Cecil’s Texas Style BBQ
2800 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL, 32806
Cecil’s Texas Style BBQ Menu
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Dinners
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Texas Plate
Healthy Meal suggestions for Cecil’s Texas Style BBQ
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Dinners
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Texas Plate
Visit below restaurant in Orlando for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Orlando for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
2800 S Orange Ave
Orlando, FL, 32806 - Phone (407) 423-9871
- Website https://www.cecilsbbq.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes
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Marshall H.
One of the best and probably the oldest BBQ places in town.
(4)Melissa D.
The best "soul food" and BBQ in the area. The collard greens are so yummy!
(5)Shannon S.
This place is so good! You also get a lot of bang for your buck here - the portions are huge and they have to-go boxes for a reason because you'll probably end up taking home half of your meat! I got pulled pork and my husband got the ribs, both were really good. Also, the scalloped potatoes were so good I would got back just for them. The ambiance is good too, with brick walls and Texas/cowboy memorabilia and pictures tastefully adorning the walls.
(5)Heather O.
Went here tonight for an early dinner. This was my first time eating BBQ in Orlando and I think this place was okay for FL. Texas style, not so much. The prices were good, but the serving size could have been a little larger. I got the chopped beef on Texas toast. Really tasty. The beans were fantastic. My husband got the links and brisket- he thought it was okay. The spicy beans and sweet potatoes were meh. Mashed potatoes tasted like the boxed kind with jalapenos added.Chicken was very dry. Homemade BBQ sauce was different....okay I guess. Stick with the beans and chopped beef sandwich. Also, free ice cream! We liked it enough to go back.
(4)Katie S.
This is Texas BBQ, Dallas style. Right down to the hot links and the Texas Toast. I have been coming here for years, since I moved back after 13 years in Texas. This is the way it is supposed to be done. The brisket is SUPERB. If you are from Texas, think Dickey's, only better. I have a very difficult time ordering anything other than the brisket, but I have had the hot links, which are also delicious. I stick to fried okra, green beans, and the occasional salad item. All good. My only slight quibble is that I now have to ask for the sweet relish which MUST accompany my brisket.
(5)daphne m.
Sorry this place was very bad. The meat was dry and had no taste at all.This was a waste of $40.00 and the free ice cream was ice milk. Don't waste you time I'm still looking for a good bbq this is not it. The odays two doors down is better than this place.
(1)Ketron B.
Most definitely the best beef brisket in town and plenty of delicious sides to accompany it. The meal came with 2 sides so I took the baked beans (unbelieveably good) and the jalapeno mashed potatos. I couldn't resist the sweet potato with brown sugar crumble on top and then added some greens too. If I were on death row, this meal would be on my last wish list! The down side is that they do weigh portions in front of the customer and that practice has always been a negative for me. If the profit margin is that tight then sell hot dogs or something you don't have to penny pinch with.
(4)Kimberly H.
It's the Real Deal! They leave the fat on the brisket! The sides are fantastic. And the "extra's" bar tops it all off with onions, jalepenos, sauces and more! It's gonna be a home away from home when the brisket craving hits.
(4)Jennifer H.
Best Bar B Q in town! Some of the folks that run this location have worked there for over 10 years, so you know this isn't a fly-by-night operation. The interior is genuine Texas, and smells of warm hickory smoke. My favorite is the BBQ Sandwich with 2 sides. The food is quality down home cooking, and the garlic mashed potatoes are delicious. This a no frills cafeteria style BBQ place, and you get a free soft serve ice cream cone with every dinner order. You also get to work the soft serve machine yourself, a bonus for crafty cone builders!
(5)Dan B.
The pulled pork sandwich is transcendental. It's more than a food, it's a way of life. This is the place to get Texas style barbeque in Orlando. For those who don't know, Texas barbeque tends to seperate itself from most others because they let the meat do the talking. Usually, their meats come smoked directly from heat from mesquite, oak, or hickory, and focus on the quality of the meat as the main source of taste as opposed to barbeque sauce. There are actually 4 styles of Texas barbeque depending on region. This would be the Central Texas region influenced by Anglo Ranchers. That's not to say they don't have barbeque sauce. On the contrary, they have 3 types of heated barbeque sauce open for customers to serve themselves as much as they wish. (Sweet, mild, and hot). I personally think the hot/spicy one is perfect. You have to appreciate how barbeque changes throughout the US. In Georgia, you'll get a completely different barbeque than Memphis, where you'll get a different barbeque from St Louis, Kansas City, Texas, and so on. I've been to most of these places except Kansas City. In my opinion, you can't choose which one is better than the other. You have to go to those places and appreciate the subtleties and differences that make each one unique. And trust me, they are ALL good in their own way. Some are life changing. That being said, Cecil's Texas Style Bar BQ does a good job representing Texas barbeque. You order in the front, where a butcher will get the piece of meat you request, slice it, and serve it to you with a piece of bread. Then, it's up to you to pick your sides and serve yourself. I love the baked beans, the cole slaw, the mashed potatoes, pretty much everything. The beef brisket is incredibly soft and flavorful. I definitely recommend that. Also, the pulled pork sandwich is unbelievable. With these meats, you can really taste the difference in quality. Each little pork piece was like a gift from heaven. I think it was cut from the shoulder, but I'm not sure. The spicy barbeque sauce, in my opinion, goes perfect with everything. You also get to serve yourself some ice cream to cool down after a hot and spicy Texas barbeque meal. I'm pretty sure this is my favorite barbeque in Orlando. Kudos to Cecil's~!
(5)Diane H.
