There's something special about finding a barbecue restaurant that's been serving its community for decades.
The smell of slow-smoked meats, a plate piled high with ribs or brisket, homemade-style Southern sides, and a relaxed atmosphere can turn an ordinary lunch stop into a memorable part of a road trip.
That's exactly the kind of experience you'll find at Hungry Harry's Family Bar-B-Que in Land O' Lakes, Florida.
This longtime Tampa Bay-area favorite has been serving barbecue since 1985, offering everything from Chopped Pork Sandwiches and Beef Brisket Platters to Baby Back Ribs, smoked chicken, and classic Southern desserts.
But Hungry Harry's has more to offer than its extensive menu. Behind the restaurant is an interesting story about a man who decided he could make better barbecue himself—and took a chance on opening his own business.
Whether you're a longtime barbecue enthusiast or simply enjoy discovering locally owned restaurants, Hungry Harry's is worth adding to your Florida dining bucket list.
The Story Behind Hungry Harry's Family Bar-B-Que
Hungry Harry's began with founder Harry M. Wright, whose love of barbecue started during his childhood in Central Florida.
After moving to the Tampa Bay area in 1983, Harry began searching for the kind of great barbecue pork sandwich he remembered enjoying at restaurants around the state.
He especially wanted a sandwich with tender pork and a flavorful sauce.
According to Harry's account on the restaurant's official website, a disappointing barbecue experience in 1985 helped inspire him to open his own restaurant.
At the time, Harry was working as a manager at a busy tire store in Tampa.
After a disagreement over a promised bonus and his growing frustration with the local barbecue options, he decided to pursue a completely different career.
Despite having no restaurant experience, he gave notice at his job and announced that he wanted to open a barbecue restaurant.
Just 26 days later, his dream became a reality.
Hungry Harry's Famous Bar-B-Que officially opened on November 5, 1985, in Land O' Lakes, Florida.
What began as one man's determination to serve better barbecue has grown into a family-owned business with a long history in the community.
More than four decades later, Hungry Harry's continues to serve the slow-smoked meats and Southern comfort foods that helped establish its reputation.
What Makes Hungry Harry's Special?
Hungry Harry's is the kind of restaurant that focuses on familiar barbecue favorites rather than complicated dishes.
The menu features a wide selection of smoked meats, sandwiches, combination platters, Southern sides, and desserts.
One of the biggest attractions is the ability to create a complete meal with your favorite meat, two sides, and a choice of bread.
Many platters include generous servings designed to satisfy a serious barbecue craving.
The restaurant also offers family packs, catering, weekday lunch specials, and daily all-you-can-eat promotions.
That variety makes Hungry Harry's appealing whether you're stopping in for a quick sandwich or bringing the entire family for dinner.
Try the Slow-Smoked Beef Brisket
If brisket is your favorite barbecue meat, the Beef Brisket Platter is one of the dishes to consider.
Hungry Harry's serves slow-smoked beef brisket with two Southern sides and your choice of bread.
Brisket is a cut of beef that benefits from low-temperature cooking over an extended period.
When prepared properly, the result is tender meat with a rich, smoky flavor.
It's a classic choice for barbecue lovers who appreciate the taste of slow-smoked beef.
The restaurant also offers brisket by the pound for customers who want to purchase meat separately.
Order the Famous Chopped Pork Sandwich
For a more traditional barbecue lunch, consider the Chopped Pork Sandwich.
This straightforward favorite features chopped barbecue pork served on a sandwich bun.
It's the type of meal that helped inspire Harry Wright to open his own restaurant in the first place.
If you enjoy barbecue sandwiches with plenty of smoky flavor, this is a natural place to start.
Hungry Harry's also offers a Chopped Pork Platter, which includes two sides and bread.
For visitors who want to sample a longtime restaurant specialty without ordering an enormous meal, a pork sandwich is a convenient choice.
Enjoy a Full Slab of Baby Back Ribs
Rib lovers will find several options on the menu.
Hungry Harry's offers both Baby Back Ribs and Country Style Ribs.
The Full Baby Back Rib Slab Platter is a particularly appealing option for anyone arriving with a big appetite.
The platter includes a full slab of ribs, two sides, and bread.
For a smaller portion, a Half Baby Back Rib Slab Platter is also available.
Country Style Ribs offer another way to enjoy the restaurant's barbecue.
Whether you prefer baby backs or country-style cuts, Hungry Harry's gives you several ways to build a rib-focused meal.
Can't Decide? Try the Combination Platter
One of the hardest parts of visiting a barbecue restaurant is choosing just one meat.
Fortunately, Hungry Harry's offers a Combination Platter.
This meal lets you select two of your favorite barbecue meats.
