Pearl Country Store & Barbecue
106A NE Hwy 441, Micanopy, FL, 32667
Pearl Country Store & Barbecue Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Micanopy for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Micanopy for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Micanopy for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
106A NE Hwy 441
Micanopy, FL, 32667 - Phone (352) 466-4025
- Website https://www.pearlcountrystore.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :6:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes
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Mick S.
First let me say that I have never been moved to submit a review. But on a recent drive from Chicago to Clearwater I used the iPhone to find a good BBQ spot and ended up at Pearl Country Store and Barbeque and I can't tell ya how happy I am that I did. We almost didn't go in as we were surprised to see the gas pumps outside but once we opened the door and caught a whif of the aroma we new we were in the right place. Yes we are from Chicago but love a good BBQ, and this is by far the best we've ever had. Had the pulled pork sandwitch and wish I lived closer so I could have it weekly. Try it I think you'll like it!
(5)K S.
This place has the best BBQ I've had in Alachua county. They not only have great pulled pork and brisket (sadly I have not tried the ribs), but they also have awesome sides. The greens are spicy and I hear good things about the other stuff. The Mac n Cheese is just okay. All in all it's worth the trip down to Micanopy. TIP: come here early. they run out of sides and will not have much towards the end of the day.
(5)Jason C.
I moved to Gainesville from Austin, Texas, and while living in Austin, I slipped off to Lockhart about as often as I could to hit either Smitty's or Black's. When I got to Gainesville last August, I went into absolute withdrawals, and substituting Smitty's with that mediocre fare at Sonny's is akin to weening off crack by taking NoDoz.. Luckily, Pearl is right down the road. It's right around 10 miles from my part of Gainesville, which is really no great drive at all. Though in a gas station, it looks like a BBQ joint should (and also reminded me of meat and threes you used to find all over the south in small gas stations with a kitchen in the back). There is a counter, a pit, some utensils, tables, meat , and that's it - immediately a good sign. It also helps that the folks working there are good-natured and friendly. I had the pulled pork sandwich, and it was damned fine and at a good price. Loads of pork that was smoky, tender and juicy with out being overly greasy. "But wait," you may say, "isn't Texas known for its brisket?" Yes, it is, though both the places I mentioned do have fantastic pork ribs and loin. However, I've lived all over the south and had barbecue all over the place as well, and for me rule No. 1 when trying a new barbecue joint is to try the barbecue that is native to that region. Beef may be king west of the Mississippi, but we all know Pork rules the east. I base my comparison off how well the style of BBQ I'm eating is represented. Pearl Country Store does a great job with pork - it isn't the very best I've ever had, but it is definitely some of the best I've had in a long time. I've yet to have anything close in the Gainesville area. I am looking forward to going back and giving the ribs and brisket a spin. In the case of the brisket, I want to see how it stacks up to the to my Texas haunts. I'm also happy that my withdrawal shakes have subsided and that perhaps I have finally found a hook-up in Florida.
(4)M H.
Delicious! Ribs perfect. Beef flavorful. Yummy sauce. Great sides. Beautiful made-in-house desserts. And friendly staff to boot. This is my new go to spot for BBQ when in Gainesville!
(5)Tiffany C.
This place has the best BBQ ribs near Gainesville. It is located in the middle of nowhere and I would have never thought that they sell BBQ inside a gas station. I passed by it going to Micanopy, saw the sign and decided to google it. It was not until later that I decided to try it. I got ribs and brisket. The brisket was ok and little dry, but the ribs were excellent. If anyone ask me for good BBQ ribs in Gainesville I think I will have to send them to Micanopy to get some ribs here. The price wasn't bad for the amount that was given. In their website it shows that they have breakfast with a wide variety of things, I don't know I would end up coming to try that since it is a lil far, but I will definitely come back for some ribs
(5)Jerry M.
Went in today for lunch. Like everyone else has said, the food was phenomenal and the service was fast and friendly. Not much else to say on the matter except its definitely a good choice.
(4)Linda J.
Whenever I'm passing through, I always pick up an extra pound of chopped pork to bring home. Very country and impersonal setting, but delicious BBQ!
