Restaurant Clicks
Barbecue has long been a part of Virginia’s food culture. Across the state, you’ll find spots that keep things simple but full of flavor. From small roadside joints to busy neighborhood favorites, each one has its own way of doing things. Some focus on smoky, slow-cooked meat, while others stick to old family recipes passed down for years. What they all have in common is a real passion for barbecue and a steady following from people who keep coming back.
In this article, we’ve put together a list of the 30 best BBQ places in Virginia. These picks are based on local feedback, trusted reviews, and strong reputations built over time. Whether you’re just passing through or looking for a new favorite spot close to home, this guide can help point you in the right direction. We kept things straightforward and made sure every name on the list earned its place.
#30 – The Bone BBQ
The Bone BBQ is a locally owned barbecue spot with locations in Gainesville and Old Town Manassas, Virginia. It’s known for slow-smoking meats on-site using traditional low and slow methods that help bring out deep, smoky flavors. The menu includes pulled pork with Carolina-style sauce, dry-rubbed brisket, turkey, pulled chicken, ribs, and house-made sausage. Each meal can be served as a platter, sandwich, or family pack, and comes with homemade sides like mac and cheese, coleslaw, and baked beans. They also make their sauces and desserts in-house. The setup is casual, with indoor seating and a bar that serves local craft beer. Whether you’re picking up takeout or sitting down for a meal, The Bone BBQ keeps the focus on simple, well-cooked meat and classic sides. Their approach to barbecue is straightforward and built around solid technique, good ingredients, and consistency.
#29 – Mission BBQ
Mission BBQ is one of the most recognizable barbecue chains in Virginia, with over 15 locations across the state. It opened its first restaurant on September 11, 2011, as a tribute to the military, first responders, and local heroes. Every day at noon, customers are invited to stand for the National Anthem, which is a tradition that reflects the brand’s mission of honoring service. The walls are filled with uniforms, patches, and photos donated by those who served, giving each location a strong community feel. Mission BBQ is known for its consistent quality, with meats that are smoked in-house daily using traditional techniques. Their BBQ is cooked low and slow, and served without sauce so guests can choose from a range of regional styles, including Texas-style, Kansas City-style, and Carolina vinegar. Customers often mention the smoky flavor and tenderness of the meats, along with the quick service and welcoming atmosphere.
#28 – Hammerdown BBQ
Hammedown BBQ in Aldie, Virginia, started as a veteran-owned food truck and later expanded into a full smokehouse along Route 50. The restaurant is known for its made-from-scratch approach, smoking meats fresh daily using oak wood in a custom-built, multi-bay smoker. They focus on keeping quality high by preparing a limited amount each day, which often leads to early sellouts. Their BBQ stands out for its bold seasoning blends and slow-smoking methods that bring out deep flavor in every cut. Meats like brisket, ribs, and sausage are cooked low and slow, giving them a smoky finish without being overly heavy. HammerDown also offers a rotating list of house-made sides and sauces, adding to its reputation for consistency and care in every order. With its farmhouse-style setting and strong community roots, this spot has earned a solid place among Virginia’s most talked-about barbecue joints.
#27 – Willard’s BBQ
Willard’s Real Pit BBQ has been a steady favorite in Northern Virginia since it opened in 2003. With locations in Chantilly and Reston, the restaurant is known for offering a wide range of regional barbecue styles. Their menu includes options influenced by Texas, Memphis, and the Carolinas, giving customers a chance to try different approaches to slow-cooked meat in one place. All meats are smoked on-site using oak wood, with a strong focus on low and slow cooking to bring out deep flavor and tenderness. Willard’s prepares everything fresh daily, from pulled pork and brisket to ribs and sausage, with a choice of house-made sauces. The portions are generous, and the prices are considered fair, especially for the quality and amount of food served. With its no-frills setup and long-standing reputation, Willard’s continues to be one of the most talked-about barbecue spots in the area.
#26 – Fishin’ Pig
The Fishin’ Pig is a well-known barbecue spot in Virginia with multiple locations, including Farmville, Waynesboro, Norfolk, Daleville, and Glen Allen. It first opened in 2013 and has since built a strong following for its mix of southern barbecue and seafood. The restaurant is known for slow-smoked meats seasoned with a family recipe and served with a signature house-made sauce. While the menu includes fried seafood and comfort food sides, the smoked meats are the main draw. Pulled pork, ribs, and brisket are all cooked fresh daily and served in generous portions. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with live music featured at some locations and a solid selection of local craft beers. It’s a go-to place for people looking for traditional barbecue in a relaxed setting.
