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- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11:30 am - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
93 reviews for Alamo BBQ
Review Highlights
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"The Jalapeno Mac & Cheese is also an excellent side dish." In 11 reviews -
"I would eat here everyday if I lived in Church Hill." In 10 reviews -
"Just pure Texas brisket, the way nature intended." In 27 reviews
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93 reviews in English
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Review from Bananie W.
Richmond, VA
SO fresh! Great outdoor seating! good service. Alamo rules.
Get the Tilapia taco!!!!!!
Collard greens are on point! -
Review from Ben A.
Richmond, VA
Definitely the best BBQ in town. Buzz N' Neds is good and all and has great BBQ, but it's clear that Alamo goes the extra mile with their creativity. You'll get BBQ you'll never see anywhere in VA, as well as options for exceptional BBQ and sides that fit the norm.
One last thing: YOU HAVE TO GET THE JALAPENO MAC N' CHEESE. NO EXCUSES. -
Review from Rebecca P.
Los Angeles, CA
On a corner in a quiet area of Richmond is a cute, little architectural anomaly reminiscent of the Alamo in San Antonio. Park on the street and take a quick walk over to this food stand with a few tables outside. Enjoy a small side of the jalapeno mac and cheese for about $2.50 plus a taco--order the smoky barbacoa, with a little limeade perhaps? The mac and cheese isn't amazing (needs more cheese), but is quite nice with the jalapeno surprise. And, the taco is very interesting and somewhat addictive. Taste the smoky meat mixed with some fresh and slightly sweet slaw on top and you have a messy but well balanced concoction of something related to VA barbeque but with a special kick. The limeade has a little seltzer or something bubbly in it, and is quite refreshing.
Bottom line: Mmmminteresting, go! -
Review from Stacey S.
Richmond, VA
It took me forever to get to Alamo and I've only been once, but I already believe this to be the best 'cue in Richmond! I had been craving good ribs for weeks and had a couple of disappointing experiences. Fortunately Alamo finally delivered tasty, tender, smoky ribs that weren't dripping with sickly sweet sauce like I've had too often. For sides we tried the greens and jalapeno mac & cheese. Both were flavorful and well prepared - I'd definitely order them again. Love that they have fresh limeade too AND there's free refills on the limeade. Can't way to go back and see if the rest of the menu is as good as this first meal.
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Review from L S.
Richmond, VA
Very laid back outdoor seating with DELICIOUS food - we tried the collard greens, jalepeno mac and cheese, sweet potatoes, grilled portobellos (YUM, my favorite), brisket, and chicken and slaw sandwich. VERY good food and love sitting outside (good for our little one). We will definitely return! Tea is good too and if you check in on yelp you get 1 free tea or soda. (also on google offers)
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Review from Kevin H.
Gum Spring, VA
Don't miss the spicy collard greens. The jalapeno mac and cheese and cornbread are also very good. Douse or drizzle their "Boom Sauce" to your liking over brisket or pulled pork while you listen to the blues under the canopy. This will definitely become a Richmond tradition for me. I just love the atmosphere of this place and the food is top notch.
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Review from Gary C.
Powhatan, VA
I've been here many times since last summer seeing Alamo BBQ rated as best BBQ in Richmond in Garden & Gun magazine. And it's fantastic. Meat is great. The sides are great.
I just wish they had more than a patio for seating for when it's bad weather. -
Review from John P.
Mechanicsville, VA
Sitting outside , the only option, we were swarmed by flies. We were grossed out and sat in SUV. I suggested to coworkers, so it's my mistake. I really question the sanitary conditions. The BBQ was ok, but I need a clean place. Maybe it's gotten better? I can't go back.
Comment from paul H. of Alamo BBQ 5/20/2012
John, Thank you for taking the time to leave us with… More » -
Review from Luke S.
Richmond, VA
Whether or not Alamo achieves a certain BBQ "ideal" is irrelevant to me as I would never aspire to be a BBQ expert - I am only interested in whether the dishes are flavorful and fresh, two qualities that Alamo achieves consistently.
