Smoked Pig and Sweet Tea

Moving On...

2022-03-12T11:24:00.000-05:00

Well, this will be the final post on this blog. It's not the end though...I am just moving all future reviews to a Facebook page I have set up in the same name. This promises to be easier to update (so more frequent posts!) and easier for people to find, so it seems to make sense all around.

This blog will continue to be accessible here as long as I have a say in it, but will not be further updated. Hope to see you at Smoked Pig & Sweet Tea, and thanks for reading through the years!

Caleb

https://www.facebook.com/smokedpigbbqreview

Island Bar-B-Q, Fernandina Beach, FL

2021-03-12T14:55:00.001-05:00

In my initial attempt to find some decent 'que on the island, I actually pulled into the parking lot here. It looked like a run-of-the-mill buffet restaurant that also served barbecue, but in a strip mall, and I just wasn't feeling it that day. Several weeks later, and with a couple of the other local options under my belt, I finally decided to give it a try.

It's a small space, but big on local flavor- not exactly what you would expect to find next door to a PC repair shop. Or maybe it is. There was a small buffet, which was what most of the clientele who all seemed to be regulars were eating. They did have a menu, and it included several barbecue options, so I went for the pork sandwich and slaw.

In the short time I waited for my food, I heard a lot of small talk about who was renting what apartment and whose kids were trying out for the baseball team- the kind of stuff average people talk about over a decent lunch on a Friday afternoon. Most patrons were not masked, but I got the feeling no one would be looked down on for wearing one either.

My sandwich arrived piled high with mostly chopped pork, but there were some bigger pieces along with a good amount of seasoned edges included on a fresh roll. The one drawback was that it also included several pieces of cartilage that I had to spit out. The mustard sauce added some interest. The cole slaw was respectable.

After my last experience, I was pleased to have found a good sandwich that seemed to be freshly prepared, even if the cleanliness of the place and preparation of the food weren't exactly professional grade. While it might not be worth a return visit, I found the unpretentious atmosphere to be just what I was looking for. If you're looking for laid-back, this is your spot.

FOOD RATING: 2.5 OF 5

AUTHENTICITY: 3 OF 5

OVERALL: 3 OF 5

PRICE: $

State Line Barbecue Company- Fernandina Beach, FL

2021-02-24T15:03:00.007-05:00

Of the several barbecue options I researched when I knew I was going to be spending some time on Amelia Island, State Line looked the most intriguing and potentially promising. It had a good percentage of great reviews online, but also a higher than normal amount of 1 and 2 star ratings. I knew I needed to try it for myself to see what could cause such a variation.

They were closed on my first attempt, or so I thought. Later I found out that they don't open until noon, and I may have been a bit early. In any case, I returned on another occasion to the gas station parking lot that they share and walked toward the OPEN sign, masked up. They are big on masks, at least at the time of my visit. The first line on their website is "WEAR YOUR MASK and STAY BACK!" For whatever reason, they are taking things extra seriously- which is fine with me. Maybe the owner or an employee is high risk. I don't know and I won't judge. But this is definitely not typical for the area, as you will see in my next story.

I was the only customer a little after noon on a weekday. The gentleman behind the counter, who I took to be the owner, greeted me and put on his own mask before approaching. I asked for a pulled pork sandwich and added a side of potato salad (sides do not come with a sandwich) and a bottled drink which is the only kind they serve.

After I paid, he proceeded to assemble my sandwich from the foil-wrapped meat in a ...crock-pot? Looking further, I saw another slow cooker on the table to the right. With barbecue, low and slow is the way to go- but you can't make barbecue in a slow cooker. It might be good, but it wouldn't be barbecue. What I eventually surmised is that the slow cookers were being used to keep the meat warm. This, however, led to the question of what he did cook with, and how long ago it had been cooked. For now, I watched as he doused the meat in a vinegar sauce, wrapped the sandwich and scooped my potato salad from a gigantic plastic bin that came out of a refrigerator.

I grabbed a bottle of sweet tea from the cooler, thanked the proprietor and returned to my truck, as they are take out only. From my seat in the shade, I prepared to find out once and for all what they were selling here.

At first glance, it looked exceptional. The pork was in tender, big chunks which had been pulled apart, meaning that it was cooked to the right temperature to not have to be chopped. Currently though, it barely qualified as warm. I had seen a couple reviews from guests who said they were served a cold sandwich- and responses from the owner saying they had never served a cold sandwich. To be fair, it wasn't cold, but it would only be a minor exaggeration to make that claim. It definitely wasn't hot, for just being made.

To make matters worse, it had a distinct reheated taste to it. It was not like the meat was bad, but if you have ever reheated pork you know that it's never quite the same as when it's first cooked. Some reviewers had also commented that theirs was "sour" which could have been referring to what I noticed, or to the vinegar sauce which was sprinkled on the meat. I have no complaints about the sauce. In fact, I have to give this credit as being one of the best vinegar sauces I've had. I was happy that another cup of it was included, because

unfortunately that was the only way I could get the meat down.

Similarly, the potato salad was a great recipe. Sadly, it seemed like it had been in the refrigerator for quite a while, and possibly had been frozen at some point. This didn't detract from it quite as much as the meat, but it just wasn't quite what it could have been.

I am sad to report that this is one of the few times I can remember that I have not been able to finish a sandwich. It was large, as I would expect for the price, but eventually I just reached the point where the taste I was getting was not a fair trade for the calories I was consuming.

So here's my conclusion. The owner is someone who without a doubt knows how to make good barbecue. I would suspect that if I had visited on a day when the food was fresh I would have rated it much higher- hence all the good reviews. It seems though that due to a lack of business, or for whatever reason, they are cooking ahead of time in large quantities and serving that food for at least a couple days. So anyone who visits on an "off day" would be likely to rate it much lower. I hate to see this happen to anyone, especially to someone obviously talented in the barbecue realm. Hopefully business will return, or they can make some other adjustments to improve the consistency of their food.