#25 – Doumar’s Cones & BBQ
Doumar’s Cones and Barbecue in Norfolk has been serving the community since 1934 and is widely known for combining classic barbecue with a strong sense of tradition. It operates as a drive-in with curbside service and keeps a nostalgic feel through its vintage setting. The barbecue is Carolina-style, with pulled pork that’s chopped and dressed in a tangy vinegar-based sauce, served with a side of slaw. Everything is prepared fresh each day, including the well-known ice cream cones made using a hand-cranked machine from the early 1900s. While the cones bring in many visitors, the barbecue has earned loyal customers of its own for its simple, no-frills quality. Its long history, casual setup, and consistent food have helped make it a lasting favorite in Virginia.
#24 – County Grill
County Grill & Smokehouse has two locations in Virginia, one in Yorktown and another in Hampton, and has been serving barbecue since 1995. Their meats are smoked in-house using traditional low and slow methods, and they are served without sauce so guests can choose from a variety of house-made sauces available at the table. The menu features pulled pork, brisket, chicken, and ribs, all prepared fresh daily. County Grill is also known for offering generous portions and popular sides like honey butter corn muffins and banana pudding. The setting is casual with a warm, pub-style interior and a rotating selection of local and regional craft beers. With its solid reputation and focus on quality, County Grill has become a regular stop for locals and travelers looking for dependable, well-prepared barbecue in southeastern Virginia.
#23 – Old City Barbeque
Old City Barbeque in Williamsburg has been drawing attention since it opened in 2017 for its focus on high-quality ingredients and careful cooking methods. The restaurant uses meats from trusted farms, including Heritage Farms Cheshire Pork, and follows a whole-animal approach that reduces waste and supports local sourcing. All meats are smoked on-site over hardwood coals using traditional techniques. The menu includes a variety of options like brisket, pork, chicken, and ribs, along with scratch-made sides such as mac and cheese, coleslaw, and Brunswick stew. Old City is also known for adding creative touches to classic barbecue without losing the heart of traditional Southern flavors. The dining space mixes rustic and industrial styles, creating a casual but polished setting that works for both families and small groups. Its attention to detail, from the smoker to the plate, has helped it stand out as one of the top barbecue spots in the region.
#22 – Allman’s Bar-B-Q
Allman’s Bar-B-Q in Fredericksburg has been serving barbecue since 1954 and is known for sticking to old-school methods. The restaurant built its reputation on slow-cooked pork shoulders, sliced or chopped fresh each day and served with a vinegar-based house sauce. Their sauce is made in-house and offered on the side, allowing the smoky flavor of the meat to stand on its own. Over the years, Allman’s has remained in its original small building with a classic counter-service setup that hasn’t changed much. With its long history, loyal customer base, and commitment to simple, well-prepared barbecue, Allman’s continues to be one of the most respected barbecue joints in Virginia. It’s a place where tradition still matters and quality comes first.
#21 – Paulie’s Pig-Out
Paulie’s Pig-Out is a roadside barbecue stand located in Afton, Virginia, and has been serving customers since 2009. Set in a former gas station, the spot is known for its no-frills setup and focus on traditional wood-smoked barbecue. All meats are cooked low and slow using only wood, which gives the pork, ribs, and chicken a strong smoky flavor without overcomplicating the process. The pulled pork sandwich, often topped with slaw and a tangy tomato-vinegar sauce, is one of their best-known items. Sides like baked beans, mac and cheese, and potato salad are made fresh and served in generous portions. There is no indoor dining, but a few picnic tables are set up outside, offering views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Paulie’s Pig-Out is a simple, dependable barbecue stop for people traveling through central Virginia or exploring Route 151, and it has earned loyal fans for its consistency and honest cooking.
#20 – Dixie Bones BBQ
Dixie Bones BBQ in Woodbridge has been serving Southern-style barbecue since 1996 and is known for its scratch-made approach. All meats and sides are prepared in-house using traditional recipes, with a focus on consistency and quality. Their pork is slow-cooked over hickory coals, which adds a mild, smoky flavor that doesn’t overpower the meat. The menu includes chopped pork, brisket, ribs, smoked chicken, and sausage, along with fried catfish and large baked potatoes stuffed with barbecue. Sides like baked beans, collard greens, mac and cheese, and their signature “muddy spuds” are made fresh daily. The restaurant has a simple, casual setting and is known for serving generous portions. It has built a loyal customer base over the years by focusing on honest, well-prepared barbecue.
