The Best BBQ in Coastal Virginia
When you’re in the south, you learn quickly that people around here are passionate about barbeque. It’s more than just pulled pork–it’s brisket, ribs, burnt tips, chicken–if it’s meat, someone around her has put it in a smoker and slow-cooked it to perfection. Often it’s a family tradition built around secret sauces and time-honored recipes.
We’ve assembled a roundup of the must-try barbeque spots around Hampton Roads. While you’re in Coastal Virginia, do some taste tests and report back with your findings! Who do you think is serving up the best BBQ from Virginia Beach to Williamsburg?
Chesapeake
The BBQ Shack
849 Old George Washington Hwy N, Chesapeake, VA 23323
The BBQ Shack boasts “the best BBQ, brisket, and turkey in town.” The menu outlining options to buy meat by the pound leads one to believe that their claims are not unfounded.
Hampton
26 E Mercury Blvd, Hampton, VA 23669
1215 George Washington Memorial Hwy Suite A, Yorktown, VA 23693
With locations in Hampton and Yorktown, this award-winning BBQ team serves some specialty East Carolina-style pork, alongside brisket, pit-grilled tuna, ribeye and pork ribs. Sauces in every style (Savannah, Kansas City, East Carolina, Memphis, and Southwest Texas) means that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Newport News
10900 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA 23601
The Walters evolved their catering business into an award-winning barbeque place over the past 10 years that shines with dishes like pulled pork, smoked chicken, and Kansas City-style ribs. In addition to barbeque, they also offer brick oven pizzas that you won’t want to miss.
Norfolk
Megallon’s Gourmet Barbeque
2424 E Little Creek Rd B, Norfolk, VA 23518
They may not have a website or have updated theirFacebook page since 2019, but you should go and see for yourself why this is one of the best-kept secrets in Norfolk! They’re open 11-6, Monday – Saturday.
2001 Manteo St, Norfolk, VA 23517
Born from a food truck and steadily growing, this Texas-style barbecue empire has a brick-and-mortar restaurant in the charming Ghent area of Norfolk. Choose your favorite proteins, and be sure to grab a Big Red soda (imported straight from Texas and served exclusively here).
820 Shirley Ave, Norfolk, VA 23517
This Norfolk-based butcher specializes in heirloom meats and techniques. The “Big Tex” slow smoked brisket on Texas toast is on the lunch menu daily, and brisket can also be ordered in advance of your next holiday gathering.
Portsmouth
722 Mt Vernon Ave, Portsmouth, VA 23707
Smoked with hickory, apple wood and mesquite, this barbecue spot offers brisket, pulled pork and pulled chicken, plus entrees like burgers, smoked meatloaf, specialty sandwiches and pork quesadillas. Located in Portsmouth, it’s worth a trip through the tunnel.
Virginia Beach
869 Lynnhaven Pkwy, Suite 106, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
You may have seen this restaurant on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” (on the Food Network), and it definitely lives up to the hype. Located near Lynnhaven Mall in Virginia Beach, Whitner’s specializes in North Carolina-style barbeque, but the menu represents styles from across the entire south.
6637 Indian River Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Known for their tangy, Carolina-style barbeque, The Pig Shop has been satisfying palates in the area for more than 36 years. Classic sides and classic flavors.
1781 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Pork, brisket, chicken and turkey are all slow-roasted in wood-fired pits. Dave’s is a local favorite because it’s delicious. And it doesn’t hurt that it’s conveniently located in the heart of Virginia Beach.
1896 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23454
This gas station/bbq restaurant is practically a Virginia Beach landmark. The Malbon family has been here farming hogs since the city was part of greater Norfolk County. In 1995 the family opened a barbecue business, and the rest is history. Simple, delicious pork, seasoned with specialty Carolina-style sauces (that can be purchased onsite!).
601 19th St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Beach Bully’s legendary brisket is a paradox of hotter and faster cooking, but thinner slices, resulting in flavors that are unmatched anywhere locally. Must be tasted to be believed. Other menu items include burgers, Carolina pork barbeque, pit-sliced beef, pulled chicken, and more.
Williamsburg
447 E Rochambeau Dr, Williamsburg, VA 23188
Since 1971, this family-owned restaurant has carved out a niche for itself in Williamsburg. If you’re in the vicinity of Busch Gardens, it’s practically obligatory to swing by Pierce’s for a sandwich with their house-made sauce and delicious fries.
Old City Barbeque
700 York St, Williamsburg, VA 23185
A full menu with pulled pork/chicken, ribs, wings, and pork belly is rivaled only by the sides–cornbread, house made pickles and poblano mac ‘n’ cheese are local favorites. Located near the historic area in Colonial Williamsburg, this joint also has an amazing craft beer selection featuring brews from Williamsburg, Richmond, and beyond.
8864 Richmond Rd, Toano, VA 23168Started by two brothers, who were members of the Colonial Williamsburg Fife & Drum Corps, this Williamsburg eatery features classic pork dishes like pulled pork sandwiches, spice-rubbed ribs, brisket, and smoked chicken. But standouts like the Porky Fries (beer battered curly fries topped with cheese, pork BBQ, ranch, and scallion) make it a unique experience.