(4)Johnny L.
Great BBQ. Dont know why they advertise as a store. If they just put BBQ, more people would come. It's in the middle of nowhere and looks like some run-of-the mill gas station. But when you walk in, you could smell the bbq coming from the back. The people there have always been super friendly and are some funny guys. The food was great. I've had the ribs and the pulled pork sandwich. The ribs were fantastic and they were a little sweet (which I like). The sauce is pretty good as well, but it's just your standard sauce. The pulled pork sandwich was good, but it was chopped pork (which is big difference for some BBQ lovers). My friend says that they've given him pulled pork before, so it must be different at different days. For sides, I got fries so I cant really comment on the traditional bbq sides. The food was great. The people were great. The prices are great. Everybody needs to give this place a try. It doesnt matter how far it is. It's worth the drive. (In Gainesville, no place is far out anyways)
(4)Bud C.
Pearl Country Store & Barbecue is another of those great barbecue places you really have to want to find - once there, however, your effort will be rewarded with some of the best 'cue 20 miles either side of I-75. A billboard on the highway was my first word they even existed. Two miles east of I-675 and a half mile south on Highway 441 there stood Pearl's - a combination country store, service station and barbecue emporium. A couple aisles of groceries when you enter, followed by a few tables and a couple booths before you get to the meat case where the barbecue is showcased. Pearl's chopped pork and brisket tops the list of fine eating. The ribs, rubbed with mustard and apple, are good, but a thin slice (pun intended) behind the pork and brisket. All smoked on the premise. Two sauces, a thick tomato and sorghum (?) based (good but not great) and a hot. Their vinegar slaw is better than most; baked beans, with chunks of pork, are far better than most. Good potato salad and a variety of excellent homemade pies to top off your side trip. Traveling south through Georgia to Florida? ... if so, The Brown Shoe Gourmet suggests you add Pearl Country Grocery & Barbecue to Highfalls Barbecue (exit 198), The Blind Pig in rural Jackson, Georgia, and Finchers (exit 160A) as "musts" as you eat (and travel) your way through The South. Barbecue - it's not just for breakfast any more.
(5)AB C.
BBQ so good you'll wanna slap yo mama. While you're there, go down the old county road (the road off of 441...between the gas station and blue highway going left out of Pearl's if your leaving from the southern exit, sorry can't remember the name of that road??) and take that nice road about 10 minutes. You will find a very old cemetery on the right which harbors Florida's 4th Gov.! It's pretty cool. Most graves from the 1800s. Mmm bbq n dead people.. MMM MMM MM!
(5)Joe C.
The country store = a gas station. The bbq inside this place was kick ass. Meat heaven. Ribs were great, so was the brisket. If you get the "jumbo dinner" for $14 you will get a load of food. I highly recommend this bbq place for people that aren't scared of eating inside of a gas station and a few flies. I also recommend the mac and cheese. Worth the drive from Gainesville, it will be the best bbq you'll have in Alachua County.
(4)Violet R.
My husband and I stumbled upon this place once while visiting Gainesville. The first time we went is was AMAZING... flavor, smoked perfectly and excellent portions. When I visited the area again, I got some of the smoked pork we had enjoyed last time and it was THE WORST BBQ pork I ever had. Rubbery, undercooked....not sure it was even smoked...and I bought a WHOLE POUND. Had to throw most of it out...it was inedible. So THAT was really disappointing. The next time I visited I just went for the ribs since they had been so good the first time. They were TERRIBLE. They tasted like they were dipped in corn syrup and were sticky sweet and just not good....nor were they smoked well. This time, the LAST TIME, I brought half a rack for my hubby and he said...."eh, yours are better." Something happened in the past 5 years..... new owner, new smoker, new guy smokin'..... don't know. But food is inconsistent....and really, not so good anymore. Sad, because we raved about it to everyone..... and now, we're just looking for another place that has good BBQ.
(2)Patrick M.
BBQ at its best & awesome service, too! Awesome BBQ!! Get some! Pecan pie & all desserts are incredible!