I decided that I was in the mood for BBQ today. My old favorite, Blackwater BBQ had closed or moved. So it was between Cecils or O'Boys. I decided on Cecils because I was in the mood for Brisket. I ordered the large brisket sandwich. A large sandwiches the brisket betweeen Texas Toast instead of on a bun. Yum. I noticed a couple of jalepeno's wrapped in bacon, so I asked the guy to give me an order of them too. The Texas Toast was buttery and garlicky. The toast was sufficient. enough to eat my sandwich without a knife and fork. The jalepenos were stuffed with cheese and had a good smokey taste. I got an iced tea, and jalepeno mashed potatoes. Total bill $11.75. It's not what I would call decadent food, but it was damm good, and I'm sure to be back. PS. As I was driving back to work, I noticed I guy standing outside of the old Blackwater BBQ place holding a "grand opening" sign. Looks like it's not called Smoke House. I'll be sure to try it out.
(3)Chris H.
The Brisket is AMAZING!!!!!!
(5)B P.
I ordered a rib sandwich. The sauce and meat was mediocre. I would not recommend or try again.
(2)Cassandra W.
Let me start by saying that we lived in the Houston area for 8 years. We also made a trip back to Texas back in May, so we still remember what good barbecue tastes like. This is definitely NOT it! It was edible, but we weren't looking for just edible. Anybody who gives this place good reviews most likely has never eaten barbecue in Texas, has no taste buds, or maybe both. First off, the prices are outrageous for the paltry amount of meat that they give you. My husband paid over 12 bucks for a plate with 2 meats on it, and they only gave him a few ounces. I think it's sad that you can pay that much for a plate of food and still leave hungry (and no, he's not that big of a guy). One of the signs of a good barbecue place is that the brisket is left in one solid piece and cut fresh to order. That technique keeps it from getting all dried out. When we ordered the brisket, the girl pulled out some stuff that was already cut up on a plate and covered in plastic wrap. It looked and tasted like roast beef, and brisket is not supposed to taste a thing like roast beef. For my sides, I got the baked beans (very strange taste, so they had to go to waste) and some okra (very bland-no seasoning or even salt). My husband got potato salad (not too swift) and french fries (he did say that the fries do seem to be made fresh there). My 14 y/o daughter, who adores real TX brisket, couldn't even finish hers. They had 3 so-called barbecue sauces, and none of them were edible. Fortunately, I had brought 2 bottles of barbecue sauce just in case-Bullseye Texas-style and Sweet Baby Ray's. Although neither of the bottled sauces measured up to the sauces in the TX barbecue restaurants I'd formerly eaten in, they were WAY better than what Cecil's had to offer. I saw a sign that said they sell Cecil's bbq sauce, and I was flabbergasted to think that there are people who would actually pay for that. If the sauce were GIVEN to me for free, I would still wash it down my garbage disposal rather than subject myself to that again! Like my husband said, just because the owner's from Texas doesn't mean he can cook. In Texas, I would expect this place to go out of business in no time!
(1)Mel S.
Been wanting to find a place that serves vegetables that was quick and whole family would like. Found it. Cafeteria type line and friendly guys behind counter. Collard greens were well seasoned but not over cooked or heavy with grease. Green beans tasty. Potato/ onion/ cheese dish good. Chopped cucumber/onion/tomato salad good. Texas toast awesome. They also served black eyed peas, pintos, baked beans, sweet potato casserole and at least 2 other cold salads. Menu has a 3 veggie plate and drink but you can substitute another vegetable and get water instead. Didn't try desserts ( quite a variety) or meat this go round ( meat smelled really good). Soft serve self serve ice cream cones come with meal. Good atmosphere cool interior with bench seating and tables; walls are brick, wood and corrugated metal.
(4)Nathan H.
Great BBQ place near downtown. Not quite as good as 4 rivers, but much less hassle. To anyone working in downtown looking for BBQ at lunch, i would recommend this place over 4 Rivers. The BBQ is good, but there is no line and no fighting for a seat. I always get the pulled pork, so i can't really comment on the other meat choices, but the pork is always excellent. As for the sides, I'd avoid the fries, just plain - instead go for the jalapeno baked beans or spicy mashed potatoes, the cheese stuffed jalapenos are great too. Looks a bit seedy from the outside, but it is quite nice inside. Staff are polite and helpful, and the spicy bbq sauce is great. Also, if you eat-in you get a free vanilla ice cream cone!
(4)Ralph P.
My favorite BBQ restaurant on the planet and I have tried a LOT of them in many states. I always get the beef ribs or brisket even though everything is great. The side dishes are awesome too. We are moving back to Orlando in a few weeks so I no longer have to drive over 500 miles to get my BBQ fix :)
(5)Jeannie G.
My family and I ate here for fourth of July in the afternoon. I have eaten a lot of Bbq in my life and I will not be returning to Cecil's. The pulled pork was very dry. The ribs had no flavor, no bark, and the smoke ring was minimal. The mashed potatoes look instant and the french fries were cold and soggy. The gentleman at the table behind us requested hot, crispy fries and they did bring them to him. We wasted $31 here when I should have smoked a butt on my green egg. The staff at Cecil's was nice but the food needs help.
(1)Joshua B.
This place is good. Lots of meat. Toast is good. I liked 4 rivers better but you don't have the long lines and crappy parking to deal with. Sides are hit or miss.
(4)Rick W.
I forgot how good this place was. Brisket and smoked turkey were smokey and juicy. The sides were fresh and flavorful. Cecil's homemade sauces are sweet, smokey and spicy all with that vinegar Texas twist. We'll be back soon. Staff was friendly and helpful too.
(4)Aldo F.
