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Papa Diesels BBQ

4.4 (104 reviews)
Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Updated a few days ago

Order Papa Diesels BBQ Takeout or Delivery

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PAPA DIESELS BBQ ATMOSPHERE

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Diesel Sampler
Katya G.

Finally got a chance to try this place that my husband wouldn't shut up about and I gotta say he was right, this place is full of flavor! I loved how they have a sampler and you're able to try a little but of everything. Everything was perfect, the meat had great seasonings and perfect texture. My favorite was the pull pork, ribs and chicken wings with their delicious ranch .The sides were really good as well , I loved the beans with the corn bread. I've never had a corn bread that moist I loved it! They're service was great, they kept checking on us, they were very sweet. The atmosphere was nice I like how the bar is separate from the booths and tables. I will definitely be back

Hanny L.

I've passed this place a few times, but never stopped until I decided to give them a try today! And I am so glad I gave them a try! My husband and I both love bbq but it's been hard finding a really good spot near us. We know of a place in Sanford, but neither of us ever want to drive there just to get bbq. Well, now that we've found papa diesels we will never have to go far to get bbq. This place is soooo good! My husband got the full rack ribs and the smoked Gouda Mac n cheese. The first thing he said after trying both was "I don't know which one is better" he was really impressed with the ribs and he doesn't easily impress. As for me, I got the papa diesels fries and this was so good! I was worried it would all get soggy since I was taking it home, but even after I got home the fries maintained their crisp. I got it with the brisket and it's such a great combination! I also didn't wait long at all for my food and the staff were really friendly. When I walked in, there were hardly any people at the restaurant, which surprised me because Everytime I've passed by it's been somewhat packed, but I'm happy I went when it wasn't yet full because I was able to get my food right away.

Exterior of Papa Diesels
Barbara B.

This was our first experience, and we discovered very friendly customer service and quality barbecue. A native Texan, I'm particular about barbecue, especially brisket. The kind order taker and server told me about the lunch special, which included a brisket sandwich, a side, a beverage, and sauce. The lean brisket was piled high on the fresh bun. The refreshing lemonade was neither too sweet, not too tart. The unique beans had a spicy, sweet flavor. I would have preferred them mostly drained to avoid searching for the beans throughout the sauce. A spoon would probably have been better than a fork to eat them with. The ambiance was acceptable for a barbecue restaurant. Before we left, we were offered a beverage to go and gratefully accepted more lemonade.

Sam G.

I went to have the chili and corn muffin and this time it was much better !!! fresh and Delicious. The brisket chili was bomb !!! The last time I got it, it was good but way looser like soup. The service is always nice. I wish more people would visit. It's never busy when I stop by. They have a full bar and great food.

Smoked chicken wings!
Melissa V.

Amazing food, amazing flavor, and value!!! I had the food delivered and the temp was great. Also, their smoked chicken sliders were yummy, nice and tender smoked chicken breast!

View from the outside of Papa Diesel's BBQ.
Vincent J.

My daughter and I really enjoyed our dinners at Papa Diesels BBQ. We had sausage, ribs, baked bq teans. brussel sprouts, rolls, and refills of sweet tea. We also enjoyed an opportunity to speak with the owner "G".

Kids BBQ Sliders
James T.

A Soulful BBQ Experience -- Food, Family & Flavor! Papa Diesel's BBQ is more than a restaurant -- it's a heartbeat in the community. From the moment my wife, my son, and I walked in, we felt like family. The staff was incredibly attentive, genuinely welcoming, and beautifully inclusive. That kind of hospitality is rare -- and we soaked in every second of it. The positive energy here is next level. It's the kind of place you come to feed more than your stomach -- you come to recharge your spirit. Honestly, I could sit here alone just to breathe in the vibes. But let's be clear: the food is absolutely to die for. The brisket and the chicken? Unreal. Fall-apart tender, smoky, and so flavorful that sauce isn't even necessary -- though their sauce is phenomenal too. Every bite felt like a warm hug from someone who knows their way around a smoker and a kitchen full of soul. Papa Diesel's has officially become our BBQ spot -- and we're proud to say we're part of the Papa Diesel's BBQ family now. If you're in Apopka (or even just passing through), do yourself a favor and stop by. Your taste buds and your heart will thank you.

Only the best brisket sandwich in the business!
Aye B.

Hidden gem frfr. Pulled up before it opened, it was a line out the door before we sat down. This is the Kelley Family's new spot every time we're in the O for sure. Shout out to Doy for putting me on to ya cousin's spot. Ordered half the menu the first time. Looking forward to ordering the other half when we spin back. Got to take that turkey leg down through there!

Rest of sampler plater with best Gouda mac n cheese
Kat R.

NOW THIS HOW TO DO REAL BBQ!! Best BBQ IN TOWN from local business!!! Yes what we needed in town. PAPA DIESELS is truly the best..amazing flavors And I'm a "saucy" type of gal.. but let me tell no sauce needed.. the seasoning are delicious on point.. we got wings, ribs, and boneless chicken thighs OMG!! oh and the GOUDA MACNCHEESE THE BOMB a must !! Blessings to you and you new business Wishing you nothing but the best PS. SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS AND TIP

Inside

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3 months ago

Amazing food!!! A definite favorite of mine! My grandson loves the Mac and cheese!!!!

