Bringing Authentic Texas-Style Barbecue to South Florida

B&D Trap BBQ has quickly established itself as a go-to destination for authentic Texas-style barbecue since its opening in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale in March 2024. As the restaurant expands with a second location in Miami, co-founder Kevin Rodriguez sat down with us to share the inspiration behind this culinary venture and his vision for bringing the rich flavors of Texas BBQ to South Florida.

What is the inspiration behind B&D Trap BBQ?

I’ve always loved BBQ. So, when my business partner and I decided to explore the BBQ scene, we traveled across the country, tasting different styles. We just kept coming back to that Texas style. It’s got this robust, smoky character that’s hard to beat.

We knew we had to bring that authentic Texas BBQ flavor back to South Florida. We aimed to create a place not just to eat, but to really enjoy—like a big backyard family gathering. Seeing that vibe come alive in Fort Lauderdale has been incredible, and now we’re thrilled to extend that welcoming atmosphere to our new location at Shoma Bazaar in Doral.

What are the key elements that set Texas BBQ apart from other styles of BBQ?

Texas BBQ stands out primarily due to its ‘low and slow’ cooking technique with seasoned oak wood, which allows the meat to develop rich, deep flavors over time. Unlike some BBQ styles that rely heavily on sauces, Texas BBQ focuses on enhancing the natural taste of the meat. We use a smoker instead of a grill, which infuses the meat with a distinctive smoky flavor, creating a tender and juicy end result that showcases the quality of the meat.

What are some must-try dishes at B&D Trap BBQ?

For starters, our brisket is a labor of love, smoked low and slow to get that perfect blend of tenderness and flavor. Our ribs are another favorite—they’re seasoned with our sweet and savory dry rub, which complements the smoky goodness without overpowering it. For those who love their sauce, we offer our signature BBQ sauce along with a variety of others, but we suggest trying them on their own first! And for dessert, our banana pudding is a must-try—it’s creamy, sweet, and the perfect way to end a meal.