What would Virginia be without its barbecue? In fact, there are so many restaurants that serve up this mouthwatering fare that folks actually get into heated arguments about which is the best. Never to fear, though, we’ve compiled a list of 10 places where you can’t go wrong when ordering the classic barbecue sandwich. From pulled pork to brisket and every topping imaginable, these places are sure to hit the spot.
- Alamo BBQ (Richmond)
Jesse R./Yelp
Johnny M./yelp Richmond boasts plenty of BBQ joints, and Alamo’s in Churchill is a consistent favorite. This Tex-Mex spot has an impressive menu, cooked with authentic ingredients and mouthwatering sides. The pulled pork sandwich is a classic, and all kinds of messy (in the best way). Location: 2202 Jefferson Ave., Richmond, VA 23223
- Ace Biscuit & Barbecue (Charlottesville)
M T./Yelp
Russell P./Yelp If ever you’ve wondered what a 1/2 pound of pulled pork amounts to, you should order the barbecue sandwich from Ace Biscuit & Barbecue in Charlottesville. This small restaurant is a local favorite and it’s nearly impossible to leave this spot hungry. Location: 711 Henry Ave., Charlottesville, VA 22903.
- Smoked From Above (Virginia Beach)
Bruce K./Yelp
Kelly H./Yelp (Note: as of October 2020, this restaurant is permanently closed). As its name would suggest, this Norfolk spot is nothing short of heavenly. Whether you’re in the mood for a brisket sandwich, pulled pork sandwich, or rib sandwich, this spot has you covered. It won’t take long before you discover why this is a local favorite. Location: 3376 Princess Anne Rd., Ste 201 Virginia Beach, VA 23456.
- The BBQ Shack (Chesapeake)
The BBQ Shack/Yelp
Stephanie H./Yelp For barbecue with a sweet and tangy kick, order the classic pulled pork sandwich from the BBQ Shack. It’s an immediate favorite among anyone who tries it, and as you can see, comes in a heaping portion. The brisket here is also cooked to perfection. Location: 849 Old George Washington Hwy N Chesapeake, VA 23323.
- Sam’s Texas Sub Shop (Norfolk)
Dave C./Yelp
Kimberly H./yelp This Norfolk shop is known for its incredible subs, and by far one of the most popular orders is the brisket sandwich. The photograph above showcases the “Everything BBQ Sandwich,” complete with roasted brisket, homemade BBQ sauce, and cole slaw. Location: 4311 Colley Ave., Norfolk, VA 23508.
- Willard’s (Chantilly)
John K./Yelp
Thomas L./Yelp Willard’s in Chantilly is not shy with portions or flavor, and that’s obvious as soon as you bite into their delicious brisket sandwich. Featuring two sides, it’s a complete meal that will have you looking forward to your next visit. Location: 4300 Chantilly Shopping Ctr., Unit 1A, Chantilly, VA 20151.
- Checkered Pig BBQ (Martinsville)
Garrett G./Yelp
Alison M./Yelp This family-operated BBQ joint was featured on Food Network for its outstanding recipes. The classic BBQ sandwich is a definite favorite among visitors and locals. With reasonable prices and generous portions, this spot might become your new favorite. Location: 1014 Liberty St Martinsville, VA 24112.
- Galax Smokehouse (Galax)
James L./Yelp
Monique D./Yelp No trip to southern Virginia is complete without stopping by the Galax Smokehouse for a delicious pulled pork sandwich. With tasty sides to choose from like fried okra, potatoes, and baked beans, you’ll be in BBQ heaven. Location: 101 N Main St., Galax, VA 24333
- Monk’s BBQ (Purcelville)
Jon G./Yelp
Anthony P./Yelp The brisket sandwich at Monk’s comes served on thick cut toast with a side of gouda mac & cheese. In other words, it’s absolutely divine. You can also choose from plenty of local brews and ciders on tap. Location: 251 N 21st St Purcellville, VA 20132.
