We drove up to the Grant-Valkaria area to Big Dogs Barbecue, located in the corner parking lot of a gas station. We were initially skeptical about anything found on the side of the road, especially at a Sunoco.
With a slogan that read “For ‘mo Betta’ Barbecue” and a man wearing a cowboy hat offering southern hospitality, we just had to try their food.
The menu can be overwhelming on three large signs near the window where you place the order. They offer Smoked Turkey, Sliced Beef Brisket, Pulled Pork, Ribs, Half Chicken, and Whole Pork Tenderloin, to name a few.
In addition, they offer Smoked Mahi Fish Dip, Smoked King Fish, and Gumbo.
The sides are Roadkill Potatoes, Collard Greens, Smoked BBQ Beans, Coleslaw, Chips, or Cajun Peanuts. The man smiled and said not to take the name “Roadkill Potatoes” seriously; it’s what they call them. They also make their own sauces (Sweet, Tangy, or Hot).
Cracker Samage
After several minutes of reading the menu, my wife ordered the Cracker Samage, a pulled pork sandwich for $9.95. It comes on a grilled onion roll, mustard, 1,000 island, dill pickles, cheese, slaw, and sauce.
We picked the Roadkill Potatoes and Smoked BBQ Beans as the two sides. The price includes a drink (Coke, iced tea, etc).
The sandwich is piled up high with a generous portion of pulled pork. It’s a bit messy, but we think you’ll enjoy the sandwich. The meat was very tender.
They have another pulled pork sandwich with just the meat and sauce if you don’t want all the fixings this one has.
Rib Combo
Then, I ordered the Rib Combo for $14.00 with Roadkill Potatoes and Smoked BBQ Beans. The meat fell off the bones, and it had a grilled taste which I enjoyed.
I pulled the meat, and it dropped off the bone, and the sweet sauce I ordered complimented the meal. It’s plenty of food, and I couldn’t finish my two sides.
If you’re going to order the Ribs, make sure you bring your appetite!
Conclusion
The service was fast, so you could pick it up for lunch and take it back to work. We only waited about five minutes, but that was after 1 p.m. on a Monday.
They provide some outdoor seating, or you can take it home as we did. They also offer catering.
Big Dogs Barbecue is a hidden gem, and we recommend it. They are located at 5385 US-1 in Grant.
From Sebastian, drive north on US-1 for about 8 to 10 minutes, and you’ll see it on the right (east side) in the Sunoco gas station parking lot.
