- Attraction: Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ
- Location: 4930 State Road 13 N, St. Augustine, FL 32092
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: Facebook Page
Forget everything you thought you knew about finding exceptional barbecue in tourist-heavy St. Augustine.
While visitors flock to the historic downtown restaurants, locals have been quietly lining up at a rustic roadside joint that’s been smoking meats to perfection for over a decade.
Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ has earned such a devoted following that owner Lisa Marston proudly closes the doors each day when they’ve sold every last morsel of their slow-smoked treasures.
This family-owned establishment has garnered serious recognition beyond the local crowd, earning a spot as #42 on Yelp’s Top 100 Barbecue Spots nationwide – one of only eight Florida joints to make the prestigious list.
What sets Woodpeckers apart isn’t just their traditional low-and-slow smoking technique, but their innovative use of datil peppers, a spicy treasure native to St. Augustine that adds a distinctive Florida twist to classic barbecue favorites.
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The Brisket Experience: You’ll be asked how you want your brisket served – lean, fatty, or mixed – a detail that shows their commitment to personalized perfection. The fatty brisket disappears first each day, so arrive early if you want to experience the rich, buttery texture that has guests comparing it to top Texas joints.
Award-Winning Turkey: The smoked turkey breast consistently surprises visitors who expect it to be dry. Instead, you’ll discover incredibly moist, flavorful meat with a perfect smoky ring that melts in your mouth. This isn’t your typical holiday turkey – it’s become a signature dish that converts even the most devoted pork and beef enthusiasts.
Ribs That Impress: The full slab spare ribs arrive with generous portions of meat falling off the bone. Each rack showcases the perfect balance of smoke penetration and seasoning that creates that coveted pink smoke ring throughout the meat.
Datil Pepper Magic: The real showstopper lies in their creative use of datil peppers. The datil corn delivers a creamy texture with just the right amount of heat, while the datil baked beans provide a sweet-heat combination that’s absolutely addictive. Even the datil sausage – available in both regular and jalapeño cheddar varieties – brings a unique Florida flair you won’t find anywhere else.
Sauce Selection: Seven different house-made sauces line each table, ranging from sweet hickory to tangy Carolina vinegar and their signature datil mustard. The hickory sauce emerges as a consistent favorite, while adventurous diners love mixing the datil sauce with sweet hickory for the perfect heat-sweetness balance.
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Outdoor Paradise: Large picnic tables scattered throughout the shaded dirt parking area create an authentic backyard barbecue experience. Don’t be surprised if friendly roosters wander between tables – they’re beloved mascots who’ve become part of the Woodpeckers charm.
No-Frills Interior: The inside dining room embraces a comfortable, down-home aesthetic with mismatched seating and walls decorated with BBQ memorabilia. The focus remains squarely on the food rather than fancy décor, creating an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome.
Take-Out Window: A separate walk-up window facing the road handles to-go orders, perfect for busy families who want to grab their favorites without waiting for indoor seating during peak hours.
Community Gathering Spot: The welcoming environment attracts multigenerational families, couples celebrating anniversaries, and BBQ pilgrims traveling from other states specifically to experience what locals call “the best barbecue in Florida.”
Planning Your Visit
Pricing Sweet Spot: Expect mid-range pricing that delivers exceptional value for the generous portions. The “Pecker Plates” with two sides and Texas toast typically run around $15-20, while sandwiches with one side cost around $10-13. Most guests leave with enough leftovers for another meal.
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Keep Exploring →Smart Timing: Arrive before 2 PM if you want the fatty brisket, as it’s usually the first item to sell out. Weekend lunch hours can get incredibly busy, with lines sometimes wrapping around the building, so calling ahead for reservations is highly recommended.
The Daily Sell-Out: Woodpeckers operates on a “when it’s gone, it’s gone” philosophy, typically closing by 7 PM or earlier once they’ve sold through their daily batch. This commitment to freshness means everything is smoked that morning rather than sitting under heat lamps.
Parking Reality: The large dirt parking lot provides ample space, though it can get dusty during dry spells. The informal parking arrangement adds to the authentic backyard feel that regulars have grown to love.
Family-Friendly Appeal: Children love watching the roosters roam while parents appreciate the relaxed atmosphere where sauce-covered faces and messy fingers are completely expected and welcomed.
Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ
📍 4930 State Road 13 N, St. Augustine, FL 32092