#19 – Blue Ridge Pig
Blue Ridge Pig is a cozy barbecue shack in Nellysford, Virginia, that has earned a loyal following since it first opened in 1988. It’s known for offering pulled pork, ribs, turkey, and barbecue plates served with house-made sides like baked beans, mac and cheese, and a potato salad with distinctive dill oil. The restaurant is pet‑friendly with outdoor seating and offers takeout for visitors exploring Route 151. Many locals praise the flavorful pork sandwiches topped with slaw and the turkey croissant with dill sauce. It stands out as a local favorite in central Virginia for those looking for a straightforward, flavorful barbecue experience next to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
#18 – Sloppy Mama’s Barbecue
Sloppy Mama’s Barbecue in Arlington serves traditional, wood-smoked barbecue using only stick-burning smokers. This approach sets them apart in the Northern Virginia area, where many places rely on electric or gas-assisted pits. Their meat is smoked low and slow for hours outdoors, which helps lock in rich flavor and a natural smoke ring. Brisket is one of their most popular choices, along with ribs, pulled pork, turkey, and smoked sausage. The setting is casual and family-friendly with seating indoors and outside. Sloppy Mama’s has built a solid reputation in the area by sticking to time-honored cooking methods and keeping things simple and consistent.
#17 – Mama Jean’s Barbecue
Mama Jean’s Barbecue in Roanoke stands out for its chef-led cooking and strong focus on smoked meats. It began inside a restored 1956 Airstream trailer and now operates from a brick-and-mortar location with outdoor seating. The menu features pulled pork, brisket, turkey, ribs, smoked wings, and house-made bologna. It also includes rotating specials like smash burgers and tacos, along with made-from-scratch sides like cheese grits, collard greens, and smoked potato salad. Mama Jean’s keeps things fresh by changing up offerings daily while sticking to traditional smoking techniques. Locals recommend arriving early, especially on weekends. The restaurant has earned recognition from statewide polls and local food outlets, with many calling it one of the best barbecue spots in Virginia.
#16 – Pungo Boys BBQ
Pungo Boys BBQ in Virginia Beach is a family-run spot known for serving classic low-and-slow smoked meats. Their menu includes pulled pork, sliced or chopped brisket, St. Louis ribs, and smoked sausages like kielbasa and andouille. Customers can choose from a variety of scratch-made sides including mac and cheese with sausage, collard greens, baked beans, and cucumber salad. The meats are smoked for several hours, giving them a deep flavor and tender texture. The pulled pork and brisket are especially well liked by locals. Pungo Boys also offers several house-made sauces that range from tangy to sweet, allowing guests to pick what fits their taste. The place has a casual dine-in area and a strong takeout following, making it convenient for both quick meals and catering needs.
#15 – County Smoak
County Smoak in Lynchburg is a chef-led, family-run barbecue restaurant that has built a strong local reputation for its slow-smoked meats and house-made sides. County Smoak focuses on using fresh, local ingredients whenever possible, which adds to its appeal in the community. Their brisket is often highlighted by guests for its tenderness and smoky flavor, while pulled pork and turkey are other top choices. The space has a casual, welcoming setup and is popular for both dine-in and catering. County Smoak has become a go-to for many in Lynchburg looking for reliable, flavorful barbecue.
#14 – Texas Jack’s Barbecue
Texas Jack’s Barbecue in Arlington opened in 2015 and quickly became a favorite for its Texas-style BBQ served in a relaxed, woodsy setting. The restaurant offers classic smoked meats like brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, all prepared with care using traditional slow-smoking methods. Guests can also enjoy a full bar with craft beers, whiskey, and creative cocktails, adding to the laid-back vibe. Brunch is available on weekends, and happy hour features a wide range of bourbon and whiskey selections. With a focus on genuine hospitality, casual design, and simple yet well-executed BBQ, Texas Jack’s has established itself as a go-to spot for barbecue lovers in Northern Virginia.