I have tried many items on the menu, including the tacos, burrito, pulled pork sandwich, and sides such as the mac and cheese and texas caviar. Every item on the menu is consistently delicious with fresh vegetables and moist smoked meats (or portobello if you prefer).
Perhaps if you have a certain concept of Texas barbeque, you might feel that Alamo doesn't meet your expectations. If you are simply interested in delicious, fresh, consistently prepared food at a great price, you won't be disappointed.
Another great feature of this place is that they deliver to the surrounding area (including across the MLK bridge to MCV), and they do so by bicycle! -
Review from Matt C.
Richmond, VA
I really love how contentious BBQ is - folks throwing around statements like 'Unless you have no idea of good barbeque avoid Alamo' - an amazingly stupid comment.
For me (not saying for you), I really like what Alamo is doing. This reminds me of a TX-style place... similar to Franklin BBQ in Austin. The execution isn't perfect, but the flavors are fantastic. So what if I actually have to chew the rib meat a litte?? The taste was great.
As with my favorite BBQ spots, Alamo kills it with their sides. Although I'll need Lipitor after an order of their Jalapeno Mac 'n Cheese, it's worth it. The Texas Caviar might be my favorite thing on the menu... including the meat. Yes, I said that.
Plus, unlike another self-titled 'famous' local BBQ place, these guys operate with humility and seem to truly appreciate their growing fan base. Alamo doesn't need to duke it out with a certain celebrity chef to win my praise - just make good food at a decent price and thank me for the business. -
Review from Lauren C.
Richmond, VA
Best BBQ in Richmond! That being said, my favorite thing to order is their fish tacos. Also love the cowboy caviar and jalapeño Mac and cheese side dishes! You can dine on their patio, which is really nice in the summer, or if you live nearby, they use a local delivery service that delivers in record time!
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Review from Allison C.
Richmond, VA
My Favorite place to grab a meal that I intend on sleeping after eating. Haha, this is not a bad thing...you could stop at half a burrito...if it wasn't so good! Self control + Alamo BBQ = Yeah right.
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Review from T N.
Richmond, VA
Macaroni and jalapenos, YES! Eat it while it is still hot. It will cool down and be a little less enjoyable.
Pulled brisket sandwich, YES! Well seasoned meat and a tasty treat.
Ribs, YES! Finger licking good!
Texas caviar, YES! Corn and beans with a bit of onions and cilantro. Very tasty despite it's unique name and appearance that will not appeal to some.
Like all other reviews, everything I have had has tasted great! FYI: If you check-in before ordering, you should see a coupon for $1 off a chicken sandwich. Virtually everything is worth it. The only minor gripe I had was the pricing for a full rack with two sides. They managed to fit the full rack in a standard styrofoam box and the two sides only filled in the tiny portions within the box. One would think they would have given a bigger portion of sides when you order a full rack. Other than that, it is a must eat! -
Review from Matthew C.
Henrico, VA
This place is what BBQ should be. Cult following check. Hole in the wall? Literally. Somewhat of a novelty, sure. Amazing quality of taste bud watering induction? YES YES OH MY YES. I have yet to eat anything here that I have not liked. It's both a curse and a blessing I don't live near this place for I would eat there more often than one should.
It is vastly different than what else is served in the Richmond(and Virginia as a whole really), IE good. So be prepared for that. -
Review from Matthew B.
Richmond, VA
Hidden Secret. Best Barbecue. Amazing Jalapeno Mac n Cheese.
I don't know what took me so long to try this place out...when I mentioned it to a coworker last week, she told me it had closed and I about had a fit! I did some of my investigate (i.e. calling the restaurant) and low and behold they were alive and well!!!!
We checked out this Church Hill corner on a chilly Saturday morning and read the menu on our phones so we knew what we wanted before we got there.
Want to know what to order???
The Platter, choice of two meats which comes with cole slaw, corn bread, or a bun, and two sides. I opted for the upcharge and got the ribs and pulled pork barbecue, collard greens and jalapeno mac n cheese. AMAZING. That's all I can say...so freaking delicious!!!
