Still “Can’t Believe It?” Well, it’s true — T-Pain’s bringing his hometown moniker to life with his free block party on T-Pain Lane the street dedicated to his name and fame earlier this year.
There’s no “Bartenders” at this party to say hey to but you can still “Buy U A Drank,” there’s plenty of things to cheers to. The Grammy Award winning artist promises a day full of fun, “shutting the block down and hosting games, activities, karaoke, food, music and more to celebrate and give back to the community that helped me get to this 20-year milestone.”
T-Pain signs autographs and takes photos with fans after a ceremony where he was gifted a key to the city on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024.
The neighborhood party hosted Friday, Oct. 17, in the midst of other FAMU Homecoming festivities will include sketch artists, photobooths, free concessions, bounce houses, carnival games and table games. While a round of spades sounds fun, this one might be best saved for the grown folks. Wise word of advice: make sure to check on the rules before you make any plays.
The night will conclude at Tucker Civic Center for the TP20: Celebrating 20 Years of T-Pain concert.
No festivities are complete without something good to eat so let’s get into what foods you’ll find at this cookout and where T-Pain’s looking to grab a bite.
More: 8 essential ways to get in on the Florida A&M Homecoming fun
Big D’s BBQ
Barbecue restaurant and mobile operation Big D’s BBQ located on 1215 S. Adams St.
1215 S. Adams St.; 850-322-1507; facebook.com/bigdbbq850
The barbecue restaurant and food truck operation, recently crowned for harboring the Best BBQ and Best Ribs in the 2025 Tallahassee Community’s Choice Awards says “it feels good” to be a part of the local gathering hosted by the homegrown artist. The owner says on the menu you’ll find the “best barbecue” which includes their hefty plates and combos featuring grilled meats like brisket, chicken and turkey legs stuffed with crab and shrimp.
Barbecue restaurant and mobile operation Big D’s BBQ located on 1215 S. Adams St.
Just Rolls
instagram.com/just_rolls_tally/
You name it, they roll it. Local operation Just Rolls will be “serving Tallahassee with favor and flavor” with savory dishes at the event this Friday. You may have spotted the pastel purple truck around town, but in case you haven’t, just know you’re in for a treat. On the menu you’ll find shrimp and grits, shrimp mac and cheese, buffalo chicken dip and chicken Philly egg rolls on the menu. Savory isn’t the only flavor profile offered, sweet treats like the red velvet cake with a dip that tastes like “ice cream in a cup” and the lemon drop rolls are available as well.
Representatives from Just Rolls could not be immediately reached for comment.
Leola’s Crab Shack
Leola’s Crab Shack and Seafood is one of two culinary destinations that have set up their mobile kitchens in this small lot at 3537 Thomasville Road.
850-575-0395; facebook.com.
Leola’s Crab Shack owner Eric McKinnon says “it feels really, really good” to be a part of the event. McKinnon says he and the artist grew up on the same side of town “so to see him progress and to know how big of a celebrity he’s turned out to be, it is definitely an honor to be a part of his 20th celebration and his block party.” The whole family’s eaten and supported the crab shack since it opened in 2007 McKinnon said. On the menu you’ll find crab legs, shrimp, wings, chicken tenders, gator and sides to pair. T-Pain’s go-to dish? The fried catfish.
Madison’s Scoop of Paradice
An ice cream cone served at Madison’s Scoop of ParadICE, which is located on South Adams Street.
Get a taste of paradise in the form of shaved ice, funnel cakes, hand dipped ice creams and more from Madison’s Scoop of Paradice. You may remember the young entrepreneur, Madison Bridges who became the city’s youngest Chamber member and the youngest business owner in the Frenchtown-Southside Community Redevelopment Agency District at just 8-years-old. Her storefront on 1205 S. Adams St. is now shuttered, but the mobile operation is still rolling. According to online postings they offer more decadent desserts outside of the strawberry mango, tie dye and green apple flavored ices. Newer offerings include the “Banana Pudding Milkshake” made with their signature ice cream. The shake is topped with sliced bananas, Nilla wafers, whipped cream and a homemade banana pudding drizzle.
Representatives from Madison’s Scoop of Paradice could not be immediately reached for comment.
If you go
What: T-Pain Block Party
When: 2 p.m.- 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17
Where: T-Pain Lane Walker Ford Community Center
This article includes previously reported information. Kyla A Sanford covers dining and entertainment for the Tallahassee Democrat. New restaurant opening up, special deals, or events coming up? Let me know at ksanford@tallahassee.com. You can also email your suggestions for a future TLH Eats restaurant profile.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Here’s what’s on the menu at T-Pain’s Block Party in Tallahassee