I found this place to be pretty bland, def not the best BBQ in town. The brisket was tender but lacked any flavor. The rest of side items were very boring too. I don't think I'll be back :(
(2)A G.
This place was ok. Staff was great. Food was just ok. We will be back though. Love the fact that you can get free ice cream.
(4)Joanne D.
Can't put my finger on it but I like this place. I usually get the brisket sandwich which is really good and tender accompanied by collards and either baked beans or thick steak fries. Prices are reasonable and they usually really stuff the sandwiches with the brisket. The sauces are very tasty and kept warm in pots. On the condiment counter you also find sliced onions and dill pickles. Never had any complaints on any of the food and even the free soft serve ice cream is a nice touch to finish off your meal. With all of the changes occurring on south Orange Avenue I hope that Cecil's will be there for a long time.
(4)Cherry J.
I want to love this place and its tasty free ice cream cones, but the food gave me an instant headache/tummyache double whammy. Too much salt in food that had obviously been sitting out for a long time. Guess I should have listened to the sign they have up that says: "Price, Quality, Service: Pick Two."
(1)Robert T.
Sometimes your friends have no sense of taste when it comes to BBQ. Two of my co-workers were raving about this joint and I was excited to finally taste some Texas-style BBQ. Come to find out, just like "W" most things from Texas suck (including the Cowboys)! When the best thing I had was the mashed potatoes I would say that is suspect. The portion size on my sampler platter was less than the portion on the sandwich, that's no good considering I only had the brisket and the sausage. The brisket was dry and almost tasteless. The sausage was just plain nasty. It tasted like it was boiled. Way to go Texas :( Who knew they boiled their sausage. The only reason why I didn't give them one star was because they have free vanilla softserve with cake cones. I had to improvise to maximize the value by creating a rootbeer float. Screw the cones, when you have a togo cup just fill it up with softserve and rootbeer and you are ready to go. This is what I get for straying from 4 Rivers for my BBQ needs. 4 Rivers DESTROYS Cecil's BBQ. I wish Mexico would have risen from the flames and won at the Alamo so a place like this wouldn't have had a chance.
(2)Michael A.
My 1st time at Cecil's was very good. I got the pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw and bbq baked beans. Pork was very juicy, and definitely enjoyed it with a sweet bbq dipping sauce. Cecil's is my top choice for BBQ in Orlando
(4)Kevin L.
Whoowee, I should have ordered a bottle of water along with my meal! There's more salt in those ribs than a slab of Carnegie Deli's pastrami... For under $15, you can have an excessively filling meal that should, by all rights, be shared between two. Two meats (I opted for ultra-tender brisket and huge, satisfying ribs), two sides, and a big ol' soft fluffy slab of Texas toast, along with your choice of dipping sauces... ... delivered to your door (in this case, my hotel room) courtesy of DoorstepDelivery. I figure if you're going to be slothful -and- gluttonous, you might as well go all out, y'know?
(3)Megan H.
Apparently you either love this place or hate it, and I for one love it. The brisket and chicken are both favorites of mine but what I keep coming back here for might surprise you: Hot Beans... Chili beans with jalapenos. Enjoy it today... regret it tomorrow (but totally worth it!!) So go grab a to-go order full of those and be prepared to taste some delicious heat... just don't forget the beano! ;0)
(4)Tallman F.
Hmmm.... I love bar bq and I can eat it anytime, anywhere. The reviews ran hot and cold but I decided to give it a try. It is easy to find and reeks of bar bq smoke walking in ... Good sign. Orlando seems to like to have barbq cafeteria style where they slice the meat in front of you and the sides are cooked and sitting in front of you. The beef brisket looked moist and ready to go. I was upset I didn't get more of it put on the plate but when I tasted it - it was dry!! I was sloop disappointed because it had the look but it was dry and devoid of taste. The ribs were firm and tender. They had the needed teeth imprint when I bit into the ribs. They were actually very good. The beans looked better than they tasted. Tasted like pork n beans but looked great - pass on the beans. The bread was so salty I had to throw it away. Pass on the banana pudding. It was pudding with vanilla wafers in each corner of the dish .....uhhhggggg I would go again .....
(3)Bryan B.
This is my favorite BBQ place in Orlando. Everything is about quality.
(5)Julianne E.
Love the bbq here!
(4)Rob W.
Cecil's building is a dump, which is usually a good sign for a Bar B Q place, it means they have been around a long time and know what they are doing. They advertise Texas style Bar B Q. Texas Bar B Q is all about beef brisket, so that is what I ordered. The meat was moist and tender, but had little to no flavor. The sauces were not good and reminded me of supermarket junk. Bar B Q is about tender juicy meat, with a great smoked flavor and a killer homemade sauce. Cecil's only hit on one out of 3.
(2)J D.
It's weird how Cecil's can give such dramatically different experiences. I recently went for my second time and decided I will not be going back until they improve the quality of food. The first time I went during a weekday afternoon when it was fairly busy and the food fresh. I wish I hadn't ordered the half rack of ribs because it was too much to eat I got stuffed and had to go home with leftovers. I've been on a search for the best ribs around the city, theirs were large and tender yet seemed to have the quality of being from a mass produced (hormone injected) pig farm...which I'm guessing is the case considering the reasonable price. Overall things seemed fairly good value for the money paid, the ribs ok, the barbeque beans the best I had in my life, the other sides decent, free ice cream was a nice little extra. The only real downer was the horrible watery sauces. The second time was not good at all. I got there at lunch on Saturday when the place was slow. Once again terrible sauces, sides were not fresh, the 3 ribs I had with my lunch deal were small skinny and dried out. IF ANYONE KNOWS OF EXCELLENT RIBS AROUND ORLANDO LET ME KNOW! I haven't found a place yet, been too all the highest rated ones and was disappointed.
