Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ has taken a different approach. Beneath the sprawling oak canopies that line the St. Johns River along State Road 13, the beloved barbecue restaurant has built its success on slow-smoked meats, and a commitment to quality that keeps customers coming back time and time again.
For owner Lisa Marston, the journey has been both rewarding and unexpected. When she first opened the restaurant in 2014, Marston was unsure whether a barbecue restaurant in such a tucked-away location could survive. A decade later, Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ has become a local favorite, drawing visitors from all over Northeast Florida and beyond. “You don’t know what you’re going to get,” Marston said. “When we moved in here, we honestly thought, ‘Who is going to like us? How is it going to be? Are we going to make it?’ I’m being honest, and here it is 10 years later. It’s been great. I’m so grateful.” Marston, who proudly refers to herself as the restaurant’s “Head Pecker,” credits the community’s support and the restaurant’s dedication to authentic barbecue for its continued success.
At the heart of Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ is a simple philosophy- barbecue should be cooked low and slow. That approach becomes evident throughout the menu, where smoked meats take center stage. Guests can choose from tender brisket, pulled pork, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and the restaurant’s popular datil pepper sausage, a nod to St. Augustine’s culinary heritage and its famous local pepper. Each protein is carefully smoked to develop deep flavor while maintaining the tenderness that keeps regulars coming back for more. House-made sauces complement the meats without completely overpowering them, allowing the natural smoky flavor to shine through. The result is a menu that balances traditional Southern barbecue with local influences- such as the datil pepper, creating an experience that feels uniquely Northeast Florida. While barbecue may be the main attraction, Woodpeckers’ side dishes have earned a devoted following of their own.
Classic favorites such as baked beans, creamy coleslaw, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and cornbread complete the barbecue experience. Prepared with the same attention as the restaurant’s smoked meats, these comfort-food staples provide the perfect complement to any meal. Many guests choose combo platters that allow them to sample multiple meats alongside several side dishes, reflecting the generous portions for which the restaurant has become known. For those with a sweet tooth, the dessert menu offers traditional Southern favorites that provide the perfect ending to a barbecue feast. House-made banana pudding remains a customer favorite, while seasonal cobblers and rich éclair cake continue to draw rave reviews from regulars.
Part of Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ’s charm comes from its setting. Surrounded on all sides by old oak trees and located adjacent the St. Johns River, the restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere that feels far removed from the hustle of everyday life. Over the years, word-of-mouth recommendations have helped transform the restaurant from a hidden gem into a destination dining spot. Today, many visitors make a special trip to experience what locals have known for years: exceptional barbecue served with genuine Southern hospitality.
One of the restaurant’s most notable traditions is also one of its most important dining tips. Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ stays open until it sells out. Because the restaurant prepares its meats fresh and smokes them in limited quantities, popular menu items can disappear before closing time. Regular customers know that arriving early often provides the best selection and ensures they can enjoy their favorite dishes before they are gone.
