Pearl Country Store & Barbecue

I had wanted to check out this place for a long time based on the great reviews, and we finally got the chance while visiting the area. It’s a store/restaurant inside a gas station. We arrived around 4 p.m. on a Saturday, and parking was limited. As we entered, we were a bit skeptical about what to expect. The interior is old and rustic. Both the lady taking orders and the cashier were not particularly friendly, but they were polite and helpful—which, to me, added to the interesting vibe! Here’s how it works: you order the food and get a receipt, pick any fountain drink (any size or flavor) you want, then go to the store cashier at the front to pay. Drinks come with free refills. After that, you sit, and they bring the food to your table. We ordered one brisket plate with French fries and baked beans, and one combo plate of ribs and brisket with slaw and baked beans. As we waited, people kept coming in for takeout, while a few, like us, chose to dine in. You’ll see all types of people and all ages here! The first thing we noticed about our plates was the huge portions of both meat and sides. We were super hungry, yet we couldn’t finish everything and had to take some home. The brisket (already chopped) was delicious, though a bit on the dry side. The ribs were good—not fall-off-the-bone tender, but full of flavor. The baked beans were awesome, and I loved the slaw—it was made with vinegar instead of mayo. Overall, the food was great, and we made sure to compliment the cooks—they deserved it! Don’t let the appearance of the place give you doubts!

Spending the day up in Micanopy, searching for a great place to eat lunch up here and this was suggested to me by the people at the City Antique Mall.. it’s located as a store and a gas station but oh my gosh, everybody around here knows about this place!! While I was here at lunch it got packed; . It’s not just a general store. They have a small lunch counter and nine tables inside and more tables outside. I ended up with the “small” pork barbecue sandwich with baked beans and sweet potato fries. if you’d like sweet baked beans, do not pass these up and the sweet potato fries were coated in a brown sugar cinnamon and were so tender.. had to take half of it with me. Gotta try this place. It’s delicious, looking forward to more trips for the ribs and brisket I hear they’re awesome too

We were staying at the state park and needed toothpaste, we stumbled on to this gas station/ hidden restaurant. So not be fool by it. You walk in and you don’t know where you are. It is a store but between ails there are tables. If you go to the far back the smells takes you to the spot… they area restaurant/diner/I do not know how to call this. The make brisket, pork, ribs, chicken and many sides. This place is packed inside and out, always a line. We were impressed with the meats but disappointed with the sides. Fries were too crispy, yes too crispy is not always good but they were too oily, macaroni was blend, pieces with big chunks of cheese- needed to be blended- married the cheese with the macaroni. Also the coleslaw, I don’t know what that was, didn’t taste like it. Best side was the potato salad, if you like mustard, because it tastes like it. We went twice, so it was not bad… the bbq sauces are amazing, specially the spicy one, not that spicy but so mis flavor You have to go and try it, it’s a gem of a place, locals LOVE IT, you have to try it!!

We visited the Pearl Country Store and BBQ, in the spring of 2025. We found the name of country store and BBQ to be very different from the image the name implied. When we think country store, we think more like Cracker Barrel and such with lots of different items for sale. Whereas we found Pearl Country Store and BBQ to be just another gas station and convenience store that also sells hot food. - [ ] But in this case, some of the food available is some pretty tasty BBQ. As always, folks will have different opinions on taste, quality and price. But we tried Brisket and pulled pork sandwiches. In which we found to be quite good. We both also ordered sides of fries, which were only OK. But we were not there for the fries. I knew I should have gone with baked beans or Mac and cheese. Although to be fair, the regular or medium size brisket sandwich would have been enough for me. The wife said the same about her small sized pulled pork sandwich. I didn’t try other items like breakfast or other options , so I will not comment on them. But the BBQ was good. I also purchased a fountain soda, which uses a styrofoam cup. So it stayed nice and cold throughout and after our lunch. I did find the prices to be a little on the high side for what we got, but not drastically so. And as I said, peoples opinions will differ. We opted not to eat inside, but instead chose the outside dining option. In this case, you tell them when ordering and they pack the food to go. Then you just walk across the parking lot to the nice shady picnic table area. I think there were five tables with umbrellas to choose from. Although fairly close to the road, it was decently shielded from autos and the noise of vehicular traffic. We had a nice lunch with other folks and a nice breeze to keep things cool.There is a nice smoker wagon there as well, where they cook the meats. We also had a very nice chicken who visited us, looking for handouts. All in all, a nice lunch. I probably would not have chosen the outside option in July or August. Maybe not in December either, but who knows. But for us it was very nice. Like I said earlier, do keep in mind that this is basically just a gas station with a convenience store, that happens to also offer hot food. So this is by no means five star dining. But if you’re OK with a nice down home no frills country meal. Then by all means, stop in and give them a try. I would suggest getting there early, since they got pretty busy after noon when we were still there. I guess that’s also a good sign.

