10/27/08

Best BBQ ever

by foodcriticvk

This place is always A+++ in my book. I eat out 5 nights a week due to my work schedule and the food here is awesome! Service is always friendly- the only suggestion would be to update the dining room area- its a BBQ place but could feel a little more like home for those of us who like to eat in. Keep up the great service and keep the food coming! The hot macaroni is the BEST! The homemade BBQ sauce should be bottled and sold in retail stores-since the quality is that good. AND the best part of this place is that the management cares about its customers. They even cater to kids-my 10 and 12 year old never complain about going to First Choice to eat!

• Pros: Great food, service, and value
• Cons: ambience could be improved a little

07/09/08

Heard about it...and everyone is right...incredible!!!

by AvonBrian

I have to say that I have eaten BBQ from one end of the state to the other....and this was the best. I heard about this place from a co-worker of my wife's at the County Center. We went last night (08 Jul 08 at around 6:30pm) amidst the rain, and didn't find a long line because of the weather. What we did find were 4 guys working the cooking area who were very personable, incredible BBQ (you have to try the ribs), the best sauce I have ever had and cold sodas. The maccaroni was a monster though, very spicy...but good. The beans were very tasty and the atmosphere was perfect for eating BBQ...no frills...just great food. I have found my BBQ heaven in Tampa/Brandon. Treat yourself...you won't break the bank...the prices are VERY reasonable.

• Pros: Great food, cold drinks, very cool employees. 2 thumbs up and if I had another hand, it would be 3 thumbs up!
• Cons: I really can't think of anything bad enough to mention here!

02/11/08

Best BBQ in Tampa

by jeffjames17

First Choice is by far the best BBQ in the Tampa area. The long lines out the door at lunchtime every day is a testament to how good the food is here. The atmosphere inside the place is no-frills, but it's exactly what you want for a BBQ restaurant. The ribs are huge, meaty and tender. The pulled pork is some of the best around. The side dishes are excellent too -- huge piles of french fries, a spicy macaroni salad that is unlike anything you've ever eaten, great baked beans. For the price, you can't beat the quality and amount of food you get here.

• Pros: food, quick service, price
• Cons: location (unless you live in Brandon, Riverview, etc.), seating

10/26/06

Follow the smoke!!!

by kalenie

I eat at First Choice atleast once a week. Don't let the line scare you off, it moves fast. I like all the sides but my favorite has to be the Fritters. You may have to wait a few minutes for them to fry but it's worth it to hear Kenny J. holla "fritters" to the guy in the back. Once they get to know you, they'll treat you like a 1st class customer. The guys working a really friendly, the helpings are monster sized. My H and I eat there for under $14 and walk away stuffed. If you like spicy sauce, ask for it and they'll give you some. The table sauce is awesome too. Don't miss this place!! It's all good!!

06/20/06

Fantastic BBQ

by scottigger742

My fiance and I are big BBQ fans and this place is hands down one of the best we've tried; definitely the best in the bay area. The last time we ate there (a few days ago) there was a family that traveled from Sarasota to get First Choice BBQ. And the reviewer below hit the nail on the head - there's always a line for a reason: the food is delicious! The pulled pork is great, but the ribs are the stars of this joint.

• Pros: Excellent food
• Cons: Sometimes a long wait

03/16/06

Ribs are seriously lacking

by bobinflorida

Ribs at lunch were steamed and then a minimum time on the pit. I ate two and then dumped the rest of the pound. Sides were slightly above average.

• Pros: Location, Parking
• Cons: Fod is average, Crowded at lunch

02/05/06

Are you kidding me?

by sunkinggmc

If you are a die hard TRUE BBQ fanatic, then you have to try First Choice. Long Line? Yeah, there's a long line. There's a reason for that. It's that good, and worth every second of waiting (but the line really does move very quickly). What really stands out, though, are the sides. Every side they serve is the best that I have ever had at a BBQ joint. This place should be #1!

• Pros: Good BBQ, Great sides, Nice people
• Cons: Can be crowded, overeating

12/29/05

Best BBQ ever!

by denmar68

The place is far from fancy, but it's always packed, with a line out the door. And it's worth the wait. Their macaroni salad is awesome,with a spicy kick. But all their sides are great. And the BBQ sauce they use is addicting. I also love their homemade sweet tea. Not the best place to sit down and eat, with all the shouting of orders behind the counter, and the stuffy, hot air in the restaurant, so I would recommend carry out. But definitely worth a trip!

• Pros: BBQ, sides, tea
• Cons: eating in restaurant, long lines

08/11/05

Florida's Best!

by danwhitford

Everything is good at First Choice...the food, the service, the value, the smell, etc...I've eaten BBQ across the country and First Choice certainly stands out from the rest. The ONLY complaint is just about any time you go there will be a line...lunch AND dinner. But the wait is absolutely worth it. I recommend the ribs and pork. If you like collard greens they are the best I've had, but they not on the menu so be sure to ask for them!

• Pros: Large portions, Tasty, Never disappointed
• Cons: Long line

07/25/05

Best in the Area

by shellm3

Each and every time I go to First Choice, the food is outstanding...and they don't skimp on anything. The service is fast and friendly. Having dined at several other restaurants on this list, it's no contest. First Choice blows away the competition.

• Pros: Great Food, Fast Service, Catering
• Cons: None