Smokin’ Water Buffalo

Marco Island-based Smokin’ Water Buffalo sells an array of smoked barbeque products including ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken, beer brats, and the occasional pork tenderloin. 

Business owner Joshua Skinner said the name comes from the fact that his handmade smoker, which he says is the largest in Southwest Florida, is made from a “water buffalo,” the large metal water tanks used by the U.S. Army. 

“It’s one of a kind,” Skinner said. “We put about 2,000 man-hours into building it. If you asked me to build another, I’d probably cry.”   

Skinner said this is Smokin’ Water Buffalo’s first year at the market. “It’s a bit of a challenge providing competition level barbeque so early,” he said. “I generally start smoking around 5:30 the night before. A good brisket takes about 14 hours, 12 hours on pulled pork, seven to eight hours on the ribs, but they’ll knock your socks off.”