(4)Brad K.
Dropped in for some brisket on the way back from Ocala. The BEEF (pun intended) I have is I asked for it sliced not chopped, and the guy behind the counter says we only chop it. I said well can't you just slice it (I like it Texas style for my sandwiches) long story short they won't. So that's strike #1 Strike #2 is they used bottle BBQ sauces and don't make their own Strike #3 is the brisket really isn't that smoked. It's good but not great. No one does brisket right in the Gainesville Ocala area anyway. Will end up going to Cecils Texas BBQ in Orlando for my Brisket
(2)Tanner M.
If you have 30 minutes to get GREAT BBQ just south of Gainesville off I 75, do yourself a favor and savor their meats, sides, and desserts. It's at the Cafe Risque exit, but keep going!
(5)Miriam W.
We make it a point to stop at Pearl Country Store every time we pass through Micanopy, and it's always worth the visit. This place is the real Dixie; part convenience store and part gas station with some seats in the back where they're serving up some great barbecue. It's not even that far off the beaten path, but it's still mostly locals who frequent this little gem. We love it so much that we put it on the top 10 list of our barbecue blog ( barbecuedreams.blogspot.… ), and never once have we been given a reason to regret that decision. The ribs here are meaty and a little fatty, as St. Louis ribs should be, with a perfect smoky flavor and a bit of tang from their rub and/or mop, which is a great match for these ribs...not overpowering or intrusive. They come un-sauced, which is my preference, with sauces available table side. I have also had the pulled pork and the chicken, and they're both delicious too, especially with a little hit of their mustard sauce. They offer a good choice of sides, from collard greens to cole slaw to mac and cheese, baked beans, etc. Their slaw is a little sweet and sour for my taste, so I skip that, but I like everything else I've tried. If you're passing through on I-75, swing by and try some great barbecue.
(5)Donald M.
A Florida gem, this place is the real deal. I'm a creature of habit, I normally like one thing at any one place I frequent, but I can almost never decide what to eat at the Pearl. First lets talk location. Micanopy is almost in the middle of no where and that is the way fans of the Pearl like it. This place is an old time gas station that still pumps kerosine. The fantastic food is served from the lunch counter in the gas station and patrons enjoy their meals at the counter or at one of a few tables. Lets talk process, you head to the counter - take forever to decide what to eat - they write up your order on a ticket - choose your drink (all meals come with a drink, and you choose what to have, beer from the cooler, fountain soda, milk, water) - take the drink and the your ticket to the cashier - pay and get your pink pig stamp. This pink pig stamp is Charlie's golden ticket, you have been given permission to fly to flavorsville. Everything and I do mean everything is homemade and rib-stick'n good. It is full of gluten, fat, butter, and probably some salt. It's real southern barbecue and though I couldn't convince my doctor to allow me to eat like this more than a few times a year, I count my trips to the Pearl as a blessing and an honor. Stick around long enough and you'll find out that the employees have been manning those counters, smokers, and cash register for many years. The Best Kept Secret: The pie. Oh my gravy, the pie. I could review just the pies. The previous owner is an elderly lady whose soul is in these walls. She isn't able to keep this place going any more, but she still comes in several times a week and makes the pies from scratch.
(5)Michael L.
The rib plate lived up to its rep. The beans and potato salad were great too! I couldn't have asked for more. In fact, I got a doggie bag!
(5)Brian A.
Gas, convince store, local gift and BBQ You heard me BBQ in a gas station and it's amazing! they smoke all the meats in house and make awesome breakfast sandwiches lunch & dinner plates. I take every out of town visitor to this unique spot
(5)AP A.
Rednecky gas station on a quiet highway about 20 min south of Gainesville. Some of the best bbq I have ever had. I have tried most of the menu and never been disappointed at all. I love sitting at the counter in the middle of the lunch bustle.
(5)Adam S.
Some of the best bbq I have found has been at gas station places, and this place is no exception. The ribs are fantastic. They seem almost candied on the outside which creates an outer layer similar to bacon with delicious, perfectly cooked ribs underneath. It is superb. The brisket is also good, but is a bit on the dry side for me. Sides are tasty. Service was quite friendly to us. Mustard sauce was solid. Gotta try the ribs here...
