John Rivers, the founder of 4 Rivers Smokehouse, curated award-winning barbecue styles from around the globe and perfected each of them over time, from authentic St. Louis Barbeque Ribs to real Memphis-style Pulled Pork, Burnt Ends that would compete in a Kansas City cookoff to Tri-Tip better than you can get in California, the absolute best Pulled Smoked Chicken and Wings available anywhere to 4 Rivers’ signature Texas-style Smoked Brisket, and more, the main philosophy behind 4 Rivers BBQ is taking the time to get it just right.
Then decide how you want your BBQ: sample them as sliders, get a heaping sandwich of your favorite, maybe a Cuban Sandwich, or Street Style Tacos, BBQ Quesadillas, or get your favorite BBQ by the Pound.
Unless you’re talking about the Smoked Chicken, there’s a long-running debate on whether sauces are necessary at all. We made our signature 4R BBQ Sauces, Carolina Mustard Sauce, Signature Sauce and Hot Signature Sauce, with the same dedication to getting it just right as we do with our BBQ. If you’re a barbecue purist, at least try some on your fries.
Now, the sides are no side thought at 4 Rivers where we take the same approach to sides as with our award-winning BBQ, curating, testing and improving only the best recipes for homestyle southern comfort food favorites like Collard Greens, Coleslaw, Baked Cheese Grits, Sweet Potato Casserole, Fried Okra, Smokehouse Corn, Biscuits, Cornbread, BBQ Baked Beans, and Mac & Cheese . Or get Vegetarian options (yes, vegetarian BBQ) like our popular Beyond Burnt Ends, Smoked Portobello Sandwich, or Vegetable Quesadillas. There’s even a kid’s menu full of items for the whole family.
Leave room for desserts from our Sweet Shop like seasonal cupcakes, dessert bars, cake balls, cakes, bread pudding made from scratch with Krispy Kreme doughnuts, or dare to try a big ol’ slice of 4R cake, made from scratch daily. And, yes, we even do birthday and wedding cakes. Just ask!
Carrollwood is a neighborhood in the northwest area of Tampa in Hillsborough County. The area has built up over time since The University of South Florida opened in 1956 and Busch Gardens opened in 1959. West of the neighborhood known as North Tampa, there are now neighborhoods west of I-275 such as Greater Carrollwood, Lake Magdalene, Citrus Park, Greater Northdale, University Square, Egypt Lake-Leto, and Town ‘N’ Country.
4 Rivers Catering and takeout options are the perfect solution for your next event or get together. With appetizer trays, full meals, to sides and desserts, available for pickup or delivery, nobody does catering in Tampa like 4 Rivers. Our goal is to be one of Tampa’s Best Caterers because we love catering Tampa events!
Located on N Dale Mabry Highway, 4 Rivers Smokehouse Carrollwood has plenty of parking and a dining room large enough for big parties without reservations, any time of day. We can even cater your next event. Contact us for more info. Dine-in, get it to go, order ahead online or use your favorite delivery service to get your favorite BBQ any way you like it.
See what others have had to say about 4 Rivers Smokehouse Carrollwood – North Tampa.
“Best BBQ in Tampa!”
“The absolute best BBQ in Tampa”
“Hands down best bbq in Tampa.”
“The best barbecue in Tampa! So glad I found something as tasty as the barbecue in Texas. Love this place so much.”
“Is it good? No, it’s spectacular!!”
“Best BBQ I have ever had!!!! We will definitely be back :):):)”
“Best barbeque around. Family owned and supporter of the community”
“Best barbeque in a long time”
“Best BBQ on the planet IMO.”
“Just the best bbq around..Great brisket, pork and ribs…”
“Best damn BBQ out there. Everything is amazing here.”
“Excellent everything! I judge how good a barbecue restaurant is by their brisket….and it is amazing.”
“Everything was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Can’t wait to go back again.”
“By far best chain BBQ restaurant in the area. ”
“Phenomenal BBQ! Best tritip i have ever had. If you like BBQ you will like this place!”
“One of our favorite local BBQ joints.”
“Great BBQ…good for handling large groups even on busy night”
“Great place for BBQ. We ordered briskets- so tender and juicy, spicy sausages, wrapped bacon, and all so delicious.”
“The best baked beans, perfect pulled pork, and great casual dining environment. Our favorite restaurant for eating with kids!”
“Food is always delicious. Super friendly staff. It’s always a pleasant experience.”
“Fantastic food and service. Highly recommend 4 Rivers Smokehouse”
“My family and I have an addiction for this place. It is so wonderful.”
“Food is amazing. Very casual place to eat. Highly recommend this place if you want some great BBQ.”
“You walk in the place and the wonderful smell of smoked meats washes over you, and then it gets better.”
“The staff seems to really enjoy working there. They are very friendly helpful and upbeat.”
They have all of the smokehouse meats you would expect and TRI TIP!”
“They had a great selection of food available to choose on the menu. One of the better BBQ establishments in the area.”
“The ABSOLUTE BEST BBQ I have ever had!”
“I have had nearly every single item on the menu and everything is delicious!”
“I highly recommend even their vegetarian menu items as well because those are amazing!”
“Absolutely a MUST STOP for BBQ fanatics!!!!! I’ve had every meat on the menu and 4Rivers never disappoints. Family atmosphere and outstanding staff. Sliders, BEST WAY TO GET THE BEST BBQ IN TAMPA BAY 3 WAYS. Nothing like 4Rivers and you need to experience real BBQ.”
“I highly, highly recommend!”
“Don’t wait any longer… get you some 4 Rivers today!”