Submitted by IMicrowaveSteak t3_10om87l in rva
Comments
Original-Quarter1833 t1_j6fhprl wrote
Unpopular opinion; ZZQ is overpriced and really not that great. They’re good, don’t get me wrong, but they’re not great.
[deleted] t1_j6fkcfm wrote
PimpOfJoytime t1_j6fkpzp wrote
Just so we may all understand more fully the perspective this hot take has come from… what in your opinion is “great” bbq?
IMicrowaveSteak OP t1_j6fmc9d wrote
Can’t make a comment like that without saying where has better bbq!
IMicrowaveSteak OP t1_j6fmd1b wrote
Where is better?! I must know.
Intrepid-Branch8982 t1_j6fmfw0 wrote
I love Allmans in F’Burg
I do not like ZZQ
Silent-Net-7290 t1_j6fmw41 wrote
I only get the brisket at ZZQ, which I think is excellent. Their other stuff is ok. Their prices are stupid high.
punkinspice_latte t1_j6fmy4h wrote
Yesssss the allmans sauce is incredible. I make special trips!!
WashCaps95 t1_j6fnrpt wrote
I’d say it’s hard to find a better brisket anywhere else, also their Rib Candy. But other than that, I don’t think any of the other menu items stand out to me
cookiekid6 t1_j6fntnb wrote
I’ve been meaning to go to this place called redemption barbecue. It looks really good. They source local high quality pork from olive farms and some place in North Carolina for their grass fed brisket. Again I haven’t gone but it looks really good.
testingforscience122 t1_j6fon4h wrote
Ya most bbq places
Intrepid-Branch8982 t1_j6foptn wrote
The coleslaw put its over the edge IMO. My favorite of all time
IMicrowaveSteak OP t1_j6fow73 wrote
Name the best!
memorex00 t1_j6foxpa wrote
Oh, brother. Here we go again.
BBQ has numerous regional variations and it’s not possible to compare ZZQ with a generic BBQ spot. They specialize in Texas style. They should be compared against different joints who does Texas style.
As for prices, it’s expensive because ZZQ is on East Coast. They use USDA prime briskets and it’s lotta easier if someone is near or in Texas where there is a steady supply of beef.
bmg1090 t1_j6fpjcw wrote
Bbq exchange in Gordonsville
lunar_unit t1_j6fqpas wrote
This recent list had some good local ones:
https://www.reddit.com/r/rva/comments/10lca9d/so_where_in_rva_do_i_need_to_go_to_get_a_good
birdmanmanbird t1_j6frd81 wrote
This is the correct response
scoobiemario t1_j6frq01 wrote
Yes. This place is great. And ZZQ is great too.
elgro t1_j6frqz6 wrote
Check out redemption bbq. Their brisket isn’t going to match up to ZZQs but their other offerings are very good
scoobiemario t1_j6frts2 wrote
Also. Dixie Bones in Woodbridge was good. But haven’t been there in Years
Dr_Bonejangles t1_j6fs3vj wrote
No.
dustinator t1_j6ftn5q wrote
Rogleson t1_j6ftxnj wrote
Ronnies
epluribusanus4 t1_j6fu25r wrote
The Feed Store. Out past Oilville on 250. Get the 1/2 chicken with Alabama white sauce. You will not be disappointed.
noodleyone t1_j6fuidh wrote
It's also about half the price of ZZQ.
seize-theday t1_j6futym wrote
Carter’s Pig Pen in Mechanicsville has great Virginia- and Carolina-style BBQ
manyamile t1_j6fvpla wrote
I used to make rolls for Redemption. Quality food, great conversations. John is passionate about life and it shows.
Carpenter_520 t1_j6fvt8x wrote
Yes but it's not for sale yet...smoke signals
trampoliningisfun t1_j6fw21a wrote
I believe they closed. Was sad to hear it because of all the positive reviews on Reddit!
dustynegatives t1_j6fw8zv wrote
Monk’s BBQ in Purcellville.
scoobiemario t1_j6fwh3b wrote
Yeah. Location. Gordonsville is cheaper than Richmond 😏
momthom427 t1_j6fwqp3 wrote
That brisket is like candy. I had it last week and I’m still dreaming about it.