The bf ordered the same platter but with beef brisket and pork bbq, and I don't remember his sides but that isn't the point because the real stars at this place are the ribs, the brisket, and that AMAZING mac n cheese. While I loved the pulled barbecue and think it's one of the best I've had in Richmond, VA, I'm considering going back today just to slam some brisket down my gullet.
Go here now. Not tomorrow. Now. And enjoy one of RIchmond's hidden secrets. You won't be blown away with the party tent seating area but a real food lover won't let those things deter you. So go now.
Take care and savor it up!Listed in: Must Try in RICHMOND!
Comment from paul H. of Alamo BBQ 12/19/2011
Matthew, Thanks for the rave review! We're so glad you… More » -
Review from Jon T.
We had lunch at Alamo after a nice visit to the Poe Museum. The food was a solid effort. I had ribs and Ms T had a pork sandwich. Aunt Annie had a Cuban which she really liked. We sampled collards, slaw and sweet potato casserole. For dessert we had a piece of peanut butter pie.
Ms T liked her pork sandwich. It had decent smoke and was not dry. It had a fairly sweet sauce. The ribs were also OK. They had medium smoke, but could have used a better rub with more character and a little more salt. They were not moist, but not dry either. The slaw was pretty standard. The sweet potato casserole was a little disappointing. The peanut butter pie was an excellent finish.
If I lived in Richmond I would probably search out local barbecue and would expect to find better, but this will do. You need to know what they are best at. -
Review from Jason E.
Richmond, VA
Alamo is definitely my go-to bbq/burrito spot in Richmond. Everything about it is perfect as long as you can appreciate the laid back (and sometimes fly-filled) patio area. Try the brisket trainwreck and make sure to try the "boom sauce."
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Review from Todd A.
Evans, GA
I'm a resident of the great state of Texas and I've been to the Salt Lick in Austin and I'm still going to say this place has the best beef brisket I've ever had.
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Review from Firstname L.
Kingston, NY
Yes!!
This is exactly my favorite kind of place; it's in a weird location, the building doesn't make a lot of sense, people just walk up to the window and order, there's seating outside, but it's too cold to use, and the food is great!
I went in early December so it was too cold to sit outside, but they had some tables set up anyway, and there was an outdoor chiminea that at least one couple could sit in front of (in fact, the young couple that ordered ahead of me went to sit in front of it) to stay warm while waiting for their order.
I ordered three tacos; a blackned tilapia, a pork, and one that i think they called "Rope Sausage" which they had listed on their specials board (not their regular menu). The Rope Sausage was the best of the bunch. As another Yelper mentioned, the bold slaw-type taco fillings have a bit of a kick and overpower the meat in the tacos. Don't get me wrong, the blackened tilapia and pork were very good, but I felt like the meat flavor was overpowered by the slaw. The sausage was a strong enough flavor to punch through the slaw toppings. I also got a grapeade, which was very good but I don't know if they make it there.
I ordered my food to go, but I bet this is a real nice place to sit outside and eat in the summer. It's on a large intersection which seems to be good for people-watching.
Inexpensive, very good food. I will go back next time I am in the area. -
Review from Lindsay S.
Richmond, VA
Fact. This is the best barbeque in Richmond. I have tried them all and I can say this with complete certainty. Forget tennessee vs south carolina vs texas or whatever style you prefer. The Alamo is the only bbq that matters.
Eat this: The brisket sandwich and the fish tacos. And probably everything else, too. These are just the things I've tried. And they are awesome.
There are no frills here (like indoor seating, for example). You just walk up to a window, order from a dude who likely hasn't showered in a few weeks, and grab one of the few tables outside if it's warm enough. Otherwise be prepared to take it to-go.
It doesn't matter how or where you eat it. Just do it. -
Review from Lydia H.