FOOD RATING: 1.5 OF 5 State Line BBQ website (online ordering)

AUTHENTICITY: 2.5 OF 5 State Line BBQ on Facebook

OVERALL: 2 OF 5

PRICE:$$

Captain Jack's Smokehouse- Fernandina Beach, FL

2021-01-13T12:30:00.001-05:00

For my first new visit and review of 2021, I ventured into the Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island area, a locale I have visited very infrequently despite living less than an hour away. I found a couple of interesting looking prospects in a quick online search, but alas, the first one was not open, and the second looked more like a strip-mall buffet failure than I cared to take a chance on at the time. Perhaps I'll get a chance to return to them. Taking one more glance at the map, I noticed Captain Jack's, almost hidden at the base of the bridge back to the mainland. Seeing it was my last option, I made the required U-turn and found my way to the door.

It really is a nice location, even though it's a little outside of the town proper. Inside is spacious, and there is an inviting back porch that faces the Intercoastal Waterway, which would have been a pleasant spot to spend my lunch hour if the weather hadn't been so damp and chilly.

I got a window seat overlooking it instead. Observing the several references to Captain Jack's prowess in some of the regional bbq competitions, I quickly made the decision to try the pulled pork sandwich. The weather seemed to call for a heartier side, so I opted to pair it with their smoked mac and cheese.

It came out quick and hot. The presentation was perfect even if the sandwich itself was a bit underwhelming. To give the reader a better sense of the type of place this is, their menu includes steak and seafood options and a full bar, in addition to all the standard barbecue fare. So the barbecue experience here is a little bit filtered through an "island chic" lens. I hoped to still get a good sandwich, since their barbecue was award-winning. Ans it was. It just wasn't great. The toast was more sweet than the typical garlic, and the meat didn't have enough flavor on it's own to take command. I searched for smoky bits, but was left empty handed. It needed some sauce.

Fortunately, there were six to choose from, and while none particularly stood out, at least half of them worked to make an edible sandwich. The mac and cheese was quite good, although I didn't really detect the smoked flavor in that either. I left full, if not 100% satisfied. It would have been a great meal at any casual dining spot, but as a strictly barbecue offering it came up a little short.

I will be in the area more in the future, so hopefully I will get back to try the rest of the barbecue menu. And maybe sit out on that porch for a while.

FOOD RATING: 3 OF 5 Captain Jack's website

AUTHENTICITY: 3 OF 5 Captain Jack's Facebook

OVERALL RATING: 3 OF 5

PRICE: $$

Willard's Bar-B-Q Junction- Jacksonville, FL

2021-01-08T12:54:00.001-05:00

This is kind of an update to a previous review, but I'm treating it as a new review because in the ensuing decade (can't believe it's been that long!) they opened this newer, larger location and closed the previous one. And *spoiler alert* they got better.

This location actually feels a little older- I think it was an existing building they remodeled- and it isn't spacious by any means, but it's just the right size for a down home barbeque joint. It is a little cramped, which makes social distancing rather difficult, and the use of masks is not enforced, so if that is an issue for you be forewarned. The inside seating area is tastefully decorated in a rustic theme along with multiple expressions of support for law enforcement.

Since it had been so long between visits, I went with my standard first try choice of a pulled pork plate with two sides. Let me say something about the sides. Willard's has far more than the standard beans and slaw; they offer about 15 different southern/country style sides to pair your meal with. I choose one standby- baked beans, and one which is common at country buffets but not often seen at a barbecue restaurant- stewed okra and tomatoes.

The pork was beautiful. It was done well and fully met my expectations, but the sides even went beyond that and took what would have been an average meal a notch up. Somebody knows how to cook around here. Having said that, I still took the opportunity to try out their sauces on the pork. Nothing to disappoint their either. As usual, I was a little partial to the mustard one with my pork, but any of them would suffice.

It's not the best barbecue in Jax, but it's definitely worth consideration for anyone in the area looking for a solid meal on the Westside. I don't know what took me so long to return, but it won't be another ten years until next time.

FOOD RATING: 3.5 OF 5

AUTHENTICITY: 3 OF 5

OVERALL RATING: 3.5 OF 5

PRICE: $

Willard's website

Willard's on Facebook

Mr. B's BBQ With A Kick-Lake City, FL

2020-12-02T13:30:00.010-05:00

This new barbeque spot generated some buzz on my social media feed, so when I found myself in Lake City around lunch time, I decided to pay them a visit. The parking lot was full, and I was pulling a trailer so I had to park at the Winn-Dixie next door and make a short walk over.

The interior looked clean and welcoming, and the hostess was friendly. I was in a bit of a time crunch, so I placed a to-go order for the pulled pork lunch special. I kind of regretted that I wasn't able to stay and eat.

Lunch specials come with garlic toast and one side. I chose Cowboy Beans- their version of baked beans, which turned out to be the highlight of the meal.With my bag in hand, I made my way back to my truck and opened the styrofoam container. At first glance, the meat looked great, but a few bites revealed it to be not quite what I would expect in quality pulled pork. It didn't taste bad, but was lacking much of any smoke flavor. Besides that, it had not been cooked enough to become tender, so it was mostly cut rather than pulled, and contained quite a few pieces of fat. Did I mention it was barely warm?

The hostess said she was putting both kinds of sauce in my bag, which was thoughtful, but an explanation of what they were may have been helpful. The extra large napkins were great too- the only thing she forgot was some kind of eating utensils. Fortunately I had a spare plastic fork stuck between my seats just for such an emergency.

I tried dipping the pork in both kinds of sauce. The darker sauce had an unusual taste that I couldn't place. The lighter one marked "S" (sweet?) was a little better, with a slightly fruity flavor.

It added a little interest to the somewhat bland meat, but just wasn't quite what I was hoping for.

The beans redeemed my meal. They had tons of flavor, along with bits of meat, onions and peppers- a little bit like a thick soup that could have been a meal in itself. I'd pay a few bucks for that recipe.

There's not much to say about the garlic toast and the sweet tea, except that it came in a jumbo 32 oz to go cup, which apparently is an important detail in this town.

While it wasn't the greatest first impression, I do hope I get the opportunity to return to enjoy the dining room and try out more of the menu.

FOOD RATING: 3 OF 5

AUTHENTICITY: 4 OF 5

OVERALL: 3.5 OF 5

543 SW Main Blvd.

Lake City, FL 32055

(386) 319-8194

ABBQ- Atlantic Beach, FL

2019-11-12T22:32:00.000-05:00

ABBQ is a recent addition to the Jacksonville barbecue scene, so I naturally had to check it out. I will willingly admit that even before visiting I was a little leery of their claim to serve "Central Texas BBQ at the beach". Seems like everyone around here is claiming "Texas Style", even if they don't know what that means. So I was extra suspicious when I saw a sign touting authentic Texas something or other as I parked next to a plastic wood fence and walked inside.

