About
A short drive from East Beach and downtown St. Simons is an award-winning BBQ joint. Southern Soul Barbeque follows the age-old adage of "low and slow" when cooking its meat. They use low temperatures and cook the meat slowly, letting time and oak smoke do their magic.
This restaurant started, like most Southern pits, with not much fanfare. In 2006, Harrison Sapp and Griffin Bufkin began serving barbecue in the courtyard of the Palm Coast coffee shop.
As success blossomed, they moved in 2007 to a former 1940s gas station. News spread like wildfire, making its way to Southern California and specifically Guy Fieri. He filmed a special episode in February 2010 for his famed Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.
With its rise to fame came tragedy like a chapter from a Southern novel. In March of 2010, a fire destroyed the restaurant. While Harrison and Griffin thought this spelled the end, the community thought otherwise.
Locals organized fundraisers and offered support to resurrect the business. When Southern Soul Barbeque reopened in October 2010, the whole island celebrated its literal rise from the ashes, like a phoenix.
Never forgetting the community's commitment and sacrifice, Southern Soul Barbeque "pays it forward" with The Firebox Intuitive. This charitable extension provides financial support for those in the restaurant business throughout the Golden Isles.
While these tales are heartwarming, they don't diminish or replace one key fact: they serve the best BBQ, period. And we're not just using hyperbole, either. Southern Living named it "The South's Best BBQ Joint" in 2017, and Garden & Gun's showcased it in "Top Barbecue Joints of the Secret South" in 2010.
So gather your posse and taste this amazing food firsthand.
Vibe
Renovated from the fire, this joint still oozes authenticity and, well, soul. The facade is covered in vintage license plates, barn wood, and a classic sign. Providing shade out front is the tin-roofed porch, home to wooden picnic tables.
The exterior's retro vibe flows indoors like the sea, featuring old signs and pictures. Wood dominates the interior while exposed ceilings with ductwork add an industrial feel. It's not fancy, but it's comfy, which is the telltale sign you're experiencing the Real McCoy.
Outside and to the right of the tin roof patio is the Channel Marker Bar. Here, the barnwood wrapped bar serves "Strong drinks & Salty Jokes" with vintage vinyl bar stools. Colorful picnic tables make this a popular spot to unwind after a tour with Coastal Backwater Adventures or at the St. Simons Island Pier.
The atmosphere alone is worth checking out, but combine that with its award-winning BBQ, and it's the perfect dining spot on your St. Simons Island visit!
Southern Soul Barbeque: Menu & Drinks
The sandwiches are perfect when you're hungry but not famished. A standout is the Soul Sandwich with mile-high, slow-smoked pulled pork on a toasted bun. Each bite reveals tender meat and an unmistakable oak-smoked aroma. For an additional cost, add one of the homemade sides.
If you're not a fan of BBQ (which we suppose is possible!), you'll find a burger and "dawgs," a pimento sandwich, and even grilled cheese.
After working up an appetite exploring the area with Seaside Bikes and Carts, order any of the mouth-watering plates. The beef brisket is a winner, smoked for over 12 hours to achieve a perfect bark.
You can also choose pulled pork, chicken, sausage, turkey breast, and St. Louis-style ribs. If you still can't make up your mind, then try the Southern Soul Sampler. This behemoth of a meal features your choice of two or three meats and one side.
Another must-try is the Brunswick Stew. It features corn, lima beans, and generous pieces of smoked meat. Think of it as BBQ in a bowl!
With two bars, you'll find draft beer, wine, soft drinks, and sweet tea, while the Channel Marker Bar offers slushy concoctions and craft cocktails.
Adding this BBQ joint to your St. Simons Island itinerary is a no-brainer!
Local Tips
- This hotspot is first-come, first-served; plan accordingly.
- Order pickup and take it back to your Casago rental.
- Grab some BBQ sauce, koozies, and swag as souvenirs.
- Check out the daily specials like Pit-Fired Prime Rib on Fridays.