(5)Roth M.
Very good Barbecue! My last name is McCue, so I've been on a quest for the best Cue, and this is some really good Cue! Best thing about BBQ is that you find some of the best in the most unexpected places. This BBQ joint is located in a gas station on 441. I went there a few times when I lived in Gainesville about 10 years ago. I went again tonight and I can say that they are doing it right! Deep pink smoke penetration into the meats, great sides, and good variety of sauces to compliment the smoked goodness. If you're looking for good Cue in N. Florida, you need to check this place out! And to the person (Cathy?) who was all pissy about waiting for ribs and went to 4 Rivers instead, I'm glad they turned you away, because great BBQ is not rushed. Great BBQ is only ready when it's ready, and good BBQ joints are not going to sell inferior product by rushing the process, regardless of Your timetable. The reason you left is the same reason you shouldn't be reviewing a place at which you never have eaten, you don't get it. Go here for great Cue!
(5)Kalvin K.
Best kept secret in North Florida. I went to school at UF in Gainesville and always make sure to stop by Pearl Country Store for some delicious BBQ whenever I'm in the area. This place has the best ribs I have ever had. Try the southern hot BBQ sauce for a deliciously hot and tangy sauce. It's good over all the various types of meat they offer but especially good on the ribs. Make sure to stop by! They are really friendly as well.
(5)Matt B.
I must say I was looking for a place to eat that was good. so I hit the yelp app and this place popped up and looked interesting so we gave it a try. I ordered the ribs and brisket with Okra and fries. The good was the Okra and fries. Both were tasty and hot. The bad was the ribs and brisket. The brisket was beyond dry and the ribs were just not very good. Overall the experience was just ok. And the foods kinda pricey for BBQ. I would not go out of my way to eat here.
(2)Heinrik V.
Really good barbecue and really nice people. The breakfast here is absolutely awesome! Got home cook biscuits and sausage are like nowhere else in the area. You have to get here early in the evening if you want dinner, though, Because they aren't open very late.
(4)Frank L.
We decided to stop here on our drive up to North Florida. This place has some pretty legit ribs and is easily accessible off of the highway. Good southern atmosphere and located in a gas station. Who could ask for more!
(4)Randi G.
We stopped by to grab a bite to eat after reading the reviews. First impression was underwhelming -- the gas station was not super clean and was a bit dingy/aged on the inside. I'd compare the appearance to a 1970s 7-11 (not the bright, clean look that I've come to expect from eating at a Wawa). We noticed it was quite busy inside and decided to order anyway. The food looked like it was sitting under some heat lamps in a glass case. I ordered the pork sandwich because they were out of everything except for that and chicken. My husband order the same. We added an order of fries, mac and cheese and coleslaw. You buy your drinks separately which was nice since we could grab anything out of the gas station coolers. The tables were not wiped down but that could be attributed to the dinner time rush. I walked up to the counter and grabbed the sanitizer and rag without the service ever offering to help. Our food was delivered to our table by the service. The sandwiches were cold... luke warm at best. The mac and cheese was horrible- I thought you could make better from a box of Kraft. It was very rubbery. The coleslaw was vinegar based with no mayo (not my taste) and the fries were only mediocre. The BBQ was tasty but would have been much better hot. Maybe we showed up on a bad night.
(3)John D.
Should have came here first instead of Blue Highway across the street.Home quality cooking,you can tell the owner enjoy's and cares about the food not just doing it for the money. Difficult to find if you don't know what you are looking for or where at. It is inside a gas station. Best food in Micanopy.
(5)Yahel J.
This place is in a gass station so don't come here for the ambiance. However it may be your best bet in micanopy. We checked out the two other restaurants we found in town. They were both cute but seemed to mostly serve mayonnaise salads on super market bread and we wanted something more substantial. The barbeque here is good. We both got the pulled pork which was nice and moist, though lacking in smokey flavor. The mustard bbq sauce was pretty good. The portions were huge so it's a good value for the money. The fries were not any good. They were oven fries with too much salt and seasoning. We didn't try any other sides. Overall I would come back of I were in micanopy and I was hungry but I wouldn't go out of my way to come here.
