Just a few years again, Marcela and I ate at Fred’s Market, the Southern all-you-can-eat buffet in Lakeland, and it was freakin’ scrumptious (I wrote about it right here). Its sister restaurant is Johnson Barbecue, which opened in 1954 and sits proper subsequent door to a different Fred’s Market. Each spots are in Plant Metropolis, about half-hour east of Tampa.
Fast Data – Johnson Barbecue
Johnson Barbecue
📍 1401 W Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Plant Metropolis, FL
📞 (813) 759-0009
🌐 johnsonbarbeque.com
📸 Instagram | Fb
🕒 Hours:
Mon–Sat: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Solar: CLOSED
The Feast
Marcela wasn’t feeling effectively, which meant she sat this one out. That left me because the official style tester. There aren’t any complaints out of your buddy, the Burger Beast, nevertheless it was a tall order contemplating how a lot meals I ordered earlier than figuring out.
Some Starters
Big Hand-Breaded Onion Rings
Wow. Simply wow. JB solely provides you a number of, however every one is very large and completely crispy. Actually, Marcela missed out huge time right here.
Chopped Pork Potato Skins
Ridiculous—in one of the simplest ways. These weren’t evenly topped; they have been smothered, coated, and drowned in pork. After a few bites, I knew I needed to tempo myself or threat tapping out early.
Actual Deal Sandwiches: Brisket and a Burger
Sliced Brisket Sandwich
Easy is greatest. Simply brisket and bread—that’s how I prefer it. If the brisket holds up by itself, you don’t want bells and whistles. Possibly a drizzle of sauce if it’s good. This one? A winner, no query.
Chargrilled Burger with Fried Inexperienced Tomatoes & Pimento Cheese
This factor was the hero I didn’t know I wanted. I figured I’d take a chew and save the remaining for later. Subsequent factor I knew, three bites have been gone, and I needed to remind myself there was extra meals ready.
Southern Sides That Shine + a Dessert
Macaroni and Cheese
Strong. Creamy, tacky, all the things you need.
Creamed Corn with Bacon
This one stunned me—wealthy, smoky, and loaded with taste.
Banana Pudding
Candy as all get-out however scrumptious. A traditional ending to a barbecue meal.
Burger Beast’s Last Ideas
Whereas Marcela sat sidelined, I did my responsibility and tackled the unfold solo. The whole lot I attempted was spot-on, no weak hyperlinks on the desk. Watching her face once I described every dish, I may inform she knew she missed out. The excellent news? We’ll be again. Johnson Barbecue deserves a second spherical subsequent time that we’re on the town, after which Marcela’s getting the total expertise.