From the moment we walked in, the experience was exceptional! We were warmly welcomed, and asked if it was our first time! We explained it was and Jake absolutely went above and beyond by explaining the ENTIRE menu in detail and they even offered us samples of their delicious classic sausage before we ordered! We ordered the lean brisket sandwich and the smoked cheeseburger combo with Mac and French fries! It was So fresh!!!!! Nothing frozen or microwaved! The food also came out very quickly! Something they do right at noon was we all stood for the National Anthem which was a such a powerful and meaningful moment honoring the country, military members, veterans, and first responders! *Shoutout to Yaya-- she was incredible! She took the time to explain all of their signature sauces that's on the tables at our convenience, she explained all the sides she brought us out in a nice sampler for us to try which was such a nice touch, Oh and even shared many details about the company! That level of knowledge and care really made the experience stand out!! Overall, outstanding service and a true 5-star experience. We'll definitely be back soon!!!! read more

Ok let get this out of the way: the staff here were amazing. Honestly, top notch. The food was good. Solid BBQ. The pulled pork was excellent. The chopped brisket was a little spicy for me (but I'm a spice wuss), but the flavor was good. Mac and cheese, fries and potato salad were solid. Nothing to die for but all very good. The restaurant itself looked clean, but we got our food to go. No one in our group was disappointed. read more

I had the Brisket Platter and the Mac & Cheese was delicious, so was the cornbread. The brisket was a large portion and I used the Smokey sauce on it. It was very good. I asked for it lean and it was very lean. My brother Jonathan had the Brisket sandwich and loved it. He had French fries and they were seasoned nicely. You order at the register and wait for your number to be called. You get your own drinks at a self service counter and they have Iced tea and sodas. The really nice thing about this place is how they honor Veterans. Everything inside is about Veterans from pictures to collectibles. read more

See all

Mission BBQ is one of top choices when I'm craving a turkey sandwich. 5/5 .. Great service and Friendly staff :) read more

See all

The barbecue sauces are really the standout here. The meats are good enough for a standard barbecue joint but their variety of flavors/options is outstanding. The brisket was moist and not overcooked which can be difficult so kudos for that as well! read more

Mission BBQ got me in my feelings. We loved it so much we had them cater our wedding last year--peak vibes, zero regrets. The meat always slaps, sauces are a whole personality test, and the staff is too sweet... they even handed us an extra cornbread like a little edible hug and gave us a sample of their grape soda?! They even have a TON of pictures of the walls of veterans and people from the different military branches so it had that small town bbq spot but the options like a new place. This place just gets it. read more

See all

On Saturday, April 18 I had take-out at Mission. I ordered the 5 rib BBQ. The ribs were dried out with absolutely no moisture at all. The experience was like chewing leather. After 2 ribs I threw the remaining 3 ribs in the garbage! I won't be back!! read more

BBQ FAMILY FOOD ADVENTURE!!! This is one of our go to's for consistent quality BBQ when in Lakeland. The food is always YUMMY, pricing is a higher price point per person here, but you are paying for a quality meal. We all get the same thing, we have tried it all, but the lean brisket is everyone's favorite so we all stick to it now. We have been to this establishment many, many times. They are consistent in the quality of their food and we always enjoy the Mac and cheese, slaw, fries, corn on the cob and of course that corn bread, we always order extra for our table!!! They have 6 different sauces to add, but this brisket is good enough that sometimes I don't even use it on a couple pieces in between the sauced bites just to cleanse the pallet. Ambience is sport, military, police & fire pictures, signs and memorabilia. Price breakdown: Food to value = higher price point, but great quality food. It's around 100$ for 5 brisket meals, sides, 4 extra pieces of corn bread and 5 drinks = 20$ a person. We are and will be returning customers, unless we get priced out of course!!! 4 star rating is b/c of the price point. Thanks for reading and... AS ALWAYS, TRY IT FOR YOURSELF!!! read more

See all

Loved the military/police/FD ambiance, very friendly service and great bbq. I'm a Kansas City bbq judge and can honestly say everything I ordered and ate was wonderful. I ordered burnt ends with sauce, pulled pork, slaw, and of course beans. The only tiniest knock I'd give is that the burnt ends with sauce was a pinch too salty. Next time I'll try them without sauce first. read more

I love this place for outstanding food and amazing people who love to serve people with respect. The brisket sandwich is fantastic and you can get it lean or juicy. Great sauces too read more

See all

Food is amazing here consistently good no matter what day of week is food's always good here you're not gonna have a better server than Michaela. Hands-down needs a raise badly was skeptical about trying some desserts. She offered me a free sample. Tried it with the best things ever she hasn't lied or anything like that about the food just told me the straight up facts about you can't get a better server bottom line read more

