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First Look: Beachwood BBQ

Jacqui Anderson

Managing Producer
November 18, 2011

Critic's Rating:

(Credit: Jacqui Anderson)

Beachwood BBQ & Burger

Address:: 6300 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, FL, 33706

Phone:: (727) 369-4950

Overall User Rating:: (0 ratings)

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Hours:: Sunday-Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Official Web Site:: http://www.postcardinn.com/

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In the last few years, a lot has changed at 6300 Gulf Blvd. in St. Pete Beach. The spot previously occupied by a discount Travelodge has transformed into the Postcard Inn--a shabby-chic hip hotel frequented by easygoing travelers and tourists. Their expansion stretched down to the beach, converting the two-decade old Swigwam Beach Bar into the PCI Beach Bar. But, the most current switch happened inside just four months ago when Wildwood BBQ became the privately owned Beachwood BBQ and Burger, complete with a new menu.

The design: The stylish South Beach-esque retreat is as modern and well-furnished as Ikea, but the restaurant takes on a different urban feel: cowboy meets surfer. In fact, the cozy space is also adorned with charming touches like mason jar glasses, dishes served in skillets, and a wooden menu.

The food: Critically-acclaimed barbecue with a gourmet twist. Chef Henry Fiorillo may have an Italian fine-dining background, but, his love for slow-smoked barbecue has launched him into a new realm. Feast on Southern favorites like Kansas City or Memphis Baby Back Ribs (half $14; full $24), hand carved Texas Rubbed Slow Smoked Brisket ($15), and Carolina Pulled Pork ($13).

In the mood for seafood? Their crab cakes ($18) with jicama green apple slaw & chipotle mayo are a standout. Sandwiches, burgers, and salads make the traditional list, however, Diablo Huevos ($4), Meatloaf Sliders ($9), Beef en Croute ($8), and the Bacon Trio ($7) are unexpected pleasant surprises.

Drink up: A full bar is at your disposal along with beer and wine, but their proud persuit has been in selecting an exclusive Bourbon. Director of Operations, Jeremy Flanery, took a trip to Kentucky's Four Roses distillery, tasting multiple barrells before hand-picking the perfect one--aged 8 years and 6 months. Be sure to try a Bourbon cocktail like a mojito or cinnamon apple martini. Or, really get in on the action and try your hand at barrell racing at their November 25th event.

More about PCI: There are 189 affordable rooms at their boutique beach hotel, full of kitschy throwback decor like vintage furniture and surf photos combined with modernized technology like WiFi and flat-screen TVs. Most of their rooms are waterfront and all are just steps from the sand. Visit their second location in Islamorada and keep your eyes peeled for a future PCI in Aspen, Colorado (we have a feeling a ski theme is in store here).

Bottom line: Whether you're on a weekend escape, hosting a wedding, or just lounging by the PCI beach bar or pool, you'll want to stop by Beachwood BBQ for flavorsome finger lickin' 'cue that hits the sauce.