Richmond, VA
I received a response to my post from Alamo BBQ. I guess, I should explain my post. I went there in 2009 because someone told me they had the best BBQ. I ordered a rack of ribs and while waiting, I stood at the window because there were no other customers around. I watched the person preparing my food open a pack of Curly's BBQ Ribs and heat them up. I started to cancel my order but since it is a small business I decided to go ahead and pay for it-$22.00 I know that Curly's BBQ ribs are sold at Costco for about $14.00. They were okay but not good. I expected better from a local BBQ place. I have not eaten there since.
Alamo responded to my post by saying they would gladly allow me to come in to see that they make things from scratch and see their cooking methods. I do think they have changed since 2009 because I now pass by and see the smoke coming from the back fenced in area. There was no smoke from the fenced in area in 2009 and I went there at lunch time. I also went to Costco and found Cowboy Caviar as an item they sell and just wondered if this was the same Cowboy Caviar sold at Alamo BBQ in Richmond, Va. I am not willing to risk my money to find out.
Thank you for the offer of seeing your establishment, but I will pass. I posted this now because it stick in my mind every time I think of BBQ or pass Alamo BBQ.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/4/2012
Their ribs are from Costco-already cookied and barbecued. I actually saw them open the pack of… Read more »
Comment from paul H. of Alamo BBQ 3/10/2012
Hi, thanks for the review Lydia. I can assure you everything… More » -
3/4/2012
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Review from Stephanie S.
Napa, CA
I moved from Richmond 5 months ago and I think about the jalapeno mac and cheese with brisket about once a week, that's a lot to be thinking about a restaurant without 4 walls or a working bathroom!
Seriously, get extra mac and cheese to take home for your midnight snack, you'll thank me. -
Review from Rob H.
Frederick, MD
Low on frills but big on taste, Alamo BBQ was one of my favorite cheap eats destinations during a week-long visit to Richmond. While it was a gorgeous evening for al fresco dining during my visit, please note that this place offers carry-out and patio dining only. So you can chill out at one of the picnic tables and watch Richmond's finest busting the locals headed to and from Fairmount.
Over the course of two visits, I had a fish tacos and the Texas Train Wreck. The latter is your favorite BBQ meat (for me, chicken) on top of cowboy beans and jalapeno mac & cheese with a pair of cornbread bookends. Both meals were top notch comfort food goodness, especially the fish tacos, for which I would return again and again.
Props also for the limeade, which was so good on the first stop that it was worth a repeat on the second. -
Review from Tommy D.
Philadelphia, PA
Been here 3 times.
First time I had the ribs and they were very good, the second time I had the pork burrito and it was very tasty, the 3rd time I went I had ribs and they were terrible. Very tough and chewy.
The sides were good, jalapeno mac and cheese was really nice, baked beans were descent.
I like this place, but I feel like it should be some of the best BBQ I've ever had given the setting (walk-up window, picnic tables, etc).Comment from paul H. of Alamo BBQ 3/10/2012
Hi Tommy. Thanks for the review. Our customers satisfaction… More » -
Review from Wes F.
Henrico, VA
My favorite BBQ place in Richmond. Authentic Texas style. No interior seating and no bathroom, but it totally doesn't matter. Anything you order is going to knock your socks off. You've been warned.
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Review from John S.
Quick Advice - Stick to the pulled pork and eat it in your car where the bugs can't get at you and you'll be all set.
Longer Advice - Alamo BBQ of Richmond is not consistently terrific barbecue. Some things are done well, some things are done poorly, and I think they need to figure out their business model a bit better. The pulled pork was smokey and delicious, but the brisket was woefully underdone and the fat was stringy. The mac'n'cheese was fair (with nice, firm noodles), but the cole slaw was flavorless. And both the portions and the prices are too small. I'd rather pay $2 more and get more food. I had to supplement my order with a whitefish taco, which thankfully was a highlight of the meal.
If this is the best place for BBQ in Richmond drive to North Carolina.Listed in: A Nation of Barbecue
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Review from William B.
Petersburg, VA
With a couple of return trips, my original review stands fairly correct. However, the pulled pork sandwich was better with a softer bun and a little more smoke flavor. Also, I've had the quesadilla, which was quite tasty. I still don't think I'd eat here in warm weather, but if you get it to go, the food is worthwhile.