Best authentic backwoods Florida BBQ! Ordered the mixed vegetables, brisket and beans, it was delicious! Wife also had the brisket, kids had ribs, mac and cheese, grilled ham and cheese sandwich, and banana pudding. They loved it! Great experience eating in the diner at the back of this old store. Can wait to return again. The historical town of Micanopy is a must see!

I stop whenever I can. Nice folks who support our local wines. Top-notch brisket! I've had the okra before (amazing) so went with the mac 'n cheese... cheesy goodness!!!!!

One of the best barbecue experiences i have had EVER! I eat barbecue regularly and travel all over the US to get it. My car broke down and I pulled off an exit in Micanopy, Fl to let My car cool Off. The gas station attendant recommended Pearl’s but said it was in a gas station. I almost didn’t go. It was 10 minutes away and am so glad I did. This restaurant is a DONT MISS! I will be coming back and I live in Chicago. Could be best barbecue and sides I’ve had in the last ten years and I was recently in North Carolina eating nothing but barbecue.

Awesome BBQ! Stopped here a few years ago, had to see if it was just as yummy. Was not disappointed! Grabbed a rack of ribs,some brisket and a few sides on our way to the Panhandle, and had to get more for the way home the next week. Only regret is they're not closer to us.

You are here for the food and the boiled peanuts. We got the rib and beef combo with greens and sweet potatoes fries. Everything was fabulous and will be a must stop when coming through. Great boiled peanuts for a bomb price which was an added bonus. Service was great, you order at counter then pay at register. Seating isn't a lot but we came around 1200 on a Sunday and had plenty of options. Not much ambiance but I didn't come for that, came for the food and peanuts and I delivered on both.

We were in Gainesville, FL this weekend and had a hankering for BBQ. After scouring the various foodie Facebook groups in the area, one place rose above all the other mentions: Pearl Country Store and BBQ. We pulled in and saw that it was BBQ joint/station/corner store. In my experience, the less fancy the place, the better the BBQ. Me and Mah Wife shared the Meat Lover's Plate. It's a mountain of a plate piled high with pulled pork, chopped beef brisket, a chicken leg quarter, and two pork ribs. If that weren't enough, it comes with two sides and toast. We chose mac and cheese and green beans. I like to try BBQ without sauce first. The meat should be able to stand alone without the aid of a sauce. Glad to say all the meats were up to the task. Delicious, tender, smoky, good bark on the ribs and brisket. After that initial test, I was ready to let some sauces elevate the meat to another level. A variety of homemade sauces were on the table. I particularly loved the Southern Sweet BBQ sauce. It was a perfect counterpoint to the smoky savory meat. And we finished things off with a pint of homemade banana pudding. A southern classic ending to every great BBQ. Go check out Pearl's for some great BBQ.

Gas station Bbq stop. The Bbq brisket is a treat. Baked beans get a thumbs up with hunks of meat laced throughout. The service is quick. There is inside and outside eating options. The place is busy. It is a no frills operation. Know what you eat when you step u to order. Then pay your tab, find yourself a table, and wait for your name to be called. This place isn't fancy, but you can't eat dance.

