Situated in an unassuming corner of Jacksonville's historic San Marco neighborhood, The Bearded Pig BBQ has charmed it's way into the hearts (and stomachs) of First Coast foodies. Recently voted one of Jacksonville's most family friendly restaurants, The Bearded Pig just might be serving up the best BBQ in town. Our family recently ventured out from our home in Jacksonville Beach and headed across the ditch (that would be the intercoastal waterway) to discover for ourselves what everyone is raving about.
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| The Bearded Pig BBQ is also part Beer Garden where refreshment, and pastimes are enjoyed by all. Sienna is seen here making her mark on the surrounding fences. |
Austin Style BBQ
The Bearded Pig (TBP for the sake of this story) takes to task one of the South's most respected traditions. BBQ is serious business down here so if you want to make it, you better be serving up authentic flavor that will stand out. From the first bite I can say with authority that TBP delivers. I've tried BBQ all over the continent and even as far down as Brazil. I know good smoked meat when I taste it and believe me there is no substitute for the real thing. TBP's fast casual concept isn't a new one for the region, but it is a first for BBQ. Folks line up to place their order and find their own seat where their antibiotic and hormone free meat (by the pound or platter) is delivered to their table along with fresh sides made in TBP's scratch kitchen. The restaurant's BBQ is prepared in the style made famous by Austin, Texas (which I've had the pleasure of experiencing myself), and is completely on point. I was also encouraged to learn that all the sides were exclusively vegetarian, certainly something new for Southern sides traditionally packed with pork or dairy of some sort.
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| On the Menu: Starter Bearded Poutine Fries, Burnt Ends, Pork, Curds, Pimento Cheese |
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| On the Menu: Starter Pimento Cheese + Saltines |
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| On the Menu: Starter Jalepeno Popper Cream Cheese, Sausage, Wrapped in Bacon |
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| London takes her turn with the chalk |
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| On the Menu: The San Marco Platter + Some Sides: Baked Beans, Slaw, Potato Salad |
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| An array of BBQ Sauces at The Bearded Pig |
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| On the Menu: Made from scratch vegetarian Slaw |
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| On the Menu: Baked Beans Prepared with more of the sweet and sour method (Sooo good) |
Family Focused
It was refreshing to take the kids to a dining location that encouraged them to let loose and enjoy themselves. We dined on a late lunch one Saturday and it was lovely to watch the kids be free. Feast at your leisure and cool off under the misters surrounding the outdoor patio. There's no rush, and the kids wont want to leave. Sienna was particularly impressed with The Bearded Pig's modern take on BBQ commenting several times on how tasty it was, and of course she had a blast chasing her sister around the lawn.
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| Sienna chases London through the yard |
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| On the Menu: Banana Pudding Made from Scratch (like grandma used to) |
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| David and Sienna cheese it up for the cam in The Bearded Pig's backyard |
We all heartily enjoyed every bite of The Bearded Pig's BBQ and can't wait to return. I captured every tasty course on instagram stories in real time. Did you enjoy it with us? Make sure to stay up to date on all our adventures on social media and here on the blog. Find me on instagram under AmyWestTravel for more great behind the scenes moments.
Until then...
Enjoy the Journey!
xo - Amy West
Cover Photo: Pimento Cheese Corn Cake with Pulled Pork and Jalepeno Jam
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