(3)Andrew B.
At first I wondered why people were recommending a BBQ place that was located inside a gas station. Then I finally broke down and tried Pearl's beef brisket sandwich. Absolute perfection. The baked beans and potato salad are also amazing. There's a reason why you have to fight for a parking spot around lunch time. Best BBQ around.
(5)Vanessa S.
The best BBQ I have had in Florida for a long time. Really yummy.
(5)John H.
Tasty BBQ. I had the 1/2 chicken with slaw and beans.
(3)Harry G.
2nd and 3rd visits to Pearl. This time I ignored d'André's tiny little opinions and got what I wanted without any help from him. First, let me say that Miss Stacey treated us extremely well on both visits and went beyond the call of duty catering to our various whims. Her beauty and graciousness was exceeded only by the scrumptiousness of her ribs! Which I took 2 whole racks of home with me. Everything was just as excellent as before. I got into the pies this time, and wish I hadn't. Why? Cause Pearl is too damned far away for me to be able to get back there on a regular basis for mo pie. Mmmmmmm, uuuuuhhh! Leave a little space between all the ribs, greens, brisket and such for just one leetle slice of pie. Try the pie! Postscript: As usual d'André had some whiney little complaint. In this case, it was that Miss Stacey said she thought me and d'André looked a lot alike, which is patently absurd. Anyone can plainly see that I am a far better looking specimen. But this started a fight between me and d'André that lasted all the way to Charlotte, NC.... where I left d'André at the bus station. Thank you, Miss Stacey! And thank you Pearl Country Store.
(5)Lacey C.
This place went from a four-star to a five-star for one. reason. only. Their pork-ribs were literally falling. off. the. bone. This place is for locals--you should note that right away. Who else would find this gem of a smoker placed outside a gas station in sleepy (read: nearly dead) Micanopy?? You even pay the gas-station attendant instead of the cooks and waitresses behind the counter. In a stunning out-of-character display I ordered a side of mac and cheese, which was indeed, homemade like it looked--and mouthwatering. Don't forget mouthwatering. The slaw left something to be desired, but considering slaw's role for me concerning BBQ is to slather it all over my brisket sandwich? It did it's job well. For god's sake, BBQ fans, don't miss out of those ribs. I'm telling you it's completely worth the trip. And try the Carolina sweet sauce on the counter.
(5)Cari B.
I'm always on the look out for good BBQ so when I saw the great reviews this place had I wanted to try it . So on my way back from a horse sale in Ocala I took a different route home ( which add an extra 45 mins on to my drive time ) just so I could try this BBQ people had been raving about . When I pulled into the gas station in which it's located I thought to myself this does not look promising but said to myself you've came this far you may as well go in and try it . I walk in and was even more disappointed , the store is really run down and not clean . I walk over to the food counter in which they just had the BBQ sitting under hot lights almost buffet style . Against my better judgment I proceeded to order the rib and pork combo with a side of fries and Mac n cheese . When my plate arrived I noticed the pork was gray in color and when I tasted it , it was cold and lacked taste. The ribs were ok , I've had worse . The Mac n cheese looked better than it tasted and the fries were just typical crinkle cut fries nothing special . As I'm sitting there I was thinking I can not believe I drove 45 mins out of the way for this and furthermore can not believe that others have gave this place 5 star . This was below average BBQ I feel sorry for those who gave them high reviews because they clearly have never had good BBQ .
(1)Jim S.
