Holley’s Bar-B-Q is Jacksonville’s oldest and longest continuously operating barbecue restaurant. Holley’s was opened by Jack Holley in 1937 at 3604 Moncrief Rd Jacksonville, FL 32209.
83 years later, Holley’s is still standing, and still serving the community from that same beloved building. It may not hold landmark status according to any historical group, but for the community it serves, Holley’s is dearly loved.
Some would consider the area to be run down, some would even call it “the bad side” of town. That’s debatable, what’s not debatable is that Holley’s serves a community located in a food desert, and they serve that community well.
The area is filled with gas station/convenience store style “food” and fast food filled with additives and chemicals that I might be able to pronounce, but sure as heck can’t spell.
But at Holley’s Bar-B-Q there is real food; real pork, real beef, and real chicken, cooked slow and flavorful with real spices and seasonings, not chemicals.
Even the sweet treats, the fresh baked cakes and brownies are made with eggs, flour, and milk. They are made fresh. They are made with love.
They are also served with love, at a price your wallet will love.
Holley’s serves great barbecue, tender ribs and chicken accompanied with the standard sauce trio of; mustard based, hot & spicy, and sweet & tangy, but there’s nothing standard about the flavor you will taste.
Holley’s also offers delicious golden fried wings, and their signature Original Curlys (Curly Q Fries) If you’re a fan of chicken and waffles you need to try Wendy’s Waffles and Wings. Even if you’re not a fan, try them. Holley’s also serves hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, and baked beans.
Their homemade desserts include; Red Velvet Cake, Holley’s Signature Blue Cake, and brownies They also sell ice cream by the scoop, chocolate, vanilla, cookies and cream, and butter pecan.
They have canned soda; Orange Pineapple, Orange, Grape, Strawberry, Sprite, Coke, and Pepsi.
What they don’t have are tables and chairs. Holley’s has a walk-up window and a small parking area. You may not find a place to park there depending on the time of day you visit.
Even if you have to park down the street and walk back for your meal, that walk will be worth it.
Tuesday and Thursday nights they have live music and any day or night you’re likely to hear stories from the neighborhood as well as stories about Holley’s past.
One story that Wendy Holley is fond of telling, and yes that is Wendy of Wendy’s Waffles and Wings fame, Wendy is Mr. Holley’s daughter and the boss lady in charge at Holley’s BBQ.
Anyway, the story goes;
“My dad’s brother, Leroy made the machine that curled the fries. I could dig it up. My dad could have had a patent on it, but he couldn’t read nor write, so he got bamboozled.”
Holley’s Bar-B-Q in Jacksonville, Florida, birthplace of Curly Q Fries!
Go try some!
Holley’s Bar-B-Q
3604 Moncrief Rd Jacksonville, FL 32209
(904) 768-5698