I was able to park because I visited for a weekday lunch. Parking is very limited here, and word is it is hard to find a spot on evenings and weekends. They do offer valet parking during those times. (I won't claim it never happens, but when I picture a Texas barbecue joint, valet parking isn't usually in the picture. But more about that later.) The inside, on the other hand, is very spacious. Both the indoor dining and outdoor backyard offer plenty of seating options.

Ordering and seating was a little confusing because everything I read said they had counter service, and there is a counter, but there was also a sign saying to wait to be seated. However, I was quickly greeted and told to sit wherever I liked. As it was one of the first pleasant blue sky days of fall, I chose a spot on the patio where I was quickly provided with a menu and a glass of water.

I wanted to sample as much as I could, so I chose the "1513 Sandwich" which includes pulled pork, brisket and sausage, along with cole slaw and pickles. I asked for the sauce on the side so I could sample the meats in their natural state, then added a side of potato salad and a sweet tea to round out the meal.

I methodically deconstructed my sandwich (it was far to big to eat whole anyway) by first sampling the sausage, which they make themselves. Even in small slices it had great texture, the crisp pop of the skin contrasting with the juicy interior for a quick burst of perfect flavor. The brisket lived up to the billing as well. I'm not sure if it was intentional, but my sandwich had one slice that was lean and one more fatty, so I got to try both. Regardless, both were excellently smoked specimens of that most famous staple of Texas barbecue. When I got down to the pork, it wasn't quite as amazing as it seemed to be a little lacking in flavor. There wasn't anything really wrong with it, it was more like it just didn't steal the show like the other two meats. But with a little of the tangy sauce- another check for the authentic Texas claim- it too was delicious.

The potato salad was some of the best I'd ever had. Creamy mayo met red potatoes in a glorious union, along with a surprise guest. Whatever else I have to say about this place, there's no doubt they know food. They know what it's worth as well. My basic meal set me back 20 bucks. It was worth that for sure, but I don't know how many working class people like myself are comfortable with that price point for a weekday lunch.

And so can you see why I am incredibly conflicted in deciding how to rate them. Service was good, the food was excellent, but it was definitely a mixed bag as far as authenticity goes. Authenticity is a big deal to me, and since that's what they claim, I feel obliged to factor that in my rating. I'm not a complete expert on Texas barbecue myself, but I know the basics. So let's review the points for and against.

What makes them authentic?

Wood-fired smokers (custom from Moberg in Texas, according to their site)

That brisket perfection

Dang good homemade sausage

Thin, simple sauce that complements them well

Counter service (maybe sometimes?)

Meats available by the pound

What says this ain't your regular Texas 'que joint?

Uh- plastic wood anything

Valet parking

$20 sandwich and side

Another "outhouse" sign with a crescent moon- puhleez

Absence of cowboy hats or country music-but please

note if these were used as props, the result would be worse

The only way I know to handle this, and I've been considering this for a while, is to add a "Authenticity Rating" to my reviews. To me, this is more about being real than meeting specific criteria. Every barbecue place has it's own persona, and I personally am much more drawn to the ones who have their own story instead of trying to convince me that they are like something else. So I will add this line to my reviews, starting now, and you can use it or not as you choose.

In this case, I would have no problem if they marketed themselves as a trendy, slightly upscale restaurant that serves Texas-style barbecue. There are several of those, and honestly, ABBQ does it better than most in my opinion. If that's your thing, you need to eat here. Just maybe wear the good pair of jeans, leave the dirty truck at home, and be sure you've got a high credit limit.

FOOD: 4.5 OF 5

AUTHENTICITY: 2.5 OF 5

OVERALL: 4 OF 5

HOURS

461 Atlantic Boulevard
Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233
Get Directions

Smok'y Blues Barbeque- Spartanburg, SC

2019-03-22T18:30:00.000-05:00

Heading north on I-26 on a Friday evening, I was looking for a barbecue dinner to start the weekend with. Everything I saw seemed run of the mill, until I saw the good reviews for Smok'y Blues (Why the apostrophe? I don't know, but I'll oblige them...). One blurb I read said they only cook with wood, so I bee-lined it in their direction, arriving barely 30 minutes before their 7:00 closing time.

The restaurant is in a small shopping strip kind of off the main road, but it wasn't hard to find. As I pulled up, the staff were relaxing outside chatting with a customer. Inside, the restaurant was empty except for one table. A gentleman came inside and cheerfully explained the menu to me and took my order. He was pleasant through the whole meal despite me being the last customer of the day, but I did make a point to be on my way by their closing time.

Not having had a real meal since breakfast, I opted for a two-meat combo of pulled pork- the staple of barbecue, and hash- an item I had never actually ordered before, but fairly common in South Carolina barbecue although the hash here is actually beef instead of pork. Within minutes, a heavy plate with a mountain of meat accompanied by a dinner roll and my side choices of their bourbon beans and potato salad was placed in front of me. I filled my cup from the tea dispenser and dug in- after a few photos.

I found the pulled pork to be quite good. It did indeed seem to be cooked over wood, although the smoke flavor was just hinted at rather than made obvious. It was moist and flavorful, with the meat, the smoke and the seasoning combining equally rather than any one overpowering the other.

The beef hash, which is more of a stew and served over rice, was good and filling. It's not technically barbecue as I view it, but it's been traditional in the area for a long time and I can see why. Like the pulled pork, it was seasoned simply which let the flavors of the meat come through.

I was impressed by the sides. They seemed to be home made. The beans were better than most, kind of sweet but balanced out well. The potato salad was made with unpeeled white potatoes, which is a little different, but the heavy dressing made it work really well for me.

They offered the typical mild, hot and mustard sauces. I rate them as average, giving the mustard a slight edge as the best for the pork, but then I usually lean towards mustard sauce anyway. In addition, they had two specialty sauces; blackberry and moonshine. I've honestly never seen either of these before, but I was curious to try them.

I thought the blackberry would be overly sweet like syrup, but it was actually quite good. It had just a hint of berry taste and wasn't any sweeter than a normal sweet sauce. I was not a fan of the moonshine sauce. It was sweeter than I expected and just didn't seem to add anything to the meat.

