SOUTH IN
YA' MOUTH.
THE HEARTBEAT OF
LAKE WALES.
Upcoming Festivals
Florida Strawberry Festival
Feb 26 - Mar 8, 2026 • Plant City
Just down the road. Grab some berries, catch a show, then come back for real BBQ.
Bloomin' Arts Festival
Mar 7-8, 2026 • Bartow
Art, food, and local culture. A perfect weekend warmup before hitting Smokin' DJ's.
Hometown Heroes
From Amar'e Stoudemire to Wade Davis and Vin Baker, greatness starts here. We're proud to feed the next generation of legends.
Fueling the Future
Lake Wales is booming. From the 3,000 new homes at Stoneridge to the 200 new jobs at the ADS plant, our city is on the rise.
We're proud to feed the teachers at Bok Academy and the crews building our future. Smokin' DJ's is the hub where old Lake Wales meets the new energy.
Local Flavor
From the estates of Mountain Lake to the citrus roots at Florida's Natural Grove House, we're the hub where it all connects.
The Legend of Spook Hill
Defy gravity after you eat. Just around the corner, cars roll uphill. Legend says it's a Chief fighting a giant gator—or maybe just the spirits guiding you to the finest BBQ flavors. Stop on the white line, put it in neutral, and let the magic happen.
Lake Wales Live
Friday nights start here. Catch us before the show at the Marketplace.
Art-B-Que
Where smoke meets soul. A local tradition we're proud to support.
Where to Stay
Until the Grand opens, rest your head at the Hampton Inn or Holiday Inn Express—just minutes away.
FROM THE STREETS
TO A STOREFRONT.
It started with a food truck and a dream in 2016. Demetrius "DJ" Leeks and his wife Jennifer built this flavor from the ground up, serving Lake Wales one plate at a time. Now, we're bringing that same authentic, laid-back energy to our spot on N 1st St.
No pretension. Just generous portions, good people, and BBQ that speaks for itself.
LEGENDARY PLATES
Staff favorites and local legends. If you don't know where to start, start here.
The Brisket
Slow-smoked for 14 hours until it melts in your mouth. Best paired with our signature mustard sauce.
$24.99
Pulled Pork Po'Boy
Heaped high on fresh bread. A messy, delicious masterpiece that put us on the map.
$16.99
The 3A Burger
A local legend. Juicy, stacked, and unforgettable. Served with our famous Dirty Fries.
$14.99
Signature Sides
Sweet Potato Soufflé, Collards, Cornbread Dressing, and those addictive Cowboy Beans.
From $4.99Mustard Sauce
The Fan Favorite
Spicy BBQ
For the Bold
Sweet Heat
Best of Both Worlds
LAKE WALES
CONNECTED.
We're proud to be part of the revitalization on North 1st Street. Smokin' DJ's isn't just a restaurant; it's a cornerstone of the new downtown energy.
Smokin' Beats Fridays
Monthly DJ nights (7-10 PM) bringing the rhythm to N 1st St. Good tunes, smoked meats, and community vibes.
Art-B-Que & Events
From the Lake Wales Arts Festival to local block parties, we're always in the mix.
Hours
Thu-Sat: 11am - 9pmSun: 11am - 6pmWed: 11am - 3pmMon-Tue: Closed
Authentic BBQ in Lake Wales, FL
Smokin' DJ's BBQ sits in the heart of downtown Lake Wales, Florida, bringing real Southern barbecue to one of Polk County's most historic streets. Locals and visitors walking through downtown can smell the hardwood smoke before they even reach the door.
The Smokin' DJ's brand reflects a simple philosophy: backyard barbecue done right. With roots in community cookouts and Southern smokehouse traditions, the restaurant has become a Lake Wales favorite for real barbecue and comfort food. Whether you're visiting Bok Tower Gardens, strolling around Lake Wailes Park, or exploring the historic downtown district, we're the local spot for authentic smoked meats.
Real barbecue takes patience. At Smokin' DJ's, ribs and meats are cooked low and slow over real smoke until they reach the perfect balance of tenderness, flavor, and bark. From our signature 14-hour brisket to our fall-off-the-bone ribs, every plate is a testament to the craft of Florida BBQ.
