Coastal Georgia is just made for road trips and good barbecue. Join us as we make our way down a BBQ trail along the coast.
This BBQ trail goes from north (Savannah area) to south (Woodbine area) just like our Scenic Drive Along the Georgia Coast, but you can certainly reverse the direction. If you’re following our Coastal Georgia Road Trip Itinerary you’ll want to save this article too, so you’ll know where to stop along the way for some great ‘cue!
The BBQ places listed here do not include any chain restaurants – these are locally owned, mostly mom-and-pop style spots with real southern style meats and sides. To be fair, there are far more excellent options than we could include in one article – these are the ones we know to be outstanding, but there are sure to be more that we’re not aware of. If you have a favorite that you want us to check out make a comment or send us a dm on Instagram or Facebook and we’ll take a look.
1. Wiley’s Championship BBQ (Savannah)
Wiley’s is located in the Savannah area on Whitemarsh Island east of downtown on U.S. Highway 80. It’s in an assuming little strip center, but don’t let that fool you – this is straight up good barbecue!
History
Wiley and Janet McCrary travelled the country for almost twenty years hitting all of the big (and a lot of the smaller) bbq competitions. They racked up award after award, many of which are displayed in the restaurant.
When they decided to get off the road Wiley and Janet settled on Whitemarsh Island and opened this spot. Now owned by Eric and Rachel Traub they’re carrying on the tradition of great southern bbq. Anyone who steps in the door is greeted warmly and served up some good food!
What’s on the menu
They have pulled pork, brisket, chicken, ribs and sausage along with a nice selection of sides like collard greens, baked beans, mac and cheese, Brunswick stew and Savannah Red Rice.
Wiley’s menu is pretty extensive in addition to the ‘que with seafood (the crab chowder is a personal favorite), sandwiches, salads and desserts. They have daily specials available.
Find them
4700 Highway 80 East, Savannah
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2. Twin Oaks BBQ (Brunswick)
Twin Oaks made our Best Restaurants of Brunswick list and it’s no wonder with staying power like they have. Located in the same spot in downtown since 1943 you can smell the barbecue on the pit for blocks around.
History
Twin Oaks was opened by Maurice Zell back in 1943, and though it has changed hands over the years it has always been a much-loved staple of Brunswick. It was known back in the 50’s and 60’s as a spot on the “cruise” circuit for local teenagers.
What’s on the menu
The barbecue meats include pulled pork, ribs and chicken and Twin Oaks is well known for their burgers and hot dogs too. They have a nice selection of sides, including Brunswick stew, but the best known locally is their battered french fries. (My 90 something year old mother-in-law can make a meal off those fries).
Find them
2618 Norwich Street, Brunswick
3. Hootenanny’s at the Yard (Brunswick)
Hootenanny’s is a relative newcomer to the bbq scene, but they’ve quickly gained a loyal following. Located in a historic house in downtown Brunswick you order at a window then take your food to the “yard”. There are also seats on the porch and inside the house.
Though definitely more bbq joint than bar, Hootenanny’s did make our Best Bars of Brunswick article. They often have live music, there are games in the yard and a full bar menu is available – so we stretched it a bit.
History
Owner Judd’s passion for barbecue started on his grandfather’s farm in upstate New York, but he (along with wife Kate) have embraced the community of Brunswick and surrounding area and we’re all the better for it.
Per their website “Hootenanny’s supports and collaborates with other local businesses, incorporates local products into its menu, assists local non-profits with their fundraising events, and provides a family (and dog) friendly and inclusive space for its staff and diners.” We love it and you will too.
What’s on the menu
Changing according to what’s fresh and available you’ll always find a few basics along with some inventive items you’ll want to try. Standards include pork, brisket and chicken plus a weekly “grind” (sausage) and tacos are a specialty at Hootenanny’s.
As far as sides think charro beans, street corn, slaw and mac and cheese. They’re well known for their great sandwiches as well.
Find them
1708 Ellis Street, Brunswick
4. Southern Soul Barbeque (St. Simons Island)
Per their own description Southern Soul is “A Southeast Coastal Georgia Smoke Joint”. Featured in Southern Living, Garden & Gun, on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and in the New York Times, Southern Soul is no doubt the best known spot on this BBQ Road Trip. Stop by for a meal and you’ll agree they deserve every bit of recognition they get. Naturally they’re on our list of 20 Restaurants at St. Simons you need to try.
