The Florida Restaurant Whose Banana Pudding Is Worth a Hours-Long Drive
Set your GPS to 4930 State Rd 13 N and follow the winding stretch of road until the trees open up and the aroma of barbecue confirms you’re close.
Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ in St. Augustine has earned a loyal following not only for its smoked meats but for its banana pudding, which many visitors insist on ordering every time.
The drive is simple, the environment is relaxed, and the desserts and sides help prove why this small spot has made such a big impression on locals and travelers alike.
The Destination That Feels Like A Discovery
Woodpeckers sits in a quiet stretch of State Road 13, surrounded by greenery and shaded by large oaks that give it a calm, welcoming feel.
The location at 4930 State Rd 13 N, St. Augustine, FL 32092 is easy to reach, and it often feels like you’ve stumbled onto a hidden local favorite rather than a heavily advertised restaurant.
As you approach, the steady aroma of smoke rising from the pits serves as your unofficial confirmation that you’ve arrived at the right place.
The building is modest, clean, and designed for efficiency, with a service window and picnic tables arranged around the property.
Whether you choose a shaded table outside or step inside to enjoy the strong air conditioning, the setting is built for comfort without unnecessary frills. It’s a straightforward, unfussy environment that works well for both quick bites and slow, relaxed meals.
Because the kitchen smokes meats fresh each day, arriving earlier is generally smart. Popular items can run out, especially during weekends or busy lunch hours. E
ven so, the atmosphere remains calm, and guests tend to settle in with a sense of purpose: enjoy the food, enjoy the company, and save room for banana pudding before heading back on the road.
A History Told In Smoke And Smiles
Woodpeckers has built its reputation steadily over the years, becoming one of the region’s most recognized barbecue stops.
The restaurant consistently earns high ratings across review platforms, and customers often mention the quality and consistency of the brisket, ribs, and datil pepper–flavored sides.
It’s the kind of place that doesn’t rely on marketing; instead, word of mouth and repeat visits do much of the work.
Their daily routine is simple and transparent. Doors open at 11 AM, and the food is served until the pans run empty.
The restaurant operates Tuesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 7 PM, closing only on Mondays.
Staff members know the menu well, greet regulars by name, and often take time to help newcomers choose cuts of meat or understand the flavor differences between sauces.
Though the restaurant doesn’t spotlight a detailed origin story or founder biography, its identity shows through its food and service.
Datil pepper appears throughout the menu as a recognizable local flavor, giving Woodpeckers a distinctive twist that helps separate it from more generic barbecue options.
It’s a simple philosophy: cook well, treat people well, and let the meal speak for itself.
Exterior Charm, Interior Comfort
From the outside, Woodpeckers presents itself as a straightforward, comfortable barbecue stop. The picnic tables under the oaks offer shade and a bit of breeze, and the open layout makes it easy for groups or families to settle in.
Visitors occasionally mention spotting chickens wandering the property, though this seems to be an irregular sight rather than a guaranteed part of the experience.
Inside, the air conditioning provides a welcome break from the Florida heat.
The décor leans toward practical rather than decorative, with menu boards that clearly outline the options and sauce stations placed for easy access.
It’s functional without feeling bare, offering everything you need for a relaxed meal without any unnecessary distractions.
The space is arranged to keep lines moving and tables available without creating a rushed atmosphere. Whether you’re eating indoors or outdoors, the setup makes it easy to grab what you need and enjoy your food at your own pace.
Ambience That Works Up An Appetite
Woodpeckers maintains a friendly, easygoing atmosphere that suits its “backyard” name.
There’s a natural rhythm to the place, with the mix of conversation, the movement of trays, and the steady flow of customers creating a comfortable hum. It attracts a blend of locals, families, and travelers, all of whom seem equally energized by the smell of smoked meats and the relaxed setting.
Outdoor seating adds a bit of fresh air to the experience, especially on cooler days, while indoor seating provides a focused, cool space to enjoy your meal without the weather playing a role.
Even during peak hours, the staff handles the crowds calmly and efficiently, guiding orders and answering questions so guests feel confident choosing their meals.
It’s an atmosphere that encourages you to slow down just slightly, enjoy what’s in front of you, and take your time before heading back out for the rest of your day.
Menu Map: From Brisket To Datil Magic
The menu stays close to barbecue traditions while incorporating touches of local flavor. Brisket, ribs, sausage, turkey, and chicken appear in plates, sandwiches, and by-the-pound options.
