10 Of The Best Barbecue Joints In Richmond, VA

We take our BBQ very seriously here in Virginia. In fact, there are numerous annual festivals around the state dedicated solely to this delicious food group. So, what constitutes good BBQ? Well, that’s an endlessly debated topic that we just don’t have the time to get into at the moment. What we do have time for, however, is trying a bunch of BBQ around Richmond, and letting you know which ones are our favorites. It was a huge sacrifice, but someone had to do it. That said, here are 10 of the best barbecue joints in Richmond!

Alamo BBQ

This Church Hill walk-up BBQ joint is famous for its Texas-style barbecue flavors, and if you’re looking for the signature meat, look no further than the beef brisket. A great alternative (or side, if you’re feeling extra hungry, which once you smell this barbecue is sure to happen) is the jalapeño mac & cheese. Get to Alamo early for lunch because it gets crowded in a hurry!

Buz & Ned’s Real Barbecue

Since 1992, Buz & Ned’s has been serving the Richmond Region some of the best BBQ the city has seen. Located on Broad Street in the Near West End, you can’t miss trying the Beef Brisket and Pork (get the sauce – always. get. the. sauce.) But don’t sleep on the sides either! The Cuke & Onion Salad and the Sour Cream & Red Skin Potato Salad are some of the best we’ve had!

Deep Run Roadhouse

Two Richmond locations (Downtown and West End) offer all the things you’d expect from a traditional BBQ spot (chopped pork, pulled chicken, brisket, and sausage) and some of the things you might not (Tex-Mex, tacos, and desserts). Deep Run features some interesting BBQ creations – don’t miss out on the BBQ Cheese Wedges!

HogsHead Cafe

Tucked away in a West End strip mall, it’s easy to miss HogsHead Cafe. But step inside, and you’ll find friendly staff serving up some of Richmond’s (and the US’s) best barbecue. In fact, this spot was in 2015 named one of the top 10 barbecue restaurants in the country by none other than TripAdvisor! Everything here is delicious, but make sure to check out their Hog Dog, a bacon-wrapped jumbo beef hot dog, deep fried, and topped with hand-pulled pork, Hog sauce, and coleslaw.

The Original Ronnie’s BBQ

Located in Varina (just steps off the Capital Trail!), The Original Ronnie’s BBQ is one spot that can’t be missed. Whether you’re in the mood for brisket, ribs, pulled pork, or fried fish, this no-frills Richmond institution is a must-visit. Also, when we tell you that you have to get the Burnt Ends, trust us that you have to get the Burnt Ends (but know that they’re limited stock, so check social media for availability)!

Q Barbeque

Q Barbeque began as a catering business with a passion for barbecue. In 2004, the team entered its first barbecue competition, and was awarded second place. From that moment on, they were hooked, and have entered (and won) dozens of competitions since. Now that team serves up its barbecue every day in two different Richmond-area locations. And be sure not to miss out on the side dishes – the hush puppies in particular deserve your attention.

Best Barbecue Richmond, VA - Q Barbecue — Image Credit - Q Barbecue

SMoHK

You can find SMoHK tucked away in Scott’s Addition. Billed as “Real Southern Food,” all ingredients (meats and vegetables) are sourced from high-end providers, as close to the farm as they can get them. And SMoHK delightfully won USA Today’s 2019 Readers’ Choice award for Best Brunswick Stew in Virginia!

The Smoky Mug

Newish to the BBQ scene is The Smoky Mug, Richmond’s first coffee shop and Craft BBQ/Tex-Mex restaurant. We know it sounds crazy, but the only crazy thing about it is how well they do BBQ! What you need to know: The Smoky Mug has craft BBQ and Tex-Mex lunch available 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (or until sell out) from Wednesday to Sunday. It’s got breakfast available every day until 11 a.m., but the cafe program – which includes specialty lattes, breakfast sandwiches and burritos, and locally-sourced bagels – runs all day! Don’t miss out on this Northside must-visit!

Stump’s Pig & Pint

Glen Allen recently got a new delicious tenant in the way of Stump’s Pig & Pint, a husband-and-wife-owned BBQ restaurant and smokehouse! Stump’s is known for their smoked meats and the one-of-a-kind Rocket Rib (seriously, you’ve never had anything like this: it’s smoked rib meat pulled off the bone, mixed with pimento cheese and wrapped up in a wonton, deep fried, then drizzled in housemade BBQ sauce.)

ZZQ

ZZQ owner and Texas-native Chris Fultz moved to Richmond 20 years ago, but couldn’t find a barbecue brisket to his liking, inspiring him to learn the craft of his home state. It didn’t take long for the Scott’s Addition BBQ joint to become a favorite around town, and the U.S. In 2021, Thrillist named ZZQ one of the 41 Best BBQ Joints in America. We don’t disagree!