#13 – The Original Ronnie’s BBQ
The Original Ronnie’s BBQ in Henrico is known for its straightforward style and rich, smoky barbecue that keeps locals coming back. The menu highlights include tender ribs, flavorful pulled pork, and brisket that’s slow-cooked for hours until it reaches the right texture. The restaurant uses wood-fired pits to give the meat a deep, natural smoke flavor. Their vinegar-based sauce pairs well with the pork, and customers also enjoy classic sides like hush puppies and mac and cheese, especially when available on the weekend. Ronnie’s reopened in 2019 under the same ownership after a brief closure, and the quality has remained consistent since then. With generous portions, reliable cooking, and a casual setting, Ronnie’s has become a go-to for smoked meats in the Richmond area.
#12 – A Taste of Texas
A Taste of Texas in Virginia Beach is known for bringing real Texas-style barbecue to the area with a focus on smoked meats and bold flavors. The brisket is dry-rubbed and slow-smoked using wood, which helps give it a deep, natural flavor. Customers can choose between lean or moist cuts, and the restaurant also offers pulled pork, turkey, ribs, and a jalapeño-cheddar sausage. One thing that sets this place apart is its house-made sauces. Options like Blackberry Jalapeño, Black Cherry Chipotle, and Texas Vinegar give guests the chance to mix up the flavor with every bite. The restaurant is veteran-owned and has built a loyal following by keeping things simple, honest, and full of smoke.
#11 – Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company
Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company has been serving wood-cooked barbecue across Northern Virginia since 1990. The restaurant is known for its traditional method of using only wood and charcoal to cook meats, giving each bite a strong smoke flavor. Rocklands also has a unique feature called the “Wall of Fire,” which displays a rotating selection of hot sauces that guests can try. They offer catering and have a food truck that appears at events throughout the region. It’s a popular choice for both locals and visitors looking for a quick and smoky meal.
#10 – Deep Run Roadhouse
Deep Run Roadhouse in Henrico offers a mix of traditional barbecue, Tex-Mex, and comfort food, all served in a laid-back setting. Known for their slow-smoked meats, the restaurant prepares pulled pork, sliced brisket, smoked chicken, sausage, and even catfish daily. Their meats are cooked using a low-and-slow method, which helps bring out natural flavor without heavy sauces. Deep Run Roadhouse is popular for its generous portions and flexible serving styles, with meals available as plates, sandwiches, or in bulk for groups. They also offer family packs and catering services, which are often used for office lunches or parties. While the restaurant has a fast-casual setup, the food stays consistent and well-prepared, making it a local go-to for people around Richmond looking for a reliable BBQ spot.
#9 – Buz and Ned’s Real Barbecue
Buz and Ned’s Real Barbecue in Richmond has built a strong reputation for serving true wood-smoked barbecue since 1992. They slow-cook meats like pork, brisket, chicken, and ribs over hickory wood, allowing the smoke to do most of the work. All meats are prepared on-site from scratch, and sauces are served on the side to let the natural flavor shine through. Their ribs and pulled pork are often mentioned for their tenderness and depth of flavor. The restaurant has a casual setting with indoor seating and a full bar, offering a laid-back spot for locals and visitors. They also run a food truck and provide catering services across the Richmond area. What makes Buz and Ned’s stand out is their focus on time-tested cooking methods and consistency in both flavor and quality, which has kept regulars coming back for decades.
#8 – Redemption BBQ & Market
Redemption BBQ & Market in Henrico is known for serving Virginia-style barbecue using pasture-raised meats from nearby farms. The pitmaster focuses on traditional cooking methods, preparing each cut on a live-fire smoker and chopping or slicing to order. Their menu features smoked pork shoulder, brisket, chicken, ribs, pork belly, and even vegetarian options like smoked portobello. All sauces are made in-house, with choices ranging from vinegar-based to sweet and spicy blends, served on the side so the flavor of the meat comes through. The market also sells homemade bacon, sausages, bone broth, and rotating specials like deep-dish pizza. What sets Redemption BBQ apart is its focus on local sourcing, small-batch cooking, and attention to heritage styles of Virginia barbecue. This commitment to quality and sustainability has helped the spot build a steady following in the Richmond area.