Friendly service and a giant plate of good food made this a memorable stop for me, one I would come back to again if the opportunity arises. It's worth the short detour off the interstate.

SPST RATING:
FOOD RATING: 4 OF 5
OVERALL RATING: 4 OF 5

Blue Smoke Barbeque- Blue Ridge, GA

2019-02-09T12:29:00.000-05:00

There are several other barbecue places in town, and I had my sights set on visiting one of them during our Christmas vacation in the area. It ended up that we came to Blue Smoke instead when it was recommended by the hostess at another restaurant as a good option without having to wait over an hour in line. So we made our way up the hill to check it out.

The cabin-like interior was too packed to accommodate our large group, but they did offer us the screened in back porch with picnic tables. It was a little too cold to enjoy, but would have been nice on a warmer day. Fortunately, by the time we placed our orders at the counter, several small tables in the sun in front of the restaurant had opened up and we moved there.

One advantage of eating with a big group is that it's easier to try more items. I shared a pulled pork and ribs plate with my wife, and also sampled some of my son's brisket. The cashier informed us that it was a Christmas miracle, as he got the last order of brisket before they ran out. I wish I could agree, but it was more like they pulled out the last scraps they could find which had dried out long ago. The brisket was a fail and my least favorite meat.

The pulled pork was slightly better, though it was actually chopped and a little dry as well. It had some flavorful bits, and a little sauce brought it back to life enough to make a decent sandwich.

By far the best part of my meal was the ribs. We got a good sized slab with meaty bones, just tender enough to pull easily from the bone and well seasoned. A little bit of actual wood smoke could have improved them, but they weren't bad at all for a tourist joint.

The fries, both regular and sweet potato were good, and they give you plenty to fill up on if the meat doesn't do it for you. I also enjoyed the creamy potato salad.

I will try one of the places a bit further off the tourist track next time before returning here. It is a good place to enjoy a decent meal, but not where I would recommend for the best real barbecue experience.

FOOD RATING: 2.5 OF 5

OVERALL RATING: 3 OF 5

EXTRA POINTS FOR:

RUSTIC ATMOSPHERE

Memphis Jax BBQ- Ponte Vedra, FL

2018-06-17T15:13:00.000-05:00

After a couple more visits, I'm glad to be able to update and upgrade my review. I still haven't tried everything on the extensive menu, but the pork, brisket and ribs have all made a good impression on me. I wouldn't say any of them are exceptional, and on the last visit the flavor of the pork was down slightly, but I would rate all three above any average chain restaurant. Sides are more than just an afterthought. We enjoyed delicious collard greens, hot fries and more of their creamy style potato salad. I'm not the biggest fan of their sauces but that might just be me.

Service has improved greatly. My latest meal was with a group of eight for Father's Day lunch. We arrived a bit after the lunch rush, but the restaurant was still over half full. All of our food arrived within five minutes of ordering and taking our seats. They were fully staffed with friendly, efficient employees who made our meal a pleasant experience.

(Original review continues below, posted 1/21/18)

I usually like to give new places at least a few weeks to get up and running before I visit, but since this one is 5 minutes from the house, I figured I would brave the crowds and the opening weekend excitement. This is sort of a preliminary review- I'm sure I will update it as I make future visits and try more of the menu.

Orders are placed at the counter, where if you are dining in they give you a number to place on your table. As all the tables were full, I took a seat at the small bar where I got a good view of the bustling serving line. They were slammed for the second day in a row, and close to running out of meat again as they did the day before.

For this visit I stuck with my basic bbq lunch- pulled pork, baked beans and potato salad. Their platters come with either a dinner roll or jalapeño cornbread, (I chose cornbread, because jalapeño) and topped it off with a sweet tea.

The pork was right on- hot, smoky and barky. Although it was a decent sized portion, it looked small on the metal tray they serve their food on and almost made you wonder if it was actually a $15 lunch, which is what it came to with a drink. The pork redeemed itself though, and I especially liked their full-flavored original sauce with it. The hot sauce was pretty good too, but I felt like the mustard sauce, which is usually my favorite with pork, was an afterthought that needed more flavor than just mustard.

My sides were just average. No complaints on the potato salad, but it didn't stand out either. The beans seemed straight out of a can with maybe a couple specks of meat sprinkled in. The tea was average as well.

Service was friendly, if slow, which is understandable with how busy they were. I waited over 30 minutes for my food, but it was fine on a Saturday afternoon and didn't bother me. To be constructively critical, my opinion is they are trying to offer too many choices. Besides all the typical meats and more, they also offer pizza, catfish and other non-barbecue items, as well as a long list of sides. This leads to extended prep time in getting food out. It might have been better to start with a smaller menu and add items as they have the chance. I would hate to see their good barbecue get lost in the clutter of everything else, which happens a lot.

Time will tell- I can only hope a barbecue joint this close to home will stay in business and stay consistent. I will be back to try more items and update my review- hopefully upward.

FOOD RATING: 3.5 OF 5

OVERALL RATING: 4 OF 5

Memphis Jax BBQ- Ponte Vedra, FL

Woodpecker's Backyard BBQ- St. Augustine, FL

2018-03-10T16:24:00.000-05:00

When I first saw some of my friends raving about Woodpecker's online, I thought I had been there before. When I was finally in the area again, I drove by and realized I was thinking of a different place. Since I wasn't often in this area of no man's land between south Jacksonville and St. Augustine, I figured I better take advantage of this time and make a stop. I pulled in the almost full dirt parking lot a little after noon on a Friday. The place was packed, and I was under a bit of a time constraint, so I opted for getting my lunch to go.

Woodpecker's sits diagonally at the intersection of SR 13 and CR 210. Here, the main entrance is in back, and the to-go counter is in front facing the road. There is a large, rambling dirt parking area among the shade trees out back, as well as several picnic tables for eating outside when the weather is nice or when the the inside is packed, which happens often.

This time, I went for the standard pork plate with two sides. The pork was some of the most moist and flavorful I've had, and the sides didn't disappoint either. Many of them incorporate datil peppers, a flavor unique to the St. Augustine area. I tried the datil beans and datil corn. In both the sweet heat of the peppers gave a delicious kick to the taste buds. I was hooked.