- Q Barbecue (Midlothian)
Megan M./Yelp
Katie B./Yelp Located just outside of Richmond, Q Barbecue is an award-winning BBQ joint that’s consistently delicious. They’ve got just about every kind of barbecue sandwich you could dream of, and the sides are equally delicious. Location: 2077 Walmart Way, Midlothian, VA 23113.
Did any of your favorite barbecue joints miss the list? If so, feel free to share them with us! For more delicious finds, be sure to check out The Ultimate Burger Bucket List In Virginia.
Jesse R./Yelp
Johnny M./yelp
Richmond boasts plenty of BBQ joints, and Alamo’s in Churchill is a consistent favorite. This Tex-Mex spot has an impressive menu, cooked with authentic ingredients and mouthwatering sides. The pulled pork sandwich is a classic, and all kinds of messy (in the best way). Location: 2202 Jefferson Ave., Richmond, VA 23223
M T./Yelp
Russell P./Yelp
If ever you’ve wondered what a 1/2 pound of pulled pork amounts to, you should order the barbecue sandwich from Ace Biscuit & Barbecue in Charlottesville. This small restaurant is a local favorite and it’s nearly impossible to leave this spot hungry. Location: 711 Henry Ave., Charlottesville, VA 22903.
Bruce K./Yelp
Kelly H./Yelp
(Note: as of October 2020, this restaurant is permanently closed). As its name would suggest, this Norfolk spot is nothing short of heavenly. Whether you’re in the mood for a brisket sandwich, pulled pork sandwich, or rib sandwich, this spot has you covered. It won’t take long before you discover why this is a local favorite. Location: 3376 Princess Anne Rd., Ste 201 Virginia Beach, VA 23456.
The BBQ Shack/Yelp
Stephanie H./Yelp
For barbecue with a sweet and tangy kick, order the classic pulled pork sandwich from the BBQ Shack. It’s an immediate favorite among anyone who tries it, and as you can see, comes in a heaping portion. The brisket here is also cooked to perfection. Location: 849 Old George Washington Hwy N Chesapeake, VA 23323.
Dave C./Yelp
Kimberly H./yelp
This Norfolk shop is known for its incredible subs, and by far one of the most popular orders is the brisket sandwich. The photograph above showcases the “Everything BBQ Sandwich,” complete with roasted brisket, homemade BBQ sauce, and cole slaw. Location: 4311 Colley Ave., Norfolk, VA 23508.
John K./Yelp
Thomas L./Yelp
Willard’s in Chantilly is not shy with portions or flavor, and that’s obvious as soon as you bite into their delicious brisket sandwich. Featuring two sides, it’s a complete meal that will have you looking forward to your next visit. Location: 4300 Chantilly Shopping Ctr., Unit 1A, Chantilly, VA 20151.
Garrett G./Yelp
Alison M./Yelp
This family-operated BBQ joint was featured on Food Network for its outstanding recipes. The classic BBQ sandwich is a definite favorite among visitors and locals. With reasonable prices and generous portions, this spot might become your new favorite. Location: 1014 Liberty St Martinsville, VA 24112.
James L./Yelp
Monique D./Yelp
No trip to southern Virginia is complete without stopping by the Galax Smokehouse for a delicious pulled pork sandwich. With tasty sides to choose from like fried okra, potatoes, and baked beans, you’ll be in BBQ heaven. Location: 101 N Main St., Galax, VA 24333
Jon G./Yelp
Anthony P./Yelp
The brisket sandwich at Monk’s comes served on thick cut toast with a side of gouda mac & cheese. In other words, it’s absolutely divine. You can also choose from plenty of local brews and ciders on tap. Location: 251 N 21st St Purcellville, VA 20132.
Megan M./Yelp
Katie B./Yelp
Located just outside of Richmond, Q Barbecue is an award-winning BBQ joint that’s consistently delicious. They’ve got just about every kind of barbecue sandwich you could dream of, and the sides are equally delicious. Location: 2077 Walmart Way, Midlothian, VA 23113.
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