Mission BBQ - Double X chicken wings, black plate special - Barbeque Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

Staff and manager were incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. Food was great! Will definitely return

I'll admit, I'm not a huge fan of barbecue overall- but I'll still enjoy it once in awhile. So when my friend wanted to try Mission BBQ I was happy to go even though I've come before and haven't particularly desired to come back. I was hoping maybe I'd change my mind this time around, but the feeling was consistent. I got the pulled pork sandwich (I know, pork at a bbq specialty place) so maybe that was the first mistake- but it was still startlingly bland and dry. Not even the many varieties of sauces could help this enough. I also got the mac and cheese, and again it just wasn't anything special, and I feel it's not hard to make a good mac. My one friend who also got pulled pork felt the same about her food. On the brighter side, my friend who had wanted to come tried the brisket sandwich for the first time and she loved it. So I was happy her visit went well. They do have very quick service here and fairly friendly staff. Plus, I like the theme of appreciating veterans and those who serve our country and how they give a military discount. But I just have to say I feel that the mission overall fails. I'd much rather get bbq from a local place because I'd had a lot better, higher quality. read more

See all

Kyle guided us through the menu and we enjoyed burnt ends, ribs and pulled pork cooked to perfection with hot and sweet sauces added at our table. The sides were all good and the Cole slaw and collard greens were exceptional. Dining room manager Cole brought us 3 additional sides, on the house (no ladder necessary) as it was our first visit it was GRATIS! All in all, a veteran friendly environment and pretty good house brewed tea and lemonade were just the right compliment for our gut busting meal. The red velvet cake looked pretty good although, there was no room at "the inn". read more

Mission BBQ catered an event for us today. The food was delicious but what makes Mission stand out is the service and attention to detail that makes the catering service so worthwhile, like the table cover for the serving line....nice touch!). I would especially like to commend the team member that provided our delivery and setup. Thomas called in advance to confirm details and provide an ETA. When he arrived he was efficient in getting the meal setup and was so polite and courteous. He really presented a positive image for Mission. read more

Great!! The customer service was exceptional and Aiden who took our order took the time to explain everything and answer any questions we had. The food was also exceptional full of flavor and melted in your mouth. 10/10 would recommend! DR PEPPER RATING: 9/10 read more

See all

Great food!!! Rich M is the bomb!!! He made our visit amazing. I learned so much about this establishment. We hear so much about the Chic fa la model but overlook the compassion of Mission BBQ. I commend them for their support of veterans!! Service matters and Mission BBQ walks the talk. My 17 year old niece was with me and Rich did a phenomenal job share the story and emphasizing the need of community. The food was excellent. I've never been disappointed. I had the brisket. The peace cobbler was excellent. My niece had the sausage. She said it had a kick!! We enjoyed the food and loved the environment. I hate I didn't take photos, it looked great. I also learned about the BBQ sauce. read more

First, the service and friendliness of the staff is evident the moment you walk in the door. Then the purpose of all the pictures on the walls comes into focus. Finally, when you taste the BBQ and are starting to really dig the place, a brief recording replaces the music and you are asked to stand and remove your hat for a playing of our National Anthem! Everyone did and at least half of the customers joined in and sang. (Happens every day they are open at noon straight up). They help veterans with free food and drink if needed and will sit and talk to those same veterans for longer than a casual conversation as well. I will go back multiple times, it makes me smile. And the food is very tasty. read more

Mission BBQ - Memorabilia that was donated by service members families. - Barbeque Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

See all

If this is your first visit to Mission BBQ you can rest assure this location represents the brand well, I've eaten at no less than (6) different locations and it's been the same at all of them - I don't think it's possible to have a bad experience here. What's good here - well I'd say everything but I love consistency when it comes to bbq, the property is well maintained and very clean, the open kitchen is testimony to this I love the transparency, the staff is friendly, professional and well trained in customer service, there's no shortage of happy people here. The Food: quality ingredients means quality results - I have tried a lot of their items and I've never been disappointed. My Favorites: Smoked Turkey - of course this is at the top of my list, I love Turkey and I can say with certainty that nobody does it better. The Turkey is always moist and tender and the smoke penetrates through each portion combine that with a spicy rub, it's a selection I always order. Beef Brisket (Fatty and Moist) - there is a lean option but I always opt for this one. This brisket checks all the boxes, smokey bark, fall apart tender and thick cut melt in your mouth tender - the fat cap is thin and cooked perfectly. Jalapeño Cheese Sausage - it doesn't claim to be Texas Style that I know of but the grind reminds me of that, so it's lean and spicy with a casing that snaps that's a combination that makes me drool. They also offer a regular version for those of you who aren't as adventurous. Sides - they are all good so if you have a favorite and they offer it go for it it's doubtful you'll be disappointed- I love their hand cut fries and Mac n Cheese it's legit. The restaurant is decorated in patriotism from the floor to the ceiling, what a wonderful tribute to our American Hero's and a statement about the ownership... read more