GmanX64 t1_j6fyebm wrote
They aren’t the same. Zzq is Texas BBQ. Bbq exchange is more Carolina Style.
sleevieb t1_j6fyecj wrote
Yeah this was the saison guys
Sugarbearzombie t1_j6fyeq7 wrote
Alamo.
GmanX64 t1_j6fyvwe wrote
I know people that swear by Q daddy’s in Smithfield. But can’t verify personally.
LouieKablooie t1_j6fz18j wrote
I heard Ronnie's Mac and cheese being celebrated on NPR recently.
[deleted] t1_j6fz5pd wrote
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I_AM_RVA t1_j6fz5v9 wrote
Thus better in all respects
I_AM_RVA t1_j6fzeqf wrote
There’s a steady supply of beef on the east coast, Man. This ain’t 1890 when we are all waiting for the next boat filled with Argentine leather and beefsteaks.
JAX_HAZ3 t1_j6fzfm6 wrote
Second this. I really liked this place
StarGraz3r84 t1_j6fzipo wrote
I'd imagine the location is pretty pricey too
Rogleson t1_j6fzy73 wrote
As it should be.
topo_gigio t1_j6g0sx7 wrote
Went to school in Greenville and B's is next level. But they aren't going to have brisket, so it's hard to compare.
bruxalle t1_j6g1vm0 wrote
Hill country in dc is pretty on par with zzq I’d say. Not sure it’s worth the money though.
lechubb t1_j6g2p6z wrote
Allman’s is not good. They boil their ribs.
StandClear1 t1_j6g2tfw wrote
Agree that it’s too expensive. It’s very good relative to Richmond
tipadisdick2016 t1_j6g2tml wrote
If we’re counting Maryland? 2Fifty in Hyattsville is the best
[deleted] t1_j6g35oa wrote
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epluribusanus4 t1_j6g3f5h wrote
Damn!! I didn’t realize that. Thanks for letting me know before I trekked out there to major disappointment. That chicken and white sauce was so good man…
Intrepid-Branch8982 t1_j6g3v2x wrote
I don’t get ribs so 🤷
squeeepp t1_j6g4x6k wrote
Went to Ronnie’s for the the first time Saturday. Got the sampler box. I like the ribs probably the best.
Thirtytw031 t1_j6g5kpn wrote
I live right down the street from Redemption. It’s fine, not even in the same conversation as ZZQ.
Thirtytw031 t1_j6g5w15 wrote
Good BBQ is super expensive everywhere and I don’t think ZZQ is anymore expensive than any other legit bbq spot. If they use quality meat and smoke for appropriate amount of time, it’s a ton of cost to cover.
cookiekid6 t1_j6g5wc9 wrote
Honestly Richmond just doesn’t have that great of a barbecue scene. If you want good bbq you got to go down to North Carolina or Tennessee.
dontwontcarequeend65 t1_j6g69g4 wrote
Mission Bbq
tylernicole86 t1_j6g69ov wrote
The Smoky Mug is very good
jracka t1_j6g6b7g wrote
That's me too. I love the brisket, some of the best I have ever had, but the pork is just average, so just brisket for me.
SecureCap6661 t1_j6g6yqq wrote
I honestly like Deep Run Roadhouse better. 🤷🏼♀️
bmg1090 t1_j6g7hcw wrote
Agreed. Give me all the vinegar 🤤🤤
Thirtytw031 t1_j6g80j4 wrote
Yea definitely doesn’t compare to other places, but ZZQ is really good and I make my own bbq a lot too so it’s fine lol.
cookiekid6 t1_j6g8gy9 wrote
Making your own is probably the best way to do it. Barbecue is just too expensive for me for what you’re getting. I’d rather just go get a steak.
Thirtytw031 t1_j6g9j3l wrote
I only get it every so often, mainly because I would die of a heart attack if I ate bbq regularly, so I when I do I don’t mind paying the premium. Feels like a treat
ZombieForward5784 t1_j6ga4hi wrote
The truth is…. ZZQ has the best brisket on the east coast. However… their other offerings have competition. The pulled pork could be better.