(2)Tina B.
First timer, we ordered a full rack of ribs, 1 pound of pull pork, collards greens, sweet potatoes souffle, baked beans & Taxes toasts. The ribs was way too smokey (your eyes will water if a plate of ribs sitting in front of you) and they are also over seasoned but if you can get passed the smell & seasons the meat is cooked well. Pull pork was very blend, almost tasteless but if you put enough BBQ sauce it's might be okay. My kids like them. The rest of the side dishes are okay, nothing special. The toasts were seasoned which I didn't care for. I don't think, I'll be going back there. I will drive extra miles for 4 rivers or Blackwater BBQ.
(2)Nicole E.
It's restaurants like this that make me love Yelp. After months of getting my "BBQ" fix from Bubbalou's, I stumbled across a review of Cecil's and jumped on it. This is a gem of a BBQ joint. The staff is great, the food is delicious, and best of all it's 5 mins from my hubby's work! I predict many more trips. Now to the food. After our first meal here my mouth was in heaven! I got the ribs, which were scrumptious, and my husband got a chopped beef sandwich. From what I stole off his plate, the brisket was some of the best I've had. As for sides, the fries were fairly bland, but I didn't mind because I was mostly using them to ferry bbq sauce. I enjoyed the bbq beans and fried okra, and I was pleasantly surprised that the green beans were the perfect consistency - at most of the BBQ places I've been to they're over-cooked and mushy. The only thing I didn't care for was the sweet potato "souffle" - it was much too sweet and had an odd texture. But it's definitely not enough to keep me from going back!
(5)Gregory B.
What a dive! What a glorious dive! No kidding great bbq. Dingy, funky and the real deal, compadre. Amazing chicken and turkey and all of the sides.
(5)Amir J.
I've been on a BBQ binge these past few days so I saw this place. I had the 2 meat combo. Chicken and brisket. They beef was dry and chicken was only "ok". Sonnys is still my fav. The fried ocra was good though.
(2)Bob M.
I personally think this is some of the best BBQ I've had in town, it's just that not everyone agrees with me. Here's the deal: this isn't regular southern BBQ . Don't expect Bubbalou's or Sonny's smothered-in-sauce type fare here. Texas BBQ is about the meat, and what glorious meat it is. There's still sauce available; you go up to the counter to ladle it on how you wish. It's warm and there's sweet, hot, and regular if I recall correctly. I think Cecil's is a place you need to try at least once to decide if you prefer this style to the traditional southern style. I personally do, but it's up to you.
(5)Robert B.
Texas Barbque at its finest! The sliced brisket always rocks along with the jalapeño mashed taters! Don't miss out on this place!
(4)Rochelle P.
OMG is it really true? Did we finally find an actual Barbeque restaurant in Florida? Yes I know there are Sonny's in every town but I said REAL Barbeque. If you want quality Barbeque, you must eat here. It's true midwest (Kansas City anyone?) Barbeque done right. It's all about the smoked meat not about the sauce. However Texas' hot sauce makes it even better. And ice cream too? In the words of my husband, it's Barbeque Heaven!
(5)Cliffy M.
Try the brisket. Or, if you don't get the brisket, try the brisket. Did I mention the brisket is good? It is so tender and flavorful, you don't need a knife. You barely need a fork. The sides are great, although I rarely make it past the steak fries. The baked beans are great. Here's a hint: the hot beans are hot. No kidding there. I love the heated bbq sauce. The place smells of honest oak smoke. A couple dollars more expensive than O'Boys, but o boy is it good.
(5)Basil A.
Great BBQ which is great for lunch. You either love it, or think its OK. It's cafeteria style, which is supposedly the norm in Texas in my two trips there. It can get a little expensive for what it is if you are a big eater. I'm a big eater, so my bill can average around $15, which is a little high for lunch at a place like this. Now to the food. I only order the beef brisket. I have never had a reason to order anything else. It is Delicious. Another plus for the few and far between okra aficionados is that there is fried okra......but wait, they also have okra stew! Can you believe it? Two different ways to eat okra during lunch is a dream to some. Also, their jalapeno mashed potatoes are great, along with their other sides.
(5)Andre C.
Great stuff. Last time I was in their a week ago, got the brisket sandwich for carry out to the park, and a lady next to me asked if it was a pork chop it was so thick. Very tasty and super tender, Beans and okra were pretty good too. Ask for the bacon wrapped jalapenos (as I didn't see them there) - not the best I have had but still well worth it ($1 each I think). Friendly patient staff each time I visit as well.
(5)Jon H.
My family has been going to Cecil's for years and it is hands down our favorite BBQ joint. They focus on the meat there and do a wonderful job. The brisket, pork and chicken have all been excellent. Sauce comes at a small bar in mild medium or hot. The sauce isn't particularly great and really only masks the flavor of the meat. The food is served cafeteria style with meat cut fresh and texas toast made fresh. Other sides are picked up in the line to the register. The jalapeno mashed potatoes and the green beans are excellent, but the real prize is the fried okra, something I have been unable to find anywhere else locally. The atmosphere is nice enough with Texas memorabilia all over the walls and TV's with news and sports.
(4)Brenda M.
Flew all the way from Minneapolis and our first stop is here! How we have missed you!
(5)Adam M.
4.5 So good it's sinful. jalepeno mashed, get the hell out. Good pork, generous portions and free icecream. A little more pricey but not bad, and worth it. Sad they shut down the one on Lee rd.
(4)Brandi B.