See all

This was our first time at Mission BBQ. We met a friend who said it was his favorite restaurant which he goes to frequently. We were blown away with the staff, the food, and especially the patriotism and respect for our men and women who serve our country. We were there for the noon flag celebration. It takes you back to your childhood when everyone was taught to respect our nation. We will be back. Greg & Fern Reichold PS We need places like this in Michigan read more

Service was unfortunately not well. They tried to give us someone else's food and didn't explain how meat was cut. The food itself was subpar. If you want amazing BBQ try Lakeland BBQ and Ice Cream over in Combee. The food did not taste very good at all. It was bland and just kind of ugh. read more

Mission BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

Absolutely delicious sliced brisket sandwich, which comes lean (no fat) or moist (some fat). Chicken, turkey, ribs, sausage, and shrimp also available. Six tableside bbq sauces plus on-demand Alabama White create a very flavorful experience. Military-themed restaurant with a pause every noon to sing the national anthem. Attentive staff who frequently offer samples of their products. Many bbq spots in the area, but Mission BBQ is the best. read more

Barbecue brisket was very good a bit pricey but atmosphere was good. Staff was friendly clean enjoyed my lunch would recommend.

I've been dying to try Mission BBQ here in Lakeland since we are fans of the one in Jacksonville. We came here for dinner and the first thing we saw was that they had our favorite beer on draft (Duke's from Bold City Brewery in Jax FL). It was busy on a Saturday night, but not overly crowded, thankfully, so we were able to order and find a table quickly. There was a personable young man who was constantly cleaning and sanitizing everything. It didn't take long for our names to be called for our food. My husband ordered the Three Meat Platter: Pulled pork & chicken, brisket (moist); with baked beans & "cold slaw". I had the Two Meat Platter: Brisket (moist), jalapeño cheddar sausage; with Maggie's mac & cheese. Both came with corn bread. What can I say? Everything was absolutely delicious. All the meats were perfect. The pulled pork and chicken were moist and tender. The brisket just melted in our mouths. The jalapeño cheddar sausage is fabulous - spicy and cheesy, but very meaty too. Hubby loved the baked beans (they were good) and the "cold slaw" (Mission BBQ's spelling, not mine). The mac & cheese is baked and good, with a nice little crumb on top. The corn bread is standard, not sweet (thankfully) but definitely needs a bit of butter to give it that Southern taste. Just ask and they are happy to give you a couple of pats for it. As for the sauces, they have 6 to try on the table. Hubby tried all and liked 2 or three. I only liked one, the Florida Gator Bite. I'm one of those people who are very picky about BBQ sauces. (I'll try anything, but dislike most.) The Gator Bite has a clean, citrus-y taste to it, but is still sharp. I've since found out the company makes a Georgia Mustard and an Alabama White (two of my favorites) but not all restaurants carry them. (Horror! I'll have to ask next time I'm there, just in case.) After we finished eating, we ordered a Pulled Pork sandwich with a "seasonal side" of baked cheese potatoes to go for my mum. They were nice and added a couple of to-go sauces for her to try since we weren't sure what kind she'd like. She loved the sandwich and said it was the best she ever had. Also said the potatoes were much like a scalloped or au gratin type of potatoes and were quite delicious. She highly recommends both and can't wait to go back and try Mission BBQ in person. The decor is cool, all military and first responder stuff. Being a veteran myself, it's neat to look around and try to find things I recognize. read more

See all

We had catering for 30 for a socially distanced recognition lunch. We had the baked beans, green beans, Mac and cheese, turkey, pork, sliced brisket, and cobbler. The team LOVED it. Mission will likely be added to the frequent order list in the future. The staff was friendly and offered me a drink while I waited for my order to be completed. read more

Mission BBQ - Drink trough - Barbeque Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

We absolutely loved this restaurant! What an amazing experience to see the respect for our military, first responders and law enforcement. The food was delicious and YaYa was simply the sweetest, best lady. She told us all about the history and mission of the restaurant. We're from Arkansas and can't wait for you to open a restaurant near us. Thank you for a wonderful meal and a fantastic experience. read more

Amazing service! It was our first time at Mission BBQ. The worker, Kyle, walked us through the menu and gave great recommendations. We loved our food and appreciated the attention service. read more

Everything was great!! Food & Service!! Awesome place The server even gave us a sampler of all the sides! read more

