One of THE BEST Hole in the Wall Restaurants to Try in Georgia

Tucked into a revamped 1950s gas station, Southern Soul Barbeque turns smoked meats into magic.

Voted Georgia’s best by Southern Living readers, this St. Simons Island hotspot draws crowds with oak-fired flavors, tangy sauces, and a vibe as bold as its brisket.

Lines spill out the door, but nobody minds—waiting means breathing in the smoky perfume of Lang Smokers and planning which sauce to dunk first.

Food Highlights

  • Beef Brisket: Melts like butter with a smoky bark that’ll make you rethink barbecue. Reviewers call it “the star” and “second-best ever tasted” outside Texas.
  • Brunswick Stew: A Georgia legend here—slow-cooked with smoked chicken, pork, and veggies in a tomato broth that’s equal parts hearty and addictive.
  • Pulled Pork Sandwich: Piled high on a sesame bun, best enjoyed drenched in their mustard-based sauces (pro tip: add pickles!).
  • Burnt Ends: Crispy, caramelized brisket nuggets dubbed “meat candy” by regulars.

Atmosphere

Picnic tables sprawl under live oaks, planes buzz overhead from the nearby airport, and the scent of hickory hangs thick. Inside, license plates and quirky signs plaster the walls, while staff sling trays of ribs with zero pretension.

Parking’s a puzzle, but that’s part of the charm—like scoring a merch tee after devouring banana pudding.

Why It’s One of the Best in Georgia

It’s not just the food (though the brisket alone justifies the drive). Southern Soul nails that rare combo of authentic smokehouse grit and coastal chill.

Families, bikers, and BBQ snobs unite over platters of meat, sides like collards with turkey, and frozen drinks that turn lunch into a party.

Address: 2020 Demere Rd, St Simons Island, GA 31522