Big Daddy's Barbeque — Restaurant in Winter Haven

It was nearly closing time when we arrived and were a bit put-off by the mental picture of a restaurant attached to a gas station. When me and my wife talked it over, we decided to move past that stigma because "maybe this is one of those hidden gem/hole-in-the-wall places". And let me tell you, I am sure glad we did.

From the moment we walked in the door, the smell of the food being prepared in their kitchen caused my mouth to water to the point that I found it difficult to place my order without slobbering all over myself. While we waited for our food, there was a family that was eating at the table next to us. Their was no conversation among them; only focus on the effort of enjoying their meal to it's fullest extent. This only served to build our anticipation.

Walking out I was pleased with the weight of the food in my take out bag. I raced home and skipped the prayer, but I was inviting the Lord to my table when every bite solicited an involuntary "Dear God..." response. Any thought of manners or cleanliness quickly departed from me as I took the first few bites of grilled pork chops. My wife, in similar fashion, refused to speak to me with any clarity for fear it might allow the flavor of her pulled pork to escape her lips.

Our meal became a solemn, silent moment of praise. Praising our creator for the fact of creation, and praising they who have prepared our food in such a manner that can only be described as worship. The only words exchanged between me and my wife this night were "Good God", "Try this", and "We are going back here for sure".

This food cured my depression and saved my marriage. It then jeopardized it when my wife reminded me I needed to save some for lunch tomorrow. When she took my last bits of porkchop and cornbread for a Tupperware meal, I found myself licking the insides of the to-go container, like some tweaker desperate for just one more taste. When the meal was over and I found myself content, I immediately called my mother and cried because her meals have never brought me this close...

I've been eating here since the first day they opened I live in the neighborhood and I eat here often.. usually I only get the same thing every time but every once in awhile I'll try what I usually get and try something else off the menu.. the prices are okay but these people sell the "taste of barbecue"so everything you're going to order is going to taste like barbecue. I support black businesses but my only issue with this place is the service is very poor. Sometimes you'll be on hold for 15 to 20 minutes sometimes the line won't work and sometimes your food will be a hit or miss.. trust me it's not the same every time. I'm not trying to bash the place but that's just my personal experience with it. Food 7 out of 10 service two out of 10 atmosphere...

I had a good feeling about this place and my gut was right...and handsomely rewarded! This was EXACTLY the type of place I was hoping to find while passing through. Unquestionably one of my top 3 pulled pork experiences and top 3 favorite bbq sauces ever. The atmosphere was comfortable and the staff felt like family. I was really feeling this place and my buddy and I left really, really glad we went. Pulled pork (honey bbq) sandwich plate with mac n chz and string beans, sweet tea and...