Supper Plates Vanish Quickly At This Florida Restaurant
At Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ in St. Augustine, supper plates barely hit the table before they disappear.
Smoky aromas, tender meats, and bold flavors combine to create dishes that demand attention.
Locals arrive early, eager to claim their favorite plate, while visitors quickly learn that patience pays off.
Each bite is a celebration of comfort and craftsmanship, leaving a lasting impression that keeps guests coming back again and again for more of that irresistible barbecue magic.
Meet the Head Pecker Behind the Smoke
Founder Lisa Marston wears her title proudly: the self-proclaimed “head pecker” of this BBQ empire. She’s not your typical restaurateur in a fancy suit; she’s hands-on, smoke-stained, and fiercely committed to quality over quantity.
Her leadership style is as bold as her sauces. Lisa built this spot from scratch, turning a simple roadside dream into a must-visit destination.
Local ownership means every decision, every recipe tweak, and every customer interaction reflects her personal touch and passion for authentic barbecue done right.
A Decade of Smoky Success
Opening its doors in 2014, Woodpeckers recently celebrated ten years of slinging ribs and pulling pork.
That’s a full decade of perfecting rubs, mastering smoke rings, and building a fan base that rivals any cult following.
Surviving a decade in the restaurant game is no small feat. Many spots fold within the first year, but this joint kept the fires burning through trends, competition, and even a pandemic.
Anniversary milestones like this prove staying power rooted in consistency, flavor, and a loyal community that keeps coming back for more smoky goodness.
The Motto That Keeps Customers Racing the Clock
“We close when we run out” isn’t just catchy marketing; it’s the daily reality at Woodpeckers.
Popular items disappear fast, sometimes hours before the official closing time, leaving latecomers empty-handed and disappointed.
This scarcity model creates urgency. Regulars know to arrive early or risk missing their favorite pulled pork sandwich or fall-off-the-bone ribs.
It’s a gamble every visit, but that unpredictability adds to the thrill. When you snag a plate before they sell out, it feels like winning the BBQ lottery, making every bite taste even sweeter.
Roadside Gem in St. Johns County
Tucked just outside downtown St. Augustine, Woodpeckers sits roadside in St. Johns County, easy to miss if you blink but impossible to forget once you’ve tasted their food. The location screams classic Americana: casual, no-frills, and all about the grub.
Being slightly off the beaten path hasn’t hurt business one bit. Instead, it adds to the charm, attracting locals and tourists willing to venture beyond the main drag.
Roadside BBQ joints like this carry a certain magic, where the focus stays on flavor, not fancy decor or Instagram-worthy interiors.
Yelp’s Top 100 Barbecue Spots in America
Recognition hit hard in 2024 when Yelp named Woodpeckers one of the Top 100 Barbecue Spots in America. That’s serious street cred in the BBQ world, where competition is fierce and standards are sky-high.
Making this list means thousands of rave reviews, consistent quality, and a reputation that stretches far beyond Florida. It’s validation from real customers, not critics in suits.
This honor puts Woodpeckers on the national map, drawing BBQ pilgrims from across the country eager to taste what all the hype is about and see if it lives up to expectations.
Datil Pepper Sauces That Pack St. Augustine Heat
Famous for their datil pepper sauces, Woodpeckers embraces a St. Augustine signature ingredient that brings sweet heat and local flavor to every plate. Datil peppers are rare, grown almost exclusively in this region, making them a true taste of place.
These sauces aren’t just hot for the sake of heat; they balance spice with fruity undertones, enhancing smoked meats without overpowering them.
Sides also get the datil treatment, turning classic coleslaw and baked beans into bold, memorable dishes. It’s a flavor profile you won’t find anywhere else, rooted in local tradition and culinary pride.
Indoor, Outdoor, and Walk-Up Window Options
Flexibility defines the dining experience here. Woodpeckers offers indoor seating for those who want air conditioning, outdoor picnic tables for fresh air and sunshine, and a convenient walk-up window for grabbing takeout on the go.
This setup caters to everyone: families wanting a sit-down meal, solo diners craving quick bites, and groups needing space to spread out.
The walk-up window is genius for busy customers who don’t have time to linger but refuse to skip great BBQ. It’s all about making delicious food accessible, no matter your schedule or dining preference.