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.
