ocean spray in a glass—balanced, playful, utterly refreshing.

• La Finca Miami: Rustic meets citrus in a saison that tastes like sun-warmed groves at dusk.

• Freedom Tower: Malt-forward and steady, the city’s staple reminds you why Miami’s beer scene keeps you coming back.

Then came the show-stopper: Kaptain Kush, brewed with 440 lbs of mango. Imagine tropical punch layered with stone-fruit sweetness, all finishing on a kushy whisper—truly the best pour of the night.

No beer adventure is complete without a bold food pairing. The Tuna Tostones did not disappoint: poke-fresh tuna resting on crisp plantain rounds, merging Southern Florida and East Asia in every bite.

Service is part of the story here: River City Ashley makes every newcomer feel like a regular, and Alex—in full Marceline-mode—delivers each pour with calm precision.

Marked prominently on the calendar are D&D Tuesdays and Live Music Fridays—because beyond the beer and bites, The Tank is a stage for stories, connections, and character.

This is an independent review—no affiliation with The Tank Brewing Co. For menus, hours, and more: thetankbrewing.com.

Trailhead: The Stag & Stow Journey

Stag & Stow Co. set out with an important yet simple mission: carve out a corner of the world where grit meets purpose, where every story earns its scars. We’re not here to follow the latest algorithm or chase fleeting trends. We’re here to sharpen our craft—whether that means chasing the perfect pour at a tucked-away taproom, hunting down a hidden camp spot, casting lines off the bow of a boat while swapping stories under salt‑laden breezes, or telling the story behind a life lived at full throttle.

We believe in:

Built with Grit: Every review, dispatch, and photo is earned under open skies. Gear gets packed, trails get blazed, and every mile comes with lessons learned—and beers tasted.

Guided by Purpose: Authenticity is our compass. We tell it straight, celebrate the underdog, and shine light on veteran-owned brews, family-run diners, and independent makers pouring heart into every hustle. Stag & Stow Co. breaks it down.

Live With Intention: The mundane gets skipped. We chase first light over still waters, breathe in salty sea air while perched on a boat, lines in the water and stories swapping, chase the aroma of fresh‑roast coffee at sunrise, welcome the glow of campfire embers at dusk—and we bring you into each moment so you can taste it, feel it, own it.

This journal is our trailhead. Veteran-owned and built for those who crave more than comfort zones, Stag & Stow Co. will dive deep into hidden food stalls, map out gear that stands up under real pressure, and spotlight the people and places building community—one honest conversation at a time.

No frills. No fluff. Just unvarnished tales from the hard road. Welcome to Stag & Stow Co.—let’s see where it takes us.