Great little spot for BBQ! We were visiting the area and the BBQ spot had some good reviews. It's inside a gas station but don't let that fool you, it's a whole little restaurant inside. You order at the BBQ counter and pay at the gas station counter. Our food was ready within minutes, the portions were good and it tasted great. I got the brisket with a huge portion of potato salad and the banana pudding. My friends got the ribs, sweet potato fries (with cinnamon sugar sprinkled over top) and collard greens. We all enjoyed our meals! It's a great little hidden gem!

If you're looking for a place with a good atmosphere you should drive on. However, if you're looking for some reasonably priced food and don't mind questionable cleanliness, this is your place.. my wife and I both ordered egg plates and they were just fine. The service was friendly, but essentially you eat in the middle of a gas station if you dine in. the bathrooms were horrific as well but again if you're looking for great food stop in

Yes, this is a gas station. Yes, order at the counter. And then the food comes. Best grits I've ever had. Breakfast is simple and no frills, but adequate and tasty.

Best pork bbq we have ever eaten- not a fancy or pretty place but good food! The crusty parts of the meat were nice, greens tasty, fried okra was unremarkable, Mac n cheese good Worth the stop

Hidden gem inside a gas station. Full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. There was a line out the door when I got there, but it didn't take long at all. Pork sandwich which is 3 oz and small French Fries was enough for 2 meals. All preparation is done in plain view of the customers. Good safety practices were observed. You actually have to go to the gas station attendant to pay for your meal! It was a great experience. I'd go back if I was ever in the area again.

Do I recommend this place? Ohhhhh hellllll yes! We drove by this gas station restaurant on our way to go bird watching in the state park down the road. As we turned the corner we smelled the most wonderful aroma and we wondered where it was coming from. On the way back from birding and hiking we noticed a ton of motorcycles, work trucks and cars at the Pearl Gas Station so we had to investigate. As former owners of a general store & deli that catered to the work trade we took that as a good sign. It was. We went in and ordered the beef brisket with macaroni & cheese and baked beans. Holy mackerel was it delicious! We also got the pulled pork , green beans & Mac and cheese. It was delicious and topped off with the corn bread was to die for. This place knows BBQ!

Great BBQ in the middle of nowhere! Had the Brisket and BBQ while chicken. Good food, good price and good service.

Unless you live in the area of Micanopy FL, you are not likely to stumble across this unique diner.. I really enjoyed the movie Doc Hollywood, so when I embarked on a long drive home to Chicago from Orlando a few years back, I made a point of getting off I-75 to check out this small old town with its beautiful old live oak trees, etc. Micanopy is the town where the movie was filmed. So years later now, this was the second time I hit this town and ate at Pearls. The place is renowned for its barbecue, and I really love their sweet homemade sauce. Besides the dining, it's also a general store and a gas station. You can tell how the local people love this place, because several folks were picking up breakfast sandwiches,etc., and the vibe between them and the workers was familiar and friendly. It was breakfast time when I arrived, so I ordered eggs with sausage, hash browns and corned beef hash. It was very good, and the server was kind. I bought some boiled peanuts to go (first time trying them), filled up my gas tank, and then it was "back to the interstate."

On our way to Micanopy everyone was getting hungry so I decided to do a little research on Yelp looking for restaurants. Well it looks like they have about 4 places to eat and I decided on Pearl Country Store and BBQ. OMG this place is legit!! They prepared a delicious meal for us. Pulled pork, Brisket, Ribs, Mac & Cheese, Greens, Potato Salad and Coleslaw. Ribs pulled of the bone meat, the brisket was tender and melted in your mouth, pork was delicious. The best potato salad I've ever had at a BBQ place. Overall everyone was satisfied and we had a great day visiting this wonderful little hidden treasure off a town,

Food was amazing! We were driving home from Orlando and saw this place on the drive. So glad we stopped. Bbq ribs were amazing and the dinner fed both me and wifey. We even had the rest for leftovers that night. Staff was all friendly and attentive. Pretty busy at lunch time but we got food and gas in a timely matter. Bathrooms were a little backed up, but it's only one stall. We will def come back if ever in the area!

