Some restaurants are fantastic and everyone knows it. For these, it’s usually obvious from the appearance that you’re going to have an amazing meal that’s worth raving about. But if you’re looking for those hidden gems, hole-in-the-wall restaurants are your best bet. Often small and a little dingy, these locations don’t look like much, but a select few of them are well worth seeking out because of the delicious food they serve.
Growing up in Florida, I traveled around quite a bit to experience the vast array of unique eateries offered by The Sunshine State. During these travels, some of my favorites turned out to be little hole-in-the-wall spots that didn’t look like much but taught me one important life lesson: Not every place that is fantastic looks fantastic. Now, I get to share a few of my absolute favorite picks with you.
On Q Smokehouse Grill (Saint Leo)
The On Q Smokehouse Grill in Saint Leo is small and unassuming in a way that’s the exact opposite of fancy. However, one TripAdvisor reviewer suggests you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, adding that their “favorite places are hidden gems that are rustic.” Honestly, this couldn’t be put any better because this grill looks like a glorified shack but serves up amazing barbecue and traditional Southern favorites. Order your food as takeout or have a seat in a metal chair and devour your meal in an open-air room with an unfinished wood ceiling.
On the menu, you’ll find some typical American fare like burgers and sandwiches, interspersed with mouthwatering barbecue dishes like ribs, pulled pork, and smoked sausage. Perhaps the thing that most sets this little eatery apart, though, is the selection of truly traditional Southern dishes you’ll find served here. If you have a hankering for fried green tomatoes, mullet, or fried okra, On Q Smokehouse has you covered…