Listed in: Barbecue joints
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/28/2011
This is really 3.5 stars, but I'm erring on the above average side.
Man, that fish taco was… Read more »
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9/28/2011
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Review from juan g.
Richmond, VA
Still a 5 star place without a doubt.
Little bit of info, I work at a bank and was buying lunch for my staff of 10 people and they decided on bbq as their meal of choice. I think Alamo is the best BBQ in Richmond so I called them up to see if I could place an order a day in advance so I could just swoop in and pick it up and be back at the branch to feed the hungry masses as soon as possible.
Flash forward to next day...to my delight, they had my food hot and ready the moment I arrived. I payed about $80 for bbq for 11 people. That is a really good deal. My staff was all very happy with the taste and the quality of the food and the sides.
The best part of the experience was while I payed for my food another employee came out with the food in hand, bagged ready to go with each bag named individualy mind you, and with out me asking or even thinking to ask, he helped me to my car because I had too much stuff to carry. That is some kick ass service right there. It may have been a simple and small act but it's these little things that make all the difference.
Alamo I salute you.Listed in: Richmond Eats
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/28/2011
Little bit of background on this one everyone. I visited Richmond before I moved here. On my… Read more »
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3/28/2011
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Review from Nate B.
Ferndale, MI
Oh man, oh man, oh man. Get the beef brisket sandwich. Matter of fact, get two and eat one for me. Than take off your shirt, dance your ass off in the road and yell "this one's for you Nate!", I'll hear you, and smile.
This place is boss. -
Review from Mandy B.
Glen Allen, VA
A must try for great BBQ in RVA!!
I heard good reviews about this place from co-workers and friends. My husband and I tried the "Texas Style" Brisket Sandwich and the pulled pork sandwich. Both were excellent. The smoke taste of the BBQ was just right and the sauce was not put on heavy and sloppy like the other BBQ joints around. The side of the Texas Caviar (Southwest Black Bean & Corn Salad) was an interesting combo and hit the spot. We will be coming back for sure to try other items. The only thing from making this place perfect was that I noticed that the customers who ordered their food to-go got served faster than the ones who ordered to eat at the restaurant.. Besides that, If you live in or around Richmond VA, this place is a must! -
Review from Char B.
Los Angeles, CA
This is a review of Alamo's CATERING SERVICE. And it was excellent! We had them cater a backyard BBQ at the University of Richmond for students and parents. They came in plenty of time, expeditiously set up, and had all the equipment necessary from serving trays and foil to tables to cutlery. But of course none of this means anything if the food isn't good. NOT A PROBLEM. They brought piles of homemade, slightly sweet, delicious cornbread, chicken and pork BBQ that had lots of flavor (if you can only pick one the pork is better), potato salad, jalapeno mac n cheese, and this really delicious bean and corn cold salad with a cilantro kick, Cowboy Caviar. Do not skip this.
The catering was serve yourself which was nice because you could heap gluttonous servings on your plate without feeling judged, and probably also helped keep the prices low, low, low. I couldn't believe the amount of food we got for what we paid! Between that, the quality, and everything going off without a hitch (they came back a few times to check on things during the service), I highly recommend them for your next party. -
Review from Nate C.
Richmond, VA
You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. It's all great. Try the ribs though...seriously. Pretty cheap, too!
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Review from Megan P.
Richmond, VA
Been looking for good fish tacos since moving to Richmond and this place has got them. Also might just have the BEST corn bread I've ever had, my mouth is watering just thinking about it.
Biggest down side is the set-up...I'd just advise to not eat your food there (hence only the four stars.)
What makes them even more amazing though is that they deliver (which very few places seem to do around town) and it means my coworkers and I can order from them every day of the week without going broke. -
Review from Kim K.
Perfectly adequate BBQ. Not my favorite but not the worst.
Pros: Delicious beans, great potato salad, amazingly moist cornbread, flavorful pulled pork.