Pretty amazing. Arrived early morning about 9am and the BBQ is already ready!! Love and kudos to these folks.

This place is a gas station! Let's be honest I was skeptical going in but the other reviews don't lie! The best beans and pulled pork I have had in years! No discernible fat globs in the pulled pork. Smokey but not too much! The service was fabulous and don't forget your banana pudding for later. It was excellent, homemade southern delitefulness! Worth getting off the highway for a quick stop.

Stop here! Pearle was a recommendation from by boss who loves bbq as much as I do. It's a no frills spot in a gas station outside of Gainesville. It's the best bbq I have come across in the state of florida. Nothing else I have tried holds a candle this. I grew up in Arkansas and Tennessee which is home to some of the best in the world, and I think this is just as good as anything back home. The sides are also just as good as the bbq itself. It's a must stop.

Hidden little gem right outside of Gainesville. Pork was amazing. Cole slaw was yummy. The potato salad was sooo good. The line moves quickly. Try it!

I am visiting from Southern California and this is the food I was looking forward to! This is the best bbq I've ever had and every time I visit Gainesville I look forward to eating here!

Gas station food: really great, or really awful. Fortunately this was really, really great! Huge portions of delicious brisket, pulled pork, roasted chicken. Banana pudding as a side choice! I loved it! One thing I'd wish for is to kick up the heat on the sauce. Their spicy BBQ sauce is too sweet for me, but that's not a knock, Just my particular preference.

Delicious, affordable Barbecue~ we took our guests visiting from London and they loved it! They were glad they left room for pie

Well i once again was reminded about Pearls from a Tik Tok person i follow so on our way home from a day in Ocala we stopped off to pic up some dinner for later. When i got there the line was to the door but it quickly went down as the guy behind the counter worked his magic!! Ordered some food and paid for it at the counter of the store, bit different than most take out places..lol...within 10 mins tops i had ordered and gotten our food from them, make sure after you pay to bring your order ticket back to the barbecue counter so they know you paid and make sure someone's getting your food, i just happened to ask when i was asked if i needed anything , so to save anyone frustration of not knowing , Now you Know!! It is probably better than about all the barbecue i have eaten in Gainesville, so if you're passing through or just want to try for yourself its one holds the top spot for barbecue in my eyes , hands down!! Its a MUST DO!! ...Don't let the gas station appearance fool you...

Food is awesome. Customer service is awesome Location not so hot sort of been a dead zone for cell service.

A blast from the past. This is what old school small town bbq used to be. Big portions, reasonable price, friendly service. I ordered the meat platter. More then enough for for 2 people to be in a food coma. The ribs were very good. The brisket and beans were good. The chopped pork was average. Mac and cheese was OK I d personally pass on them. But don't pass on this place not many like it exist any more. 5 stars for value and a solid 3.5 stars on bbq food

You better go hungry! Both BBQ , Brisket and chicken is worth the stop. Looks like a gas station( well it is) , new pumps, but inside your tongue will beat your brains out to get that food. Sides are also great , Mac and cheese , mixed veggies, green beans, bake beans all homemade. You order at the counter, pay at front , can sit inside or at picnic tables outside, they call your name and then the magic starts. One of the best for country style southern food.

This was the first time I've eaten at restaurant inside of a gas station, and I was pleasantly surprised! Service was quick, portions were plentiful, and the food was great. The atmosphere was very relaxed - you place your food order, grab anything else you need from the gas station, and pay up front. They'll call your name when your food is ready and there's plenty of seating to sit down and enjoy it, or take it on the road. The brisket on its own lacked a bit of flavor/salt to me, but paired with their bbq sauce, it was delicious. Their mac and cheese also felt relatively light on the stomach, while still being very cheesy and saucey. I ordered a 1/4 lb. of meat for about $7 and it was definitely enough for 2 meals. Although there aren't a ton of places to grab a bite in Micanopy, I'm glad this is one of them.