Since that first trip, I've returned several times, made possible by our move to Ponte Vedra last year. Woodpecker's has become a solid favorite of mine, forming the western point of a triangulation of top-notch joints within 45 minutes of home. They are complemented by Down South BBQ in Ponte Vedra Beach, and Smokin' D's near Crescent Beach. I don't know of a place within the triangle that serves better 'que than any of the three.

Woodpecker's brisket, pictured here with a meaty rib bone, is some of the best I've found in Florida. It has the thick but not overly dry bark characteristic of a long slow smoke having imparted it's ever present but not overpowering flavors to the beef. This is probably my favorite meat here, though any of the others can stand up on their own too. The sides hold up their end of the deal, making a meal that so far has failed to disappoint.

SPST RATINGS

FOOD RATING: 4.5 OF 5

OVERALL RATING: 4.5 OF 5

EXTRA POINTS FOR: LOCAL FLAVOR

The Pedalin' Pig BBQ- Banner Elk,NC

2016-12-28T11:26:00.000-05:00

A family holiday vacation brought me to the high country of NC. When this happens, I usually am able to incorporate one or two new bbq stops into the trip. It so happened that this time I was feeling a little like I had some extra time, with a week off work so here I am writing about the experience for the first time in years.

Several people recommended the Pedalin' Pig to us, and on a rainy Christmas Eve lunchtime without much else to do, we found ourselves in the parking lot just off Highway 105. We braved a few seconds of chilly drizzle then entered the warm interior. It featured the typical wood and antique sign decor, with a bit of local feel provided by hiking maps and even a large mountain landscape mural hanging on the walls.

Our party of 9 was promptly seated and given menus to study, along with a plate of hush puppies (which were forgettable). The menu included the standard Carolina barbecue fare, but also some less common items such as thick sliced brisket and pork belly tacos. The waitress told us that their sweet tea and most of the sides were homemade. Becky and I chose to split the 3-meat sampler which comes with pulled pork, baby back ribs and brisket. (Side note: we got the sampler for 1; they also have a 3 meat sampler for two, but as you can see the 1 person sampler comes with a ton of food. We weren't especially hungry, but even between the two of us we didn't quite finish it.)

Our sides were potato salad and fried okra, along with an additional side of mac and cheese for the little guy. Portions of everything were mountain man-sized. The sides were respectable, and the tea perfectly cold and sweet, but the meats were a bit of a let down. The pulled, or more like coarsely chopped, pork was by far the best of the three. It had enough bits of bark to give it good flavor, and the "Piedmont" sauce provided on the table did it justice. The baby back ribs were tender enough, but lacking smoke flavor. Same story with the brisket; it could just as well have been slow roasted in an oven. It wasn't tough at all, which is a plus, but it did include substantial chunks of fat. It would have been interesting to try a couple of the other 5-6 sauces listed on their menu, but none were offered and our waitress didn't return in time for a request to be made.

It was a pleasant spot for a vacation lunch. I appreciate the effort put into the homemade sides, but they need to up the smoking game a bit to be ranked as good all around barbecue.

FOOD RATING: 3 OF 5
OVERALL RATING: 3.5 OF 5

Old Clinton Bar-B-Q- Gray,GA

2013-11-30T12:30:00.000-05:00

Old Clinton Bar-B-Q has been on my radar for a while. Problem was, it's in the tiny town of Gray,Ga- not near any route I regularly travel. But after a weekend trip to Lake Sinclair, we were passing through around lunch time on the way back to Florida. Problem solved.

Even if you weren't looking for it, it would be hard to miss the low-slung building with it's dirt floored porch and vintage advertising, including the proclamation "Best in Georgia".

The interior has similarly been left un-updated for the most part, and feels like a 50 year step back in time.

Chopped pork with a thin vinegar and pepper sauce is what they are known for here, although they also offer ribs, turkey and chicken. Their classic plate includes the barbecue, brunswick stew, bread and a pickle, plus slaw or potato salad if you want to add it on.

We ordered several of these, and someone got ribs too, so I got to sample both.

The pork was a nice mix of different textures of well cooked meat- well cooked in that it was moist and flavorful, though the smoke wasn't too prevalent. It was perhaps overshadowed by the vinegar in the sauce. I could also detect a bit of a reheated taste. Still, it was every bit as good as any of this style of barbecue that I have had. Piled on a slice of fresh white bread, it made a barbecue sandwich that would be hard to beat.

The ribs were properly smoked and perfectly done, though they didn't have much in the way of seasoning. Old Clinton's version of Brunswick Stew is a little on the thin side. It was good, but lacked anything that set it apart for me. Our sides of slaw and potato salad followed suit in that they were a good complement to the meal but didn't stand out on their own.

I enjoyed the experience of eating here as much or more than the food itself. It's definitely a must visit for anyone interested in the history of Georgia barbecue. I can't agree that it's the best in Georgia though. In my limited forays into the Peach State I have already been fortunate enough to eat at a few places that give them some stiff competition for that title, but having said that, they are definitely close to the top of the list.

FOOD RATING: 4 OF 5


Wall art at Old Clinton

OVERALL RATING: 4.5 OF 5

4Rivers Smokehouse- Gainesville, FL

2013-11-22T16:48:00.000-05:00

The 4Rivers location in Gainesville has been open for several months now, so I decided it was time to stop in. Returning by air from the barbecue-scarce Northeast, I passed up the temptation to sample airport barbecue during a layover in Charlotte for the opportunity to share a meal at 4Rivers with my wife and kids. Less than 30 minutes after touching down in Gainesville, we were standing in a medium-long line at this Florida chain's newest location.

The inside eating area is more spacious than the other branches I have been to. Though there are a few outside tables, this location lacks the large outdoor eating area that the others have. It sits on the end of a strip mall, surrounded by parking spaces and sidewalks. The crowd on a Thurday night was noticeably younger and louder, as could be expected in a college town, but the line moved smoothly and orderly.

As at the others, you order your meats first. While they are being sliced and packaged, you pick your side items from the display case in front of you. With the whole family along, I added a half slab of ribs and a half pound of pulled chicken to the requisite pound of brisket we ordered. The boys wanted fries and mac and cheese as sides. We got these but also ordered sweet potato casserole and an order of bacon-wrapped jalapenos.