#7 – Carolina Brothers Pit Barbeque
Carolina Brothers Pit Barbeque in Ashburn serves Eastern North Carolina–style barbecue in a laid-back setting near the W&OD Trail. The restaurant is known for its slow-smoked pork, ribs, chicken, and beef, cooked over traditional pits for hours to bring out the natural flavor. Their pulled pork is lightly seasoned, with a vinegar-based sauce available on the side. Carolina Brothers also sells pies, sauces, and bulk trays for larger gatherings. The spot has become a go-to for locals, cyclists, and families looking for a filling and affordable barbecue meal. Its location, consistent cooking, and quick service make it a long-standing favorite in Northern Virginia.
#6 – Dave’s BBQ
Dave’s BBQ in Virginia Beach is a family-owned spot known for its all-wood smoked barbecue and strong local following. They cook everything the traditional way, using only wood-fired pits to smoke meats low and slow. Their brisket, pulled pork, turkey, sausage, and ribs are all made fresh and cooked until tender. The menu includes sliders, sandwiches, and meat platters, along with popular sides like chipotle slaw, baked beans, and banana pudding, all made in-house. Dave’s BBQ has built a strong reputation for serving consistent, flavorful barbecue that highlights natural smoke and simple ingredients.
#5 – Redwood Smoke Shack
Redwood Smoke Shack in Norfolk has built a strong following for its Texas-style barbecue, known for using a mix of oak, hickory, and pecan woods. The meats are smoked low and slow, and the brisket, ribs, and sausages are especially popular for their deep flavor and bark. What sets them apart is their focus on quality and consistency, with a menu that highlights the basics done right. The casual setup with counter service and picnic-style seating fits the laid-back vibe, and regulars appreciate the generous portions. They also offer house-made sides like baked beans, coleslaw, and cornbread, which round out the experience. This spot has gained attention for bringing solid Central Texas techniques to Virginia, and it’s not unusual for items to sell out early due to high demand. Redwood Smoke Shack continues to be a go-to choice for locals and visitors who want honest, well-prepared barbecue.
#4 – Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que
Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que in Williamsburg is a long-standing barbecue spot that has been serving wood-smoked meats since 1971. Their pulled pork is served with a signature sauce that blends tomato and vinegar, adding a sweet and tangy touch without overpowering the smoke flavor. Other favorites include thick ribs, sliced brisket, coleslaw, hush puppies, and crinkle-cut fries. The casual atmosphere and dedication to authentic barbecue keep locals and visitors coming back. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to try classic Virginia barbecue made with care.
#3 – Monk’s BBQ
Monk’s BBQ in Purcellville is a family-owned barbecue restaurant known for its authentic wood-smoked meats and relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant uses large wood-fired smokers to cook brisket, pastrami, pork, and ribs slowly, giving the meat a rich, smoky flavor. Their menu includes popular items like the Boss Hog platter and cornbread filled with custard, which many customers enjoy. Monk’s also offers a good selection of local beers and bourbons to complement the meal. Live music plays on weekends, adding a lively touch to the dining experience. With both indoor and outdoor seating available, Monk’s BBQ is a popular spot for those seeking quality barbecue in a friendly, casual setting.
#2 – Barbecue Exchange
Barbecue Exchange in Gordonsville is known for its authentic hickory-smoked barbecue made with care and tradition. Since opening in 2010, they have focused on slow-cooking meats using dry rubs and a special wood-burning cooker to create rich, smoky flavors. Their menu includes pulled pork, brisket, pork belly, and even smoked tofu, catering to different tastes. One standout is the “Purgatory” sandwich, which mixes pulled pork with fried green tomato, pimento cheese, mustard pickles, and a special sauce on a soft roll. Sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and spicy coleslaw complete the meal. The casual dining space offers both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors. Barbecue Exchange has earned a strong reputation for quality and flavor, securing its place as a top barbecue destination in Virginia.
#1 – ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque
ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque in Richmond serves authentic Texas-style barbecue made with all-natural, hormone-free beef. They slow-smoke meats like brisket, pork ribs, sausage, and turkey using traditional methods to ensure deep flavor and tenderness. The menu offers meats by the pound, sandwiches, and sides such as jalapeño mac and cheese and blackstrap collard greens. Desserts like banana pudding and peanut butter pie round out the meal. ZZQ is known for its focus on quality ingredients and fair treatment of staff, including paying living wages and providing benefits. The restaurant runs on a first-come, first-served basis and often sells out early, showing how popular it is with locals and visitors. Its commitment to authentic barbecue and friendly service has earned it a strong reputation in the Richmond area.
