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. |
