- Attraction: Southern Soul Barbeque
- Location: 2020 Demere Rd, St. Simons Island, GA 31522
- Industry: Barbecue Restaurant
- Website: https://www.southernsoulbbq.com/
Your GPS might think you’re lost when it directs you to what looks like an old gas station on a traffic circle in St. Simons Island.
But trust the process – you’ve found barbecue gold.
Southern Soul Barbeque has transformed this humble converted filling station into what Southern Living Magazine has named “The South’s Best” BBQ joint two years running.
And one bite will tell you exactly why pilgrims make the journey from across Georgia, Florida, and beyond.
Since being resurrected in 2010 after a devastating fire (the community rallied to keep them going), this coastal Georgia smoke joint has become the stuff of legend.
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Keep Exploring →Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives and countless food publications, Southern Soul has mastered the art of 12+ hour hardwood smoking that creates some of the most sought-after barbecue in the Southeast.
Signature Smoked Perfection
Burnt Ends Sandwich: The crown jewel of their menu deserves its legendary status. These caramelized, crispy edges of brisket are chopped and mixed with their signature sauce, creating what many consider the ultimate barbecue sandwich experience.
The sweet, smoky, and slightly charred flavors create an almost candy-like quality that’ll have you planning your return visit before you finish eating.
Sweet Georgia Soul Sauce: Their most popular of four homemade sauces strikes the perfect balance with brown sugar and tupelo honey.
This sweet, tangy creation is so beloved that people routinely buy bottles to take home. The sauce complements their dry-rubbed meats without overwhelming the natural smokiness that comes from their oak-fired cooking process.
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Discover MoreBrunswick Stew: Their award-winning version stands out among Georgia’s countless interpretations of this classic. Rich, hearty, and loaded with tender pulled pork, this isn’t your typical watery stew.
The consistency is almost soup-like in its creaminess, with deep smoky undertones that make it a meal unto itself. During special events, they even go old-school and add smoked squirrel.
Prime Rib Fridays: A hidden gem on their rotating specials menu, their Friday prime rib (available as sandwich or plate) has developed its own cult following. Served with au jus, it’s a departure from traditional barbecue but showcases their smoking expertise in an unexpected way.
Pulled Pork Perfection: Their signature pork showcases beautiful smoke rings and tender, long-shredded pieces with crusty bark mixed throughout for texture.
While it’s seasoned more subtly than some might expect, this allows the natural oak smoke flavor to shine through. The woody smokiness is unmistakable and pairs beautifully with any of their four house sauces.
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Keep Exploring →Fried Green Beans: An unexpected star on the sides menu, these aren’t your grandmother’s green beans. Battered and fried to golden perfection, they offer a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the rich, smoky meats.
Coastal BBQ Joint Atmosphere
Converted Gas Station Charm: The rustic wooden exterior adorned with license plates from visitors nationwide immediately signals you’ve found something special. Inside, exposed wooden beams, industrial lighting, and walls covered in memorabilia create that perfect balance between no-frills barbecue joint and coastal hangout spot.
Outdoor Picnic Paradise: Most of the action happens at the long picnic tables under shade trees and awnings outside. There’s something wonderfully communal about eating barbecue outdoors while the intoxicating aroma of oak smoke drifts from their visible outdoor smokers. The outdoor setup creates a democratic dining experience where vacationing celebrities might sit next to local fishermen.
Channel Marker Tiki Bar: Their adjoining tiki bar adds a unique coastal twist to the barbecue experience. Complete with tropical cocktails and frozen drinks, it’s the perfect spot to grab a Bushwacker while waiting for your food or to cap off your meal with something refreshing.
Sensory Overload: You’ll smell the incredible oak smoke before you even park. The combination of hardwood burning, meat smoking, and that distinct barbecue aroma creates an almost Pavlovian response that’ll have your mouth watering before you place your order.
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Discover MoreOther Considerations
Tourist Pricing: Expect to pay premium prices that reflect both the quality and the tourist destination location. Most plates run in the mid-to-upper teens, with sandwiches typically around $7-8. While pricier than your average barbecue joint, the quality and generous portions generally justify the cost, especially considering their award-winning status.
Parking Challenges: The small lot around the traffic circle gets congested, particularly during peak lunch and dinner hours. Plan for some creative parking or consider visiting during off-peak times. Evening visits sometimes offer easier parking as neighboring businesses close.
Limited Indoor Seating: With only about 25 indoor seats, you’ll likely find yourself at one of the outdoor picnic tables. While this adds to the authentic barbecue joint experience, it’s worth considering weather conditions when planning your visit.
Wait Times: Expect lines, especially on weekends and during tourist season. However, the counter service moves efficiently, and your food typically arrives within 10-15 minutes of ordering. The wait gives you time to study their extensive sauce selection and soak in the atmosphere.
Family-Friendly Destination: The casual picnic table setup makes it perfect for families, and kids will love the corn dogs with their thick, cornbread-like batter wrapped around high-quality beef hot dogs.
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Keep Exploring →Takeout Convenience: They offer excellent takeout service, perfect for enjoying their barbecue on the beach or at your vacation rental. Just be prepared that online ordering isn’t always available during peak times.
Southern Soul Barbeque
📍 2020 Demere Rd, St. Simons Island, GA 31522
