Captain Stan's Smokehouse, Woodbine,GA

Knowing I was going to be near Woodbine the following day, I did a quick search for restaurants in the area. Of the few I found, Captain Stan's sounded intriguing, so I had it in the back of my mind as I was searching for a lunch spot. Still, it snuck up on me and I drove past before I realized this was it:

Not seeing anything else interesting, I turned around and drove by again. There was a small shack, no big sign but lots of smoke and miscellaneous oddities strewn around the building. Either this was a redneck junkyard, or the signs of some authentic down home barbecue. I pulled in. Walking through the front door, it took my eyes a minute to adjust to the cluttered, dim interior. The wood walls and counter gave a comfortably worn feeling that made you immediately feel at home. I looked the menu over, and since I was short on time, ordered a rib plate to go. The kitchen is directly behind the counter and open to view, so I was able to watch as my order was prepared. I wandered past the few inside tables and out the side door, which opens to a dirt courtyard complete with picnic tables for outdoor dining:

There was a campfire burning in the middle, and if I had the time to linger it would have been the perfect way to enjoy my meal, which by now was ready.

 

Potato salad was good. Baby lima beans were a little watery but seasoned well, almost like a bean soup. And for the ribs...I had seen the cook place them on the grill so I knew they were reheated. But, they were still tender and had excellent flavor and texture. I could tell they had been smoked for a good long time, the only drawback was they seemed to have picked up a little extra garlic from the grill. I'm guessing because they also offer garlic crabs and shrimp- see the whole menu here. Anyway, the ribs were good but probably would have been awesome when they were fresh.

Captain Stan was evidently not around during my visit, but judging from the country meets island flavor of his place, he's a real character. According to their website, he also leads guided gator and wild boar hunts in the area. As a side note: they have a bar as well as restaurant and several other reviews have said it can get loud and rowdy on some nights and weekends. When I went it was just a small,quiet lunch crowd, enjoying some great barbecue.

FOOD RATING: 4 OF 5

OVERALL RATING: 4 OF 5

Jimmy Z's Barbecue Bistro-New Tampa,FL

From the first time I noticed it, "Barbecue Bistro" seemed like an oxymoron to me. I imagined suit-clad patrons daintily nibbling small portions of heavily garnished meat, and washing it down with sweet tea from a wine glass. Eventually though, my curiosity got the better of me, and having exhausted most other lunch options in the immediate area, I gave it a try.

The interior was bright, spacious and clean, though paper pictures and fluorescent lights may not be exactly what you'd expect to find in a bistro:

Service seemed a little slow for as empty as they were. I ordered the rib plate with potato salad and barbecue beans, while others in my party tried sandwiches, fries and red cabbage slaw.

 While the portions were good size, the food quality was hit and miss. My four ribs were a little tough and very bland. Their sauce didn't impress me either. There was plenty of meat on the ribs, but in the end I didn't even finish them. The pork sandwich was a little better but still short on flavor. I did enjoy the potato salad and unusual, but surprisingly good cole slaw. 

All in all it was a mild disappointment. If I had to describe this place in one word, it would be: halfhearted.

FOOD RATING: 2.5 OF 5

OVERALL RATING: 2 OF 5

Willard's Bar-B-Q Junction, Jacksonville, FL

Recently opened on Roosevelt Blvd. just north of Orange Park, Willard's caught my eye the other day while working nearby.There is no inside seating- it's mainly a drive through with limited parking. But I wanted to peruse the menu, so I ordered at the walk-up window:

I ended up choosing the sliced pork special with fries and slaw. It also included two slices of garlic toast. The whole order was ready quickly and served piping hot.The meat and garlic bread were very flavorful, while the cole slaw and fries were a little bland. I didn't care much for the sauce. It was very thin, tangy but with little actual flavor. Besides the bread, the portions were a little smaller than other places, but adequate for lunch. No real complaints here, though I can't say it was terribly impressive either. It would be worth a try if you're in the area.

FOOD RATING: 3 OF 5

OVERALL RATING: 3 OF 5