You serve yourself everything 'cept the meat/bread, which I'm cool with. We ordered the ribs/pork loin combo with sweet potato souffle and fresh cut french fries, garlic bread included. There are MANY sides to choose from. The meat was so tender and perfectly smoked. Both sides fresh and well-prepared. TASTY! There's an accoutrements bar which includes dill pickle chips, raw onions, and Texas-style BBQ sauce that's a nice change of pace from the sickly-sweet sauce we usually get around here (of which I am a huge fan, believe me). This is for yum and then some.
(4)Lindsay K.
Cecil's was great! We went around 6 pm and it wasn't busy. I had a pulled pork sandwich with their sweet sauce, and my hubs had a turkey sandwich. The sweet potato casserole was good, and the okra was fresh. I asked for a side of ranch to go with my okra, and it cost 25 cents. We'll definitely be back.
(4)Heide E.
There are several BBQ joints on orange within the same vicinity of each other. This is the best one. Home style good old fashioned yummy fresh BBQ. Is that two many descriptions for you? To bad! Be prepared to eat allot of BBQ and taste the warm BBQ sauces they offer. Oh they also have free ice cream for an after dinner treat. You order at a counter and serve yourself.
(4)Lisa M.
I'm not sure if I was just there on a bad day or what but, I had their pulled pork BBQ and it was seriously the worse bbq I've ever had. I got it to go and as soon as I got in the car it smelt funny. Needless to say I ate a few bites and ended up throwing it away. I'm going to give this place one more try bc if it was as bad as I had all the time this place would not be in business.
(1)Jeremy B.
You come in, grab a tray, order and the sides are all right there. Good daily specials, free ice cream cone. They have good sauces that are served warm Texas style. I havent tried the brisket but the pulled pork is always pulled right in front of you from a huge hunk. The owner is always there behind the counter. Expect lunches to be busy.
(4)Evan D.
Overall, the top BBQ place in Orlando for my money. It's truly Texas style and they're very generous with portions. Recommend the three bone rib dinner which is three full sized spare ribs and from the side dishes, try the fried okra, baked beans, jalapeno mashed potatoes and collards. Brisket is also very good.
(4)George D.
I have been here many times, first time I can Yelp! about it. I had their beef ribs, man they looked like something out of the Flintstones. They were on point. I also enjoyed their hot beans. Da bomb! I always enjoy Cecil's when I go there. I found it a little pricey this time though. The only negative that I can think of is that it's awfully dark inside. I had lunch the day I went and I found the inside very dark. Food, great.
(4)Carlos V.
It is with a heavy heart that I come to write this review. As a background I am a bbq rib aficionado. I have bbq up and down the east coast and across the us as I travel to different cities. For the last 12 years I've been eating ribs from Cecils approximately 3 to 4 times a month. The flavor had always been perfect and the smokey goodness divine. Whenever I ordered a half rack dinner it was always plentiful, never left me hungry, and I usually took a rib or two home for later. Excellent value, They always cooked the full rib. Just like I do at home. Unfortunately, they changed their business practices. Be it financial or otherwise, they have gone from the full rib to the St Louis cut. Unfortunately, the meal no longer has the same appeal as it did previously. Where previously I could order a full rack and be assured that myself, wife and 3 children would have sufficient to eat, the same feat now requires two racks to be ordered. I understand the rising costs of running a business, but I truly believe that you don't mess with a winning recipe. I would rather pay a few extra dollars and have the original ribs over the St Louis cut any day. I've stopped visiting Cecil's and have begun visiting other establishments. My brother in law, and other family members who used to travel from St. Cloud to eat here have also stopped coming due to the lack of value any longer. The St Louis cut rib is for trendy Bbq goers (yuppy types) who dont like to get bbq messy. Yuppies, like goldfish, have a very short attention span and will move on as soon as something newer and trendier catches their attention. Although I can only speculate as to why the change was made, I really wish Cecils would revert back to its roots and serve the full rib again. I would hate to see it go by the way of Conway BBQ who started catering to trends and forgot about its core customers. Therefore its core customers forgot about Conway Bbq(RIP).
(3)Brad K.
At Cecil's again for probably the 20th or 30th time Just love this place from the moist brisket to the self-serve side is in the assortment to the barbecue sauces warmed up and sitting hot in the middle where you can serve yourself importing the small dishes Another thing that we really like is you get free softserve ice cream at the end which is a really great treat that rounds out dinner just perfectly and is great for the kids In talking with the pitmaster I was reminded how they just don't see using their brisket with salt or pepper like four rivers are other places do they just let the meat do all the talking and smoke it low and slow This is the closest brisket barbecue we found in Florida to the real Texas thing Upping my review to five stars as every time we come here it is always wonderful barbecue
(5)Mike P.
