We’re turning up the fun with new hours that’ll keep your weekends smokin’! NOW Open on Sundays: Daytona Beach, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Kissimmee, Lakeland, Longwood, Tallahassee, Tampa, UCF, Winter Garden, Winter Park, Coral Springs, South Tampa, and Orange Park. All locations have extended hours on Friday & Saturday, open until 9pm Join us for smokin' good weekends. We look forward to serving you!
Founded in Florida in 2009, 4 Rivers Smokehouse is a family-owned business specializing in slow-smoked barbecue, homestyle sides, and fresh desserts made daily in our bakery. South Tampa was the tenth Smokehouse to open in the Sunshine State and is located just down the road from Raymond James Stadium, downtown, the bay, and the Florida Aquarium. It’s also located only a couple of miles from the University of Tampa.
John’s commitment to bold flavor twists and creative ingredient combinations has garnered numerous accolades for the 4R signature style of BBQ, including being named the 2020 "South's Best BBQ" joint by Southern Living.
While many customers praised the deliciousness of the BBQ, there were several complaints about food being served cold, dry, or lacking flavor.
Service Issues
Numerous reviews highlighted poor service experiences, including long wait times, unresponsive staff, and order mix-ups.
Cleanliness Concerns
Several customers reported unsanitary conditions in the dining area and bathrooms, which negatively impacted their overall experience.
Positive Experiences
Despite the issues, many customers expressed satisfaction with the food and service, particularly praising specific staff members for their hospitality.
DG
david groover
3 days ago
5.0
Have been a little critical in the past but tonight everything was top notch. Had the ribs,half dark meat chicken, sausage, pulled pork, baked grits and collard greens and didn't have not one bad bite.well done
GF
Gregory Frasca
Jan 2, 2026
5.0
Always love this 4 Rivers. Food is great, place is clean and stylish, and they seem to have a knack for hiring great people. Always professional and pleasant. On New Years Eve made a takeout order. When I got home I thought an item was missing. Received an automated message to fill out a survey. Mentioned everything was great but there was a (perceived) missing item. Within a few minutes got a response from the manager apologizing for the miss and refunding my order. Came to find out later the item wasn't missing after all (my bad!). Customer service was amazing and appreciated. Thanks 4 Rivers!
DM
Diane M
Jan 1, 2026
1.0
Service was absolutely the worse I have ever had. The food was cold and the manager (Darius) on duty could not have cared any less. Our order sat behind 5 empty trays getting cold. The cornbread was ice cold. The chili was cold and that was after they supposedly prepared a fresh order. The baby back ribs had to be redone . The Mac and cheese was cold. The employees moved so slow and acted like they did not know what to do. The drink station was disgusting...no lids and it looked like soda was spilled in the lid holder. I spoke to the manager (Darius) and it made no difference. I brought a friend who had never been there and she said that there is no way she would come back. I actually has to box up my food so I could take it home and heat it up. Looks like I will be sticking with Mission BBQ....they have employees and managers that care and the food and service is consistently good. It was a mistake even going to 4 Rivers ......never again. $60 down the drain! Very sad that a restaurant can provide such bad service and ice cold food.....wow. Had to go up to the counter and get bags and other customers were complaining.....not a good way to start out 2026!
TE
Tara Earls
Jan 1, 2026
1.0
Drove down from Brooksville Florida to eat here. One small party in the dining area. One person ordering in front of us. Patiently stood there for 10min. Multiple employees at the counter. Not one employee acknowledged my husband and I. One employee was busy preparing the order in front of us. Another employee was changing out food in the containers. She did ask us how our New Year was. Then another employee came up and just stood there looking around. Didn’t acknowledge us. The other employee asked the 3rd employee to help out customers. He continued to stand there. I watched him touch his face multiple times with gloves on. The other employee who was cutting up brisket with gloved hands leaves the work station multiple times. Never changes gloves. Touches other surfaces and goes back to cutting up meat with the same gloved hands. No thank you. Then another customer walks in, meanwhile we are still standing there. At this time there are no customers in front of us, and no one behind us. Still have not been helped. The employee who was touching his face with gloved hands immediately offers to take the order of customers who just walked in. I turned to my husband and said let’s go. As we walked out, I told them all “Bye Thanks”. Staff needs to be retrained on customer service, the importance of sanitation and changing gloves whenever they leave a work area, especially touching other surfaces and body parts.
JJ
James Johnson
Dec 6, 2025
1.0
Stopped in just before 7pm for carry out-
The food servers were wearing headbands to prevent hair from falling in food…
But two of the servers let their long hair hang forward in the front SO THAT IT DANGLES DIRECTLY OVER ALL OPEN FOOD. The taller one bounced her thick hair from shoulder to the other while handling food.
One of them had their orange hair hanging over their left eye, well below their chin.
I guess it looks trendy to wear a headband and still let the hair hang down over the front of your face while leaning over serving customers’ food.
I have worked in restaurants and THIS IS DISGUSTINGLY UNSANITARY AND SHOWS POOR MANAGEMENT.
Camilla was professional and wore her hair correctly. I asked her if I could speak with a manager and she told me the manager had already gone home for the day. Figures.
WILL NOT BE BACK!! It’s NASTY to have to see untrained employees disrespect the customer in this way.
I walked in feeling good about dinner-
Left feeling nauseated with no manager to even address the issue.
4 RIVERS YOU CAN DO BETTER! Ugh!!
Frequently Asked Questions About 4 Rivers Smokehouse
What are the operating hours for 4 Rivers Smokehouse in Tampa?
4 Rivers Smokehouse in Tampa is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Does 4 Rivers Smokehouse offer delivery services?
Yes, 4 Rivers Smokehouse offers delivery, same day delivery, in-store pickup, and curbside pickup services.
Can I pick up my order directly from the 4 Rivers Smokehouse location?
Yes, in-store pickup and curbside pickup are available during operating hours, Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
What payment options are accepted at 4 Rivers Smokehouse?
The restaurant accepts American Express, Apple Pay, cash, check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa.
Is 4 Rivers Smokehouse family-friendly and accessible?
Yes, 4 Rivers Smokehouse welcomes families, has children's menu options, high chairs, wheelchair accessible entrances, parking, seating, and restrooms.
Does 4 Rivers Smokehouse serve vegetarian options and desserts?
Yes, the restaurant offers vegetarian dishes and daily fresh desserts in their bakery.
Is parking available and accessible for people with disabilities at 4 Rivers Smokehouse?
Yes, the location has wheelchair accessible parking and seating to accommodate customers with disabilities.
What nearby places can I visit before or after dining at 4 Rivers Smokehouse in Tampa?
You can visit Jeremiah's Italian Ice for a sweet treat, Carrollwood Dental Studio for dental care, or The Running Center if you're interested in sporting goods near the restaurant.
Are there any nearby automotive services close to 4 Rivers Smokehouse Tampa?
Yes, Honest-1 Auto Care and Goodyear Tire are nearby and can assist with auto repairs and tire services if needed when you're in the area.
Can I combine a visit to 4 Rivers Smokehouse with a wellness experience nearby?
Definitely, you can visit HALO salt. skin. spa., Renew Spa and Wellness, or YouFit Gyms located nearby for a gym workout or spa relaxation before or after your meal.