Brisket is the main attraction here, and they do it well. It's perfectly smoky and well seasoned, and though we didn't specify, ours had a good balance of lean and fatty slices. Those who complain that the brisket is too fatty or too dry probably don't know that you have to order it how you want it; each brisket has a fatty and lean end, and if you don't specify, you just get whatever they slice. A legitimate concern, I think, is the temperature. By the time I made it past the cashier and to our table, the brisket was cold. I've noticed this during visits to their other locations, but it seemed worse here. This was a minor issue though and quickly forgotten.

The ribs were good too. They were meaty with a good combination of smoky and sweet flavors. I would consider them slightly overcooked though, with a bit too soft of a texture. I don't actually like when they "fall off the bone"- great ribs take a few teeth to chew. Pulled chicken is not something I normally would order, but our 2 year old liked it, and it was actually pretty good. It came doused with sauce, but that was ok. The sauce goes better on chicken than it does on their pulled pork.

The smoked jalapenos were epic as usual and they disappeared first. The rest of the sides were good too, but nothing stood out like the peppers.

Overall, 4Rivers has taken over the top spot for barbecue in Gainesville in my opinion. Their brisket is definitely the best in town-maybe even the state. I would still go to Adam's Rib Company when I'm looking for ribs, and Adam's or David's for pulled pork. But if you're going with a group and want to make everyone happy, or if you're even considering eating brisket, this is the place to be.

FOOD RATING: 4 OF 5
OVERALL RATING: 4 OF 5

4Rivers Smokehouse- Jacksonville,FL

2013-07-30T11:31:00.000-05:00

I eagerly anticipated the opening of 4Rivers fourth location in Jacksonville, but it turned out I didn't make it there until about a month after they had opened. I had had a great experience at their Winter Garden location, so I was cautiously optimistic for more of the same here. The exterior was very similar, from the unique signage to the large outdoor eating area.

Stepping inside, I encountered a lunchtime line of 25-30 people. It moved quickly though, and gave me just enough time to get some shots of the interior. This location features a larger indoor dining area than I remember at the other location, with a combination of small four-tops and a few long communal tables on wheels.

They had a similar collection of unique sodas. I chose an Earp's Original Sarsaparilla, aptly described as "rich velvety sarsaparilla flavor with a touch of smoke".

Soon after, I was at the counter. In a rare departure from my usual modus operandi, I didn't order pork on my first visit here. Angus brisket is 4Rivers signature offering. It was by far my favorite of their meats I had tried before, so I wanted to do a fair comparison. At least there was bacon wrapped around the smoked jalapenos I got as a side, so pork was not completely left out. Potato salad and barbecue beans rounded out my meal.

The brisket was every bit as good as before, flavor wise...in fact the slightly thicker rub and absence of sauce drizzled on top improved it in my opinion. It was perfectly moist, smoky and excellently seasoned.

My only complaint was that by the time it was sliced, plated and paid for, some of it had become rather cold. I used some of these pieces to sample the sauces. The sauces complemented the meat well, but were not overly impressive. There was not much difference between the regular and hot sauce either.

The smoked jalapenos were fantastic. I don't foresee my being able to eat here in the future without ordering at least a couple of them. The potato salad was just average, but the beans were thick and flavorful.

I was glad to see that so far 4Rivers has been able to keep impressing, even with their quick expansion. Like before though, I recommend if you eat here, you must try the brisket. I will definitely be back and try the rest of the menu. This rating largely reflects the brisket, and may change after trying more items- but hopefully not!

FOOD RATING: 4.5 OF 5
OVERALL RATING: 4 OF 5

Big Wood BBQ and Grill- Live Oak, FL

2013-06-14T19:27:00.000-05:00

I had meant to stop in here before, when it was Big Daddy's. This spring, though, Big Daddy's closed and reopened (with a new owner I assume) as Big Wood. Their billboards and bright red roof are attention-grabbing, and there's not much else left for barbecue in Live Oak, so I stopped in for lunch one day.

The inside is your typical wood and country decor, with an extreme overabundance of mounted animal heads. I have no problem with displayed hunting trophies, but between these and the 6th grade level double entendres, it had the feel of a museum of the modern redneck.
Sliced pork, baked beans and a baked sweet potato were what I ordered. I was served a
large portion of moist slices that were not especially smoky, though there were some good bits around the edges. The beans were solid if not extraordinary, and the sweet potato was good. On a side note, cinnamon butter is my favorite topping for a baked sweet potato, and I'm little surprised by
the number of restaurants that don't even offer it. The mild barbecue sauce had a pleasant peppery flavor that livened up the pork a little more. The food was decent, and constant refills of cold sweet tea made it an enjoyable lunch. Unfortunately what stood out most though was the overall atmosphere of fake loudmouth country which I despise.

FOOD RATING: 3 OF 5

OVERALL RATING: 2.5 OF 5

Malson's Barbeque- Kingsland,GA

2013-06-02T20:09:00.000-05:00

The exits along I-95 in south Georgia are pretty hit or miss, food-wise. Either there's nothing there except a Dairy Queen that somehow survived from the dinosaur age, or else you are greeted by a forest of signage for practically every fast food, gas and hotel brand under the sun.

I had planned to stop mainly for gas at Exit 3 in Kingsland, but something jogged a distant memory of wood-cooked barbecue in the area, and led me to do a quick Google search, which pulled up Malson's. It would have been easy to miss among the towering signposts and cookie-cutter convenience stores if the aroma of oak smoke hadn't blanketed the interchange as I slowed at the bottom of the exit ramp. I traced the smell to a shack the size of a backyard shed, next to the Exxon station. Red painted, life sized letters spelled out B-B-Q on the roof.

Orders are placed at the window. The only place to eat on site is a few dilapidated picnic tables to the side of the parking lot. Immediately to the left are the two giant smokers and the stacks of oak that fuel them.

A pleasant young lady took my order for a pork plate with potato salad and baked beans. In a few minutes I had a heavy black Styrofoam container in my hand and was headed for the road. I popped it open to find a massive pile of pulled pork with lots of chunks of black edges.

As I picked up and ate chunks of the deliciously smoky meat, I found the source of the extra weight-rice. Rice? Yes, at least a pound of your ordinary, cooked white rice. I have to admit I've never seen barbeque served this way before. There was plenty of pork even without any filler, so I ended up leaving most of the rice. It would have worked well to tame some of the extra smoky outer bits of meat for someone who prefers less smoke. Eaten that way, this would have easily been a meal for two. The sauce was excellent as well. Though there wasn't much need for it, I did dip a few of the inside pieces of meat along with a little rice in it and found it to be a good combination. The beans were on par, and the potato salad a little more creamy than usual, but good nonetheless.

