For travelers journeying down the Overseas Highway toward Marathon, finding authentic, scratch-made roadside fare that balances both artisanal wood-fired pizza and low-and-slow barbecue is a rare find. While we rarely cover mobile kitchens and food trucks, recent community buzz across social channels led us to schedule a dedicated stop in Layton to see if the reputation held up. This visit proved that exceptional culinary technique can thrive in any footprint, setting a high standard for roadside dining in the Middle Keys.
The pizza program demonstrates impressive oven mastery and dough handling. We started with a classic plain cheese pizza to test the kitchen’s fundamentals. The crust achieves a crisp undercarriage with a light, airy crumb and subtle char from the wood fire. The balanced acidity of the tomato sauce paired with quality melted mozzarella easily rivals brick-and-mortar pizzerias throughout the region.
The barbecue offerings show equal discipline in smoke application and moisture retention. We opted for the two-meat combo featuring slow-smoked brisket and tender barbecue pork. The brisket features a well-developed, seasoned bark and a tender, juicy interior, while the pulled pork is rich and smoky without being overwhelmed by sauce. For sides, the sweet, caramelized maduros and savory Cuban-style congri (rice and black beans) provide rich, authentic Caribbean depth that rounds out the proteins. Paired with a chilled Cocolove coconut water, the meal is complete and deeply satisfying.
The location at Edgewater Lodge offers a relaxed dining setup, featuring comfortable covered seating as well as beachside tables shaded by umbrellas right along the water. For road-trippers and locals navigating the Middle Keys in search of top-tier wood-fired pizza, smoked meats, and a laid-back waterside atmosphere, Lick It BBQ & Wood Fire Pizza is an essential stop.
Essential Details
| Category | Details |
| Cuisine | Wood-Fired Artisan Pizza, Slow-Smoked Barbecue, Caribbean-Inspired Sides |
| Address | Edgewater Lodge, 65651 Overseas Hwy, Layton, FL 33001 |
| Contact | Phone: (305) 922-2469 | Web: lickitbbq.com |
| Culinary Highlights | Wood-fired crisp cheese pizza, slow-smoked beef brisket, tender pulled pork, sweet caramelized maduros, savory house congri, and chilled Cocolove coconut water. |
| Chef’s Recommendation | Pair a classic wood-fired pie with a two-meat combo of brisket and pork, and take advantage of the shaded beachside seating overlooking the water. |
| Parking & Seating | Convenient on-site roadside lot parking at Edgewater Lodge; covered dining pavilion and umbrella-shaded beachside seating available. |
Author: Chef Diaz
With over 40 years of hands-on experience in the hospitality industry—beginning his journey shucking clams on the Jersey Shore boardwalk—Chef Dan has built a career dedicated to culinary authenticity and independent food journalism. As the Co-Founder, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Editor of SoFloDining, he champions an uncompromised reviewing standard. Under his direction, the publication relies entirely on unannounced visits, self-funded meals, and multi-year municipal health inspection records, rejecting paid endorsements and staged influencer promotions in favor of true culinary craftsmanship. Beyond editing and publishing the brand's digital magazine editions, Chef Dan expands SoFloDining's reach across multiple media channels. He hosts the weekly video interview series "Who's at The Chef's Table," produces syndicated podcasts, and manages an extensive network of regional community dining groups across South Florida and the Florida Keys. Whether he is scouting roadside gems along the Overseas Highway, advocating for independent restaurant operators, or collaborating with his wife and business partner Doris, Chef Dan remains a passionate, trusted voice celebrating the diverse food culture of South Florida.
