Treat Yourself to a Hearty Meal at the Top 10 Barbecue Restaurants in Richmond, VA

Who doesn’t love a good barbecue dinner every now and then? Now that the days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer, it’s a better time than ever to go out and enjoy some delicious barbecue. And if you want to enjoy some meaty ribs or a fresh brisket sandwich, you don’t have to go far to find a good barbecue spot in Richmond. Need some help finding a spot? No worries. We’ve got you covered. Check out our list of the top 10 barbecue restaurants in Richmond, VA now!

Searching for the perfect gift for your loved one? Surprise them with a virtual GiftYa card! GiftYa has hundreds of e-cards for restaurants, bars, spas, hotels, and shops around Richmond. In fact, you can even purchase GiftYa cards for some of the barbecue restaurants featured below! Sending a card is easy. All you have to do is text it directly to the recipient’s cell phone. From there, they can upload the card right to their debit card. Check out our full selection of cards now!

1. Alamo BBQ 

Top-rated BBQ joint located in the heart of historic Church Hill

2202 Jefferson Ave | Church Hill | alamobbqva.com

First up on the list is Alamo BBQ. Located in the historic Church Hill neighborhood, Alamo BBQ is the perfect spot to get your fill of Texas-style beef, pork, brisket, and any other classic BBQ dish that you might be craving. Over the years, it’s been featured in numerous publications like The Daily Meal and Times-Dispatch.

On the menu, you’ll find a wide selection of BBQ dishes like the Beef Brisket, BBQ Platter, Whole Rack of Ribs, and more! Thirsty? We recommend trying Alamo’s signature Sweet Tea or Limeade. Check out their full menu online now!

“The usual is 3 portobello tacos that are done right every time. They are so scrumptious having the right balance of heat and smoky goodness and savory melty cheese. Have tried the Texas Train Wreck and burritos. Both were pretty good. Really nice portion sizes and not overpriced.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Alamo BBQ.

2. Carter’s Pigpen Bar-B-Que

Charming smokehouse that is known for its Virginia-style pulled pork

8011 Cold Harbor Rd | Mechanicsville | carterspigpenbarbque.com

Sandwiches, ribs, and other classic BBQ dishes await you at Carter’s Pigpen Bar-B-Que. If you live in the Mechanicsville area, Carter’s is the top place to grab some hearty plates of BBQ and fresh drinks! Since 2008, this family-owned restaurant has been delighting guests with its delicious food and friendly service.

Carter’s dine-in menu features an eclectic variety of BBQ dishes such as the Pulled Beef Combo, Full-Rack Ribs, and All-American Hot Dog. Homemade sides including baked beans, potato salad, and cornbread muffins are also served daily. Bringing the kids? Carter’s also offers a kid's menu featuring PB&J Sandwiches and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. Try Carter’s for your next meal! 

“I ordered a chicken sandwich with coleslaw and mac and cheese and it was delicious! The sandwich was enormous, and after eating it I wasn't hungry again for hours. The chicken and the tomato sauce were super flavorful and perfectly cooked, and the creamy but still crunchy slaw was a perfect addition.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Carter’s Pigpen Bar-B-Que.

3. The Salty Pig Smokehouse Co.

Locally and family-owned barbecue restaurant that also offers food truck service and catering for private events

9502 Chamberlayne Rd | Mechanicsville | saltypigrva.com

The Salty Pig Smokehouse Co. is one of the newer restaurants on the list, having only opened in 2015. However, it has already made a splash among Richmond locals. It only takes one visit to the restaurant to see why. 

At The Salty Pig Smokehouse Co., there is something for everyone. Pulled Pork, Jalapeno Sausage, Smoked Turkey, Brisket, and Smoked Chicken Salad are all available by the pound. Daily Specials like Wine and Wing Wednesday and Steak and Seafood Saturday are also available. For the kids, The Salty Pig offers savory dishes like Chicken Tenders and Corn Dog Nuggets. Check out the full menu now! 

“Best BBQ in town! I want to try the smoked turkey but haven't been able to skip the pork to do it. Never had pork rinds I like until I tried theirs. Usually, I don't like hot, but you NEED to try the hot honey with the pork rinds. Come hungry!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for The Salty Pig Smokehouse Co.

4. Pig & Brew

Charming and rustic barbecue restaurant that is dedicated to giving back to the community

1313 Hull St | Manchester | pigandbrew.com

Pig & Brew is a top-rated barbecue restaurant located in the Manchester neighborhood of Richmond. It’s known for its hearty barbecue dishes, great food specials, fun drinks, and community programs dedicated to serving youth in the under-resourced neighborhoods of the city.

On the menu, you’ll find a wide selection of BBQ dishes like the Smoked Brisket, Brisket Burnt Ends Sandwich, and NC-Style Pork BBQ. Fresh sides are also available, including string beans, collard greens, fries, and cornbread. For dessert, you can treat yourself to a sweet Homemade Peach Cobbler. Try out Pig & Brew for your next meal!

“We tried the Brisket Burnt Ends Sandwich with grilled onions, coleslaw, and barbecue sauce and the Minced NC Style Pork BBQ. Both were delicious but the Pork BBQ was the best minced pork sandwich I've tried. We'll definitely be back.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Pig & Brew.