Sides like mac and cheese, coleslaw, green beans, collards, baked potatoes, and datil baked beans give customers plenty of ways to round out a tray, and the datil options in particular add a little North Florida character.
Pricing falls into a moderate range consistent with similar barbecue restaurants across the state, and portions tend to be generous.
Sauce choices range from sweet to hot, letting customers adjust their meal to their preferred heat level or combine flavors for a custom mix.
The best way to experience the menu is to try a combination of meats and sides, especially if it’s your first visit.
That said, planning ahead for banana pudding is a smart idea, many customers consider it a highlight and finish their meal with it whether they planned to or not.
Signature Dishes That Sing
Woodpeckers’ ribs are consistently praised for their tenderness and balanced smoke, while the brisket is known for its flavorful bark and juicy interior.
The datil sausage is a favorite for those looking to try something unique to the area, offering a sweet heat that sets it apart from typical barbecue sausage.
The sides deserve attention as well. The mac and cheese is creamy and reliable, and the coleslaw—available in regular or spicy versions, provides a crisp, refreshing contrast to the heavier meats.
Datil baked beans, with their touch of local pepper, offer a flavorful companion to almost any plate.
Cornbread adds a mild sweetness that pairs well with the rest of the menu.
The banana pudding, however, is one of the restaurant’s most talked-about items.
Served cold and layered with vanilla pudding, wafers, and banana slices, it delivers a classic dessert with a freshly made taste.
Many guests end their meal with it, and some come specifically because they’ve heard about it from friends or online reviews.
Service With A Side Of Kindness
The staff at Woodpeckers takes a straightforward, friendly approach to service.
The line typically moves quickly, with employees answering questions and offering suggestions without rushing anyone through their choices.
Regulars often move through the ordering process with ease, while first-time visitors get helpful guidance on portion sizes and flavor profiles.
Whether inside or outside, staff members are attentive and make sure guests have what they need.
Their easy, conversational style fits well with the casual setup and adds to the overall impression that the restaurant genuinely values its customers.
Even on crowded days, the service manages to stay consistent, helping keep the experience relaxed rather than hectic.
What Guests Can Expect On Any Given Day
If you arrive during the lunch rush, especially on weekends, expect a crowd.
The restaurant is well-known in St. Johns County, and many locals treat it as a go-to spot.
The smell of smoke greets you quickly, and your clothes may carry a hint of it by the time you leave—a common sign of a good barbecue visit.
Because everything is smoked fresh each day, some items may sell out before closing. Once a particular meat runs out, it usually won’t return until the next day’s cook.
The hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 11 AM to 7 PM, with Monday closed, though it’s always wise to check posted updates during holidays or special events.
Portions tend to be filling, pricing is reasonable, and parking is straightforward. The environment is easy to navigate whether you’re staying for a long meal or making a quick detour.
And of course, saving room for banana pudding completes the experience for most visitors.
A Quick Detour That Turned Into a Full Meal
On a recent trip through northern Florida, I planned to stop only for a small bite.
A few minutes later, I found myself seated under an oak tree with a tray full of ribs, brisket, and a banana pudding I hadn’t intended to order but knew I needed to try.
The food arrived quickly, and the first bites made it clear why this place draws such steady traffic.
A nearby diner suggested mixing the hot and sweet sauces, and the combination ended up being surprisingly good.
Conversations like that seem common here, where customers share small tips or favorite items with each other without hesitation. The relaxed setting makes it easy to settle in and enjoy the break.
The banana pudding ended the visit on a high note. Cold, familiar, and satisfying, it tied the meal together and reinforced why so many people recommend the dessert as much as the meat.
Neighborhood, Details, And The Last Sweet Word
Woodpeckers sits near the St. Johns River in a quiet area of North Florida, offering a scenic drive that adds to the experience.
It’s close enough to St. Augustine and Jacksonville to make it an easy detour, yet far enough from busier streets to feel like a local find.
For planning purposes, the phone number is +1 904-531-5670.
Hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 11 AM to 7 PM, with Monday closed. Ordering is done at the counter, sauces are self-serve, and seating is available both inside and outdoors.
Many visitors end their visit the same way, by ordering the banana pudding.
Cool, comforting, and straightforward, it’s often the final reminder that the drive was worth it.
For barbecue fans and dessert lovers alike, Woodpeckers offers a simple formula that keeps people coming back.