My wife and I moved to northern Alachua County in 2003. Over the past eleven years, we have probably eaten at Pearl a couple of dozen times. The food CAN be very good - but it is not consistently good. The service, on the other hand, is consistently bad. That's the story at Pearl. We've experienced crappy attitudes and service one too many times. We are not returning. As most reviewers have noted, it is nothing more than a lunch counter in a convenience store/gas station. You stand in line to order and your food is brought to your table when it is ready. The "atmosphere" here is pretty much non-existent. It's basically a dump. If you find yourself needing to use the restroom, take my advice and stop at Smiley's Antique Mall after you exit I-75 and use the restroom there first. In all the years that we've been eating at Pearl, NEVER has anyone expressed appreciation at our being there. When you are finished with your meal, you pay at the cashier - standing in line behind the people who are paying for gas and/or buying beer. I am pretty sure that the gentleman whom we generally see at the cash register is the owner (or at least part of the family). The guy is a jerk - and that's the only good thing I can say about him. I have never seen this guy come out from behind the counter and so much as utter a word to any of the diners. As I've said, the food can be good. I generally have the pulled pork sandwich. My wife likes ribs. It certainly isn't cheap. A pulled pork sandwich plate, an order of ribs, and a couple of drinks will set you back about $35. I'd much rather pay $50 and get service and atmosphere. They have some kind of nerve charging the prices they do, treating you like they're doing YOU a favor by serving you, and serving you in such a s***hole. If all you care about is food, give it a try. It may turn out to be very good for you. Don't expect anything more and you won't be disappointed.
(1)Bill W.
Very good food, friendly staff. They offer homeade corned beef hash on Saturday and Sunday. It is the best I've had at a restaurant. The bar b que is all good also. They have homemade pies and cakecakes that are fantastic. Nostalgic old time atmosphere.
(4)Stephen B.
We decided to stop here on our drive up to North Florida. The BBQ here is serious but may not be for everyone. I eat a lot of BBQ as well as do my own. I found the texture and preparation of the ribs to excellent but something in the flavor seemed off putting. Given all the good reveiws I've chalked it up to just an outlier. But if i am ever in the area i would give it another try. Good southern atmosphere and located in a gas station.
(3)Michael W.
I stopped here for lunch on my way up to Gainesville and I must say I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I ordered the brisket with baked beans and mac and cheese. The brisket was delicious and the beans were as well. They have great sauces that I really enjoyed the sweet. It's in a gas station off the side of the road.
(5)Coty S.
This is a gas station with a steady flow of customers at all times of the day. When we arrived, it was so crowded that we had to park off to the side on the grass. There are booth style tables near the front window and four-seater tables in front of the old style diner counter. The rest of the establishment is a convenience store with some locally produced items in the front. Even though the parking was rough, there were still plenty of empty tables inside. As far as Southern Hospitality, that was not the case when I arrived. More like Manhattan hospitality to me, however I am not yet a regular here. For some reason the set-up really stressed me out at first because they rush you to order, so I attempted to stand off to the side to read the overhead menu and also look at the desserts in the case. This made the employees even more angry for some reason. The chopped pork is very tender and juicy. The ribs are more of a dried jerky style pork rib, with a strong black pepper taste. The ribs kind of reminded me of Bubbaque's, so maybe they were having a bad day when I was there. The Mac and Cheese is of the processed cheese variety and the greens were also loaded with black pepper. The candied baked beans were delicious and had generous portions of meat. I assumed that their sauce is homemade because they advertise it as having an apple flavor. It does in fact and is very sweet and I soon became addicted to it. Perfect on their buttered toast. Each plate was under $10. Their website advertises a photo of fried catfish. Do not get your hopes up like my Mom did, because they do not actually serve it. It is not even on the menu, and they almost threw a fit when we asked about it. I really favored the desserts because you can tell they are made with natural ingredients and are not too sweet. Just a note: You order at the BBQ counter, they write you a ticket, then you wait in another line to pay at the front register. So, basically you are waiting in two lines. Also, I recommend you order your dessert with your meal, otherwise you will have to wait in both those lines again. Your drinks are self service and free refill, you grab them before you pay at the front counter. The sweet tea is quite good. I have a saying, "It ain't country without flies!" Well, you get plenty of flies here.
(5)Mike W.
