The Baked Beans At This Old-School Florida BBQ Joint Are Almost As Famous As The Meat

The baked beans here get a jolt from datil peppers, a sweet and fiery local chile most people outside this corner of Florida have never tasted. That alone made me sit up.

The peppers don’t stop at the beans. They show up in the cornbread, the slaw, the corn, the sausage, and even the barbecue sauce. I like how one tiny pepper ties the whole menu together.

Then there’s the smoker doing its slow work on brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and turkey. Picnic tables sit outside, and the setting feels more backyard cookout than restaurant.

I believe a side dish has to be special to compete with smoked brisket. So how good do beans have to be to share the spotlight with the meat?

Those Datil Baked Beans Deserve Their Own Fan Club

Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ in St. Augustine serves baked beans that get real attention, and the secret is local. The kitchen works datil peppers into them, giving a familiar side a very Florida twist.

Baked beans usually play backup to the meat. Here they step forward and earn a mention right next to the brisket.

So what’s a datil pepper? It’s a small chile grown around St. Augustine for generations, known for a heat that comes with a sweet, fruity edge.

That sweetness matters in beans. It balances the natural richness of a slow-cooked side without turning it into pure fire.

You’ll find the beans listed among the sides you can pair with a plate. That makes them easy to try without committing to anything wild.

Here’s a smart move for a first visit. Order the beans alongside a regular side so you can taste the datil difference for yourself.

Pepper-shy eaters should start carefully. Datil peppers bring plenty of sweet, fruity flavor, but they can also pack serious heat.

Honestly, a spoonful of these beans says more about this town than a brochure ever could. It’s a side dish with a hometown accent.

Get To Know The Little Pepper Running This Whole Menu

One pepper. That’s the quiet star behind so much of what makes this barbecue stand out in northeast Florida.

The datil pepper has deep roots in St. Augustine. Local families have grown it for generations, and it’s become a point of real hometown pride.

At Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ, the datil shows up all over the place. You’ll see it in the beans, the cornbread, the slaw, the corn, the sausage, and a barbecue sauce.

That’s a lot of trust in a single ingredient. It also gives the menu a personality you won’t easily copy somewhere else.

Flavor-wise, datils bring heat with a fruity sweetness behind it. Think warm and bright rather than sharp and angry.

For visitors, this is a fun way to taste local food culture without a cooking class. Every datil item is a tiny lesson in St. Augustine flavor.

Planning a trip? Try two or three datil items in one meal and compare how the pepper changes in each.

The beans might be the famous one. Still, the whole datil lineup makes a pretty convincing supporting cast, and you’ll leave knowing a pepper by name.

Brisket Is The Heavy Hitter You’ll Hear About First

Ask what to order and brisket is the answer you’ll likely get. It’s one of the most talked-about items at this roadside spot.

The menu lets you get meats by the plate or by the pound. That flexibility works for a quick lunch or feeding a hungry crew at home.

Brisket often comes with choices like fatty, lean, or mixed. If you like rich, juicy bites, the fatty cut is the classic barbecue lover’s pick.

Lean fans aren’t left out, though. Mixed gives you a little of both, which is handy if you can’t decide.

Plates commonly come with Texas toast. That thick slice is perfect for mopping up sauce, and nobody will judge you for it.

Brisket pairs nicely with those datil baked beans. The smoky beef and sweet-hot beans make a natural team on the same plate.

Want to try more than one meat? Combo plates let you pick two or three, so brisket can share space with ribs or turkey.

Here’s a tip worth remembering. Popular items can sell out, so an earlier visit gives you the best shot at your brisket cut of choice.

Ribs, Pulled Pork, And Turkey Fill Out A Serious Lineup

Brisket gets the headlines, but the smoker stays busy with plenty more. Ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and smoked turkey all have a place here.

Ribs come in options like a half rack. That’s a good size for anyone who wants ribs as the main event.

Smoked turkey deserves a look too. It’s a lighter pick that still carries real smoky flavor, and it makes a great sandwich.

Sandwiches are a solid choice when you’re on the move. Pile on some slaw and sauce, and lunch is handled.

Then there’s the datil sausage. It brings that local pepper into the meat itself, which feels like a must for curious eaters.

Pulled pork rounds out the classics. It’s familiar comfort food and plays nicely with almost any sauce on the counter.

A combo plate is the easiest way to sample. You pick your meats, add your sides, and build your own little tour of the smoker.

Leftovers are a happy possibility with a big order. Grab a container, because tomorrow’s lunch might already be sorted.