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Ask the Community - Papa Diesels BBQ

For the brick and mortar location. Is the food prepared onsite or smoked elsewhere?

All barbecue Is smoked onsite

Are they baby back ribs?

We use St Louis cut at PDB.

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Willieboy’s BBQ

Willieboy’s BBQ

5.0(1 review)
6.2 mi

Had another wonderful experience at Willieboy's BBQ! They were serving food at Sanford Porchfest…read more2025 and we specifically had the uber drop us off at the truck so we could grab lunch there before all of the events! The quality of this business outdoes itself everytime I have it. The customer service was wonderful and the brisket sandwich was even more incredible this time around. I love to get it with their signature hot bbq sauce; I tried it that first time around and immediately fell in love with it! Highly recommend them to all of my friends, and anyone who loves authentic bbq. You won't be disappointed!

From the owner: Willieboy’s BBQ, based in Apopka, Florida, is a cherished father-and-son venture that began with a…read morepassion for barbecue and a competitive spirit. Founded in 2014, the duo started out competing in BBQ competitions, where their exceptional skills and unique flavors quickly gained recognition. Their success in competitions naturally evolved into a thriving catering business, satisfying appetites at events and gatherings across the region. Today, Willieboy’s BBQ has expanded even further with the addition of a food truck, bringing their award-winning BBQ directly to you. Known for their dedication to quality and family tradition, Willieboy’s BBQ continues to delight customers with every savory bite. #itswilliegood

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Willieboy’s BBQ - Menu served at Sanford Porchfest 2025

Menu served at Sanford Porchfest 2025

Willieboy’s BBQ - Specials served at Sanford Porchfest

Specials served at Sanford Porchfest

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Max & Me - Jerk Ribs, Plantains, Rice and idk the other thing.  In the cup is Red Pea Soup

Max & Me

4.0(36 reviews)
3.7 miHorizons West / West Orlando

No longer atheist. Let me explain. While at the Springs, I…read morewas looking for food in a different area far from home. Found this Jamaican Spot nearby that looked really good. Looked like an actual house turned into a restaurant. I drive through the hood to be greeted by a private parking lot with some nice cars parked, which is the best sign that something about this establishment is worth coming for. I go inside to be greeted by the most wholesome and lovely lady whom I assume is the owner. I obviously look and act a little bit different than most people but she treated me with love as if I'm a nephew. Then I eat outside ( the day went from shitty to beautiful so I HAD to ) and they were playing Z88.3 through the speakers. Put yourself in my shoes for a second. Enjoying Amazing food outside that you never had before while listening to good vibes Jesus music. Man, this place is different. 10/10. Pure euphoria today.

Something about that jerk sauce wasn't exactly right. It didn't taste like normal jerk sauce. I…read moreread in the comments as someone said it's a mix of some kind of tomato sauce and something else. But I will certainly say that I was in a neighborhood and want to try it out after driving by this place so many times. But to be honest as a native Jamaican, I've had so many better Caribbean spots I've experienced in my life that a lot better than this. Some parts of the ribs were very fatty and the flavor overall was just bland. I wouldn't come back here again because the food was so basic.

Photos
Max & Me - Picture of the Inside. Taken in .5. Very chill spot

Picture of the Inside. Taken in .5. Very chill spot

Max & Me - Jerk Rib plate size Small with Small Red Pea Soup

Jerk Rib plate size Small with Small Red Pea Soup

Max & Me - Outside view from the parking lot

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Outside view from the parking lot

Paradise Tandoori & Biryani - Veg Biryani

Paradise Tandoori & Biryani

4.1(20 reviews)
0.0 miWekiva Springs

Located in a very large strip mall this unassuming place serves up tasty briyani. I went here at…read morelunch time during the week and it was empty other than one other person eating. I had the gobi manchurian and fish pakora to start. The gobi was good and the breading wasn't excessive like it is in many restaurants. Fish pakora isn't something I've ever had before. It was white fish in pakora batter and deep fried. It was tasty, but it did not come with any dipping sauces, which would've made the dish really pop. For my entree I had the shrimp briyani. I thought the rice was perfect. The spice flavoring was a nice mix of taste and heat, but I would have liked to have had more of it. The shrimp was perfectly cooked. Overall, it was great. I came here for briyani and it did not disappoint. The portion size was very large too. The service was a little lacking. The silverware wasn't set at the table when I was seated and there was only one person at the counter who also served as waiter. The interior decor wasn't anything special, very sparse. The food at this restaurant is excellent, albeit on the pricier side, but the decor, service, and presentation could be improved.

Let me start by saying, the food was absolutely delicious. My cousin thought she didn't like…read moresamosas, but she tried theirs and LOVED them. The spring rolls were super crispy and delicious. Their dipping sauces were also great. The butter chicken and tikka masala was out of this world. My mom got Thai fried rice and some noodle dish. She liked the flavor of the dish itself but she hates cilantro and didn't realize the dish was full of it so it kind of ruined it for her the garlic naan was also delicious. The wait was a little long, and the waitress was very friendly and helpful but she was the only one there to answer the phones, take to go orders and serve the customers so that's a little too much for one person. Even still, I will definitely eat here again.