This place is definitely worth stopping at if you are headed north or south on I-95. Just get off at exit 3 and follow your nose.

FOOD RATING: 4 OF 5
OVERALL RATING: 4 OF 5

How Not To Operate a BBQ Restaurant in Gainesville, FL

2013-05-17T22:56:00.000-05:00

From time to time, I visit a new place intending to write a review, but with it sometimes taking me a while to get to it, they up and shut down before I get a chance. Such was the case with two establishments I visited last year: Smokehouse and Grumpy's Rib House, both in Gainesville,FL. In the interest of exploring what went wrong for them, I decided to write a brief post-closing review of both.

Smokehouse

Three words came to mind as I parked down the street in downtown Gainesville and walked back to Smokehouse for a workday lunch, and they were all "location". Not to say that there isn't good urban barbecue being made in some parts, but somehow I don't think you will ever find many North Florida meat eaters willing to plunk quarters in a parking meter in order to find a pork sandwich. Perhaps that is why I was one of only two customers in the large, dark dining area.

They billed their food as gourmet barbecue, which I guess it was if gourmet means fancy square plates and cloth napkins. I ordered a pork sandwich anyway, with garlic corn as the side. I waited. The other party finished and left, leaving me alone and still waiting. Finally my lunch appeared, and well, I have to say they made a respectable attempt at real barbecue. The pork had been smoked well and had nice flavor, as did the corn. But the quiet, dark atmosphere ruined it. What might have otherwise been a respectable lunch venue, as a barbecue restaurant was just depressing.

FOOD RATING: 3 OF 5

OVERALL RATING: 2 OF 5

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Grumpy's Rib House

Grumpy's occupied one end of a recently remodeled strip mall. The parking situation here was slightly better, but I still had to find a spot at the building next door. It was clear when I entered the establishment that they also spent a good deal of money and effort to try to create their own brand of a bbq experience.

I don't know if the man taking my order was the Grumpy, but he was grumpy. I was already pressed for time so I took my order of a rib lunch to go. The three ribs were nicely packaged with a side of slaw and a piece of garlic toast. It was a pretty presentation but the taste didn't match.

FOOD RATING 2 OF 5
OVERALL RATING 2 OF 5

In the end, both places spent too much effort on the look of the place and appearance of the food but were not able to deliver the winning combination of good food and a pleasant experience. They both had it backwards. It almost never works to create a following for a barbecue restaurant with contrived authenticity or history. Start with good food served honestly, and then the true story will follow.

Monroe's Smokehouse Bar-B-Q- Jacksonville, FL (Southside)

2013-05-08T13:30:00.000-05:00

Having had a somewhat agreeable experience at the original Monroe's location, I thought it would be a good idea to see how the new location on Beach Blvd. compares. The inside is neat, clean and tastefully decorated:

Service was friendly and fast even though they had a good sized lunch crowd. Like before, I ordered a combo plate of pulled pork and sliced brisket. Sides of baked beans and cole slaw competed my meal.

This time the meat was better. Both had good smoke. The pork was moist, the brisket just a little dry but still had great flavor. Though the price was a little high for lunch, I got plenty of meat for the money. It was enough to sample all the sauces, which were good too, especially the spicy sauce. The beans were great- must be the same recipe as at the original location.

It was nice to see a chain that is getting better as it expands. I look forward to eating here again.

FOOD RATING: 3.5 OF 5
OVERALL RATING: 4 OF 5

Fat Belly's Bar-N-Grill, White Springs,FL

2013-03-22T12:30:00.000-05:00

There isn't much for restaurant options in the town of White Springs, and the few that there are seem to come and go with the seasons. So, I didn't pay much attention when a place called "Fat Belly's" opened up shop a while ago. But seeing that it had stayed open over a year, and the parking lot was full of work trucks most lunch hours, I finally decided to give it a try.

The inside, of which I got zero good pictures, is a simple square dining room, with booths and tables packed tightly together. The wood-boarded walls are likewise cluttered with miscellaneous country decor, giving it the feel of eating a family dinner at an organizationally-challenged relative's home. But at least they can cook.

I didn't come specifically looking for barbecue, but when I saw they had a barbecue section on their menu, I knew I had to try it. Options were limited; sliced or chopped pork sandwich, sliced pork plate, or chicken. I went for the chopped sandwich and was not disappointed. A pile of perfect pork completely covered one half of a large, lightly toasted sandwich bun. It was smoky with lots of bits of flavorful crust throughout.

I was intrigued by the bottle of "gold sauce" that the waitress brought, and I tried it on a portion of the meat. This was one of the best mustard sauces I've had recently. It gave even more flavors to the meat and was an excellent addition even though the pork was good alone. Their sweet sauce was average- normally it would have been used, but with the gold sauce around, it didn't stand a chance.

The beans and fries I got as sides were both respectable- beans meaty and fries hot and fresh. They also brewed good, strong sweet tea- something you don't find everywhere. But the pork was the star. I'll be back for one of these sandwiches again, as long as they can keep the doors open.

FOOD RATING: 4 OF 5
OVERALL RATING: 4 OF 5

The Barbeque Pit- Moultrie,GA

2013-02-17T17:25:00.000-05:00

The kids and I had a day trip to Moultrie planned for a while, so I took advantage of the chance to see what the town had to offer, barbeque wise. A Google search revealed The Barbeque Pit as one of the few places left, although some lists still mentioned a second restaurant which has since closed down. I noted that Grant of the Marie, Let's Eat! blog had visited last year, and I read his entry with interest.

We spent the day at the Southeastern Agricultural Expo and ended up needing to do a quick kid-friendly lunch of hot dogs and fries to keep everyone happy. By mid-afternoon we were ready to head back south, but as a cold drizzle began to fall I knew I still had one more stop to make. As we pulled in, I noticed the gigantic pile of split oak in a fenced off area of the parking lot. I dodged raindrops on the way to the take-out window, where I placed an order for a sliced pork sandwich on garlic bread with a side of potato salad.

