4 Rivers Little Smokehouse on the Prairie

Published on October 17, 2017 in Florida Locales by Doug

It’s not little and it’s not on the Prairie and though close, that is not the real name of one of my favorite BBQ locations.

4 Rivers Smokehouse on Fairbanks Avenue is where I go for my brisket, and in all honesty that is all I can say, but only because that is all I ever order. It’s not really all I order, sides are important too… BBQ beans and Smoked Jalapenos (Jalapenos stuffed with cheese, wrapped in bacon) are my usual side selections.

The 4 Rivers BBQ beans. Everything I’m looking for in a side of beans.

The Smoked Jalapeno, a perfect appetizer to the brisket platter. Two jalapenos equal one side.

This past Saturday a dilemma presented itself on my way to the office. I had dropped my wife at work on the south side of Orlando and must drive north to Maitland. On the way, just a short distance before my work exit is Fairbanks Avenue. It was approximately noon… what’s a guy to do…

Since work awaited and it is going to be a long day the brisket plate is in order. This is a cut from the point. The plate allows for three sides. I have the usual and try the potato salad.

I don’t want this to be longwinded. The pictures speak for themselves. If you love brisket I believe you will love a trip to 4 Rivers.

Here is another picture of brisket from a previous visit.

This is another cut from the point. The point will have a bit more marbling (fat) giving you a more moist cut. If you prefer something a bit leaner then get a cut from the flat. My preference is the point, but order what you prefer and we will all be happier. Notice there is a bit more bark than the other photo. A bit of bark is always tasty.

Most of the time I ask for no sauce. The brisket can stand on its own.

After you order your meal and grab a drink you may notice tucked into the back corner of the Fairbanks location is the Sweet Shop. If you didn’t order and eat enough BBQ to make yourself uncomfortable then you obviously under-ordered. In any case, the Sweet Shop at the back of the restaurant can help you out. So far I’ve tried what I believe to be called the Coconut Bomb and a Dolly Madison. My favorite being the Coconut Bomb.

These may be labeled Cakeballs, but in the midwest, these would be referred to as Buckeyes. Always a favorite from Grandma. My wife’s family calls them peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate. That tells you all you need to know. They are pretty literal.

During the week, if you are heading to lunch at 4 Rivers on Fairbanks Avenue then be prepared to stand in line for a bit. It takes a bit of time to get through, but it moves along ok. The advantage being plenty of time to make a decision on the extensive menu.