OakWood has become synonymous with barbecue in Lake County. The smokehouse chain boasts four locations in the area that make delicious barbecue always a 30- minute drive or less. Their newest facility is no different, located at 1210 Main St in Wildwood, just over the bridge if traveling down U.S. 301 South. Although the location is a familiar one (other barbecue themed restaurants have tried their hand in the same facility), OakWood Express will most likely be a mainstay in this location for years to come.
As the newest location is aptly labeled, OakWood Express offers the same great food and service of its sister locations on a smaller scale. While most OakWood locations offer a larger dining area, OakWood Express offers a more intimate experience for its diners. The facility is nestled into a building roughly 1/3 the size of a traditional OakWood, but packs the same delectable barbecue and first-class service as the others.
During our trip to OakWood Express, we decided to try one of their mainstay dishes: Their full rack of ribs. And what rib platter is complete without some traditional fixings like baked beans and coleslaw. OakWood brings a new definition to “fall-off-the-bone” food. You can quite literally pick their ribs apart with a fork, or dig into them without fear and with plenty of wet naps. The ribs were seasoned well, cooked to perfection, and were a great buy for their value (they offer a mid-week special at most locations that almost forces you to at least try the ribs on account of the great value). The baked beans and coleslaw were great companions and complimented the entree very well.
Despite being open for all of a few hours, the staff and service was as courteous as you might expect at any OakWood location. Our server was incredibly attentive and our food came out lightning-quick. We were asked on multiple occasions, by multiple staff members, if the meal was to our liking, and my cup of water never got below the half way mark. When it became apparent that the full rack of ribs for lunch was a lofty goal on my part, our server took the time to inquire as to the meal given the state of my less-than-empty plate. Empty plates are a common site in OakWood, but in the off chance that you can save your food, you’ll have a great second meal waiting for you at home.
We can assure you, if you go to OakWood hungry, you will leave happy, and maybe you won’t even leave at all.
The portions are generous and the fine ingredients and spectacular preparation will satisfy even the most selective of palates.
The service is second to none, and if for some reason the long lines that you’ve seen outside of each of their establishments has been a deterrent in the past, the Express version offers a quicker alternative that should satisfy anyone looking for the speed of fast-casual food service with the quality of five-star dining.