Deal of the Day: $5.99 Lunch Platters at Carousel BBQ in Deerfield Beach

If you've been wondering what happened to Leroy Jones and his Carousel BBQ food truck in West Palm Beach — or you're just hungry for some good barbecue in Broward County — look no further than Deerfield Beach.

Formerly a food truck stationed at the intersection of North Australian Boulevard at 25th Street, Carousel recently relocated to the rusty red, train-shaped building at 204 S. Powerline Road, once home to the Lil' Ole Caboose. The restaurant is a partnership between Jones and property owner John Vrchota, a Carousel customer and longtime fan of Jones' Southern-style fare.

"He asked me to come here and see if we could make this place work as a barbecue restaurant. It's something that you can't find out this way," said Jones. "Not many people know we're here yet. Only my best customers have found me, people coming from as far south as Fort Lauderdale, and as far north as West Palm Beach."

Carousel BBQ has a long history in South Florida, starting with Jones' first restaurant, which he opened in 1995 in his hometown of Pompano Beach. Many of the recipes he serves today have been passed down from his mother, Jackie May. Today, the new location offers all the old Carousel BBQ specialities, a mix of Memphis and Georgia-style barbecue, as well as a number of Jones' own seafood specialities.

A new wood- and propane-fueled smoker out back churns out dozens of pounds of baby back ribs each day, as well as whole roasted chicken, pulled pork, and spare ribs. Jones' signature dish are his fried garlic crabs, tossed in a blend of garlic-infused breading and deep fried. 

More than a half-dozen homestyle sides include baked mac 'n cheese, collard greens, baked beans, and candied yams, priced $2.50 for a small order. Homemade desserts sell for $3 each, and include lemon pound cake, coconut cream and sweet potato pie, and Red Velvet cake.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the week, lunch platter specials include half-sized portions of spare ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and baby back ribs with two sides for $5.99. On Sunday, kids eat free all day with the purchase of an adult meal.

Carousel BBQ is located at 204 S. Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. Call 754-212-4535, or visit carouselbbqfla.com.

Nicole Danna is a food writer covering Broward and Palm Beach counties. To get the latest in food and drink news in South Florida, follow her @SoFloNicole or find her latest food pics on the BPB New Times Food & Drink Instagram.