Pit Stop: Akins BBQ, Bell

Locals traveling from Levy County (Yankeetown, Inglis and Chiefland), Florida to “points north” on Interstate 75 typically take the “Hwy 129 shortcut” to avoid busy traffic in Gainesville and Lake City.  Hwy 129 heads north off US19/98 at Chiefland, and runs through Trenton, Bell and Live Oak before putting travelers out on I-75 just below the Georgia state line. And many locals time their trip in order to eat a meal at Akins BBQ in Bell rather than wait until they hit the fast food options ahead on the freeway.

Akins BBQ is more than a barbecue joint.  Of course, they have some good sliced pork and ribs, but many consider it more a “meat and three” eatery.  It’s always fun to see the specials, which change daily.  Catfish, chicken, steaks–they have it all.   One of the house specialties is the “pork patty melt”–an unique twist on a classic!

Akins is located at 1159 South Main Street in Bell, but it’s not hard to find.  There are usually cars and trucks parked in front, or in the parking lot on the north side of the building.  The restaurant is open from 6AM until 9PM, daily except Sunday.