Palm Coast BBQ restaurant named one of the best in the U.S., according to Yelp

Captain's combo sampler with brisket, pulled pork, mac and cheese and smoked "baked" beans, alongside smoked turkey sandwich from Captain's BBQ in Palm Coast.
Captain's combo sampler with brisket, pulled pork, mac and cheese and smoked "baked" beans, alongside smoked turkey sandwich from Captain's BBQ in Palm Coast.

This beloved Palm Coast BBQ restaurant was named among the best in the U.S., after being featured in Yelp’s “Top 100 BBQ Spots 2024.”

Yelp, an online hub for “user reviews and recommendations of best restaurants, shopping, nightlife, food ... and more,” recently released its yearly roundup of the most mouth-watering barbecue joints across the nation, with Flagler County’s own Captain’s BBQ making the cut.

The local favorite placed 82 on the top 100 list, with fans praising the restaurant online for its tender, smoked meats, serene atmosphere and show-stopping desserts.

“It’s an absolute honor to be recognized for anything, but especially service and food because that’s what we hang our hat on,” said Captain’s BBQ general manager John Baker.

The award-winning BBQ staple has been serving Palm Coast area residents its Southern-style selections for over a decade now, slow cooking its meats and sides in the restaurant's wood-burning smoker. The “time-consuming process” produces melt-in-your-mouth meats, infused with flavors that leave a lasting impression.

“We take pride in everything that we do and are definitely appreciative that our team is getting recognition for all of their hard work and dedication,” Baker said. “We want to make sure everybody has the best bite in every bite that they have (at Captain’s BBQ).”

Waterfront dining at Captain's BBQ in Palm Coast.
Waterfront dining at Captain's BBQ in Palm Coast.

The waterfront restaurant, located along the Matanzas River, keeps its service stellar and approach casual, inviting guests to place their orders at the counter, grab a booth or sunroom seat and wait to hear their name called from the speakers above.

Whether stopping by for a crave-able pulled-pork sandwich or tender beef brisket plate, Captain’s BBQ never fails to bring its "A" game, offering everything from burnt ends, smoked sausage and smoked St. Louis ribs, to the pulled pork, brisket and turkey sliders; brisket burger; pulled pork plate; and combo sampler.

Homemade strawberry and Key lime cheesecake from Captain's BBQ in Palm Coast.
Homemade strawberry and Key lime cheesecake from Captain's BBQ in Palm Coast.

The eatery also offers an array of must-try sides — including mac and cheese, collard greens and smoked ‘baked’ beans; hand-crafted desserts — like brownies, pound cake and various flavors of its famous cheesecake; as well as one of the largest selections of beer in the Flagler area, with "over 80%" being "Florida brewed," Baker noted.

Captain’s BBQ also boasts an impressive 4.4 stars on Yelp, with diners from across the nation singing its praises after every visit.

“I wish I could give 10 stars,” Yelp reviewer Wayne M. wrote. “The food is utterly amazing, from the main dishes to the sides. Very casual inside with a large enclosed porch area that is ‘fresh from the beach’ friendly. But don't be fooled — the food quality and taste is as good as any Michelin star restaurant.”

Yelp Reviewer Dylan P. wrote, “Amazing BBQ joint tucked away in the trees right on the water. This place is really a local gem that gives off an aura of tranquility. Loved getting food here. You can pull up your boat or jet ski and grab some food. They have a really cool assortment of local beers and a lot of options on the menu for food.”

Captain’s BBQ is located at 5862 N. Ocean Shore Blvd. in Palm Coast and is open 11:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily. For information, call 386-597-2888 or visit captainsbbq.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Palm Coast's Captain's BBQ lands on Yelp's top 100 BBQ spots in U.S.