It also includes two Southern sides and your choice of bread.
It's a good option for someone who wants to enjoy brisket and pork together or compare ribs with another smoked meat.
The flexibility makes it appealing for first-time visitors who aren't sure what to order.
Sample Several Meats With the Sampler Platter
If you really want to experience a variety of Hungry Harry's barbecue, consider the Sampler Platter.
According to the restaurant's online ordering menu, this platter includes samples of:
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Slow-Smoked Chicken
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Chopped Pork
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Chopped Beef
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Country Style Ribs
The meal also comes with two sides and bread.
It's an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys trying several different barbecue styles in one sitting.
For a first visit, the Sampler Platter is one of the most interesting ways to explore the menu.
Don't Overlook the Smoked Chicken
Although ribs and brisket often receive the most attention at barbecue restaurants, smoked chicken can be just as satisfying.
Hungry Harry's offers several chicken options, including quarter-chicken and half-chicken platters.
The menu also features a BBQ Chicken Platter.
Smoked chicken provides a different flavor and texture from pork or beef, making it a good option for guests who want something other than ribs.
You can also pair chicken with other meats in selected combination and family meals.
Try the Country Style Ribs
Country Style Ribs are another Hungry Harry's specialty.
Unlike traditional baby back ribs, country-style ribs are a different cut of pork, typically featuring substantial portions of meat.
They're especially appealing to diners who prefer a meatier rib experience.
Hungry Harry's offers Country Style Rib Platters and larger portions for sharing.
They're also included in the Sampler Platter, making it easy to try them alongside other barbecue favorites.
The Southern Sides Are Part of the Experience
A barbecue meal isn't complete without the sides.
Hungry Harry's offers a selection of familiar Southern comfort foods that pair well with its smoked meats.
Menu selections include dishes such as:
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Baked Beans
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Cole Slaw
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Mac & Cheese
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Sweet Corn Casserole
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Other Rotating Southern Sides
The restaurant's platters generally include a choice of two sides.
That makes it easy to customize your meal based on your preferences.
For a classic barbecue combination, consider pairing smoked pork or ribs with baked beans and coleslaw.
If you prefer something richer, macaroni and cheese or corn casserole can make a satisfying addition.
Save Room for Banana Puddin' and Peach Cobbler
If you have room after your barbecue meal, Hungry Harry's also offers Southern-style desserts.
Two options worth looking for are Banana Puddin' and Peach Cobbler.
Banana pudding is a traditional Southern dessert known for its creamy texture, banana flavor, and layers of cookies or wafers.
Peach cobbler is another Southern favorite, combining sweet fruit with a baked topping.
These familiar desserts provide a comforting finish to a hearty barbecue meal.
Availability can vary, so check the dessert selection when you visit.
Daily All-You-Can-Eat Barbecue Specials
One of the most interesting things about Hungry Harry's is its all-you-can-eat barbecue specials.
The restaurant advertises these specials throughout the week.
According to its published specials page, options include:
All-You-Can-Eat Chicken
Available daily for $14.99.
All-You-Can-Eat Chicken and Pork
Available Sunday and Monday for $16.99.
All-You-Can-Eat Chicken and Ribs
Available Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for $18.99.
The specials include a choice of two eligible sides and either a corn muffin or garlic bread.
These are published prices and may change at the restaurant.
If you're planning a visit specifically for an all-you-can-eat special, confirm the current availability and conditions before arriving.
Weekday Lunch Specials
Hungry Harry's also offers weekday lunch specials.
These provide another option for customers who want a barbecue meal during the workday.
If you're traveling through Land O' Lakes around lunchtime, checking the daily specials can be a good way to find a meal that fits your appetite and budget.
The restaurant publishes its lunch promotions on its official website.
Because specials can change, it's best to review the latest information before visiting.
Bring the Whole Family
Hungry Harry's offers a casual dining atmosphere that works well for family meals.
The menu includes individual platters, sandwiches, children's options, and family packs.
For larger groups, the family packs can be particularly convenient.
These meals combine barbecue meats with sides, bread, and sauce.
Depending on the package, portions are designed to serve several people.
It's a useful option when you're feeding a group and want everyone to enjoy a traditional barbecue dinner.
The restaurant also offers takeout, making it convenient for customers who prefer to bring their food home.
A Barbecue Restaurant With a Lakeside Setting
One of the features that makes Hungry Harry's especially interesting is its Land O' Lakes property.
The restaurant operates on a lakeside site that is also used for private events.
Hungry Harry's offers event services for weddings, parties, corporate gatherings, and other celebrations.
The lakeside location provides a distinctive setting for special occasions.