Love the theme!! As an Air Force veteran it's always enjoyable to be amongst family. And that's the way I felt and was waited on, as though I was family. Food was terrific as well, GREAT Barbeque. I will be back! I Promise read more

My family and I absolutely love Mission BBQ! I don't recall use ever having a bad experience there. Food is always good and served hot. I usually get 1 pound of pork. Some for dinner and lunch the next day! read more

Mission BBQ - 1 pound of pulled pork, Baked Beans, and cornbread. - Barbeque Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

We returned and this time we tried the pulled chicken. Very good sandwiches! Enjoyed the militaristic atmosphere. Will return again! read more

Mission BBQ - Pulled chicken sandwich! - Barbeque Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

The ambiance is patriotic and wonderful. The service is top notch. The brisket is over salted and inedible. The entire menu has taken a nose dive. Don't know what has happened. Second time we've placed catering orders that are a real disappointment. 3 stars is generous. read more

Not too loud, not too crowded, just fun, clean, and family friendly. The staff started off slow but really shined in the end. Quick food shouldn't be this good, but if you are looking for traditional BBQ with great flavor from less sugar - here you are. Active and retired first responders and military are celebrated and welcomed, and the rest of us get to come along for the ride. But start your visit off right - gather ALL OF YOUR PATIENCE, have a full tank of gas, then go try parking. read more

My son and I met a friend of mine at this location for lunch a few days ago. I had previously been to the location in Sanford with my husband. My main complaint is that I have to drive 45 minutes either way to get to a Mission BBQ. Mission BBQ is counter service so you place your order at the counter, grab your drink, and find a seat. They call your name when your food is ready. Mission BBQ has a armed forces theme and when we were there at noon everyone stood for the national anthem. My son and I split the 2 meat combo with lean brisket and pulled pork. We ordered it with 2 sides and a drink. One of the things I really like about Mission BBQ is that everything is a la carte so if you want one meat, two meat, or 3 that's fine. If you want one side or two you can make it a combo. I sometimes feel like I am forced into two or three sides at bbq restaurants (looking at you 4 Rivers), but not here so that's cool. I got fries for my son and creamed corn for me. The corn was a special side of the day so I don't know that they always have that one. The brisket is pretty good and didn't really need sauce, which to me is the hallmark of good bbq. The pulled pork was a tad dry, which is super easy to do with pork, but here's where the sauce comes in and the sauce shines here. They have not 1, not 2, but 10 different sauces here! Say what?! Whatever your jam, they got it. My husband loves him some KC bbq sauce. They have it. I'm a Carolina Vinegar girl. They got it. Mustard sauce, Alabama White, Texas, you name it. It's pretty awesome. So let me tell you I throw some of that Carolina Vinegar sauce on my pork and I am transported back to the town I grew up in. Yummy! I also want to give a shout out to the Tupelo Honey sauce which is really different and delicious. The fries are good and it always makes my son and husband happy when bbq places have fries and not just potato salad. The creamed corn had great flavor, but the sauce was a bit thin for me. The mac and cheese which we enjoyed previously and my friend had this week is also pretty good. My friend and I both thought the portions were a good size. She had a large sandwich and side. Between my son and I we couldn't finish the two meat plate, so pretty good value. We arrived early, around 11:15 and it wasn't busy, but by the time we left a little after noon the place was hopping. read more

Mission BBQ - Two meat combo plate with fries and corn. Brisket lean and pulled pork. - Barbeque Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

Food is pretty good! I love how they recognize our first responders. It's a great place if you're wanting some BBQ.

Once again had a great experience with Mission BBQ. Delicious brisket and Mac and cheese as always. So excited to have this catered at a party next month. Got this to go and it was juts as good when we got it home. Highly recommended. read more

Mission BBQ - Brisket and Mac & cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

The foot Is fantastic at Mission BBQ, th service is efficient and staff is friendly and cordial.

I kept seeing this place when I went to Andy's Custard next door, but was never hungry. Tonight, our place had a power outage for hours so I left and ran an errand. Then searched for a place to kill time while I waited on a print job at Staples. This one looked good and I was pleasantly surprised to see it was the place I had promised myself to try...It was yummy. Wish my beef wasn't so fatty and lukewarm, but otherwise was a delicious meal. Just don't ask for juicy if you don't want a lot of fat. read more

Mission BBQ - The entire place is decorated with military men - Barbeque Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

See all

Excellent BBQ. Best brisket in a very long time. The sides are made from scratch and very tasty specially the Baked Cheesy potatoes! Exceptional personal service, Mary and Ashley came by and checked up on us. The atmosphere was casual and upbeat. We'll be back. read more

Food is good! Many bbqs to choose from! A little overpriced for what you get in my opinion. Friendly staff & ambiance is patriotic!