Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Richmond area by diners
Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Richmond area by diners
Barbecue stands as one of America's most cherished culinary traditions, weaving together a rich tapestry of history, regional diversity, and evolving flavors that resonate with diners from coast to coast. A July 2022 YouGov survey revealed that nearly all Americans (96%) who consume meat enjoy barbecue, underscoring its widespread enduring appeal and cross-cultural significance. Among the 1,000 survey respondents, Texas dominated as the place most often associated with barbecue, but the cuisine's roots expand far beyond the Lone Star State.
American barbecue can be traced back to Indigenous cooking techniques and was further enriched by the influences of enslaved Africans. In the centuries since, it's evolved into a multifaceted culinary art with distinct regional styles: the tangy, vinegar-based sauces and slow-cooked pork of the Carolinas; the tender brisket of Texas with sauce served on the side; the robust, sweet-forward flavors characteristic of Kansas City; and Alabama's signature mayo-based white sauce drizzled over some juicy chicken.
Alongside these classic offerings, innovative interpretations have surged in popularity in recent decades, as multicultural variants such as Korean BBQ, with its marinated cuts and sizzling grill presentations, and Mexican barbacoa, known for its richly spiced, slow-cooked succulence, have carved out their own niche in the competitive barbecue landscape.
Over the years, barbecue has not only mirrored America's evolving palate but has also fostered a spirit of community, as festivals, backyard cookouts, and friendly competitions celebrate the art of smoking and grilling—traditions lovingly passed down from generation to generation.
Nationwide, barbecue restaurants today greet families and friends with the intoxicating aroma of slow-smoked meats served on sturdy metal trays, often covered in rustic butcher paper. And what meal would be complete without those hearty sides? Whether you opt for gooey mac and cheese and smoky collard greens or crumbly cornbread and creamy coleslaw, you can't go wrong.
If you're craving some good 'cue in your neck of the woods, Stacker has you covered with the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Richmond based on diners' reviews on Yelp as of February 2025. Restaurants with at least 20 reviews tagged as "barbecue" within a 10-kilometer radius of Richmond were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may serve other food items.
Keep reading to see where to go when the hunger for all things low-and-slow strikes you!
#24. Texas Roadhouse
- Rating: 3.1/5 (220 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 10075 Jeb Stuart Pkwy Glen Allen, Virginia
- Categories: Steakhouses, Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp
#23. LongHorn Steakhouse
- Rating: 3.2/5 (157 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 11311 West Broad St. Ste A Glen Allen, Virginia
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#22. Texas Roadhouse
- Rating: 3.4/5 (175 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1570 West Koger Center Blvd. Richmond, Virginia
- Categories: Steakhouses, Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp
#21. Bella Italia
- Rating: 3.4/5 (54 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6407 Iron Bridge Place Richmond, Virginia
- Categories: Italian, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#20. Korean Garden
- Rating: 3.4/5 (183 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6827 Midlothian Tpke Richmond, Virginia
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#19. Buz and Ned's Real Barbecue
- Rating: 3.4/5 (513 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8205 West Broad St. Richmond, Virginia
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#18. Cook-Out
- Rating: 3.5/5 (116 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1501 East Ridge Road Henrico, Virginia
- Categories: Fast food, Barbecue, Burgers
- Read more on Yelp
#17. Lakeside Barbeque
- Rating: 3.7/5 (100 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 6920 Lakeside Ave. Ste East Richmond, Virginia
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#16. Alamo BBQ
- Rating: 4.0/5 (717 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2202 Jefferson Ave. Richmond, Virginia
- Categories: Barbecue, Tex-Mex
- Read more on Yelp
#15. Hot Pot 757
- Rating: 4.0/5 (126 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 7502 West Broad St. Richmond, Virginia
- Categories: Hot Pot, Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#14. Q Barbeque
- Rating: 4.0/5 (341 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1070 Virginia Center Pkwy Glen Allen, Virginia
- Categories: Barbecue, Burgers, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#13. Pig & Brew
- Rating: 4.1/5 (206 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1313 Hull St. Richmond, Virginia
- Categories: Barbecue, Cocktail Bars
- Read more on Yelp
#12. Oak & Apple
- Rating: 4.1/5 (189 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1814 East Main St. Richmond, Virginia
- Categories: Cideries, Barbecue, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#11. Mission BBQ
- Rating: 4.2/5 (89 reviews)
- Address: 12630 Stone Village Way Richmond, Virginia
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#10. GWARbar
- Rating: 4.2/5 (241 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 217 West Clay St. Richmond, Virginia
- Categories: Barbecue, Dive Bars, Burgers
- Read more on Yelp
#9. HogsHead Cafe
- Rating: 4.3/5 (562 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8902 West Broad St. Richmond, Virginia
- Categories: Barbecue, American, Desserts
- Read more on Yelp
#8. Mission BBQ
- Rating: 4.3/5 (515 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5432 Glenside Drive Richmond, Virginia
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#7. Smohk RVA BBQ
- Rating: 4.3/5 (166 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3112 West Leigh St. Richmond, Virginia
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern
- Read more on Yelp
#6. Jadeans Smokin Six O BBQ
- Rating: 4.4/5 (72 reviews)
- Address: 1126 Westbriar Drive Richmond, Virginia
- Categories: Southern, Barbecue, Cocktail Bars
- Read more on Yelp
#5. ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque
- Rating: 4.4/5 (830 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3201 West Moore St. Richmond, Virginia
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#4. Original Ronnie's BBQ
- Rating: 4.5/5 (176 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2097 New Market Road Henrico, Virginia
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#3. Hot Pot 757 Midlothian
- Rating: 4.6/5 (58 reviews)
- Address: 10040 Robious Road Richmond, Virginia
- Categories: Hot Pot, Barbecue, Korean
- Read more on Yelp
#2. The Smoky Mug
- Rating: 4.6/5 (109 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 15 East Brookland Park Blvd. Richmond, Virginia
- Categories: Barbecue, Breakfast & Brunch, Cafes
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Redemption BBQ and Market
- Rating: 4.7/5 (53 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3420 Lauderdale Drive Henrico, Virginia
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern, Pizza
- Read more on Yelp
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 281 metros.