This is something visitors might not expect from a traditional roadside barbecue restaurant.
It's another example of how Hungry Harry's has expanded beyond its original restaurant concept.
Hungry Harry's Catering Services
Hungry Harry's is also known for catering.
The business offers traditional barbecue catering as well as customized menus for other types of events.
Its services can accommodate weddings, family gatherings, corporate events, and celebrations.
Customers can choose from barbecue packages or work with the catering team to create a different menu.
For anyone planning a gathering in the Tampa Bay area, the restaurant provides a locally established catering option.
The catering department has a separate phone number for inquiries and reservations.
Take Home Some Hungry Harry's Barbecue Sauce
If you enjoy the barbecue sauce during your visit, you may be interested to know that Hungry Harry's sells its signature sauces.
The restaurant's online store offers barbecue sauces, gift cards, and branded merchandise.
Available merchandise may include shirts, hats, hoodies, and drinkware.
These items can make fun souvenirs for barbecue enthusiasts or gifts for someone who loves Florida restaurants.
Check the online store for current availability.
Is Hungry Harry's Worth a Road Trip?
For travelers who enjoy discovering locally owned restaurants, Hungry Harry's has several things going for it.
The restaurant has been operating since 1985, offers a large selection of barbecue favorites, and provides a relaxed alternative to chain restaurants.
It's particularly appealing for visitors who want to experience a longstanding Tampa Bay-area barbecue business.
Whether you're exploring Land O' Lakes, traveling through Pasco County, or planning a food-focused outing, Hungry Harry's is a destination to consider.
It's also a convenient option for anyone who enjoys adding interesting restaurants to a Florida road trip.
Tips for Visiting Hungry Harry's Family Bar-B-Que
Arrive hungry. The restaurant offers substantial barbecue platters, combination meals, and all-you-can-eat specials.
Try the Sampler Platter. It's a good way to experience several meats during your first visit.
Check the daily specials. The restaurant advertises different all-you-can-eat combinations on selected days.
Save room for dessert. Banana Puddin' and Peach Cobbler are worth considering.
Compare the sides. Most platters include two sides, so you can customize your meal.
Consider a family pack. These are useful for groups or takeout meals.
Look at the online menu. Hungry Harry's publishes its current selections, although in-restaurant availability and pricing take precedence.
Call ahead for large groups. Contact the restaurant if you're planning to visit with a large party.
Check holiday hours. Regular hours may change for holidays or special events.
Plan Your Visit to Hungry Harry's Family Bar-B-Que
Restaurant: Hungry Harry's Family Bar-B-Que
Location: Land O' Lakes, Florida
Address: 3116 Land O' Lakes Boulevard, Land O' Lakes, FL 34639
Restaurant Phone: (813) 949-2025
Catering and Office: (813) 949-8083
Official Website: https://hungryharrysbbq.com/
Established: November 5, 1985
Regular Restaurant Hours:
Daily: 10:30 AM–9 PM
Online Ordering Cutoff: The restaurant's online ordering platform currently lists 8:30 PM as its closing time for online orders.
Popular Menu Items:
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Beef Brisket Platter
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Chopped Pork Sandwich
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Combination Platter
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Sampler Platter
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Full Baby Back Rib Slab Platter
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Country Style Rib Platter
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BBQ Chicken Platter
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Mac & Cheese
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Baked Beans
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Sweet Corn Casserole
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Banana Puddin'
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Peach Cobbler
Additional Services:
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Dine-In
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Takeout
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Online Ordering
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Catering
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Family Packs
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Private Events
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Lakeside Event Venue
Published All-You-Can-Eat Specials:
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Daily Chicken: $14.99
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Sunday and Monday Chicken & Pork: $16.99
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Thursday–Saturday Chicken & Ribs: $18.99
Before You Go: Confirm current menu prices, special offers, holiday hours, and availability directly with the restaurant.
Is Hungry Harry's Family Bar-B-Que Worth Visiting?
If you enjoy slow-smoked barbecue, traditional Southern sides, and locally owned restaurants with interesting histories, Hungry Harry's is worth considering.
The restaurant has been part of the Land O' Lakes community since 1985, and its extensive menu offers something for nearly every barbecue enthusiast.
From smoky brisket and chopped pork sandwiches to baby back ribs, chicken, and comforting Southern sides, there are plenty of ways to build a satisfying meal.
The all-you-can-eat specials, family packs, and catering services add even more variety.
But perhaps the most memorable part is the story behind the restaurant.
What began with one man's determination to make a better barbecue sandwich became a longtime Florida dining destination.
Whether you're stopping in for lunch or making Hungry Harry's part of a Tampa Bay-area road trip, it's a restaurant that deserves a look.
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