“A couple with years of restaurant experience out west is bringing their love of homestyle cooking to Florida’s Gulf Coast,” said coverage by the Miami Herald in June 2025. “Their new restaurant, Pork Belly’s Eatery and Catering Co., opened in Bradenton in February. The new Florida restaurant joins two locations in Utah.”
You can visit Pork Belly’s at 956 Cortex Rd W in Bradenton. The reviews are excellent: Pork Belly’s has 4.8 stars on Google.
“If you are searching for the best barbecue in Cortez, Bradenton, or Anna Maria Island, you absolutely need to check out Pork Belly’s Eatery & Taproom!” says one review. “Their lunch is incredible, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the food quality is next level. The brisket is hands-down some of the best brisket in Bradenton County — perfectly smoked, tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection every single time.”
The couple behind the restaurant, Eddie and Kate Meek, now appear to be branching out with another new barbecue brand in Bradenton.
This week, What Now came across plan review documents submitted by KACEM Inc. for a restaurant called “Wardos Smokin Tacos & BBQ.” It would open in the former Tijuana Flats space, at 2127 Cortez Rd W in Bradenton.
What Now reached out to Eddie Meek on Monday to ask about plans for Wardos. Meek was not immediately available for comment.
In the meantime, you can keep up with Pork Belly’s by following @porkbellyseatery on Instagram.