Save Room For Cornbread, Slaw, And That Spicy Corn

Sides at a barbecue joint can be an afterthought. At Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ, they nearly steal the show.

Datil cornbread is a favorite topic. It takes a Southern staple and gives it a gentle local kick.

The slaw comes in a datil version as well as regular. Some folks even mix the two for a custom level of heat.

Datil corn adds another spicy option to your plate. It’s bright, a little bold, and a nice break from heavier sides.

Prefer to keep things classic? Mac and cheese, collard greens, green beans, and baked potatoes are on hand too.

Sweet potato is another choice for anyone who likes a softer, sweeter side. It pairs well with smoky meats and spicy beans.

A smart strategy is to mix one datil side with one classic side. You get variety, and your taste buds get a breather.

Plates with several sides make this easy. More sides means more chances to find your new favorite, and that’s a pretty good deal for a curious appetite.

Sauce Lovers Get A Whole Lineup To Play With

Sweet, hot, or datil? Choosing a sauce here feels a bit like picking a favorite song.

Woodpeckers offers several house-made sauces. That variety lets you match each meat with its own perfect partner.

The datil barbecue sauce is the local standout. It brings that sweet-and-spicy pepper flavor right onto your brisket or pork.

The sweet sauce is a crowd-pleaser too. It’s a great match for smoked turkey and works well on sandwiches.

Here’s a fun trick. Try mixing a hot sauce with a sweet one to land somewhere in the middle.

Sauce experiments are easy with a combo plate. Each meat becomes a little test kitchen.

Not a sauce person? The meats are smoked to stand on their own, so a light drizzle or none at all works fine.

Still, it would be a shame to skip the datil sauce entirely. It’s one more chance to taste St. Augustine’s favorite pepper, and it ties the beans, cornbread, and meat together in one smoky, sweet bite.

Banana Pudding And Cobbler Make A Sweet Last Word

Dessert at a barbecue place should feel like a reward. Here it does.

Banana pudding is one of the sweets people bring up most. It’s creamy, classic, and easy to grab to go.

Cobblers also make an appearance. Peach, apple, and blackberry have all shown up as options.

That variety means fruit fans have choices. Peach cobbler, in particular, leans on the sweeter side.

After datil beans and spicy corn, something cool and sweet just makes sense. Think of it as a friendly fire extinguisher for your taste buds.

A sweet tea fits right in with the meal too. It’s a Southern pairing that never seems to go out of style.

Too full for dessert? Order a banana pudding to go and save it for later.

Desserts may sell out on busy days, like other popular items. If you’ve got your heart set on one, consider ordering it with your meal so it doesn’t slip away while you’re still working through the brisket.

Backyard Vibes Come With Picnic Tables And Roaming Chickens

The name says backyard, and the setting backs it up. This is a down-home, unassuming spot with real roadside charm.

Outside, you’ll find plenty of picnic tables. On a nice Florida day, eating out there feels like a family cookout.

Inside, there’s some seating, including a counter. It’s a cozy option when the weather turns or the sun gets intense.

A friendly heads-up for indoor diners: the air conditioning can run cold. Bring a light jacket if you chill easily.

Chickens have been spotted wandering near the outdoor tables. Kids tend to love that, and it adds to the laid-back feel.

Takeout is a big part of the action too. Orders go through a front window, which makes grabbing food on the run simple.

Busy times can bring a line. Staff have been known to offer drinks and a shaded tent while folks wait.

Families will feel right at home with this relaxed setup. Nobody’s dressing up here, and that’s exactly the point.

Plan Your Visit Around These Hours And Sell-Outs

Timing is everything with good barbecue. Show up too late, and your favorite might be gone.

Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ sits at 4930 State Rd 13 N, St. Augustine, FL 32092. It’s along a scenic stretch north of downtown, an easy drive for locals and visitors.

Hours run from 11 AM to 7 PM, Tuesday through Sunday. Mondays are closed, so don’t plan a Monday brisket mission.

Popular items can sell out. Arriving near opening gives you the best shot at the full menu, beans included.

Busy weekends and holidays can mean lines. Patience pays off, and takeout through the front window keeps things moving.

Need food for a crowd? Catering is available, which makes this a handy option for parties and family gatherings across north Florida.

Got a trip to St. Augustine’s historic sights planned? This makes a tasty detour before or after exploring the oldest city.

Bottom line: go early, bring friends, and order the datil baked beans. Then decide for yourself if they really rival the meat.