Tucked away in a converted gas station on Demere Road, Southern Soul Barbeque has become one of St. Simons Island’s most beloved dining destinations. What started as a humble roadside shack now draws locals and tourists alike with the irresistible smell of oak-smoked meats drifting through the Georgia air.
With a 4.6-star rating and thousands of loyal fans, this place is proof that great barbecue doesn’t need fancy decor — just passion, smoke, and soul.
The Oak-Smoked Meats That Started It All
Some restaurants build their reputation on atmosphere or gimmicks, but Southern Soul Barbeque lets the smoke do all the talking. Every piece of meat here is slow-cooked over real oak wood, giving it that deep, rich flavor you just can’t fake.
The process takes hours, and you can taste every single one of them.
Reviewers consistently rave about the brisket, pulled pork, and ribs that come out of this kitchen. One visitor called the BBQ “absolutely amazing” after visiting for the first time on a recommendation from a local.
Another drove 45 minutes just to try the smoked turkey and chicken — and left completely satisfied.
Oak smoking is a time-honored Southern tradition, and this spot honors it fully. Whether you are a barbecue newcomer or a seasoned pit master fan, the smoked meats here will leave a lasting impression worth talking about.
Brisket: The Crown Jewel of the Menu
Few things in the barbecue world spark as much conversation as a perfectly smoked brisket, and Southern Soul Barbeque’s version has earned its fair share of praise. One reviewer who described themselves as coming “from BBQ country in Texas” said the brisket here was nothing short of amazing.
That is high praise from someone who knows their smoked beef.
Multiple guests ordered the brisket platter and left impressed by its smoky depth and flavor when paired with the house spicy sauce. “I think I found my brisket spot,” wrote one happy customer after making the trip specifically to test the restaurant’s consistency.
A few reviews mention occasional dryness, which shows this kitchen isn’t perfect every single time. But when the brisket is on point — moist, well-seasoned, and kissed with oak smoke — it earns every bit of its legendary status on this island.
Pulled Pork So Good It Fills the Room
Walk into Southern Soul Barbeque on any given afternoon and the smell of pulled pork will stop you in your tracks. The Soul Sandwich — a jumbo pulled pork sandwich — is one of the most talked-about items on the menu, and for good reason.
Reviewers describe it as flavorful, moist, and generously portioned.
“One sandwich feeds two if you are not there to eat big,” one customer noted, pointing out just how hearty these portions really are. The pulled pork is served with your choice of house-made sauces on the side, letting you control exactly how saucy you like things.
The Weekday Worker special, which includes a pulled pork sandwich, fries, and a drink for just ten dollars, has become a fan favorite among locals. It’s the kind of honest, filling meal that reminds you why simple food done right always wins.
Ribs That Demand Your Full Attention
Ordering ribs at a new barbecue spot always feels a little like a test — and Southern Soul Barbeque mostly passes with flying colors. Guests who ordered the rib sampler alongside brisket and pulled pork reported that the ribs held their own as a satisfying, smoky option packed with flavor.
One reviewer gave the ribs a solid score and noted they were a highlight of the sampler plate experience. Another guest who visited on a Saturday specifically sought out the ribs and walked away happy, describing the overall BBQ experience as “masterful.”
A couple of reviewers did mention occasional inconsistency, which is not unusual for a high-volume BBQ spot. Still, when those ribs come out right — tender, smoky, and falling off the bone — they are exactly what you picture when you think of a classic Southern barbecue meal.
Smoked Turkey That Surprises Every First-Timer
Smoked turkey doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves at barbecue joints, but Southern Soul Barbeque makes sure it earns a standing ovation. Guests who ordered the turkey breast were genuinely caught off guard by how tender and flavorful it turned out to be. “I wasn’t sure what to expect.
It was tender and the vinegar on the side was flavorful,” one reviewer shared.
A couple visiting the island on a local’s recommendation tried the smoked turkey breast alongside a Cuban sandwich and called it an amazing meal. Even visitors from Texas — where barbecue standards run extremely high — gave the smoked turkey a thumbs up without hesitation.
Turkey is often overlooked in favor of pork or beef at BBQ spots, but here it’s treated with the same care and attention as everything else on the menu. First-timers who give it a shot rarely regret the decision.
Brunswick Stew: The Unsung Hero of the Menu
If there is one dish at Southern Soul Barbeque that consistently steals the spotlight from the main meats, it is the Brunswick stew. Thick, hearty, and loaded with chunks of smoked meat, this bowl of Southern comfort food has earned a near-perfect reputation among visitors.
One reviewer gave it a flat-out 10 out of 10 and called it “by far the best I have ever had.”
Another guest described the stew as “delicious” with chunks of smoked meat throughout, saying it was one of the standout parts of their holiday meal during a busy post-Christmas visit. The stew has a depth of flavor that comes from long cooking and quality ingredients — nothing watered down or rushed.
Brunswick stew is a classic Georgia dish, and this version honors that tradition beautifully. Order it as a side and you might just find yourself wishing you had made it the main event.
Mac and Cheese Made the Old-Fashioned Way
Not all mac and cheese is created equal, and Southern Soul Barbeque proves that point with every single serving. Guests who ordered it alongside their BBQ plates were quick to point out that this is homemade mac and cheese — not the processed, powdered kind. “They did not skimp out on their sides at all,” one reviewer wrote enthusiastically after their first visit.
