Pop’s Smoke Shed

If you find yourself navigating the scenic stretch of the Overseas Highway heading down toward Key West, you are in luck. Pop’s Smoke Shed is a barbecue sanctuary quietly redefining the roadside dining experience in the Keys. Pop’s operates as a food truck in Marathon (5550 Overseas Hwy) and Key West, supported by a primary brick-and-mortar kitchen on Big Pine Key: all meats are prepared at the main facility, then smoked onsite at the truck itself — a level of consistency and quality that earned it a historic “first,” the only food truck operation to ever be SoFloDining Approved.

The must-tries: the ribs were exceptionally meaty and plump, moist, smoky, and packed with flavor all the way to the bone (a special order, and never frozen), and the pulled pork remained perfectly tender with just the right amount of fat. Doris was impressed by the half-chicken — easily the largest our reviewer had encountered in 40 years in the industry, yet juicy and delicious upon the first cut. The homemade potato salad and baked beans provide a bright, house-made contrast to the richness of the smoked meats. The truck itself is absolutely immaculate, the staff manages high volume with ease, and it’s the perfect mid-point to recharge between the mainland and Key West.