This hole-in-the-wall restaurant inside the Marathon Gas Station ....... is a must-stop if you're in the area. #hiddenGem It's just next to Paynes Prairie, so stop by for some delicious food after a long day of hiking. This is a full restaurant with tables and chairs, inside and outside. They have a dessert case...... enough said LOL. We ordered 1/4 lb of chicken, french fries, banana pudding and a pork sandwich.. total came out to about $22 + tip. This was an overloaaaad of food for 2 people. We made the mistake of ordering food hungry LOOOOL. Plenty of food for leftovers. Chicken was moist and delicioussss. Pork sandwich was so yummy. My favorite was their options of bbq sauce. My favs: Carolina, and the mustard sauce. French fries were fried to perfection. Banana pudding was simple and yummy. The service was wonderful. Everyone was very kind and helpful when we were deciding what to order. Would absolutely stop by, the next time I'm in the area. Mark this location for your next trip to Micanopy!

Look. Is this the *best* BBQ available in the continental United States? Of course not. This place is in fucking Florida. But if you happen to find yourself in the beautiful Micanopy area outside of Gainesville, Pearl Country Store & Barbecue is absolutely a stop that's worth your time. The Country Store itself is charming. Lots of local finds, including Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings books and information about nearby Cross Creek, the writer's beloved former home that isn't far from the Gainesville area. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, and the barbecue was perfectly respectable by Florida standards. Don't let the fact that it's tucked away next to a gas station and looks somewhat rundown from the outside scare you away. Classic country charm, for sure with this place.

That BBQ is great and the prices are reasonable. I was up with the squad and we all got dinner plates. I only got pictures of two of them before we all started eating. The ribs and the chicken were cooked perfectly. We enjoyed all the sides especially the baked beans. The only flaw was the banana pudding. That did not taste good at all. Other than it was good. The staff was friendly and quick. Had no problems answering questions and got the order right the first time around.

This is a very informal place in a convenience store in a gas station. Most of the people that we saw coming in, were picking their food up to eat it at home. They have some tables inside and a couple of tables outside. Service is average. Food is good. Not the taste that I was expecting but it was good. Ribs were a little bit tough. Is like they are not cooking them slow. The amount of food that they serve for the price is a lot. We were very satisfied with the amount of food overall. They do not deserve 3 stars but not 4 either. I would rate them with 3.5 stars due to the way that they cooked the ribs and flavor.

Food was excellent. Was worried when we saw the location was at a gas station but looks can be deceiving.

This was recommended by a local. First off, everyone outside the store, in the store eating lunch and all the employees were super friendly and said hello. Just good people being awesome! Lots to choose from on their menu, where do I start. Brisket! Fatty cut! Yes please! Awesomeness uber level. The flavor is perfect and the crust has some serious seasoned bark on it, excellent. Grilled cheese, perfectly grilled, lots of butter and goodness. Mac n Cheese, holy creaminess! Perfect creamy cheese and super gooey. Let's talk fries, holy crap, super crispy with some great seasoning. Just a perfect place, super happy we stopped in.

Yes we all love a good, fancy, overpriced, snooty breakfast now and then on China plates and linen tablecloths. If that is what you are looking for... this is not the place. Counter service, throw away plates, cups and utensils and you have to clean up after yourself but it was great country cooking!! I will bus my own table anytime for food this good!! Biscuits and gravy!! Y'all I make fabulous biscuits from scratch and gravy that my family raves about and I take so much pride in making it... this was BETTER!! And not just because I didn't have to cook it!! Corned beef hash! This is not from a can folks!! This is made from scratch and it's so much better than you can even dream of!! Cheese grits so good your eyes will roll into the back of your head!!! Sweet tea is brewed fresh all day and will put a pep in your step all day!! Get your some pie to go, you'll thank me. We did. Peach pie. To the moon and back good!!

We visited Paynes Prairie and check out Yelp's restaurants in the area. We arrived a little before 1pm and thank goodness we did, the line was almost out the door. It was a delightful experience at Pearl country, store and barbecue in Micanopy Florida. My visit included, savoring a brisket and pulled pork sandwich complemented by a side, sampler, featuring barbecue baked beans, mac & cheese, fried okra, and sweet potato fries. The flavors were outstanding, making for a truly satisfying meal. The cozy intimate atmosphere, added to the charm with locals bustling in for there to go orders. It's a gem for barbecue enthusiast and definitely worth a visit if you're in the Area.