Cons: Weirdly minty ribs (no idea what was up with that), the portions are pretty small, and the flies. The flies docked one whole star from this review. Our food was so swarmed the second we started to eat that my husband and I went and ate our food in our car - gross. (There is only outdoor seating at Alamo) -
Review from LARRY T.
Fairfax, VA
If you had to make a last stand, make it the Alamo. Located at an odd 5-way intersection in Church Hill, The Alamo is not much to look at, but some have said the same of the real thing in San Antonio. Don't worry about appearances though since the only criteria for judging BBQ places is the food.
On this count the Alamo can't be beat. We especially enjoyed the Texas Style Alamo Cuban pressed sandwich and the hickory-smoked dry rub ribs. The aroma of the ribs made it hard to drive back as we were tempted to tear into them before getting home. When we did so it did not disappoint as we were rewarded with tender meat falling off the bone and that charred smoky-sweet-spicy dry rub crust.
The Cuban was like an explosion of flavor with tender meat (go pork over chicken as it was meant to be), tangy pickles, blistering jalapenos, mustard, onion and cheddar jack cheese battling each other in your mouth for the attention of your taste buds. Unfortunately your taste buds are totally outnumbered, especially against the kick of the jalapenos, which can make every bite a mouthwatering misery. But they do 'em hotter in Texas.
They also make 'em bigger in Texas and the Alamo is no exception. The sandwiches are big and more than enough to beat your appetite, which is almost a shame because it makes it hard to enjoy the excellent sides or to get dessert. We liked the BBQ better than the tacos and burritos but you won't leave hungry either way. -
Review from Megan M.
Richmond, VA
I thought my meal at Alamo was pretty good, a-okay in every sense.
What I loved: the brisket. Everyone on here who says how great it is is totally right. It is tender, smokey and cooked just right. If you like spicy, get the sandwich with onions & jalapenos. It's got a fair amount of kick! If not, go plain.
What was good: The sides. I wasn't as impressed with the jalapeno mac & cheese as other reviews on here. It was good, but no comparison to the traditional mac and cheese at Willie's. The cowboy beans were almost like a combination of baked beans, chili and pork - full of flavor and very unique. The potato salad had a nice mustard tang; again it reallly had its own distinct flavor, which was cool. My bf, the self-proclaimed bbq expert, also said the pork meat was also pretty good.
What was okay: The fish tacos. I don't know if I caught these on an off night, but I actually found them kind of bland and blah. The fish needed more seasoning or the tacos needed something more flavorful. Something was missing.
The not-so-much: I'm just not a fan of their sauce and wish they had an option with less sweet and more heat. But, that said, I don't really like sweet BBQ sauce. If you do, you'll probably love it.
They didn't have ribs on the night I went, which made me sad.
Anywho, I'd probably go back if I were in the neighborhood or craving brisket, but not sure I'd make the drive down from other parts of town otherwise.
I thought the prices were pretty cheap. I ordered a smorgasbord of food (way more than 2 could really finish) and my bill came to like $32. No complaints there!Listed in: BBQ
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Review from Liz F.
South Orange, NJ
Love it, love it, love it. We drove 7 hours down to Richmond and it was our first stop. We even ate outside in the middle of december.
By far, the best bbq I've ever had. I still dream about those ribs... -
Review from Steven L.
Charlottesville, VA
visit on 6/30/2011
Not the best bbq. But not too bad either. Somewhere in the middle. Spare ribs were done pretty well. Pretty good smoky flavor infused into the meat with a decent rub. Brisket was ok. Pretty tender but nothing special. I did like the pulled pork with slaw sandwich. Was a good balance of meat with some crisp slaw and a soft bun. I also thought the sides were creative and tasty. On the whole, not a bad bbq option in Richmond. -
Review from Emily J.
Richmond, VA
I can't say enough about how good this place is. The delivery guys are as nice as they come and the food is always delicious. I love there innovative side dishes. Definitely some of the best barbeque in Richmond.
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Review from Brett H.
Richmond, VA
I eat here every week. They have the best BBQ and fish tacos in town!
Beef brisket is the best around.