Photos
Paradise Tandoori & Biryani - Chicken 65 and Spring Rolls

Chicken 65 and Spring Rolls

Paradise Tandoori & Biryani - Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken

Paradise Tandoori & Biryani - Chicken

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Chicken

Cielito Lindo Mexican Grill - Queso Fundito

Cielito Lindo Mexican Grill

4.2(72 reviews)
4.3 mi
$$

This is one of our go-to Mexican restaurants. I'm glad we live close by! This food is always so…read moreflavorful. The queso fundito chorizo has a bite to it. Love that spiced taste. The pastor burrito... mmm that pineapple adds that little something extra to it. So good. And the shrimp in the Cancun burrito were soooo good. Love the atmosphere. They put some money into redoing the decor inside and it's really nice. Cool vibe.

While there are many Mexican restaurants in the Apopka area, this one is relatively new. It used to…read morebe a really great barbecue place, and while I was sad to see it close, I was excited to see a new Mexican place, especially since it is so close to my home. My wife actually went before I did, and she said it was okay. So one night, we decided to go and try it out together. We walked in and were quickly greeted by the hostess. I looked around and had a hard time recognizing the layout as they had really made it different than the barbecue place before it. The decor is beautiful, and I felt as if I was in a Mexican Cantina in Mexico City! She asked if we wanted a booth or a table, and we chose a booth. While it wasn't packed, it was fairly busy, which was a great sign. We sat and were given menus, which were quickly followed by Chips & Salsa. She asked what we wanted to drink, and I ordered a Michelada. The Chips and Salsa were good, not the best I have ever had, but tasty. We ordered queso dip and a main course, and my Michelada arrived- the best I have ever had in Apopka, and rivaled any that I have had anywhere- great start! The queso was good, typical. I had steak tacos, and my wife had a burrito. We also had a side of tamales. Everything was fresh and tasty, and we were both very impressed! The staff were friendly and genuinely happy to see us; I felt like a long-time customer. We have been back several times and have enjoyed each visit. We will definitely keep coming back!

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Cielito Lindo Mexican Grill - Outdoor patio

Outdoor patio

Cielito Lindo Mexican Grill - Salsa had some onions and cilantro in it this time around. :)

Salsa had some onions and cilantro in it this time around. :)

Cielito Lindo Mexican Grill

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Crave at Rock Springs - Wings

Crave at Rock Springs

4.6(62 reviews)
6.8 mi

We love this place ! After our second visit it is confirmed, EVERYTHING IS DELICIOUS! The owner…read morewho's also the chef cooks with love and lots of spices! We appreciate the great service. From the Crave digger to the meat loaf. You can't go wrong. The bread pudding is the best in FL, needs to be in a competition! It's big, moist and tastes like a sweet slice of heaven.

Wow!!!! Soooo although we really missed the hog and dog since it's closed down....we couldn't…read moreresist to try this new place that opened after that old bbq joint closed down and MAN O MAN we were not disappointed! They definitely seemed to have it cleaner in there than hot and dog, they do not give you menus although I am sure they have paper ones. They have a scan code for the menu. If your phone is dead....no problem, they have USB ports for that as well so you can charge your phone. I liked the lights and the vibe inside. When we got in there, we were sat immediately by Stephanie and she was awesome! Excellent customer service! She busted her tail with like 6-7 tables by herself too! She introduced herself and asked our names which I thought was a personal touch to service! He was helpful in making decisions I wasn't quite ready for like the blueberry bbq sauce. Which was a bomb ass choice! Review on the food. Order -2 waters - Side of Pork Belly -Side of potato skins - Philly cheese Steak -blueberry bbq pork chop Total $68.00 Great price! The skins! One word....HOMEMADE!!!! Fried and crispy, topped with juicy bacon and cheese! Pork Belly was smoked, seasoned and crispy with some flavorful fat! I was scared of that blueberry bbq because I do not like blueberry anything unless it's just plain blueberries and I am not a fan of bbq sauce either but OH MA GAWD! What a really nice sauce, I ordered it on the side and I wish I would have asked for more for my leftovers lol. Mashed potatoes were creamy and had chunks of potatoes in them which I really liked! My pork looked a little pink on the bottom but just ask for a temp on that. I can easily nuke that in the air fryer Philly Cheese Steak. It was really good the horseradish may was great! I wish more came on it or on the side. And some extra mayo and would definitely order the steak more well done. The onions rings are EFFING delish! It's panko battered so it is super crispy and the onion doesn't pull out " that's what he said " It's a new joint, you have to try it a few times to find YOUR dish! It takes time. I hope they flourish because so far they did the damn thing!

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Crave at Rock Springs - Potato skins

Potato skins

Crave at Rock Springs - El Jeffe Sandwich

El Jeffe Sandwich

Crave at Rock Springs - Dave really enjoyed the el jefe sandwich!

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Dave really enjoyed the el jefe sandwich!

Papa Diesels BBQ - bbq - Updated May 2026

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