Affordable BBQ In Philadelphia: Experience Quality, Under-$20 Meals at Southern Flames BBQs
Quality BBQ in Philadelphia doesn't have to be expensive. Southern Flames BBQ proves this with premium meals that cost less than $20. Many people assume great BBQ demands high prices, but our menu tells a different story. Customers can enjoy a perfectly seasoned half chicken for $19, golden-fried fish platters for $16, and juicy rib sandwiches for $17.
Pastor James Buck, our owner's words ring true: "life's too short for mediocre BBQ." Southern Flames BBQ's location at 8221 Germantown Ave embodies what we call an "American tradition for change." Our affordable BBQ delivers an authentic experience that satisfies your hunger and respects your wallet.
Our Under-$20 BBQ Menu Favorites
Southern Flames BBQ proves you can enjoy amazing BBQ without breaking the bank. Our scratch-made recipes and signature southern rub create memorable flavors that won't hurt your wallet.
Budget-conscious meat lovers will love our half-pound of slow-smoked brisket at just $14. The meat shows off a beautiful smoke ring and perfect bark as it melts in your mouth. You can get 8 ounces of our tender, flavorful pulled pork for only $13. These dishes showcase what happens when we smoke our meats to perfection.
The seafood menu features three pieces of whiting fish for $12, each piece fried golden and crispy. Bigger portions come with five pieces at $16.
Our chicken options will make your mouth water. Six whole smoked wings cost $17, each one juicy and perfectly seasoned. The half chicken at $19 gives you tender, well-seasoned meat that falls right off the bone.
Our sandwiches let you taste our BBQ expertise at great prices:
- Pulled pork: $13 – BBQ pulled pork on two slider buns
- Fish sandwich: $13 – Crispy fried fish on a fresh bun
- Rib sandwich: $17 – Tender ribs with our signature dry rub
Each cut of meat gets our special southern rub before it spends time in the smoker. This creates the unique flavor that keeps our customers coming back.
The scratch-made sides cost $5.75 each. Try our creamy mac and cheese, slow-cooked collard greens with smoky meat flavor, or homemade apple raisin coleslaw. We source fresh vegetables from local Philadelphia farmers' markets to support our community's agricultural roots.
The seasons inspire our flavors. Winter brings warming spices like ginger, garlic, black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon that heat you up from within. Spring and summer feature lighter sides with fresh seasonal produce that pairs perfectly with our classic smoked meats.
The Story Behind Our Affordable BBQ Mission
Pastor James Buck started Southern Flames BBQ in his backyard during summer 2020, armed with family recipes and a vision for change. This happened right after he completed his doctoral dissertation on reducing recidivism in African American communities. Instead of letting his research collect dust, he decided to turn his theories into reality.
Our Philadelphia BBQ stands out for more than just smoky flavors and secret rubs - we serve a greater purpose. We bring to life what Pastor Buck calls "The Taste of a Second Chance". This philosophy drives our mission to create opportunities for Philadelphia's most vulnerable groups: troubled teens, returning citizens, and disabled veterans like Pastor Buck.
We serve delicious food and run a 12-week training program that teaches returning citizens BBQ techniques and crucial financial skills. Our graduates earn food industry certifications that open new doors of opportunity. This program changes lives while bringing authentic southern flavors to our neighborhood.
Pastor Buck's vision reaches far beyond our restaurant. As Senior Pastor at Grace Baptist Church of Germantown, he has built a medical clinic and daycare center. He now develops affordable housing in North Philadelphia. We collaborate with local jails to create job opportunities for people who have left incarceration.
First and foremost we thank you so much, but it's a pleasure to be able to do something for those whose backs are against the margins of society,
Pastor Buck says.
Each affordable plate we serve supports this bigger mission. Our meals cost less than $20, proving that quality BBQ can create positive change in Philadelphia. Your support of Southern Flames helps build a brighter future for our community through smoke-cooked goodness.
Why Our Germantown Location Matters
The heartbeat of our community mission beats at our Germantown Avenue location. We serve affordable BBQ in Philadelphia at 8221 Germantown Avenue inside the Market at Fareway. This Chestnut Hill spot creates the perfect stage to bring quality southern BBQ to Philadelphians without the premium price tag.
A story worth telling led us to this location. Neighborhood kids helped staff our homemade BBQ stand in the front yard. Word spread quickly, and the community's enthusiasm earned us an invitation to open our permanent restaurant in Chestnut Hill. This wasn't luck - the community saw something special in what we offered.
Our Germantown location matters because of who we serve. Philadelphia's BBQ scene has grown rapidly over the last decade. New spots have emerged throughout Northeastern cities. Notwithstanding that, many BBQ establishments focus on premium pricing. We stay committed to making quality BBQ accessible to everyone.
Our "casual dining" atmosphere works "good for groups". The communal feel matches our family-style approach to food and community service. So, our restaurant has become more than just an eatery - it's where people gather, talk, and connect.
This Chestnut Hill space lets us pursue our mission to help vulnerable populations. We can now implement our vision of employing troubled teens, disabled veterans, and returning citizens. We create pathways from incarceration to employment by working directly with local jails.
Since March 2020, we've woven ourselves into Philadelphia's evolving BBQ culture. The Philadelphia Inquirer noted that the city has "never had a cohesive BBQ culture or particular style of its own". This gives us the chance to help define Philadelphia BBQ through our affordable, community-focused approach.
Southern Flames BBQ believes a location means more than an address. We create a welcoming space, especially when you have people seeking a second chance.
Few Last Words
Southern Flames BBQ proves that amazing BBQ doesn't need expensive prices. Our menu items cost less than $20 and deliver authentic southern flavors. The juicy half-pound brisket and perfectly seasoned chicken wings will satisfy your appetite without breaking your bank.
Pastor Buck leads our mission that goes beyond serving delicious, affordable BBQ. We help create positive changes in Philadelphia by giving second chances to returning citizens, troubled teens, and disabled veterans. Each plate we serve supports our complete training program and employment opportunities that help transform lives.
Our Germantown Avenue location serves as a community hub where quality food meets social purpose. Every time you enjoy our smoky brisket or tender pulled pork, you become part of what we call "The Taste of a Second Chance."
Make a difference with your next meal at Southern Flames BBQ. You can dine in at our Chestnut Hill location, order online, or book us for catering. Great BBQ creates positive changes in our community, one plate at a time.