Captain's BBQ — Restaurant in Palm Coast

Captain’s BBQ had been on my list of places to try ever since I saw it described as having the “best pulled pork sandwich in Florida” on one of those “best in your state” lists that pop up on social media all the time, the ones that link to a website you’ve never heard of. It could be a pay-to-review site. It could have been written by AI. Or maybe it is legit. But it sounded like a cool place anyway, and it was under two hours from home, so I figured I would see for myself.

One Friday afternoon when I had finished a job nearby, I drove up A1A to check it out. Being a little ways off the main tourist tracks, the place does have an Old Florida vibe. Palm trees and moss-draped oaks are scattered throughout the expansive dirt parking area. A county park next door, and the Intracoastal Waterway behind the restaurant add to the laid-back feel, inviting one to linger.

I walked in the unadorned entrance to the nearly empty counter where orders are placed. Being the middle of the afternoon, there were only a few other customers. I wanted to try the pork, of course, but not wanting a sandwich, I chose to order the pulled pork plate instead, which came with two sides.

After ordering, you are directed towards the back of the building where there is another counter to pick up your order. Just out the door from there is a good-sized screened in area where most of the seating is. It was a pleasant day, and the breeze, sunshine and water beyond made for a pretty relaxing atmosphere.

I carried my Strofoam plate of pork accompanied by collard greens and cole slaw to a small table, stopping along the way for napkins, utensils and sauce. The review I had read mentioned “a range of homemade sauces”, but what they actually have are gallon size jugs of three different Cattlemen’s sauces- not a bad thing per se, but they definitely weren’t homemade. There were a few smaller bottles of what may have been one type of house-made sauce that I did not try.

It was good pork, and sauce wasn’t a necessity anyway. However, most of the flavor came from a spice mixture that was applied after the pork had been cooked and pulled. The meat was tender and cooked to perfection, but even though it did appear to be smoked, the flavors usually imparted by smoking were hidden by the added seasoning. Still, it was enjoyable, especially paired with the creamy cole slaw.

The collard greens had somewhat of a burnt taste, as if they had been cooked for a long time at a high temperature. They also appeared to have sausage mixed in, a bit of a twist on the usual ham or bacon. I was trying to tell if the unusual taste was just from a strong mixture of seasoning, or if they were actually burnt. I couldn’t figure it out, but in any case, they weren’t my favorite.

I am afraid I can’t completely agree with the exuberant praise of the piece I read. However, it was a decent bbq plate, served by friendy folks in a very pleasing setting. When I find myself nearby again, I will find my way here to sample more of the menu, and perhaps then...

I wish I could give 10 stars. The food is utterly amazing, from the main dishes to the sides. Very casual inside with a large enclosed porch area that is "fresh from the beach" friendly. But don't be fooled--the food quality and taste is as good as any Michelin star restaurant.

There was ample parking and a huge smoker at the front of the restaurant. You walk in to a large open area and order at the counter. When the food is ready, they will call your name at the back where you pick up for take out or dine-in. If dining in, you carry your food back to the table, which has like 5 different homemade sauces waiting.

Homemade is the watch word here. All the sides are homemade. The desserts are homemade. The bbq is of course homemade. And everything we tried was phenomenal.

I had the ribs with the beans and collard greens for my sides. I can't convey in words how good everything was. The beans had one kind of meat mixed in with a perfect sauce full of flavor. The greens had a different kind of meat mixed in, also perfectly seasoned. The ribs...wow. That smoky flavor and dry rubbed goodness, and they were so tender. The perfect storm for the perfect rib. I also added a piece of cornbread and almost took a full order home. Yum!

My daughter had the grilled cheese with brisket and side of mac and cheese. The sandwich was full of amazing brisket and she devoured everything.

My wife had the triple sliders so she could try the turkey, the pork and the brisket. Her sides were the beet and cheese salad, and the potato salad. Again, the sides stood up to the main course toe to toe. Everything was delish, including all three of the meats. The turkey was moist and delicious, not dried out like other BBQ places I've tried.

I wish we could have sampled something for dessert because they looked really appealing behind the glass case, but perhaps another time!

Make the trip out here if you love BBQ, it will...

We have been here a handful of times now, however, it has gone downhill over the years. When we first started coming the Mac and Cheese had a lot of cheese and wasn't dry. The meat used to be moist and tasteful, bread used to be soft, etc. For the price you pay the food isn't up to par.

Went Friday evening,9/27/24, ordered online. My wife gets the grown up grilled cheese all the time, past few times the bread has been stale or soggy and the meat is too smokey and dry. Her Mac and cheese was dry and clumped up in a little half cup size cup. Only thing she liked was the collards. I got the 3 meat choice meal with Mac and cheese and yams. Yams were too sweet and looked like brown paste. My Mac and cheese was also dry and clumpy. The chicken was way too smokey and the pulled pork was ok... It actually had flavor other than smoke. The fact that we came over from a neighboring county because we had no lights or water from the hurricane and wanted a good hearty meal and we got stuck with day old food it seemed. Very disappointed for $58 worth of food and a $10 tip (that shouldn't have been given because of the food quality being horrible) Better portions for the sides would be ideal too, for the price we paid, and ended up not eating it.

I don't know if you guys got new management or owners or what, but it sucks now. There are many other BBQ places that I'm sure will out do this place. I used to live in the area so I try to shop and dine local, but not here.

The best thing about this place is the location and most the time the staff is very friendly and helpful.

Do better, the star rating for this restaurant is very misleading. I think a lot of the positive comments come from people that may know someone there or the owners etc. We will not be going back any time soon....