Uncle Mike's Smokehouse Grill

Before they even opened the doors to Uncle Mike's Smokehouse Grill, Mike and Simone Tolley basically knew they had a home run on their hands. That's because they'd spent many years honing their craft while serving their delicious barbecue creations to their family and friends, who in turn encouraged them to open their own restaurant. That's not the only experience they bring to the table: Simone is a graduate of the University of Southern Florida, as well as a former cheerleader for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while Mike worked as a corporate trainer for big chain eateries, so he knew where established restaurants have succeeded and failed, and he was determined to get it right for their future customers.

At Uncle Mike's, the couple and their staff treat guests to slow-cooked comfort foods, including pork and ribs cooked over hickory and oak for hours. Mike's favorite menu item, the short-rib sandwich, features pulled-from-the-bone meat simmered in housemade au jus and served on toasted cuban bread. Such succulent feasts can be enjoyed in the cabin-style dining room or out on a covered patio outfitted with misting fans and a fireplace.