By: Andrew Silverstein

If there's one cuisine that's truly ours here in the South, it's definitely barbecue.  Smoked, grilled, wood fired, it doesn't matter, barbecue is a national treasure and definitely a prized cuisine down here in the 727 area.  Here are five of our favorite places to get some of this southern bred culinary goodness.

Big Tim's Bar B Que - Big Tim's is a South St. Petersburg legend when it comes to a big plate of classic, smoked barbecue.  Open since 1968, Big Tim's has been a lunch and dinner time favorite for St. Pete locals and visitors alike serving up chopped pork, ribs, and more with their signature barbecue sauce.

Buffy's Southern Pit Bar-B-Que - Buffy's is attached to St. Petersburg's legendary Biff Burger and serves up hickory smoked ribs, chicken, pork, and beef.  Enjoy a drink and some delicious barbecue while watching the game on one of the TVs around the restaurant or listening to the live music they host throughout the week.

Smokin J's BBQ - Head to Gulfport and check out Smokin J's for a hearty dose of real, Texas style barbecue. Enjoy lunch and dinner with an assortment of delectable, slow smoked barbecue including ribs, chicken, Texas beef brisket, pulled pork, and more.

Preacher's BBQ - Preacher's is a family owned St. Petersburg barbecue joint specializing in take out barbecue.  Menu highlights include fall off the bone ribs, whole (as well as half and quarter) smoked chicken, chopped brisket, and much more.

Poppa's BBQ - Head a little north to Pappa's BBQ in Clearwater and you won't be disappointed.  They serve up an assortment of perfectly smoked, award winning barbecue that's more than easy on the stomach and wallet.  Ribs, chicken, pork, combo platters sandwiches; you name it and they've probably got it at Poppa's.