Over time, founder John Rivers carefully curated and perfected only the best BBQ techniques from around the world. From fall off the bone St. Louis Barbeque Ribs and California Tri-Tip to Memphis Pulled Pork and Kansas City Burnt Ends. At 4R, you’ll find the best Smoked Chicken and Smoked Chicken Wings available anywhere, and the signature Smoked Texas-style Brisket is not to be missed. The philosophy behind Pitmaster Rivers’ smoked bbq is in taking the time to get it right.
Once you decide on your meats, choose how you want them: as a heaping sandwich, sample them all as sliders, get a Cuban Sandwich, maybe some Street Style Tacos, our amazing BBQ Quesadillas, or just get your favorite BBQ by the pound!
BBQ Sauce can be a touchy subject within BBQ circles and 4 Rivers adds to the debate with our award-winning line of traditional BBQ sauces: the Signature 4R Sauce, Hot 4R Signature Sauce or 4R Mustard BBQ Sauce. To all the barbecue purist who just can’t seem to bring yourself to put sauce on our delectable smoked meats: we get it…but at least try it on some fries.
Now, at 4 Rivers, we take the same approach to our homestyle sides as we do with our award-winning BBQ. Discovering, testing and improving upon the best of the best downhome recipes for southern favorites like Coleslaw, Sweet Potato Casserole, Fried Okra, Baked Cheese Grits, BBQ Beans, Mac & Cheese, Collards, Biscuits, and Cornbread.
For the kids, we have our BBQ favorites under the Lil’ Bites Menu created just for our smallest guests. Plus there are Vegetarian options like our super popular Smoked Portabello Sandwich, delicious Vegetable Quesadillas, or our new favorite Beyond Burnt Ends. We also have a ton of gluten-free options. Just ask us!
Whatever you do, do not miss the Sweet Shop! While you may be full after your meal, pick up some to take with you. We bake and decorate all our fresh bakery items daily such as bread pudding made from scratch with Crispy Creme doughnuts, Bananas Fosters, cake balls, dessert bars, cakes, seasonal cupcakes, or our big ol’ slices of cake.
Every single day we’re hard at work to be the best BBQ in Gainesville and Alachua County. Located on Archer Road at SW 35th Blvd., 4 Rivers Smokehouse Gainesville is close to the University of Florida, a short drive from Downtown Gainesville, and right off I-75, making it easy to get in and out for a quick lunch on the road, or a gameday stop before UF games.
4 Rivers Catering and takeout options make the perfect solution to gatherings or events. With full meals, to meats and sides, to desserts and appetizer trays, nobody does catering in Gainesville like 4 Rivers, Game Day or any day…except Sundays. We’re always striving to be Gainesville’s Best Caterer, and we love catering Alachua County events!
Dine in, get it to go, order ahead for even quicker takeout pickup, get 4R through your favorite delivery provider, or let us cater your next event. We love catering Gainesville events!
See what others have had to say about 4 Rivers Smokehouse Gainesville
“Best bbq in Gainesville”
“Best bbq in Gainesville! Love the brisket, wings, sweet potato casserole, fried okra, and the like. Plates can be shared, you won’t go home hungry!”
“Best BBQ in town. They have the most delicious brisket I’ve ever had. The staff is always friendly and very courteous. Would highly recommend.”
“Best BBQ in central Florida. Don’t skip out on the sides, they’re amazing as well!”
“Always the best BBQ… Very awesome!!!”
“Excellent quality and quantity at a reasonable price. Any side is the best side!”
“Love this place! Excellent food and the facility is clean and neat. Great place for lunch.”
“Just go…atmosphere is unreal. Food is amazing. Selection is among the best. Hands down need to eat here”
“Amazing BBQ, brisket and burnt ends were full of flavor and cooked to perfection. Staff was extremely friendly and they get your food to you quickly.”
“Love this place! The baked grits are awesome!”
“Love this place. Fantastic food!”
“Brisket that can hold its own with any place in the country.”
“Great BBQ love the ribs”
“4 Rivers is the best smokehouse I’ve ever been to. Friendly service. The owners are amazing. Love it!”
“This place is great. Friendly people and awesome food.”
“Awesome Beef Brisket, must try. Great service.”
“Best food in Gainesville. Love the brisket and the ribs!”
“Best food I’ve had.”
“Love this place! ”