Smokin' D's BBQ — Restaurant in Saint Augustine

Walking down St. George in St. Augustine, I was hoping to find a more affordable restaurant off the main path. Hankering for BBQ I headed a mile and a half walking to this restaurant. Ponce De Leon Hwy is not as friendly to pedestrians, and I couldn’t find a crosswalk. As I approached the restaurant, I was worried I had walked there for nothing. The restaurant looked like an old cracker house set between motels off a busy highway. The parking lot was empty and I was worried the place may be closed. I walked inside and although the lighting was dim the smell was invited. I was welcomed by the owners, a husband and wife. We ordered the BBQ platter: we chose brisket, pork and ribs with rice, beans and potato salad. The food was ready in no time. They sell soda by the can, and we got two cokes. I ordered a sweet tea for myself, which they had in a glass jug. The seating is outdoors, on a picnic table. On one side was the highway and on the other side a swamp. The train passed as we ate. The food was unbelievable: smoky, meaty and abundant. I was surprised at the generosity of the portions. The garlic bread was delectable and warm. The baked beans were a mix of black beans and pintos with an onion and bell pepper sofrito. As people walked out of their cars towards the restaurant, I invited them with praises for the fare. I insisted we go back inside and thank the cooks. The couple were delighted and mentioned they’d been doing this for 14 years. I believe them and wish them...

We were greeted by a friendly face at the window which seemed reassuring however the food was pretty lack luster. Now I understand the fact that we came as they were closing could not guarantee us top quality but this was still hands down the worst bbq we have ever had. Rice and other sides were not available so we got beans & chopped pork sandwiches. The meat itself is just Ok nothing terrible nor very appealing . It’s served on an awkward Texas toast and served with your choice of 3 God awful bbq sauces. This seems to be the real issue- all of the sauces were lacking flavor beyond just plain heat or a pungent off taste. Beans were 3/5 not bad but not my preference of spices. What really set the tone was a customer asking a worker if he could just pee on the building(?) (seriously) My family went to leave and we were greeted by a poor excuse for a human being exposing himself alongside the small building in the walkway . The staff did nothing about this.

The eating area consisted of several giant logs with uneven and un-level stumps to sit on that are in no way close or movable. ( also crawling with ants and other insects)

We had driven way off course from the highway on our way home to try this place and I deeply regret not just going to the Wendy’s we had passed. Hubby ending up just eating at the gas...

The smoke flavor was very good. The meat was moist and tender. We did go right before closing yet chose to take the end of the brisket-which the staff told us it was the end. So there was more grizzle and fat yet surprisingly there was still a lot of meat on there. My favorite was the turkey. It was real turkey meat. We ordered a variety of sauces. Even though the white sauce was missing in our bag, we enjoyed the other sauces. All family members chose a different favorite sauce, which says the flavors appeal to a variety of pallets. Inside is decorated cute. It is small inside probably best to order ahead of time. Although the wait wasn’t long, there was just not much space. The most difficult thing is where to eat the food. The picnic tables, the sunset view near the water was wonderful - if the weather is nice. It was difficult the windy, chilly evening we were there. It took away from the total enjoyment as we had to eat in a hurry because the food quickly became cold. We came from an outside hotel, going to downtown to enjoy the evening so didn’t have anywhere really to eat the food.

Be prepared for good food, great service. Recommend order ahead then have a place that you can enjoy it. If the weather is nice, the picnic tables outside were...