We had friends and family in downtown today and they were in the mood for BBQ. My wife recommended Cecil's since we'd been there many times and never has a complaint. She had some studying left to do and wanted to take a walk so we chose to go there later. She finished up and after taking a walk in College Park, we found a few nice places to try out some time while doing a little shopping. We saw a place called RusTeak that caught our eye and we really thought about walking back there and having dinner. We chose to finish our walk and head go to Cecil's... When we arrived I took a few photos of Cecil's for my review. My baby chose the 2 meat dinner and I chose the 3 meat dinner. We both chose potato salad for one side but she likes the sweet Texas style beans and I prefer the black eyed peas. It comes with Texas toast and the pickles and onions with are a must! You always have your sauce ON THE SIDE with Texas BBQ so a trip to the condiment bar is a necessity! Soft serve ice cream is offered to finish off your meal... After gathering up my condiments and taking a picture of everything... The feast!!! Lol I sampled her sausage and which seemed to be a lacking some smoke flavor I have come to expect at Cecil's. The pulled pork was very tender, lacked usual amount of seasoning and was light on the smoke. The brisket was falling apart tender but also lacking on the usual smoke flavor. The pickles and onions were fresh as always and now it was time for the ribs... They ribs were so tender you could eat that cartilage and that is when you know the pit master timed it right but it was also lacking the certain level smoky flavor I have come to expect at Cecil's. Their sauces were EXACTLY as I remember them my last trip there. The potato salad was just as remember it but the black eyed peas were not as well seasoned as they usually are. I took a bite of her beans and they are just as I remembered them. My biggest complaint is when the beans are sickening sweet and Cecil's delivered there. The Texas toast was only grilled on one side and had an off taste this time. My wife usually does not eat her toast and I asked her to try it and tell me what she thought. She said the same thing I was already thinking. I was disappointed because I have NEVER had a complaint about their BBQ in the past but this was NOT the same BBQ I was remembered. After we finished up I chose to inform the cashier of our observations. She became very defensive that everything was made the same and nothing changed. Rather than arguing with her I just joined my wife and we left. She could have handled that better or simply called over the manager but instead chose to present herself as offended. After we left my wife called to see what the others had to say and to our relief they had enjoyed their BBQ experience at Cecil's. My wife is born and raised in Texas and I spent 6 years in Texas and took some time to learn how to make Texas BBQ. One thing you can't miss is the taste of Mesquite. It has a distinct taste that fell in love with in Texas. That was what we both found missing today. A little bit a long way but it adds a certain taste that just says TEXAS. You can "make do" without those few moist chunks but I would not advise it... One thing every Texan I spent time around a pit had was a specific wood or combination of woods get a certain taste makes your BBQ special. That is why your sauce is always on the side in Texas... Combine that with your special "rub" and cooking time and that is the LOVE that goes into that special BBQ. A lil bit of that LOVE was not there today. SIGH Overall the meal was still good but it was definitely NOT the same we remember. Every other trip the staff was happy and perky and they all seemed to be just going through the motions today. Texans are known for being friendly and full of hospitality but that feeling was not in the air this trip. I would hope this was just an OFF visit because I have never had a complaint in the past. Anybody close to me knows I have always recommended only 2 places in Orlando and Cecil's is one of those 2. I will definitely be back but I sure hope next trip it is just as we remember from our other trips...
(3)Louise G.
Our first time here and won't return. After living in Ft Worth for several years we became quite fond of Texas style BBQ (beef instead of pork). First disappointment was that the beef is only available a couple days of the week and the day we were there was not one. So my DH had sliced pork and I ordered the lunch plate. We each had 2 sides and a drink and spent more for that "lunch" than I have ever paid for bbq before. There were 3 sauces available on a buffet that needed to be ladled into little cardboard cups. The flavors were lackluster, mediocre, and hot. Campbells beans from a can were descriptive of the beans, and the potato casserole was like glue. Truly disappointed.
(2)Andi P.
Not my favorite BBQ joint yet, but a great switch from stuffy restaurants! This is a cafeteria-style restaurant with you ordering at the front, serving your own sides, and paying at the register before you find yourself a booth. The atmosphere seemed legit and I actually liked the relaxed nature of this service-style. Unfortunately, the chicken I ordered - which the gentleman said was grilled and smoked- was so incredibly dry. Even with their wonderful sweet BBQ sauce (self serve as well). I'll admit, I'm a total sauce girl and I happen to love my BBQ drenched. Despite the dry texture, there was a great smokiness to the chicken. I had the sweet potato soufflé as my side and I enjoyed it. It wasn't overly sweet which I really appreciated, but if you like it super sugary, you can always skim some off of the top (where all that sweet goodness is waiting for you!). It also came with a piece of toast. I loved how it was toasted on the one side, but I actually wish it had been toasted on both sides as the back was still fresh and soft. Again- this may be a matter of preference. As I left I noticed that I had two separate employees say goodbye and thank me for coming in. Gotta love some good customer service! I'd go back but I'd probably et the pulled pork (which my friend scarfed down before I had a chance to try!).
(3)Charles F.
Cecil's is the place to go if you want the best BBQ pull pork sandwichi in Orlando. Also good place for strawberry up-sidedown cake and ice cream cone, delicious.
(5)Chelsea S.
So, Cecil's is one of those places you could have driven by a million times in your life (especially if you live in the SODO area) and not have gone in. Next time you crave some good BBQ I suggest you hit up Cecil's. The Jalapeno mashed potatoes are sooooo good. The green beans are classic bbq style. My dad loves the okra and tomatoes. Excellent sauce and pulled pork.
(4)Anita A.
This is by far the best BBQ restaurant in Orlando. Given my Southern roots, I visit Cecil's often and am never disappointed. My folks are friendly and the food is terrific. Right now, I am very partial to the turkey, followed closely by the chicken breast. I recommend the lunch special, served between 11-3 most days (noon on Sunday), which consists of a sandwich, side, and drink.
(5)Leigh N.
As a vegetarian with 3 boys who love meat the struggle is real. Fortunately they have a veggie plate yay! My kids ate their pulled pork sandwiches without putting them down. This was the most silent dinner I've ever had with them. The free icecream put this place over the top as we all enjoyed it after dinner. The staff was friendly and prices were reasonable. Apparently the bbq is great as my kids have asked to go back which is a rarity.
(4)Caleb T.
Not my kind of bbq. The brisket was a little dry the sauce was a little weird for my taste. The mac and cheese was just ok. Did not really care for the bbq beans. The mash potatoes were very good though.
(2)Jordan O.
