TheTravelin'Joe

I’m usually quite content with an ice-cold Corona, the warm sun overhead, and a nice view of the ocean right in front of me. Add some tasty barbecue to that and it’s just a little slice of heaven, which is exactly what I got at Crabby Chris Beachside Barbecue and Sweets. Well, after waiting three days for it that is.

It wasn’t their fault, however.

On our first full day in Ormond Beach, we made the short drive up A1A with brisket dreams and pulled pork desires running through my head only to find out that the place was closed because they were still recuperating from a very busy weekend. I took that as a good sign. The next day the parking lot was empty and a handwritten note was taped to the window explaining that someone had broken into their smoker and stole everything. I turned back to my car angry vowing vengeance upon this ‘meat bandit’ if I ever found out who it was. Day three was a little cooler as a chilly breeze came off of the water but dammit, the place was open and I wasn’t going to be turned away again. So I ordered a Corona, found a seat at one of the many brightly colored picnic tables and waited for the food I’d heard so much about.

Ten minutes later, a beautiful spread was laid out before us; one pulled chicken sandwich covered in coleslaw with a side of spicy baked beans, and one plate of brisket, Kari’s coleslaw, and another helping of spicy baked beans for good measure.

If you’ve had the pleasure of devouring real barbecue, not that crap you buy in packages and warm up, but real southern barbecue, you know it’s an art form that takes time and patience.  That is exactly what this place is all about. And I’ll be honest, it could have been 45 degrees outside while sitting at that table and I still would have been happy. That’s because Chris has perfected his craft making each bite of the barbecue sauce blanketing my perfectly smoked brisket right down to the pulled chicken, spicy baked beans, and deliciously fresh coleslaw worth the wait.

On your way there yet? If so, check out the menu and simply start ordering when you get to the window. Get the Shipwreck Burrito, the Mahi Mahi Taco, the brisket, the chicken, or hell, go big with a three meat platter and share with your friends because no matter what you choose, you’ll thank me after your belly is full.

Cheers!