5. Hillbilly Red’s Barbeque

Low-key barbecue joint that is known for its savory home-cooked food

353 E Williamsburg Rd | Sandston 

Next up, we have Hillbilly Red’s Barbeque. Located in Sandston, Hillbilly Red’s is a prime location for fresh, hearty barbecue dishes. Inside this quaint, rustic restaurant, you can expect to enjoy some of the best BBQ in Richmond. 

Some of their most popular dishes include the Beef Brisket Dinner, Full Rack of Ribs, and Smoked Chicken. But you really can’t go wrong with anything here. Whatever you order, just don’t forget to finish your meal off with one of their signature desserts. Check out their full menu online now!

“Stopped here on a road trip, and I'm very glad I did. This was some of the best pulled pork I've ever had, and I've had a lot of pulled pork! It was so tender and flavorful, it almost melted in the mouth. Cooked very well! The sauces were good too.” - Yelp Review

6. ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque

Popular barbecue restaurant that takes its inspiration from both Texan and Virginian cuisine

3201 W Moore St | Scott’s Addition | zzqrva.com

ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque is another prime spot to get your fill of barbecue. Since 2013, thousands of Richmond locals have gathered at ZZQ to enjoy delicious BBQ and create new memories with their loved ones. 

The meats come in different sizes, from 30 pound Beef Brisket to 21 pound Turkey Breast. Pastrami, Prime Rib, Pork Spare Ribs, and other savory meats can be found on the menu. ZZQ also offers a wide selection of sandwiches like the Smoked Seitan Sandwich and Beef-n-Cheddar sandwich. But don’t just take our word for it. Try it out yourself!

“The ribs, brisket, and sausage were all quality meat and prepared perfectly. The oak/hickory mix they smoke with gives it a truly beautiful smoke flavor needing no sauce to assist in devouring these treasures. While they have a great choice of sides, I only grabbed the greens due to the glutinous portion of meat on the tray.  It did not disappoint.” - Yelp Review

7. Deep Run Roadhouse

Classic BBQ joint that also serves delicious Tex-Mex plates

12379 Gayton Rd | Richmond | deeprunroadhouse.com

Deep Run Roadhouse is one of the most popular barbecue restaurants in Richmond. And for good reason. On any given day, you can find Deep Run Roadhouse filled with hungry customers eager to get their barbecue fix.

The menu features a wide selection of meats and dishes, like the Fried Catfish, Rope Sausage, BBQ Portabello, and Sliced Brisket. If you’re feeling really hungry, we recommend trying The Train Wreck. This dish comes with your choice of BBQ served in a bowl over mac-n-cheese, cowboy beans, and cornbread. Yum!

“Yummy food and cool staff! We ordered out and my brief interaction with the staff was very positive they were super nice and welcoming. The food was awesome, especially the Wings (Excellent BBQ Sauce).” - Yelp Review

8. Buz and Ned’s Real Barbecue

Rustic eatery that is known for its hearty plates of BBQ and creative cocktails

8205 W Broad St | Richmond | buzandneds.com

Buz and Ned’s Real Barbecue is another popular BBQ spot in Richmond that you should check out. Located on W Broad St, Buz and Ned’s delivers fresh and hearty plates of BBQ that will fill you right up. 

From the Sliced Brisket Sandwich to the Crispy Fried Chicken Wings, every meal at Buz and Ned’s is bursting with flavor. We especially love Buz and Ned’s dessert menu, which includes the House-made Chocolate Brownie and Bread Pudding with Bourbon Glaze. Check out Buz and Ned’s for yourself the next time you dine out!

“The food was delish!! That Cajun corn is amazing! I thought the 2 pieces would be too much but I definitely wanted more when I finished. The sliders were good — my fav was the pork. It was seasoned so well and the sauce was a perfect compliment.” - Yelp Review

9. The Original Ronnie’s BBQ

Casual, family-run barbecue restaurant that will make you feel right at home

2097 New Market Rd | Henrico 

Up next, we have Original Ronnie’s BBQ in Henrico. Original Ronnie’s is a casual, laid-back BBQ joint perfect for kicking back and relaxing with friends. You’ll find a wide selection of plates on the menu, including the Rib Box, Grill Master Sandwich, Chopped Chicken BBQ Box, and Beef Brisket Box. You can also add some sides to your BBQ platter, like the Collard Greens and Cole Slaw. Check out the full menu now!

“Amazing BBQ! They're well rounded — great coleslaw, great Mac and cheese, and the meat options are super tasty. We got the sampler and it was enough to share between two of us with two sides.” - Yelp Review

10. Oak & Apple

Friendly BBQ restaurant that offers a dog-friendly outdoor patio

1814 E Main St | Shockoe Bottom | oakandapplerichmond.com

Last, but certainly not least, on the list is Oak & Apple. This charming barbecue restaurant in Shockoe Bottom is known for its savory BBQ dishes and gorgeous outdoor dining space. If you have a dog, you can bring them here, as its outdoor patio is dog-friendly!

As for the food, you’ll find a wide selection of BBQ dishes, from the BBQ Nachos to the Pork Spare Ribs to the Smokehouse Chili Bowl. A full wine and beer menu is also available. Check out the full menu online now!

“A wonderful establishment for anyone who loves eating BBQ. I highly recommend the brisket at ribs! Wow do they have some magical brujeria going on in the back because the meat was "slap the person sitting next to you" good.” - Yelp Review

Richmond is filled with top-rated barbecue restaurants. Which ones on our list do you plan to visit next? Let us know in the comment section below!