Used the travel zoo voucher for 1/2 off. Totally worth it! The ribs were very meaty and delicious, I also like that you get to grab your own sides so you can really lay on the coleslaw. Next time I will have to try to pulled pork. I gave it four stars because its certainly not as good as 4rivers, the meat, spices, and the sauce were not as good. Their bacon wrapped jalapeños were the only thing that was better because of how big they were, but with the travel zoo it's totally worth the price difference. Without the 1/2 off I'd say just go to 4rivers.
(4)Leslie S.
I loved the beef ribs. They didn't have much fat like usual. Free refills on the fountain drinks and tea with free soft serve ice cream. My only concern was that I don't know how long the sides had out.
(4)Aaron G.
First time at Cecil's....great PP Sammy and I loved the Sweet Sauce. Awesome BB baked beans. Will be back....
(4)Dawn A.
Sides could could use some help pork sandwich was real good like sauce jalapeño corn bread was funky will go back. Menu changed since I went there last and the prices went up.
(2)Victor C.
I enjoy coming here for lunch. I love watching the mix of blue collar and corporate types eating here. I usually get the 1/2 chicken platter. Today I went with the chicken lunch plate. Mistake. The chicken portion was small and dry. Came with 1 side and bread. After getting another side I paid more than if I got the platter. And I would have gotten twice plus the chicken. Still tasted good though. To make up for this I had 2 soft cones for no extra charge. Back to my usual next time.
(3)Rachel B.
Ok bbq meats, tried both brisket and pulled pork. Sides weren't that great but price was decent in comparison to other BBQ places. Did have a Texas BBQ flavor which is typically not my preference. Free vanilla ice cream for dine in was a plus. Friendly staff.
(3)Jessica L.
I love a good BBQ restaurant but haven't tried many places in Orlando since moving here, and if I never tried another, that'd be OK because this place is great. My boyfriend and I stopped in without knowing what to expect - the building doesn't do the inside or the food justice. I ordered the pulled pork and got collared greens and baked beans for sides. He had the ribs and turkey, with baked beans, potato salad and coleslaw. Everything was delicious and had just a bit more of a spicy kick than we were used to, but that was the best part! Well, aside from the free soft serve of course!
(4)Rick B.
In town from Houston and craving BBQ. I suggest that you take the turkey off the menu. No smoke flavor at all and very dry. I could have made this in my oven. Okra was over cooked and greasy.
(2)Heather T.
Get the travelzoo coupon! This place offers decent BBQ, nothing great, but nothing to sneeze at. The sides leave a lot to be desired, but the portions are huge and with the coupon it is a great deal! Also, free soft serve ice cream!
(3)Yoda F.
I order from here about once a week and while it isn't the best BBQ I've ever had, it's pretty good and hits the spot. The ribs are pretty decent although sometimes dry. The hot links are very good and the brisket is pretty good as well. I love the jalapeno baked beans. 4 Rivers is still my favorite, but as far as downtown Orlando area these guys have the best BBQ. I've tried Wild Side and do not feel it even compares to the food taste and prices at Cecil's. If you live downtown and are craving BBQ, these guys are good to try. Food is ready REALLY quick, so that is a plus as well.
(4)A D.
I've been to this place so many times and finally remember to give a Yelp recommendation today. Got the ribs lunch special for $8.99 which includes 3 ribs, a drink and a side item. The ribs are good and fall off the bone tender; however, the BBQ sauce isn't as good as I remembered from my last visit. Sweet tea is always good. For the side item, I don't think I've ever gotten anything other than the sweet potato and it is delicious. Service is good. Parking is a little small but I didn't have a hard time finding a spot today. My favorite thing about this place after a meal is the soft serve ice cream at the end!! My husband got the beef rib and he enjoyed the meal; however, he did complain about the price for the amount of rib he received.
(4)Melinda R.
Very good pulled pork sandwich. Prices are fair. They have a take out menu and lunch specials.
(4)Jason H.
Service: Fast and friendly. Food: Hot and delicious. Ambiance: Warm, down-homey and comfortable atmosphere. Overall: Highly recommend it to satisfy your BBQ craving.
(4)Pete Z.
Did not realize it was sort of cafeteria like. Actually was pretty good. Tried the combo and all the meats (brisket, pork, chicken, ribs) were great. The chicken actually was outstanding. A leg/thigh with great smoke.
(3)Kate S.
3.5 stars PROS-Beef brisket & texas toast. You have a choice of garlic/salty texas toast or a bun for your meal/sandwich. IF YOU CHOOSE A BUN, I NEVER WANT TO KNOW YOU. The potato salad-Delish. I'm picky w/ mayonnaise and potato salad. They say they make the sides from scratch-but I don't think so. The collard greens are good (chopped almost too small) but the small cubed diced pieces of ham give away this isn't grandma's from scratch recipe. Staff is GREAT every time I go. However, one thing turned me off IN A HUGE WAY.....I overheard the (maybe manager) tell the cashier to just charge everyone for a "large" size sandwich if he wasn't sure. Here's an idea: HOW BOUT' ASK THE CUSTOMER WHAT THEY ORDERED???? That's a little shady. Shame on you. Either way-I eat here frequently-it's pretty good ;)
(3)Jason C.
this place deserves at least 4 stars so I'm posting 5 to help them get there! food is really good & service is even better. it's a real hole in the wall so be prepared, but it's great food! support local:)
(5)Jessica S.
Love the food. Love the service. Love the atmosphere. I've been coming here for about three years and I'm never disappointed. I'm a huge fan of pulled pork (if it's done right and you'd be surprised at how often it's not.) and Cecil's is always great. The prices are just right for a quick bite when running errands and the soft serve ice cream they offer for dinners who eat in, is a great treat before heading out for a hot, sunny Florida day.