Professional-Win2171 t1_j6gakcj wrote
If you’re counting MD, Andy Nelson’s has the best collards I’ve ever tried
BubbleWrapGuy t1_j6ge9ac wrote
Had Ronnie’s recently and was pretty disappointed with most of it. The pulled pork was fine, but everything else was meh including the mac & cheese.
memorex00 t1_j6gepyn wrote
https://animalscience.tamu.edu/2019/06/28/texas-am-experts-brisket-prices-rising-along-with-demand/
“The four big states for beef production and packing production are Texas, Kansas, Nebraska and Colorado,” Savell said.
ElectronicRevenue227 t1_j6gg6t9 wrote
Not even close.
ElectronicRevenue227 t1_j6ggh4n wrote
Have you tried the beef rib? Unbelievably delicious.
kwoodall t1_j6gj1px wrote
So many many better BBQ in and around Richmond. Deeprun Roadhouse is my fav, but Buz and Ned's rules too.
Diet_Coke t1_j6gnqgz wrote
You have to go to Texas for better
[deleted] t1_j6grvla wrote
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I_AM_RVA t1_j6gwg0j wrote
Yes everyone knows where cattle are raised. It’s not all consumed in those four states. We have a man amazing and dynamic system of delivering food all over the country. It’s great. If you get a chance, check out a “supermarket.” Trust me you’re going to love it!
AquaRaven t1_j6gyjfi wrote
If you are willing to go south, Bubba N Frank's in Hampton, Country Grill & Smokehouse in Yorktown, and Smoke in Newport News are all pretty good.
LemonCaperRVA t1_j6ho514 wrote
To me Virginia bbq in lakeside is top notch
GiantTacoSalad t1_j6hqa54 wrote
Buzz and Neds was kind of gross the one time we went.
GiantTacoSalad t1_j6hqi6l wrote
Andy Nelson's in Cockeysville MD has the best BBQ North of the Carolinas. Their brisket, pulled pork and even their pulled and smoked turkey are absolutely incredible.
The_Kentwood_Farms t1_j6hryca wrote
totally agree
t-flex4 t1_j6hsbps wrote
It is not on the same level as ZZQ
t-flex4 t1_j6hstyq wrote
Mission BBQ is the McDonald's of BBQ restaurants.
memorex00 t1_j6htsl0 wrote
I think the point keeps being missed. I’ll do an analogy here. Brisket is akin to gas. The price varies from a location to a location due to logistics/transportation costs. Anyone can get a select or a choice brisket but high quality such as a prime from a reputable source (typically in these four states) will have to pay extra costs. Any Texas style BBQ joint worth their weight won’t be skimping on that particular area.
Mr_Boneman t1_j6hvsly wrote
Yup. I bypass richmond all together and eat there. Used to go up there for work and made sure I ate there everytime.
heraus t1_j6hvtb8 wrote
7SlotGrill t1_j6hwbsi wrote
This place BBQ's
khuldrim t1_j6hx6v5 wrote
And I doubt they're using the same quality meat either. They probably aren't sourcing Duroc.
khuldrim t1_j6hx9pl wrote
If your bbq restaurant is known for its mac and cheese you have failed.
khuldrim t1_j6hxeae wrote
You do realize that it actually is a lot cheaper in those places because of proximity yes, despite what you think.
Ditovontease t1_j6hy0nl wrote
Liberty bbq in Falls Church
They have char siu which, YES (including the normal tx/Carolina style)
tasgetius22 t1_j6hy2iy wrote
it’s more towards williamsburg, but i used to love going to pierces bbq off of 64. apparently they specialize in tennessee bbq, news to me! but i remember the pulled pork always being pretty decent
PeppyMinotaur t1_j6hyhd7 wrote
Came to say monks. I dunno if it’s better necessarily but you won’t be disappointed. Usually a nice beer selection too
PeppyMinotaur t1_j6hynn8 wrote
Why is Dixie bones getting downvoted? I haven’t been in prolly 10+ years but it used to be legit
PeppyMinotaur t1_j6hyrhr wrote
It was insanely expensive even before all the supply chain and inflation issues that are causing crazy prices nowadays. I can’t imagine how expensive it is now haha
jwjody t1_j6i0r3a wrote
Zzq for beef. Bbq exchange for pork.
