Best. Ribs. EVER!
We could stop there, but even those superlatives don’t fully describe how much we enjoyed Southern Soul Barbeque, a local joint on St. Simons Island operating out of a former gas station.
Honestly, I had serious doubts when Southern Living ranked it as the best BBQ in the Southeast. I mean, of all the BBQ joints in all the states, would the best really be located in a resort beach town on Georgia's east coast? C'mon man.
Then I ate their ribs! If angels cook ribs with clouds of blessed smoke in heaven, this is what they will taste like! A sugary, smoky, crisp pork flavor topped with any of several available sauces. I found the hot Georgia Soul the perfect saucy match for my devilishly-hot culinary preference.
If angels cook ribs with clouds of blessed smoke in heaven, this is what they will taste like!
I have a firm rule that I NEVER eat twice in the same restaurant when on a vacation get-away. There simply are too many options to do that. But Southern Soul Barbeque made me break that long-standing rule. During our week-long visit to St. Simons, we ate lunch at Southern Soul twice (arriving early to beat the crowds!), ordered extra ribs to-go for a relaxing Fourth of July vacation home meal, PLUS purchased their take-home seasonings. Look, if you're going to break a rule, go BIG!
While I could go on and on and on about the ribs, there's lots of great food to be had at Southern Soul. My go-to side dish is Southern fried okra, and mine were crisply fried and delightfully flavored once I added a little extra special seasoning. Then, I sampled some of my family's pulled pork and baked beans. DITTO on flavor and yumminess.
Sipping on a variety of draft beers sitting at outdoor picnic tables under the pump awning at the former gas station, I even tried the cole slaw, which is admittedly not my favorite item. But here, I'd order it again.
Here are our four best tips for a meal at Southern Soul:
- YES! Just go. Don't hesitate. Order anything. It will be good or GREAT!
- Avoid peak periods. We went at 11 am for lunch after an early day of hiking and biking. It can be very crowded, with long waits.
- Settle in. If you visit during non-peak, find an outdoor seat, order up a few brews, and enjoy your 'que while watching the locals, tourists and world go by.
- Order take-home early. You'll have to pick a time for your take-home, and they often sell out of some offerings. So call early.
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