We have tried many barbeque places in Jacksonville, Florida and like each for various reasons, but our ultimate favorite is Woodpecker’s Backyard BBQ. If you are ever visiting Jacksonville, Florida, or live here already and have not been, one of the places I always recommend is Woodpeckers. Here’s why!
My husband, Reid, and I’s favorite type of food is BBQ, in fact this is what we had at our wedding! Therefore, when we moved to Jacksonville, Florida, our first question was – where can we find good barbeque in Jacksonville? It did not take long for Woodpecker’s Backyard BBQ to make it to the top of our list.
Location and Atmosphere:
Address: 4930 State Road 30 Jacksonville, Florida
Woodpeckers is located about 30-40 minutes from central Jacksonville, in the Orangedale area, which is further south. When you get into this area, you will start questioning whether you are still in the city. One of the reasons I love it so much.
It is like a small town, southern escape in the big city. It is divine.
When you pull up, you will see a dirt parking lot and a small cinder-block building with Spanish moss covered trees littering the area. Go inside and it is like the workers have known you forever. You can choose to share a table with their community seating or take one to yourself.
Welcome home.
Okay, that may be a little dramatic, but it has that atmosphere of everyone is friends and welcome.
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They also have a walk-up window that, depending on the time you go, might have a line around the building. Order at the window and wait for your name to be called to pick up your food. Take it to go or sit at one of their outdoor tables to enjoy your food.
Woodpecker’s Backyard BBQ Menu:
Like any other hole in the wall, local restaurant, the menu is not lengthy and sticks to the barbeque basics. They are known for their fatty brisket that falls apart and for their datil flavored baked beans and corn.
Choose from a variety of sauces to top your meet and end with a yummy desert. No to go boxes here, but they will gladly give you aluminum to wrap your meat in and containers for your sides.
Find a picture of the menu below!
Our Experiences:
We often go to Woodpeckers when we are craving a small town, laid back vibe and some good reliable barbeque. If going with a group or family, we love to eat inside, because their tables are roomy and the service is amazing.
We took my parents when they came to visit and our waitress let my mom try several of the sides, because she couldn’t pick which one she wanted. Then, when she heard it was their first time there, she got their famous fatty brisket for they to sample.
When it is just Reid (my husband) and I, we love to order at the window and sit outside to eat or take it to one of the local parks to dine.
I always order the pulled pork, it is my favorite meat at any barbeque place, datil beans, and macaroni and cheese with sweet tea. My favorite sauce is the mustard sauce.
Know Before You Go to Woodpecker’s Backyard BBQ:
Here are a few important things to know before you go!
- They close when they run out of food (or 7pm) and when an item is sold out for the day, they do not make more, so get their early if you want options.
- Woodpeckers opens at 11am.
- They are closed on Monday’s.
- It is a locally owned and operated business.
- They have dine in or carry out.
- There is a kids menu, it just means smaller portions.
- There is limited seating inside and no room to wait for a table inside.
- It is a dirt parking lot.
- Website: https://woodpeckersbbq.weebly.com/
Now, who is ready for some barbeque?! I sure am. I am off to convince my husband this is where we should go for lunch! Make sure to stop by and experience this local, unique place to eat in Jacksonville, Florida.
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Do you love barbeque as much as we do? Let me know your favorite place in the comments!
Lots of Love, Laurel McDaniel
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I love dining at the Woodpeckers. They sell one of the best BBQ in town.