Food was good. Picture has description of order, but had beef brisket with fried okra, Mac and cheese and toast. Would go back again when passing through town. Seems everyone does.

Are you kidding me? I'm done. I'm literally done looking for the best BBQ anywhere. This is it. Inside this gas station in the middle of nowhere. Hot, tired, sweaty, and ravenous from a day paddling the river, this hits the spot!!! It smacks you in the face the second you open the door and does not disappoint from there. mmmmmmmmmmm

If you live in Gainesville (or within 100 miles of it), why are you reading this? You already know. You already know that for the last several decades this totally unimpressive (from the outside) gas station/convenience store/BBQ joint serves up the best BBQ in the known universe. The ribs are superb, with a perfect smoke ring and tender to the point of falling of the bone. The brisket just perfectly barked and exactly the right moistness. The chicken softly smoked, sweet with a crispy skin. All the sides are fabulous, especially the hush puppies and the Mac and cheese. Banana pudding dessert. Take someone you love here. They will love you back!

Great food. Fairly quick and delicious. Definitely recommend the brisket. Ribs were great as well.

Food was incredible, the service was super friendly as well. It is in a gas station and you can tell this is the best restaurant around. 10/10 would recommend.

First time eating here. Maybe it was just the brisket as lots of people were eating the pork. The brisket was extremely salty, to the point that I couldn't eat but 2 bites of the brisket sandwich. It came covered in bbq sauce. I didn't know that or I would have asked for it without. The place was packed and parking was rather limited, possibly due to work going on around the gas pumps. I'd be willing to try again knowing what I now know.

So flipping good!!! We were a bit nervous when we pulled up because it is a gas station convenience store but when we came in, there is a resteraunt section for Pearls customers. Do yourself a favor and try this place! It's so worth it!

Please stop physically asking for a tip for me picking up my To Go food! I stopped going here a year ago because of you guys trying to shame tip people for To Go orders. I'm sure you've lost other patrons for the same reason. No where in my entire life have I been physically asked to leave a tip for a To Go order. It's called greed!

This is a local favorite with general store that provides amazing bbq. Everything is delicious from the smoked meats, sides and desserts. The staff is great too.

Great food and fast service!! Hospitality and home cooked meals like no other. You'll love the food an the size portions all large enough to split a plate between two people!

My dinner was the Baked beans, green beans, pork, and ribs. Probably the best ribs I have ever had. The pork was delicious too. The baked beans are amazing. Definitely not dumped out of a can. Home made. My husband tried the chicken and brisket and liked both. Go out of your way to get their food.

Ok first the food is awesome. We got the brisket 6oz regular) beans Mac n cheese and coleslaw. Everything was great. The sweet bbq sauce should be bottled. They would make a fortune. Next time we know to only order one meal though. We ended up putting half the food in ziploc bags (we were traveling and carry them in our food basket) for later. Yes it is a gas station but the bbq part looks like an old diner. Must stop. I know we will again

I've eaten here twice and the food is delicious, the quantity and price is outstanding, and the service is fantastic! Don't be thrown off by what it looks like from outside. Go in, walk to the back and experience amazing bbq and more!! I have taken my food to go but there are tables to eat in. I have tried the fried okra twice, the pork, collards and banana pudding and I'd get everything again. The range of bbq sauces will cover all tastes. I'll definitely be back!!

Amazing food and staff. I had the sampler. It was delicious. They serve you fast and with a smile.

If you're really hungry. The food is ok, but the place is grubby. Needs a good scrubbing.

Was recommended to us for good BBQ. The food is AMAZING!!! Applause to the smoker. But the girl working the front counter at BBQ was not nice at all. Blonde got my older wrong, when I asked her about it she argued with me and then started off to us as she walked away. Great food, get better counter help If you can't handle the busy rush you should find another job!