Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Norfolk, according to Yelp
Barbecue, also known as BBQ for short, has captivated the taste buds of millions of people across the world; its smell, a quintessential part of backyard parties and long, lazy holiday weekends. This cooking method involves slow cooking and smoking meat over an open flame or heat source. Beyond the slab of baby back ribs and brisket that we're probably familiar with, barbecue has a long history dating back centuries and is rooted in various cultures.
The earliest origins of barbecue can be traced back to the Taino people, who were Indigenous to the Caribbean. By the 19th century, the technique became widespread in the American South, primarily using pork. Taino people didn't use the word barbecue. Instead, this method of cooking food over a raised wooden grate was referred to as barbacoa.
As time passed, techniques and flavors evolved as a result of colonization, globalization, and advancements in technology. Today, barbecue has become a beloved food all over the world. In the United States, there are four distinct styles: Memphis, North Carolina, Kansas City, and Texas BBQ. Memphis is renowned for pulled pork; North Carolina for smoked pork infused in vinegar sauce; Kansas City for dry-rubbed meats, and Texas for grilled brisket.
No matter the style, however, barbecue can be enjoyed anywhere, but if you're specifically looking for the best places to enjoy the savory and mouthwatering delights, Stacker compiled a list of the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Norfolk using data from Yelp. Rankings factor in the average rating and number of reviews. Keep reading to see if your favorite spot made the list.
#17. Rocky Mountain Grill
- Rating: 2.0/5 (12 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 333 Waterside Dr Norfolk, VA 23510
- Categories: American (New), Smokehouse, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#16. Cook Out
- Rating: 2.5/5 (28 reviews)
- Address: 720 E Little Creek Rd Norfolk, VA 23518
- Categories: Barbecue, Burgers, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#15. Guy Fieri's Smokehouse
- Rating: 3.0/5 (620 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 333 Waterside Dr Ste 103 Norfolk, VA 23510
- Categories: Smokehouse, American (New), Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#14. Mission BBQ
- Rating: 3.5/5 (4 reviews)
- Address: 1560 Mall Dr Norfolk, VA 23511
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#13. Small's Smokehouse + Oyster Bar
- Rating: 3.5/5 (173 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2700 Hampton Blvd Norfolk, VA 23517
- Categories: Barbecue, Smokehouse
- Read more on Yelp
#12. Blue Ribbon Brews & BBQ
- Rating: 3.5/5 (37 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8305 Hampton Blvd Norfolk, VA 23505
- Categories: Barbecue, Burgers, Chicken Wings
- Read more on Yelp
#11. Genghis Khan Mongolian Bar-B-Q
- Rating: 3.5/5 (165 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 862 N Military Hwy Norfolk, VA 23502
- Categories: Mongolian, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Doumars Cones & Barbecue
- Rating: 3.5/5 (664 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1919 Monticello Ave Norfolk, VA 23517
- Categories: Barbecue, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Burgers
- Read more on Yelp
#9. The Fishin' Pig
- Rating: 4.0/5 (287 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 119 W 25th St Norfolk, VA 23517
- Categories: Barbecue, Seafood, Southern
- Read more on Yelp
#8. Gogi Guys Korean BBQ
- Rating: 4.0/5 (80 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 717 W 21st St Norfolk, VA 23517
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#7. KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
- Rating: 4.0/5 (57 reviews)
- Address: 7740 Tidewater Dr Norfolk, VA 23505
- Categories: Korean, Hot Pot, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#6. Mission BBQ
- Rating: 4.5/5 (81 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1511 Premium Outlets Blvd Norfolk, VA 23502
- Categories: American (Traditional), Barbecue, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Megallons Gourmet Barbeque
- Rating: 4.5/5 (94 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2424 E Little Creek Rd Ste B Norfolk, VA 23518
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#4. Redwood Smoke Shack
- Rating: 4.5/5 (284 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2001 Manteo St Norfolk, VA 23517
- Categories: Barbecue, Food Trucks
- Read more on Yelp
#3. My Mama's Kitchen
- Rating: 4.5/5 (484 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7943 Shore Dr Norfolk, VA 23518
- Categories: Barbecue, Chicken Wings, American (Traditional)
- Read more on Yelp
#2. Bar-Q
- Rating: 4.5/5 (47 reviews)
- Address: 1901 E Ocean View Ave Norfolk, VA 23503
- Categories: Southern, Barbecue, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Sam's Texas Sub Shop
- Rating: 4.5/5 (208 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 4311 A Colley Ave Norfolk, VA 23508
- Categories: Sandwiches, Barbecue, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