Sarah___nagy t1_j6i27uj wrote
The Smoky Mug 😮💨
AgreeableRaspberry85 t1_j6i2q2q wrote
Yes to Deep Run, no to Ned’s
misfit9999999999999 t1_j6i41ie wrote
Yeah. It was a sad day.
Kriznick t1_j6i5b23 wrote
HERACY OF THE HIGHEST ORDER. REPENT, FOUL SINNER!
IF I WANTED VINEGAR OVER EVERYTHING, ID EAT A GOD DAMNED PICKLE.
VCUBNFO t1_j6i5ojw wrote
I love to hit this place up on the way back from hiking old rag
I_AM_RVA t1_j6i5xvm wrote
Yeah ok bud all that farm to table bbq in Texas
I_AM_RVA t1_j6i6mw3 wrote
Oh cool it’s Econ 101 time. There’s a steady supply of beef everywhere in the Us. Saying otherwise is idiotic. Is it cheaper some places? Sure! Is there a steady supply? Yes.
khuldrim t1_j6i9a6b wrote
Here’s a little Econ for you. A good or item is cheaper when you don’t have to pay the costs of overhead for transnational shipping and storage. When it can roll right from the abattoir to wholesale packing to the small bulk buyers like Texas BBQ purveyors, yes, it definitely is cheaper. Know how I can tell you’ve never been to Texas?
revel911 t1_j6idk5i wrote
Charlesinrichmond t1_j6igzyu wrote
I've had very good pork there. And great brisket. And not so good brisket.
ZZQ is getting less reliable sadly
Charlesinrichmond t1_j6ih1qz wrote
is that on BPB? I need to try it
Charlesinrichmond t1_j6ih588 wrote
people really love to downvote you lately, but this is a fact
Charlesinrichmond t1_j6ih9kl wrote
does happen for barbecue. See Franklin
Charlesinrichmond t1_j6ihd9m wrote
they have been great. I'm not sure they are anymore. Consistency on the pit has kind of gone to hell
Charlesinrichmond t1_j6ihn3b wrote
good way to put it. Fine on that level
JPSouthampton-v2 t1_j6iipk1 wrote
There we go. So glad to see this.
Q daddys with locations in Smithfield and Wakefield right off of 460 E is the best bbq I’ve ever had in my life
KizcoTizco t1_j6iiwyq wrote
Buzz and neds is definitely better then deep run
khuldrim t1_j6ik5r7 wrote
I guess I’m just that cantankerous X-ennial that calls em like I see em.
memorex00 t1_j6iln99 wrote
He should visit a HEB store. The selection of meat alone is mind-blowing.
MrPlowThatsTheName t1_j6iq0ki wrote
Rocklands in Arlington is pretty good. It won’t knock your socks off but it’s consistently good.
needsexyboots t1_j6iueco wrote
I don’t know if BBQ Exchange exclusively gets their meat from Autumn Olive Farm but I know they at least have in the past
Charlesinrichmond t1_j6ivybg wrote
yep. there's a group here that hates that. But it means your points are landing. And it's obvious they are facts
emmalouwhoooo1 t1_j6iw47g wrote
Paulies pig out in afton/nellysford
NotFerrari519 t1_j6ix92f wrote
Ronnie’s BBQ hands down!
I_AM_RVA t1_j6ixlrr wrote
I grew up in Texas but whatever bud.
Edit: also why are you going on about it being cheaper? Who said it wasn’t cheaper? There is a steady supply of beef on the east coast. That’s all. Why are you so defensive about a place you don’t even live and that isn’t even the point? It’s weird.
bruxalle t1_j6ixylk wrote
Yeah I haven’t been since before COVID and was already planning to never go back. The food was great, just not $60 a plate great.
