St. Augustine's Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ named one of the 100 Best BBQs in America by Yelp
St. Augustinians, we’ve hit the charts again: Woodpecker’s Backyard BBQ has been listed No. 42 in Yelp’s Top 100 Barbecue Spots in the U.S.
According to Yelp, reviews using the word barbecue were ranked by volume and ratings. Businesses with multiple locations listed the eatery with the greatest number. Yelp marked all businesses open on Feb. 28, 2024.
For those familiar with the culinary BBQ haven, the accolade should come as no surprise. The newbies, like me, who needed to venture into the corner cabin did so with little apprehension, for the reviews were that good. Once inside, I was instantly smitten by the aroma of barbecue that permeated the air. Tantalizing, to say the least: The scent alone suggested southern cuisine as craft.
The Woodpeckers menu is not one to browse through; it is one to study under the stress of indecision. Replete with all things slowly smoked with Woodpeckers signature spices, choices include ribs; brisket; pulled pork; chicken; turkey; sausage; and datil pepper sausage.
Side dishes (read just as slowly) include creamy mac and cheese; collard greens; corn, datil slaw; coleslaw; applesauce; baked beans, green beans; collard greens; and datil cornbread.
Oh, and let’s not forget the loaded tater.
Sauces include Datil BBQ; Datil Mustard; Orangedale White; Sweet; Hickory Carolina Vinegar; and Mustard. And of course, gluten-free options are available.
Owned and operated by Lisa Marston, the extremely popular (order line was around the corner), family friendly, indoor/outdoor seating, reserve, pickup and catering BBQ heaven is a team-run operation.
“Without my staff, I am nothing,” said Marston. “My staff is here at 5 a.m. smoking the meat and tracking the sides. We all work hard, but we have fun. I have a truly special staff that knows how to make locals and guests feel welcomed.”
Born and bred 10 years ago between Marston and her “sidekick” Cheryl, Woodpeckers has always been popular with “no great stories to tell.”
“Cheryl and I dabbled in the idea together,” continued Marston. “I experimented with the meats and traditional barbecue spices while she worked the sides. We picked the spot and Woodpeckers just grew and grew. Other than hard work, there’s no glamorous story. Not even behind the name – my husband picked it, and I thought it was cute.”
Marston, who was never a chef and no longer works in the kitchen, described the menu as one that that embodies Florida’s rich culinary heritage.
“To this day, we test food as a team,” she continued. “Our recipes are good. Our food is popular because it’s always good. People don’t realize that we’re open every day except Monday until 7 p.m. because we often close because we’ve run out of food.”
Marston repeatedly acknowledged her staff within the walls of the rustic, yet comfortable, inside dining rooms.
“It’s about warmth and hospitality,” she said. “It’s about families and table sharing. It’s about locals sitting at the bar talking to our staff. It’s about creating a dining experience with your family, friends and sometimes even strangers.”
Marston underscored the value of hard work, pride, and commitment to “make sure everyone enjoys the food, the roosters and the company.”
Really pretty roosters circle patrons among the outside seating area and parking. Marston’s humility is undeniable as is the quaint eatery with smells that will make anyone hungry. One hospitable staff member even let me use her phone to call Marston as I had appeared unannounced.
I say this with ease: Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ is easily a happy place to find great BBQ and friendly faces. And the food is lip smacking, good.
This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ named in Yelp's 100 Best BBQs in America
