Fred Fleming's Barbecue   

After spending years dominating on the ribfest circuit, Fred Johnson decided to run his own barbecue joints in the 1990s, and they have taken off in three locations, triangulating the Tampa Bay area. The restaurant in St. Petersburg enjoys booming success, catering to Northeast families with smoked meat, beans and coleslaw. Wings, chicken fingers, onion rings share menu space with Fred's award-winning St. Louis-style pork ribs, more tender than can be believed. For those in a less traditional mood, try the pulled pork or sirloin wraps. Want something lighter? The chicken Caesar wrap fills you up without the grease. Side dishes include sweet potato souffle, cornbread, greens, mashed potatoes, Texas toast - and a slew of tasty others. The sauces are boss at Fleming's: regular that's mild and tangy, and hot and Fred's Gold Sauce, a mild and tangy, mustard-based one.