Unearth The Voyage
You know that moment when the smell of real wood smoke hits you before you even open the car door? Your stomach growls, your plans suddenly shift, and nothing but brisket will do.
I’ve chased a lot of barbecue across Florida, but every now and then you find a spot where the bark cracks just right, the meat pulls apart with barely a nudge, and the burgers drip down your wrist in the best possible way. This is the kind of place you detour for – where smoky brisket and unapologetically juicy burgers make the drive feel like part of the reward.
Let me show you why this Lakeland BBQ joint earns every mile.
A Roadside Landmark with Serious Barbecue Credentials
The Red Top Pit Stop sits at 12160 US Highway 98 North in Lakeland, Florida, looking exactly like the kind of place where great food happens. From the outside, this restaurant channels that old-school vibe of roadside diners from decades past.
The building itself is modest and unassuming, with a character that comes from years of serving hungry customers rather than expensive renovations. You’ll find it on a two-lane rural highway where traffic moves at a slower pace and people still wave to each other.
Inside, the dining room holds maybe ten tables, creating an intimate atmosphere where conversations between tables happen naturally. Window air conditioning units work to keep things comfortable, though on busy lunch days when the door stays open, it can get warm.
The rustic interior tells you right away that this place prioritizes what comes out of the kitchen over fancy decorations. Some might call it a hole-in-the-wall, but that’s exactly the charm.
The restaurant opens early for breakfast at 7 AM on Tuesdays and stays open until 2 PM, serving lunch crowds who know to arrive before closing. Cash is the only payment method accepted here, so plan accordingly before you visit.
Brisket That Melts in Your Mouth
When you order the brisket at this barbecue joint, you’re getting meat that’s been smoked low and slow until it reaches that perfect point of tenderness. Each slice reveals the telltale pink smoke ring that barbecue enthusiasts look for as a sign of proper preparation.
The exterior develops a dark, flavorful bark while the inside stays incredibly moist and tender. You can pull it apart with just a fork, and sometimes you don’t even need that.
The smoky flavor penetrates deep into every bite without overwhelming your taste buds. This isn’t the kind of brisket that needs to be drowned in sauce to taste good, though sauce is available if you want it.
Many customers order the BBQ Sampler to try the brisket alongside ribs and pulled pork, giving them a full tour of what the smoker produces. The portion sizes are generous enough that you’ll likely have leftovers to enjoy later.
One visitor from Wisconsin specifically mentioned the brisket in their review, noting how the flavors lived up to their friend’s strong recommendation. The meat is cooked fresh to order, which means you’ll wait a bit longer than at fast-food joints, but the quality makes every minute worthwhile.
Burgers That Rival Any Chain Restaurant
The burgers here pack enough flavor to make you forget about every fast-food chain you’ve ever visited. These aren’t frozen patties slapped on a grill; they’re made fresh and cooked to order with real attention to detail.
The cheeseburgers come loaded with melted cheese that stretches when you take a bite, plus fresh toppings that add crunch and brightness. Multiple reviews mention ordering cheeseburgers alongside other menu items, and they consistently impress.
The meat is seasoned well and grilled to create those crispy edges while keeping the inside juicy. You’ll need plenty of napkins because these burgers don’t hold back on the juice factor.
What makes them stand out is the balance of flavors and textures. The bun holds up to all that moisture without getting soggy, and every element tastes fresh rather than like it’s been sitting under a heat lamp.
One family ordered cheeseburgers as part of a larger meal that included pulled pork grilled cheese and country fried steak. They rated everything highly and said they’d order it all again, which speaks volumes about consistency across the menu.
The burger quality matches the barbecue, proving this place doesn’t play favorites with what comes off the grill.
Pulled Pork That Shines in Multiple Dishes
Pulled pork appears throughout the menu in various creative applications, from traditional barbecue plates to innovative grilled cheese sandwiches. The meat gets smoked until it pulls apart effortlessly, creating those tender shreds that soak up flavor beautifully.
When served on its own as part of the BBQ Sampler, the pulled pork showcases the restaurant’s smoking technique. The meat stays moist and flavorful without being swimming in sauce, letting you taste the actual pork and smoke.
The BBQ Grilled Cheese with pulled pork has become a customer favorite, combining smoky meat with melted cheese between grilled bread. One reviewer’s partner loved this dish so much they specifically mentioned it, noting how the combination worked perfectly together.
The pulled pork maintains consistent quality whether you order it as a main dish or as part of a sandwich. Some barbecue places let their pulled pork dry out or rely too heavily on sauce to add moisture, but that’s not the case here.
Portions are generous across the board, so even when the pulled pork is part of a sandwich, you’re getting plenty of meat. The versatility of this menu item shows how the kitchen can take one well-executed protein and showcase it in multiple ways that all taste distinctly delicious.
Philadelphia-Style Cheesesteak That Wins Over Critics
Getting a proper cheesesteak outside of Philadelphia is notoriously difficult, which makes the version served here all the more impressive. One reviewer from Philadelphia admitted to being quite picky about their cheesesteaks, then proceeded to praise Red Top’s version for surpassing expectations.
The sandwich features thinly sliced beef cooked with onions and topped with melted cheese, all piled onto a proper roll. The meat-to-cheese ratio hits that sweet spot where neither element overwhelms the other.
What sets this cheesesteak apart is the attention to technique and flavor rather than just throwing ingredients together. The beef gets cooked properly on the griddle, developing flavor while staying tender.
The cheese melts completely, binding everything together into that gooey, satisfying combination that makes a great cheesesteak. Fresh ingredients and proper cooking method make all the difference between an okay sandwich and one that earns praise from someone who grew up eating the real thing.
