Savor Virginia’s smoky legacy where pitmasters transform fire into art and centuries-old traditions meet bold, vinegar-kissed flavors.
From crisp-skinned whole hogs to herb-infused sauces, every bite tells a story of crossroads, coal beds, and community. This is barbecue steeped in history, not just heat.
♨️ County Smoak
Lynchburg’s barbecue scene just got hotter 🔥, and County Smoak is fanning the flames with wood-fired magic!
This family-owned pitstop slings slow-smoked perfection that’ll make your taste buds line-dance 🐖💃.
Voted “Best Barbecue” four years running, it’s where Virginia pride meets smoky swagger.
Food Highlights
- Pulled Pork Sandwich: Tender, juicy pork piled high on a bun, kissed by hickory smoke and slathered with Liquid Gold mustard sauce—a tangy-sweet revelation.
- Smoaked Brisket: Melts like butter 🔥, with a peppery bark that’s earned raves from Texas transplants and locals alike (“best brisket ever!”).
- Jalapeño-Cheddar Sausage: Spicy, smoky, and stuffed with gooey cheese—customer favorite for its bold kick.
- Fire & Ice Pickles: Sweet, spicy, and briny—the crunch that cuts through rich meats like a flavor ninja 🥷.
- Piggy Mac & Cheese: Creamy, cheesy bliss topped with pulled pork—a carb-loaded hug for your soul.
Atmosphere
Think rustic charm meets backyard cookout.
The tiny indoor space buzzes with energy, while the outdoor patio (next to a retro mini-golf spot 🏌️) invites lingering over ribs under the sun.
Watch chefs hustle between the main kitchen and the standalone smoker shack—where the real magic happens.
Why It’s One of the Best in Virginia
County Smoak nails the trifecta: all-wood smoking for meats, inventive sides (blue cheese bacon slaw, anyone?), and sauces made in-house.
Owners Ken and Jessica Hess blend competition-level skills with Southern hospitality, sourcing local ingredients whenever possible.
Plus, they donate meals to fight hunger—proving great ‘cue can feed both bellies and communities.
Address: 7423 Timberlake Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24502
♨️ ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque
Richmond’s BBQ scene just leveled up 🔥🤠🍖.
ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque slings smoky perfection with a side of Lone Star charm.
Think melt-in-your-mouth brisket, beef ribs bigger than your forearm, and sides that’ll make you wanna two-step.
Crowds line up faster than a rodeo stampede—get there early or risk missing the magic!
Food Highlights
- Beef Ribs (Saturday Only): A carnivore’s dream, these fall-off-the-bone giants are smoked for hours and glazed with a sticky-sweet bark. Limited availability makes them a weekend trophy.
- Tres Hombres Sandwich: Brisket, pulled pork, and sausage collide in this meat-lover’s trifecta, topped with tangy pickled onions. Reviewers call it “massive” and “worth the drive.”
- Pastrami (Friday Only): Fridays mean house-cured pastrami piled high—juicy, peppery, and smoked to bold perfection. Pro tip: Order it by the pound.
- Jalapeño Mac & Cheese: Creamy with a spicy kick, this side stars real jalapeños and crispy breadcrumbs. Fans insist it’s “non-negotiable.”
- Prime Rib (Sunday Only): Weekend vibes peak with butter-soft prime rib, served thick-cut and rosy-pink. Pair it with a Lone Star beer for full Texan immersion.
Atmosphere
The vibe? Texas roadhouse meets Richmond cool. Picnic tables, a buzzing open kitchen, and a full bar keep the energy high.
Line culture here is legendary—staff chat with regulars, and the smell of post-oak smoke lures folks in like a BBQ siren song.
Why It’s One of the Best in Virginia
ZZQ doesn’t just serve BBQ—it crafts wood-smoked art. Meats are trimmed, rubbed, and smoked in-house, while sides like sweet tea beets and maque choux (Cajun-spiced corn) add flair.
Want proof? Even Texans rave it’s “better than back home.”
Address: 3201 W Moore St, Richmond, VA 23230
♨️ Mama Jean’s BBQ
Fire up your taste buds 🔥—Mama Jean’s BBQ in Roanoke, VA, slings smoked magic from a retro 1956 Airstream, where meat dreams come true and lines form faster than a bluegrass banjo solo. 🎸🍖
Locals and road-trippers flock here for bold flavors, generous portions, and a vibe that’s as down-home as a front-porch jam session.
Pro tip: Arrive early—this spot sells out quicker than you can say “y’all.” 🤠🚚
Food Highlights
- Double Smash Burger: A juicy, two-patty masterpiece piled high with melty cheese and smoky char—so good, regulars race to grab it before noon. 🍔💨
- Smoked Brisket Cheesesteak: Tender, smoky brisket meets gooey cheese in a roll—so legendary, one reviewer called it “top two sandwiches of his life.” 🥩🧀
- Pulled Pork Sandwich: Piled high with Carolina-style ’cue and tangy slaw, this handheld heaven earns raves for its melt-in-your-mouth texture. 🐖🌟
- Birria Tacos: Braised beef tucked into crispy tortillas, served with a rich consommé for dipping—a Tex-Mex twist that flies off the menu. 🌮🔥
- Banana Pudding: Creamy, nostalgic, and crowned with vanilla wafers—the perfect sweet finale. 🍌🥄
Atmosphere
Order from a vintage trailer, then grab a picnic table under a shade umbrella while classic rock plays in the background. 🎶🧺
The setup feels like a backyard cookout with neighbors—casual, friendly, and always buzzing. Just watch for mud after rain! ☔
Why It’s One of the Best in Virginia
Mama Jean’s nails the holy trinity: quality meats, creative specials (hello, buffalo-spiced spare ribs 🦬), and a family-run passion that’s smoked into every bite.
With prices that won’t bust your wallet and portions that’ll leave you stuffed, it’s a must for BBQ pilgrims.
Address: 3404 Brandon Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24018