Tucked into a former gas station on St Simons Island, Georgia, Southern Soul Barbeque cooks its meat over oak the way pitmasters have for generations. Word of mouth has turned this little spot into a must-stop, with lines that wrap around the building and travelers driving in from other states just for a plate.
It has been featured on TV more than once, but the real story is the smoke, the sauces, and the friendly folks behind the counter. Here is what makes this place worth the trip.
A Gas Station Reborn on Demere Road
Sitting at 2020 Demere Rd on St Simons Island, Southern Soul Barbeque doesn’t look like much at first glance. That’s part of the charm.
The building used to pump gas before it became one of the most talked-about barbecue joints in Georgia.
The bones of the old service station are still there, giving the place a lived-in, roadside feel that fancy restaurants spend fortunes trying to fake. It’s the kind of spot you might roll past if you weren’t looking for it.
With a 4.6-star rating across more than 3,500 reviews, plenty of people clearly know exactly where to look. One visitor riding up from northeast Florida summed it up simply: it was worth the ride.
Oak Smoke and the Old-Fashioned Method
Fire and patience do most of the work here. The kitchen leans on oak-smoked meat, a slow method that builds flavor without needing a drowning of sauce to save it.
Regulars love when the barbecue stands on its own. One diner mentioned the ribs came out tender with a hint of sweetness and needed no sauce at all, which is about the highest compliment you can pay a pitmaster.
The description says it plainly: smoked meat and homemade BBQ sauces, cooked the way people have done it for a long, long time. When the crew gets it right, and they usually do, you taste the wood before you taste anything else.
Brisket That Draws a Crowd
Ask around and the brisket comes up again and again. A pilot who flies into the nearby airport said fellow aviators from South Carolina to South Florida had pointed him here, and the brisket sandwich stuffed into a soft sesame bun lived up to every recommendation.
You can get it chopped or sliced, piled generously and seasoned well. One traveler called the sliced brisket sandwich very good, paired with a coleslaw that had its own unique twist.
Fair warning, it isn’t perfect every single time. A couple of guests noted dry or overly fatty cuts on off days, so if you want lean, say so at the counter.
When it’s on, though, folks describe it as the kind of barbecue other places are still chasing.
Ribs, Pulled Pork, and the Meats Worth Lining Up For
Beyond brisket, the menu spreads out into the classics people can’t stop mentioning. Ribs lead the pack with hundreds of shout-outs, followed closely by pulled pork, turkey, and even a Cuban-style sandwich for the adventurous.
A longtime cook who has worked there over a decade steered one first-timer toward the sampler plate with two or three meats, and it paid off. The turkey earns surprise fans too, with one guest calling it cooked to perfection and tender.
Here’s a tip drawn from experience: come early. One visitor arrived around 5:30 only to find the pulled pork and ribs already sold out, which tells you just how fast the good stuff moves.
Sides, Stew, and Sweet Finishes
Sides can make or break a barbecue meal, and this kitchen swings big. The Brunswick stew gets rave reviews, with one guest calling it absolutely phenomenal, and the homemade mac and cheese draws praise for tasting nothing like the boxed stuff.
Collard greens, fried okra, and hush puppies round out the Southern spread, each with its own crowd of admirers. A diner who grew up on greens said these tasted just like she remembered.
Not everyone agrees on every side, and honesty matters here. A few reviewers found certain sides bland or mushy on their visit, and the owners have publicly said they wish guests would flag issues so they can swap things out.
Still, when the okra comes up crispy and the stew is simmering right, the sides can steal the show.
Sauces, Wings, and Frozen Drinks Worth Ordering
Part of the fun is building your own flavor. There’s a whole rack of homemade sauces to try, with fans singling out the sweet, spicy, and vinegar styles, each one hitting a different note.
The flavored wings deserve their own mention. One wing lover described them as smoky, sweet, spicy, and meaty, though she noted the coveted Maui flavor tends to sell out fast when you order to go.
And don’t skip the drinks. More than one visitor gushed over the frozen strawberry vodka lemonade, calling it next level, while another simply praised the great iced tea.
It’s the kind of place where the little extras get remembered too.
License Plates, Awards, and a Whole Lot of Character
Step inside and the walls do the talking. Old license plates, framed magazine articles, and stacks of awards cover the space, building excitement before the food even arrives.
One guest said all those photos and honors on the wall get you hyped up, and then the barbecue doesn’t disappoint. The theme runs throughout, giving the whole spot a thoughtful, well-loved personality.
The vibe suits families, road-trippers, and anyone who likes their meals with a side of friendly chatter. The service earns steady compliments for being quick and cheerful, though seating inside is minimal and the outdoor tables can get a little attention from local birds.
Don’t forget to peek at the gift shop for a souvenir on your way out.
Planning Your Visit: Hours, Prices, and Getting There
Getting here is easy once you know the address: 2020 Demere Rd, St Simons Island, GA 31522. It sits close to the local airport, which is why aviators keep making the short hop over for lunch.
The kitchen runs Thursday through Wednesday, opening at 11 AM daily. It closes at 7 PM on Monday through Thursday and stays open until 8 PM Friday through Sunday.
Most meals land in the $20 to $30 range, and portions run generous, with one regular noting a single sandwich can feed two.
Expect a line, especially at peak times, but reviewers repeatedly say it moves fast and the food comes out quick. Want the full menu without the sellouts?
Arrive early in the day, and call ahead at 912-638-7685 if you’re planning to grab wings to go.
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