Live-Cobbler-1179 t1_j6j2vzl wrote
cant believe no ones said smhok!
fatzen t1_j6j55z0 wrote
Lmk if you find it.
memorex00 t1_j6jmavf wrote
I might have not been clear or direct about the statement, “steady supply of beef”. It was with implications that if a BBQ joint wants to use a reputable source, they would have to pay higher costs due to being further away (proximity).
Strictly speaking in general sense, yes, there is a steady supply of beef all over the country. One can get a brisket anywhere but it tends to be either select or choice grade.
It is more convenient (cheaper) for BBQ joints to use reputable sources when they are near to them based on the proximity. Further away, the cost goes up. I’m referring to high quality briskets (prime grade), not the supermarket version.
againer t1_j6jwj0p wrote
Yeah, I make it.
phlipsidejdp t1_j6jzc8z wrote
Went there last summer for the first time and was really impressed.
notnot_athrowaway t1_j6kbabm wrote
Pulled pork at Pierces is about the only decent thing there. Everything else is mushy slop, that place is way overrated.
Evil_Clown69 t1_j6kbv64 wrote
I know I’m in the minority but I have been to ZZQ 4 times and it’s mediocre at best. No smoke flavor at all. And who uses a vinegar sauce in a Texas style restaurant? Or that sticky sweet rib sauce? Or the flavorless burnt ends? i can go on, but it’s the most overrated joint in VA. Oh, and the owners are less that cordial.
Better options:
Smohk which is like a block or two away. Buz N Ned’s. King’s (it’s in the wrong direction from the request but it’s solid). The Pig and Steak in Madison Allman’s in Fredericksburg Ronnie’s in Varina Hill Country in DC—can be inconstant but when it’s on, it’s great.
I’m told Redemption BBQ is great, but I’m not paying $28 a pound for pulled pork or chicken.
wlight t1_j6kddmt wrote
You underestimate the amount of contrarian asshats in this sub with nothing real to add.
Realtorandy t1_j6ke5yu wrote
Pork bbq at apierces or Kings bbq in Petersburg is on point though I have not been to kings since it reopened
DonnyC123 t1_j6khcth wrote
rabbiferret t1_j6ksryt wrote
I apologize in advance for dodging your question by saying better is subjective, and also ignoring your geography requirements, but have ya'll tried Saucy's BBQ Brisket in Petersburg & Hopewell?
My first trip I got the pulled pork, which was good but nothing crazy. The second time I chose brisket and I'm still thinking about it. So unexpected and so delicious.
thatguynamed85 t1_j6kztvg wrote
If you want great bbq you need to drive to Edinburg in NW VA and hit up Beans downtown there. We have some customers we service in that area and anytime I'm up that way, it's the place to go. And quite frankly I'd prefer Saucys in Petersburg to zzq.
Too_Many_dBs t1_j6l3ooa wrote
Jesus STFU all of you.
memorex00 t1_j6l8qap wrote
No, thank you. I do enjoy exercising my freedom of speech here in this subreddit.
memorex00 t1_j6ln3gs wrote
halfghan24 t1_j6lrdg3 wrote
Pearce’s excels at the BBQ sauce more than most
Lady-Meows-a-Lot t1_j6ny1k5 wrote
Texas Jacks in Arlington, holy shit good.
Subject_Respond_7886 t1_j6o3d3r wrote
Saucys bbq in Petersburg is my fav. The cue balls are great too.
gleepgloopgleepgloop t1_j6obaat wrote
Definitely! Underrated given the concentration of barbecue joints in Richmond City. Very good sides, as well.
gleepgloopgleepgloop t1_j6oe6bu wrote
I'm guessing the argument could continue forever. Someone Will say they can source Texas-bred prime beef at the same price in Virginia as it would be in Texas and someone else will say it's not hand selected quality, quality degrades with shipping, etc. Someone else will say that it's a little bit more but not to justify ZZQ price, and someone will retort that it's all about supply and demand, etc etc. Someone else will say that beef from Texas is not a better than good quality beef. From Virginia, etc. Etc etc
SigSeikoSpyderco t1_j6fh885 wrote
No