I've always been a huge fan of Pearl Country Store, but just wanted to say a couple things: recently, it seems the desserts have gotten even better--especially the pecan pie and the chocolate cake. Now, they keep most desserts in a cooler case on the right of the BBQ counter, but don't be fooled: often the chocolate cake is up on a cake platter atop the counter and away from the other desserts. Sometimes, they have the pecan pie over there, too. This is perfectly appropriate for cakes, to have them cloistered off in their own little covered cake platters--ask any Southern grandma or Baptist preacher if you don't believe me. Secondly, the guys who work here--especially the younger African-American dude--are helpful and polite beyond belief. Always super-friendly. I find it ironic that you can go to a five-star restaurant and get poor, aloof, service (and those people work for their tips, supposedly) whereas here you get truly friendly service despite the fact that even if they were rude people would still come in because the BBQ is simply that good. As I've said before, come early if you want a good selection of sides: they do run out of stuff now and then which is only logical for a small business because it doesn't make sense to make too much then not sell it.
(5)Douglas W.
Absolutely forget the couple negative reviews. I have eaten here several times. I travel all over the United States on business and love barbecue. I don't need ambiance, I don't even need tables for great barbecue. It's not the point. Although, I must say, this is a very nice place to sit down and have a meal so I don't know what the others were talking about. The service is friendly and prompt. The food is fabulous. They use an apple cider barbecue sauce and it is great. The ribs are perfectly smoked and cooked. Fall off the bone and juicy. I can recommend the chicken and the sides I have had as well. The chopped pork is perfection. This is one of the top 10 barbecue places in the country. Go out of your way to eat here, you won't be sorry.
(5)Alex H.
Eating at Pearl once again legitimizes the large amount of faith I put in my fellow Yelpers. Spent four years in college not 10 miles from here and never once made it in. Was back visiting last weekend, and hungry on the way from Orlando recalled hearing good things a while back. Yelp confirmed with a 4.5 star average overall. This is no-frills country barbecue at its finest. Located in a gas station with just a few tables near the counter where you order, this is the type of place you'd easily miss if you weren't in the know. And boy would you be missing out: incredible brisket, pork, and chicken bbq, with a choice of a couple sauces...the slightly less-sweet variety being my favorite. For sides, they offer fried okra (served with ranch, of course), cole slaw, baked beans...all the staples and all done right. And don't forget to polish it off with a sweet tea...you've passed Ocala and you're now solidly in the South, after all. I have to take a second to mention how incredibly friendly the service was too: we were clearly the only non-locals in the place, and just to stand out a bit more I walked in holding a cake (long story). The single waitress came right up, made a joke about not needing to bring her a cake, and offered to keep it in the cooler while we ate. She gave us great suggestions, navigated our complicated array of for-here and to-go orders, and overall treated us like guests in her home. People just aren't this nice anywhere else in the country. If you ever find yourself on I-75 between Tampa and Atlanta, this one would be worth going out of your way for.
(5)Whitney F.
Previous reviews were accurate- the place was really smack dab in the middle of the gas station. You even pay for your meal at the gas station cashier. Very casual, friendly workers, and tvs to watch. They were out of chicken, so go early if you want a variety of choices (maybe weekends are busier). They seem to cook a large batch and if it sells out, then they'll be out for the day. I ordered the pork sandwich. Wasn't hot, but still good. Nothing amazing, but tender and not dry. I also ordered a pound of beef brisket to go plus a pint of collard greens and macaroni and cheese. They were all pretty average. Maybe I'm just not a huge fan of BBQ, so I thought everything was just ok. Not a fan of sweets either, so didn't try the desserts. Just satisfied nothing was dry or too difficult to eat. I'll have to try the ribs next time, maybe I'll change my review then.
(3)Doctor B.
