Some people drive hours for a beach, but plenty of Georgians drive hours for a sandwich. On St. Simons Island, a former gas station now pumps out oak smoke instead of fuel, and the brisket coming off those smokers has a reputation that stretches up and down the coast.
I went to see if Southern Soul Barbeque lives up to all the talk. Here is what I found, from the bark on the meat to the best time to beat the line.
An Old Gas Station on Demere Road
Follow your nose down Demere Road and you will probably find Southern Soul Barbeque before you spot the sign. The restaurant sits at 2020 Demere Rd on St. Simons Island, inside a building that used to be a gas station.
Today it runs as a busy Southern barbecue joint known for oak-smoked meat and homemade sauces. The roundabout spot puts it close to resorts, shops, and even the island airport, so it is easy to reach no matter where you are staying.
On my first visit, the smoke hit me while I was still in the parking lot. Other visitors say the same thing happened to them, with that drifting scent pulling them in after passing by several times on vacation.
With a 4.6-star rating across more than 3,500 Google reviews, this is not a hidden gem. It is a well-known stop, and the crowds prove it.
Fame Built on Smoke and TV Spots
Walls covered in awards and magazine clippings tell part of the story before you even order. Diners mention that the framed press gets them excited for the meal ahead.
Several visitors say they first heard about Southern Soul from the TV show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and one noted it has been featured twice. That kind of exposure brings travelers from far away.
Word of mouth does its share too. One pilot said fellow aviators from coastal South Carolina down to South Florida recommended it, since it sits a stone’s throw from the island airport.
Another diner rode up from Northeast Florida just to eat here and called the trip worth it. A Georgia traveler who eats barbecue across the state for work said this was the best brisket and sauce he had found so far.
Fun detail: guests often ask about the license plates on the walls. Nobody in the reviews explains them, which only adds to the charm.
Brisket With Serious Bark
Brisket is the reason many people make the drive, and it gets mentioned more than any other dish in reviews. I ordered it sliced, and the bark was dark and deeply seasoned.
Barbecue fans in the reviews talk about a tender texture that passes the bend and pull tests, with a clear smoke ring. One regular said you can tell the bark was carefully tended.
To be fair, it is not perfect every time. A couple of diners found it dry, especially later in the day, so I suggest going earlier if brisket is your main goal.
Most guests, though, describe it as moist, flavorful, and incredible. It is the dish that turns first-timers into repeat visitors.
The Sliced Brisket Sandwich
Picture a soft sesame bun stuffed so full that the meat spills out the sides. That is the brisket sandwich, and it might be the best value on the menu.
You can choose chopped or sliced, and pickles are optional. One diner said a single sandwich can feed two people if you are not super hungry.
Visitors love pairing it with the sweet barbecue sauce. Another guest praised the coleslaw that came alongside, calling its flavor rather unique.
If you only try one thing, this sandwich is a smart, filling choice.
Ribs, Pulled Pork, and Turkey
Can’t decide? Neither could I, which is why the sampler plate with two or three meats is such a good move.
A longtime cook reportedly recommends exactly that to newcomers.
Ribs are the second most talked-about item. Diners describe them as tender with a hint of sweetness, good enough that some skip sauce entirely.
Pulled pork is a favorite too, and husbands, kids, and solo travelers all seem to give it a thumbs up. Smoked turkey surprises people, with guests calling it tender and cooked perfectly, especially with the vinegar sauce.
Here is my warning: these sell out. One evening visitor arrived around 5:30 and found the pulled pork and ribs already gone.
Brunswick Stew Worth Its Own Trip
Georgia takes its Brunswick stew seriously, and the town of Brunswick is right across the causeway. So ordering a bowl here feels almost like a local duty.
It is one of the most mentioned dishes in reviews. One diner who tried ribs, brisket, and hush puppies said the stew was the true standout and called it absolutely phenomenal.
I found it hearty and smoky, the kind of side that could easily be a meal. Grab a cup even if you think you are too full.
Sauces on the Table
Homemade sauces are part of the house identity, and there are several to choose from. Guests mention sweet, spicy, and vinegar versions, and many say all of them hit the spot.
The sweet sauce pairs especially well with brisket, according to regulars. One couple loved it so much they started looking for places to buy it right away.
Good news for them: the restaurant ships its sauce through its website. That makes a pretty great souvenir for anyone back home.
Sides, Specials, and Wings
Collard greens, fried okra, and hush puppies get lots of love. Diners call the greens excellent and the okra crispy and classic, and the hush puppies earned standout praise from at least one guest.
Mac and cheese is where opinions split. Some call it homemade and wonderful, while others found it mushy, so your mileage may vary.
Specials rotate too. Visitors mention fried chicken on Sundays and prime rib as a daily special, and the chicken earns compliments for staying moist.
There are flavored wings as well, described as smoky, sweet, and spicy. The Maui flavor apparently sells out often, and you will even find a Cuban-style sandwich and a BLT.
Frozen Drinks and Sweet Tea
On a hot island afternoon, the drink menu matters more than you think. Frozen drinks come up again and again in reviews.
One visitor raved about the frozen strawberry vodka lemonade, calling it next level. Others simply praised the great iced tea and cooler drinks.
I sipped mine outside while waiting for the meat tray, and it took the edge off the heat nicely.
Atmosphere, Seating, and the Crowd
Expect a crowd. Lines can stretch out the door, but people say they move fast and food arrives quickly.
Inside seating is minimal, so most folks eat outdoors. Guests describe the patio as clean and well kept, though birds may try to share your lunch.
A few recent visitors said it got hot indoors, and the owners responded that they were working on the air conditioning. Staff get praise for being friendly and helpful with choices, though one guest had a less cheerful counter experience.
Families, couples, and road-trippers all seem at home here. One diner liked that there is no blaring music, so you can actually talk.
Before leaving, stop by the gift shop for souvenirs.
Hours, Prices, and Getting There
Plan around the clock, because closing comes earlier than you might expect. Southern Soul opens daily at 11 AM.
Monday through Thursday it closes at 7 PM. Friday through Sunday it stays open until 8 PM.
Most people spend about $20 to $30 per person. Some sides add up, and one group noted four cornbreads cost $16, so order thoughtfully.
The address is 2020 Demere Rd, St Simons Island, GA 31522, near the island airport. Call +1 912-638-7685 or check southernsoulbbq.com before you go, and arrive early for the best meat selection.
My Verdict on the Hype
So, is it worth planning a trip around? For brisket lovers, I would say yes, with a small asterisk.
Most diners leave thrilled, praising the bark, sauces, stew, and speedy service. A handful found dry meat or bland sides, and the owners usually respond and promise to pass notes along.
Go early, order the brisket, add Brunswick stew, and grab a frozen drink for the patio. Do that, and I think you will understand why so many Georgians keep coming back.
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