Clewiston, Florida: Old South BBQ Ranch (Gone)

Sad to learn that this place is long gone! I am a private pilot in Fort Lauderdale and I used to fly friends to the Clewiston airstrip, use the phone to call the BBQ, and they would send a pick-up truck over to drive us to the restaurant. Truly a favorite pastime for fellow aviators. Last flew there around 1987.

I recall stopping there numerous times when I was a kid in the sixties and seventies. My favorites were the pickles and the Mountain Dew!

I grew up in Clewiston in the 1980s. As a kid this was the most amazing place. My parents were beekeepers, so they sold their honey to this place. The barbecue was delicious, and getting to play on all the statues outside was a bonus. I also remember seeing a player piano for the first time here. I'm so sad to see that it is gone.

It was a great restaurant that had billboards throughout South Florida advertising "Cold Beer."

Boy, this was the place. Every time we would go fishing on Lake Okeechobee we would stop at the Ranch for lunch on our way home. IT WAS THE BEST! I still have great memories of it and these trips took place over 30 years ago. I am actually starting to cry now that I found out it is gone! We used to climb on the fiberglass horses and cows and play on their outside decor forever and the food was great too. This was the type of place that knew how to do it right! Goodbye Old South BBQ, you will be truly missed!