After some disappointing BBQ at another local Gainesville location and at a highly-rated BBQ place in Tampa, we returned to Pearl Country (3rd visit) to see if it lived up to our memory. It did. If you've never been here before be prepared: Pearl Country Store is the local mini-market attached to a gas station in the small, rural town of Micanopy, population=653. The small seating area in the store is nestled between the food aisles and the BBQ counter. Some days are cleaner than others and you may not want to linger. Today, the seating area was packed but I had planned on just take-out. I left with a 1/2-pound each of ribs, chicken and beef brisket. The ribs were as good as expected and put to shame any other ribs I've had. The meat falls off the bone with the lightest touch. If you order it in the store, the ribs are served between two slices of bread. It's a small matter to nudge the meat off the bone on to the bread and make a sandwich. The meat is soft, moist, flavorful and barely needs chewing. It's a revelation. This was my first time trying the chicken...it was good, but, hey...it's chicken. As great as the ribs are, for me the winner is the beef brisket, so delicious you will want to simply eat it out of the styrofoam tray: beefy, smokey and moist. Today, I had a specific plan: mushrooms and onions were grilled, a couple of slices of quality sliced Italian bread were prepared with a little mustard, then an open faced sandwich assembled with fresh mozzarella on top. The open sandwich was toasted and then assembled to make a barbecued beef sandwich with grilled mushrooms, onions and gooey mozzarella. Best sandwich ever. Outstanding food does not have to be fancy, nor expensive and Pearl Country Store has the goods to prove it. It you enter the store and it's too downscale, take out!
(5)Cathy G.
Stopped on our way north traveling up interstate 75. Saw a sign on the side of the road and made a quick exit. Followed signs for about a mile and a half to a gas station/ restaurant / store. The restaurant holds about six tables plus a counter, but the food is terrific. Choices include brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and chicken. There are sides that include potato salad, Mac n cheese, cole slaw, greens... We opted for sandwiches of brisket and pulled pork, with sides of cole slaw and baked beans. The portions are large. The flavors are great. They know how to smoke meats! They have a variety of sauces so you are bound to find one that matches your taste buds. As we were leaving we noticed that most of the locals were ordering the ribs and the guy at the counter admitted that was what he would order. We were happy with our food and would definitely go back to try those ribs! The nice thing about Pearls for travelers is that you get fast friendly service at reasonable prices. It's not Mc Donald's , it's better.
(4)Michael T.
Made a special trip here for lunch recently from Gainesville. Definitely worth the drive and Pearl's lived up to its hype. Got pulled pork sandwiches and baked beans. I opted for the large sandwich, which was a mistake since I had to eat half the meat with a fork before even thinking about picking the sandwich up. Definitely a HUGE sandwich. The beans were okay but not exceptional, but I'm rating Pearl's on the meat not the sides and it is definitely a five-star barbeque joint. As noted in other reviews, there is NO atmosphere: you're eating in the back of a convenience store. But atmosphere isn't why you go to a barbeque restaurant, right?
(5)Peter M.
I really love this place. It looks like a typical gas station/store from the outside, but inside you will find some of the best BBQ around. Everything I have every had here has been just wonderful, I just wish it was closer to my house. I stopped in for breakfast one day and ordered a biscuit with sausage and egg and some home fries with sausage gravy. It came to around $6 and when I got the food I thought, oops, there is not a chance I will be able to eat all this in two meals. The sausage patty is the size of a big hamburger and the whole thing was about 5 inches wide and 4 inches tall and the home fries were easily enough for two people. Yum Yum is all I can say!
(4)Rich C.
This may sound like a bold statement but this place definitely has the best BBQ in the state of FL. I've been all over and only a few places that have since closed down compare to Pearl's. Their ribs and bbq pork sandwich are simply fantastic and their crinkle fries are perfectly cooked. Can't wait to go back. Very easy stop off I75 too!
(5)Caleb L.
The meat on my pork sandwich was fairly moist, having just been chopped. It had a little bit of smokiness but definitely needed more flavor of some kind. The sauce helped a little and it was a decent sandwich, but nothing exceptional. Although it was an interesting stop and I will return to try it again if I'm in the area, this time I found myself wishing I had just kept driving. Extra points for character, middle of the road food.
(3)Russ B.
This is NOT a five star gourmet restaurant (I don't eat at those), rather a great place to get some real good "country" food. My wife and I shared a barbecue pork sandwich (we'd read that they were huge) and fries - so that we could also share a dessert. We tried the cherry pie - pretty good too. They have a LOT on their menu, including breakfast - we'll be back.
(5)