History
Starting in 2006 as a “pop up” they moved to their current location at a busy intersection on St. Simons in 2007. In March of 2010 SSB burned to the ground, but the community support kept them operating until they could rebuild.
In 2018 the Southern Soul team launched a non-profit inspired by the generosity they experienced after the fire. The Firebox Initiative was created to provide on-going emergency financial assistance to local food service workers who are experiencing crisis due to illness, accident or natural disaster.
What’s on the menu
Always available items include pulled pork, brisket, ribs, chicken, sausage, burgers and smoked turkey. Weekday specials can be fun and inventive like jerk chicken tacos or house cured and smoked pastrami. The sides are always good – mac and cheese, collards, Brunswick stew, etc., and they offer salads and desserts too.
There are a few inside seats, but most of the seating is at picnic tables outside. Your order is placed at the counter. There is a small bar on the right side of the building known as the Channel Marker.
Find them
2020 Demere Rd, St. Simons Island
5. Beachcomber (St. Simons Island)
Beachcomber is around the corner from the well known King & Prince Resort (certainly one of the best places to stay at St. Simons). It’s one of those ramshackle, thown together joints that you can’t help but love. There is a small, full bar inside with a local following of regulars that serves a better-than-expected selection of bourbons. Beachcomber made our Eat Like a Local on St. Simons article for good reasons.
History
Beachcomber has been around since 2002. There has been one ownership change through the years that we’re aware of, but the menu and good food have remained consistent and reliable.
Like Southern Soul, they’re known to be supportive members of the community and many times their Sunday afternoon parties have a cause. On weekends you’ll often find live music at Beachcomber.
What’s on the menu
They have barbecue pork, brisket, chicken, ribs and turkey (my personal favorite) plus they serve a great burger. Their sides are all good but pretty standard bbq shack stuff like slaw, Brunswick stew, collards and baked beans. For something different try the sweet potato puffs (like a tater tot but with sweet potatoes).
Find them
319 Arnold Rd, St. Simons Island
6. Gary Lee’s Market (Brunswick)
South of Brunswick off exit 29 of Interstate 95 is where you’ll find Garys Lee’s. It’s in a plain little building sitting off by itself. When you see the parking lot full (Thursday-Saturday) and the line inside waiting to order you know that you’ve hit the jackpot.
If you’re at one of the Brunswick Campgrounds (tent or in an RV) you’re likely to be in this area so you’ll want to find Gary Lee’s.
History
Gary Lee’s started as a meat market back in the 70’s and they actually supplied meat for area bbq restaurants. That’s where the idea came from to start their own barbecue place and for years now they’ve had a huge loyal following that waits patiently for Thursdays. They’re now strictly a restaurant.
What’s on the menu
The meats are sold by the pound and the sides are in little containers. If you want what’s commonly referred to as a “plate” you’ll order the amount of meat you want and it comes on a piece of parchment paper – then your side dishes are separate.
Gary Lee’s has chopped pork, brisket, chicken, sausage, pork chops and ribs. The sides are all good with the usual offerings like baked beans, potato salad, cole slaw and collard greens. There are a couple of delicious dessert offerings always available.
Find them
3636 U.S. Highway 82, Brunswick
7. Capt. Stan’s Smokehouse (Woodbine)
I love Capt. Stan’s but writing about it has me stumped. It’s not exactly a restaurant in the truest sense of the word, but they have tables and they cook and serve you so I guess it qualifies. It’s laid back, unique, friendly and the food is amazing. What else do you need to know?
Capt. Stan himself is pretty much always around making everyone feel welcome. Don’t be surprised if he joins you at your table. If you show an interest in the way the meat is prepared he’ll take you out back and show you the smoker.
History
What I’ve been able to dig up on Capt. Stan’s follows: The spot was originally a consignment store for hunting and fishing equipment. It was owned by Stan all along as he was a charter captain and hunting and fishing guide.
Over time people enjoyed gathering at Capt. Stan’s for barbecue and seafood and eventually evolved into what it is today.
What’s on the menu
Stan’s has smoked ribs, pork and chicken and always available are hot dogs steamed in beer. They often have shrimp and oysters, but only if they’re available locally. The loaded baked potatoes are a specialty here, along with standard sides like collards and baked beans. There is a full bar.
Find them
700 Bedell Ave. (US Hwy. 17), Woodbine
Currently planning a trip? Here are some helpful resources:
- Find the best hotel options here.
- Book the cheapest flight here.
- Find tons of tours and activities here.
- Book your rental car here.
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