I didn't really expect to find a steaming hot pile of just smoked pork at four in the afternoon.It was most likely reheated but what stood out more was the lack of any dominating flavor. There was just a hint of mild oak smoke. The few bits of seasoning weren't quite enough to add much either, but at least it wasn't bad tasting or dried out. I poured half of the cup of sauce they gave me on the sandwich and finished it off. The sauce was likewise good though nothing special, and the trend continued with the potato salad and tea.

I was glad to have made the stop and to have my barbecue fix for the rainy ride home. Still, passing through the barely-there town of Morven, GA, I spied a small shack with a rusty smoker out back called Miller's Barbecue. It was closed, but reading some good reviews of it made me think I might have just missed the real thing. Maybe next time...

FOOD RATING: 2.5 OF 5
OVERALL RATING: 3 OF 5

Adam's Rib Company- Gainesville, FL

2013-01-17T20:41:00.000-05:00

It's been a year and a half since my original review- where does the time go? This time, I only had a chance to grab a to-go lunch again. They had a pork sandwich and 2 rib special that I took advantage of. The sandwich was good; the ribs were still awesome. Here are a few new photos:

Awesome collection of house made sauces. Someday I want to try them all.

This is how pulled pork should look. And taste.

Still the best ribs in Gainesville.

Original rating stands:

FOOD RATING: 4 OF 5
OVERALL RATING: 3.5 OF 5

Gorgi's II Real Pit BBQ-Jacksonville,FL

2013-01-11T20:17:00.000-05:00

Gorgi's sits up close to Edgewood Avenue, in an older area of Jacksonville just south of I-10. I passed by several times a week for quite a while before I realized it was not permanently closed like some of it's neighbors. The parking lot hidden behind the building was more than half full, so I was a little surprised to find the inside almost deserted as I entered.

I stuck to the standard pork plate with baked beans. They offered a white cheddar mac and cheese, so I chose that as my second side. A good choice, as it was the high point of my meal.

The pork suffered from a severe lack of flavor. It was moist enough, but my guess is it got that way from being boiled in water. I attempted resuscitation with sauce, but unfortunately even they were bland. The beans and toast were ok. Nothing tasted bad; it just didn't taste like anything.

FOOD RATING: 2 OF 5
OVERALL RATING: 3 OF 5

Smok'n Pig-Valdosta,GA

2013-01-06T17:36:00.000-05:00

For a long time, my opinion of the Smok'n Pig has been the most asked about of any restaurant in the area. Despite it having a lot of buzz, some of it generated by their billboard claim to be one of the top 10 in the country, I hadn't found an opportunity to make the 45 minute drive up to Valdosta until recently. One Saturday night my wife and I caught a ride with some good friends to check it out. It's a large place, open and airy on the inside with a high tin roof capping the rustic looking walls.

The menu includes an array of appetizers and a salad bar, which is a little unusual for the typical bbq joint. Our table ordered onion rings and fried pickles. Both came out quick, hot and in heaping quantities, and were a good start to our meal.

I wanted to sample as many meats as I could. Since we'd already over indulged in food of the battered and fried variety, my wife and I opted to share a 3-meat sampler including pork, ribs and brisket. We added on sides of mashed potatoes and (yes more fried) okra.

The consensus of our table was that the brisket was the best of the meats, and I agreed. It was moist and well smoked, although not cooked quite enough to let the fat lend it's extra flavor to the meat.

While some in our party enjoyed the ribs, I found them to mediocre. Without applying large amounts of one of their many sauces, they had an unfresh, dark flavor which often comes from reheating old ribs. I compared it to dog food, which of course resulted in jokes about when I had last tried it.

Fortunately most of the sauces added a distinct flavor to cover this. All were pretty good, but there were too many options to figure which was best. They were even more necessary for the "pulled pork" which had a similarly old flavor and was chopped into bits that had dried out and had little flavor on their own.

While I did enjoy my meal here, it was more due to having a fun evening with good company than the food. The appetizers, cold sweet tea and sauce selection were excellent, but I can't give them a pass for the neglected meats. I suspect this isn't a problem for most highway travelers or casual visitors brought in by the promise of some high rated barbecue. With a salad bar, appetizers and too many side options to mention, apparently that is who they are catering to, not those who simply appreciate genuine barbecue. Their slogan says "Good Times...Good Friends...Good Food", but on this night I only had the first two.

FOOD RATING: 3 OF 5
OVERALL RATING: 3.5 OF 5

Billy C's Fred Cotton BBQ, Jacksonville, FL

2012-11-19T19:09:00.000-05:00

Although I had heard the name once or twice, I might have never tried Fred Cotton BBQ if I hadn't ran across their story in this book. It sits quietly beside Main Street in the rougher north side of town, and on the off chance I might have driven by, I don't know that even I would have been compelled to stop after seeing the ramshackle exterior.

The windows have all been boarded up for who knows how long, but a bit of smoke still hung around, like a ghost of bbq past. According to the story, 'Billy C' took over in 2000 from the original owner who established it in 1948. On entering the dimly lit interior, it became apparent that he didn't make many changes.

A few bulbs hanging from the ceiling shed the only light on miniature tile floors, a wooden counter, and cracked leather bar stools that looked like they hadn't been updated since at best the '70s.

Behind the counter, a wiry black man, who might have also been here since then, shoveled, sliced and chopped his wares on the smoke stained brick pit.

I only needed a quick meal so I ordered a rib sandwich to go. After a few minutes in which it felt like time was slowly being rewound, I paid for my sandwich and exited the building, blinking several times as my eyes readjusted to the bright sunlight outside. A quick peek in my styrofoam box revealed this:

The spare ribs were cooked well even though their taste was a little hidden by the flood of sauce drenching them. It was a nicely balanced mustard sauce but just a little more than the tiny ribs needed. I sopped some of it up with the fresh white bread, alternating with slightly chewy bits of well seasoned meat and ended up with just what I came for, a craving-satisfying snack. I have to say though, if I had been hungry for a full lunch, this sandwich would have came up short.

I am very curious about the rest of the menu, so if I'm ever in the area again, I'll be sure to stop in again for some vintage 'que. Based on this visit though, it only gets average marks for the ribs and the atmosphere of a place that feels like it may have been great once, but who's time is passed and slowly dying.

FOOD RATING: 3 OF 5
OVERALL RATING: 3.5 OF 5