(4)Daniel S.
This is my favorite BBQ in town. The pulled pork sandwich on Texas toast is one of my all-time favorite dishes ever. The tasty sides play well with the sandwich, and it will have you counting down the days until you can come back. To top off your wonderful meal, there is complimentary soft-serve ice-cream cones which means you and the kids can have desert "on the house." I never knew why Four Rivers ever got so big with this place in the area. Cecils is the best kept secret for succulent finger lickin' good BBQ in Orlando. Do yourself a favor and jump out of long lines@ 4R and make Cecils your new hub for BBQ.
(5)Darci S.
The pork and brisket are good but the jalapeño stuffed with pimento cheese are amazing and keep me coming back! I love the sauce bar, with the fixin's.
(4)Marti P.
Meh. The chicken experience. It was fully cooked! That's the upside. Pretty bland. But the BBQ sauce was good, and I needed a lot if it to flavor the chicken. My boyfriend had the beef ribs. His quote, " the cows must have been anorexic". The sides were good, minus the Texas toast they were out of. Maybe we visited on a off day.
(2)Jeremy L.
Just had lunch at Cecil's great BBQ quick service. This is a serve yourself deli style. No watiter or waitress. They do clean the tables for you upon completion. Good experience and free ice cream whoohoo !!
(3)Lydia C.
Cecil's is a cafeteria style bbq place. I went here last weekend for lunch. I have been to the location that used to be open on Lee Road and had enjoyed lunches there. I had the brisket lunch plate on my recent visit. The brisket was so dry and flavorless that I could barely get through half of it. I asked for a side of fries and they seemed to be pre fried and fried again once I asked for an order. The fries tasted like oil. I also noticed many of the sides on the menu were not available. The only thing I still enjoy about this place is the bbq sauce. The place was empty on my visit so maybe that is why my food was not good. I am sad that my experience was so terrible.
(2)Elizabeth G.
The staff was very friendly. My cousin and I ordered the 3 rib dinner. Her ribs were large, juicy and very flavorable. My ribs came from the opposite end of the rack, they were small, dry, tough and unedible. My other cousin was not impressed with the pulled pork sandwich. Out of the 3 of us, only 1 enjoyed her meal. However I want to end on a positive note, the drinking glasses were very large.
(1)Christopher B.
Truely amazing bbq in Orlando fl. Easy 4 star. While it might be off of the beaten path it definitely warrants a stop while in the area. The prices are not expensive by any meansof the imagination but to sweeten the deal, look on travel zoo and pick up a voucher for 40 dollars worth of food for a measly 20 dollars. I pretty much sampled every new they sold and I can truely say I not only left full but completely satisfied. This was my second trip here and consistency is the reason I will definitely be back for a third. 4 stars for great customer service, ease of ordering food and of course for the BBQ!
(4)Dena A.
Meh Damn good jalapeño mashed potatoes Fried okra crispy and good Beef brisket sandwich- MEH Completely bland and flavorless if it wasn't for the sauce I wouldn't have ate it... Sorry I tried to like it as its right by work but so many better places for BBQ My review is how I feel about the place... Meh
(3)Sean F.
Eight dollars for one meat and one side at lunch. The meet was fatty and the side was somewhat flavorless. Once I got through the fat, the meet was good. However, I was served a portion that would be fit for a child. The portions have gotten so small lately that it is almost laughable when they serve you the plate. I definitely won't be returning again.
(2)Sam M.
Darn disappointed in this place. Their ribs are dry and got hardly any meat - mostly bone. The beans was unnecessarily hot n spicy. Not good for the kids. I personally prefer a smokier taste in my BBQ, not this vinegar Orlando style kind.
(2)Brian M.
Love this place as it is near my office downtown and convenient to get your lunch. Pulled pork sandwich on Texas toast is awesome. Parking is challenging at best unless you get there a little early or late to avoid the lunch rush.
(4)Mike S.
Giddy Up Cowboys and Cowgirls! It's old fashioned Barb Bee Que time. There may be only ONE other BBQ joint in the town that i compare to Cecil's. And we all know that place has a line that can go a tad West of the Mighty Mississippi. Never a bad line here, food is always delicious. I'm hooked on the ol brisket. I get it everytime, moist, smokey, sexy pieces of brisk. I just wish the portion was a bit larger, bc when i go on a meat binge, i like to binge HARD. Their jalapeno tator mash is great side item. IF you live anywhere near Sodo then you gotta give them a try. You'll like em, and i'm wiling to bet my FINEST MULE on that one.
(4)Mitch B.
Best brisket in I town. Sausage is quite tasty , too. Sides are spotty and could stand some attention. Sauce is indifferent Texas style sweet and could last and updating. But like I wrote...best brisket in town.
(4)Tia L.
Ok our friends and us are all from Tx so we are major skeptics when it comes to BBQ, especially those that try to claim tx BBQ! So we ate there for dinner with hope but this place did not deliver, and that was after informing them we are from tx so we were judging them hard. I had the pulled pork sandwich with sides of okra and sweet potato soufflé the pork was dry and greasy the toast was way greasy and overly salty as well, the okra had no flavor unless dunked in something I would imagine due to no seasoning in the breaking, the soufflé if that's what they want to call it was watery and mushy not fluffy or airy like soufflés I've ever made. It's hard to say out of the group of five the best thing anyone had was the bottled ibc root beer my friend ordered or the sweet tea my husband had. The brisket they said everyone likes was dry and tasteless according to everyone who ordered that and needed spoonfuls of BBQ sauce to cover it and give it moisture and flavor to the point you had sauce with little meat. All in all not Tx BBQ !
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