The creamy, rich texture of the mac and cheese has made it a go-to side dish for families and barbecue lovers visiting the island. Kids and adults alike tend to scrape the container clean before moving on to anything else on the tray.
Pairing a smoky, saucy plate of brisket or pulled pork with a scoop of real, from-scratch mac and cheese is one of life’s simple pleasures. At Southern Soul, that pairing feels less like a side dish and more like an event.
Collard Greens With Serious Southern Roots
Collard greens might seem like a simple side dish, but at Southern Soul Barbeque they carry serious weight. Seasoned with care and cooked low and slow, these greens have drawn compliments from visitors who did not even expect to be talking about a vegetable side after a full BBQ meal.
One reviewer specifically called them “excellent” while rating the overall experience highly.
Another guest ordered the brisket platter with collard greens and macaroni and cheese, describing the greens as part of what made the meal feel complete and satisfying. For many Southern food lovers, collard greens are the true measure of a kitchen’s soul — and this kitchen passes that test.
Whether you grew up eating greens at your grandmother’s table or you are trying them for the first time, the version served here feels warm, familiar, and deeply rooted in Georgia culinary tradition. They are worth every bite.
The Flavored Wings That Sell Out Fast
Word spreads fast when something is truly special, and the flavored wings at Southern Soul Barbeque have developed a devoted fan base all their own. Available in multiple flavors including the wildly popular Maui variety, these wings are described as meaty, smoky, sweet, and spicy all at once. “Off the charts delicious,” one reviewer wrote after trying three of the four available flavors.
The Maui wings sell out so regularly that one guest mentioned never being able to get them to-go before they disappear. That kind of demand says everything you need to know about how good they are.
Visitors are advised to arrive early if wings are high on their priority list.
Unlike the standard fried wings you find at most casual spots, these are smoked and sauced with real intention. They have a layered flavor profile that keeps you reaching back into the basket long after you planned to stop.
The Cuban Sandwich: A Surprising Standout
A BBQ joint serving a Cuban sandwich might raise a few eyebrows, but Southern Soul Barbeque pulls it off with style. Stuffed with smoked meat and pressed to golden perfection, this sandwich has quietly become one of the most talked-about items on the menu. “It was massive and very good,” one reviewer wrote after trying the Monday special version made with smoked chicken jerk.
Another guest who had visited multiple times specifically mentioned the Cuban as a highlight, ranking it right alongside the brisket and wings as something worth returning for. The smoky twist on a classic Cuban gives it a flavor identity that feels completely at home in a Georgia BBQ shack.
For visitors who want something slightly different from the traditional BBQ plate experience, the Cuban sandwich is the perfect way to enjoy the kitchen’s smoked meats in a whole new format. Order it while you can.
House-Made BBQ Sauces Worth Talking About
A great barbecue sauce can turn a good meal into an unforgettable one, and Southern Soul Barbeque takes its sauces seriously. The restaurant offers multiple house-made varieties, including sweet, spicy, vinegar-based, and mustard options, giving guests full control over how they finish their plate.
Locals tend to reach for the sweet sauce, a detail that returning visitors have picked up on and adopted.
One reviewer noted that the spicy sauce paired with the brisket created a flavor combination that was “amazing,” while another appreciated having the pulled pork served with sauce on the side — exactly as a proper BBQ should be presented. The sauces are made in-house, not poured from a generic bottle.
Having four distinct sauce options means every visit can feel slightly different depending on your mood and your meat. Sampling all four across a sampler plate is basically a flavor adventure you will want to repeat.
A Converted Gas Station With Loads of Character
Before it became one of Georgia’s most celebrated barbecue destinations, the building that houses Southern Soul Barbeque was a working gas station. That history is still very much alive in the architecture and the quirky, character-filled decor that greets guests the moment they arrive.
License plates cover the walls, magazine features are framed throughout, and the whole place feels like a living museum of Southern food culture.
Seating is available both inside and outside, with most guests gravitating toward the outdoor tables on sunny Georgia afternoons. The casual, laid-back vibe makes it easy to relax, slow down, and enjoy your food without any pretense or rush.
Visitors frequently mention the atmosphere as one of the reasons they keep coming back. There is something genuinely charming about eating world-class BBQ in a spot that still feels like a neighborhood secret, even after years of national media attention and glowing reviews.
Value, Portions, and the $10 Weekday Special
Great barbecue at a fair price is not always easy to find, but Southern Soul Barbeque has built its reputation on delivering both. The Weekday Worker special — a pulled pork sandwich, fries, and a drink for just ten dollars — has become legendary among budget-conscious visitors and locals who eat here regularly. “It was more food than we could eat,” one reviewer admitted after ordering it for the first time.
Sampler plates give guests the chance to try two or three meats alongside their choice of sides, making them a smart option for first-timers who want to experience the full range of what the kitchen offers. Portions across the board are described as generous, with several reviewers noting that one sandwich is easily enough for two people.
For a family meal or a solo lunch break, the value here is hard to beat. Good food, honest prices, and enough on your tray to keep you satisfied well into the afternoon.