This menu item demonstrates how the restaurant doesn’t limit itself to just traditional Southern barbecue. The kitchen shows versatility by nailing regional specialties from other parts of the country, proving the cooks know their way around multiple cooking styles and flavor profiles.
Down-Home Sides That Complete the Meal
The side dishes at this barbecue spot deserve just as much attention as the main proteins. Potato salad appears frequently in customer orders, served creamy and well-seasoned alongside barbecue plates and sandwiches.
Collard greens bring that classic Southern vegetable element to the table, cooked tender with proper seasoning. These aren’t an afterthought; they’re prepared with the same care as everything else on the menu.
Fried okra provides a crispy, uniquely Southern option that many visitors specifically request. The okra gets breaded and fried until golden, creating a crunchy exterior while the inside stays tender.
French fries and onion rings round out the side options for those wanting something more familiar alongside their barbecue or burgers. Both are made fresh to order rather than pulled from a freezer bag.
One family ordered fries, onion rings, and fried okra to share, giving them a variety of textures and flavors to complement their main dishes. The sides come in generous portions, just like the main courses.
Reviews consistently mention the sides positively, noting how they enhance rather than just fill out the plate. Good barbecue deserves good sides, and this restaurant understands that balance perfectly.
Breakfast Options That Start Your Day Right
Opening at 7 AM means this place serves breakfast alongside its famous barbecue and burgers. The morning menu includes country fried steak, which one customer ordered during a lunch visit and praised highly.
Country fried steak arrives breaded, fried golden, and typically served with gravy, though you can customize your order. The portion size matches the generous servings found throughout the rest of the menu.
The breakfast offerings give early risers a reason to visit before the lunch crowd arrives. These aren’t just token morning items; they’re prepared with the same attention to quality as everything else.
Having breakfast available also means you can visit at different times and always find something satisfying to eat. Some customers prefer the morning atmosphere when the restaurant is less crowded and the air conditioning hasn’t yet started battling the Florida heat.
The menu variety shows how this small roadside restaurant manages to do multiple things well rather than limiting itself to one category. Whether you’re craving pancakes and eggs or pulling in later for brisket, the kitchen delivers.
Reviews mention breakfast items in passing, suggesting people order them alongside lunch options, which speaks to the flexible, welcoming nature of the place where you can eat whatever sounds good regardless of the time.
Specialty Sandwiches with Creative Names
The menu features specialty sandwiches with unique names that hint at bold flavors and generous portions. The Green Swamper and Cajun Monster both earned specific mentions from a customer who tried four different meals and called them the best of the bunch.
These specialty items showcase creative combinations that go beyond standard barbecue fare. The names suggest Louisiana influence and adventurous flavor profiles that appeal to customers wanting something different.
Each sandwich is made to order, which means you’re getting fresh ingredients assembled specifically for you rather than something prepared hours earlier. The wait time reflects this commitment to freshness.
The kitchen doesn’t shy away from bold seasonings and interesting ingredient pairings in these specialty offerings. If you’re the type who likes trying unique menu items rather than playing it safe, these sandwiches deliver.
One reviewer noted that despite long wait times and other concerns, the food quality across multiple dishes was phenomenal, with these two sandwiches standing out as exceptional. That kind of praise suggests the kitchen really excels when creating their signature items.
The variety on the menu means repeat customers can try something new each visit without exhausting the options. Creative specials keep the menu interesting for regulars while still offering classics for first-timers.
The Cash-Only Policy and What to Expect
Before you make the drive, know that this restaurant operates on a cash-only basis. Multiple reviews emphasize this point in all caps, suggesting some visitors were caught off guard.
The cash-only policy is common among small, family-run establishments that want to avoid credit card processing fees. It helps keep prices reasonable while maintaining quality ingredients and generous portions.
There’s no ATM mentioned on-site, so you’ll want to stop at a bank or convenience store beforehand. The nearest ATM might be several miles away given the rural location along the highway.
This payment requirement adds to the old-school atmosphere and straightforward approach the restaurant takes. No fancy point-of-sale systems or digital menus, just good food served simply.
Some customers appreciate the cash-only policy as part of the authentic experience, while others find it inconvenient in an increasingly digital payment world. Either way, knowing in advance prevents disappointment when you’re ready to pay.
The policy hasn’t hurt business, as evidenced by busy lunch periods and consistently positive reviews about the food. People who make the effort to bring cash are rewarded with meals worth every dollar spent.
The Service Experience and Atmosphere
Service at this barbecue joint comes with a personal touch that larger restaurants can’t match. The owner often serves as both cook and waiter, taking orders at tables and then preparing the food himself.
One reviewer specifically mentioned how the owner was very nice and even cooked their meal personally. This level of direct involvement creates a connection between kitchen and customer that makes the experience more memorable.
Staff members greet customers as soon as they walk through the door, creating a welcoming atmosphere despite the simple surroundings. The small size means servers can give attention to each table without being stretched too thin.
Wait times can vary depending on how busy the restaurant is and how many made-to-order items people request. One review mentioned waiting 15 minutes to be served and 45 minutes for food, though others didn’t note similar delays.
The atmosphere leans heavily rustic, with bathrooms located out back and a general aesthetic that prioritizes function over form. Some reviews mention cleanliness concerns, while others found the restaurant clean with a cool vibe.
The experience is decidedly casual, where you order at your table and food arrives when it’s ready. This isn’t the place for a quick meal, but rather for settling in and enjoying food made properly.
