10 Best BBQ Joints In Central Virginia

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1. Moe’s Original Bar B Que, Charlottesville

2119 Ivy Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903
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Having been a part of the Moe’s Original Bar B Que family in Asheville, Ashleigh and Mike Abrams knew they wanted to bring Moe’s Southern Soul Food Revival to Virginia. Moe’s Original Bar B Que features award-winning Alabama-style pulled pork, ribs, wings, turkey and chicken smoked over hardwood served with two unique sauces in addition to Catfish and a Shrimp Moe-Boy sandwich. Additionally, eight to ten traditional Southern sides and tasty desserts are served fresh daily from recipes passed down for generations. Large party takeout orders and full service catering with delivery are also available. Offering a family-friendly atmosphere, Moe’s Original Bar B Que has a full bar and is the local watering hole for the surrounding neighborhoods and a go-to hang out for all UVA sporting events as the location is convenient to the University campus.

2. BBQ Exchange, Gordonsville

bbq exchange - 05

102 Martinsburg Ave, Gordonsville, VA 22942
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Executive Chef Craig Hartman’s love of all things cooking, especially over a live fire, led him to a deep love for old school, slow-cooked BBQ. Inspired by the pit masters he has met over the years, from the Blue Ridge to the Outer Banks, Chef Craig and his wife, Donna, opened BBQ Exchange in Gordonsville, a sleepy little town about 30 minutes outside Charlottesville. Today, BBQ Exchange serves some of the best ‘Que in the nation and is one of the largest employers in Gordonsville (Seriously, I bet there’s not a single business that drives more tax revenue for Gordonsville than BBQ Exchange). Also, BBQ Exchange’s support staff, especially Jaclyn Grieger (Director of Operations, Catering & Special Events), has established the business as one of the top catering and events options in the Commonwealth. They never disappoint.

3. Smoked Kitchen & Tap, Crozet

Piedmont Place 2025 Library Ave, Crozet, VA 22932
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Smoked Kitchen And Tap’s brisket and cheese sandwich is a Top 5 sandwich in Central Virginia. Yes, it’s that good. We also suggest the following sides: Mac & Cheese and the Baked Beans With Sausage. The Pulled Pork Platter is also a strong order. If you enjoy Cornbread, try Smoked’s rendition. The Cornbread is super sweet and almost “cake like.” It’s damn good!

4. Ace Biscuit & Barbecue, Charlottesville

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711 Henry Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903
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In 1988, twelve year old Brian Ashworth wandered off JP Burley Middle School grounds to clear his head. Crossing Rose Hill Drive against school rules, he walked down Henry Avenue. Only getting about two blocks, he saw Dotties Cafe.

The place was small but bustling! In went Ashworth. Being greeted by Dottie made him feel welcome. All the way through high school at Murray, young Brian would frequent Dotties for sandwiches. Two decades later Brian Ashworth opened Ace Biscuit & Barbecue, giving back to Rose Hill.

5. Paulie’s Pig-Out, Afton

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7376 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Afton, VA 22920
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After graduation Paulie Matheny moved to Richmond and now he’s back living in the Batesville area with his own restaurant on 151. And people are stopping by and coming back— the large erasable sign in the restaurant lists lots of local (Afton, Roseland, Charlottesville) visitors and many from Georgia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and Massachusetts.

His specialties include hickory smoked barbeque pork, baby back ribs and chicken. There is also a catfish sandwich and the “sides are all homemade too. The potato salad is my grandmother’s recipe.”

6. Mission BBQ, Charlottesville

3912 Lenox Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22901
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As the founders of MISSION BBQ, we strive every day to remind everyone what makes Our Country great—its heroes.

Who are we? Two friends passionate about BBQ, patriotic for Our Country, and who believe in running a business with meaning and purpose.

We believe there is nothing more American than BBQ. And nobody more American than the brave men and women who have sworn to protect and serve Our Communities and Our Country. We do what we do for the love of our soldiers, firefighters, police officers, first responders—all our loved ones in service.

7. Red Hub Food Co, Charlottesville

202 10th St NW, Charlottesville, VA 22903
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Our menu and recipes are inspired by the people that raised us. Our barbecue and sides are a tapestry of sense-memory from the South. In Welcome, NC (just north of Lexington) “Sunday Supper” happens at lunchtime.

Somewhere along the way we became the adults, the ones making the food while the kids play in yard, the ones telling stories. And these traditions, born central North Carolina, found their way into our kitchens in Charlottesville. This is the community that raised us, and this is the place where we started our own families.

It’s no surprise that we seized the opportunity to buy Big Jim’s BBQ, the Charlottesville institution that has been serving this community for three decades. When you come from here, you don’t pass that up. We started this company as a tribute to our community, family and traditions. It’s not about the food, but really, it’s all about the food.

8. Buck Island BBQ, Keswick

buck island

4842 Richmond Rd, Keswick, VA 22947
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Bob & Helen first met in 7th grade in Upstate New York. Their roads & lives diverged, and then paths crossed again in 2003. Since then they have married and merged their love of homemade cooking, tasting delicious wines, and having fun. They have moved the store to 4842 Richmond Rd., Keswick, VA., 22947 where they have expanded to offer BIGGER and BETTER service: ABC on and off and eat-in dining.

9. Hoo’s Barbeque, Charlottesville

5046 Seminole Trail, Charlottesville, VA 22911
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We are a down home authentic BBQ joint. We dry rub our meats & smoke them low and slow daily to capture the most moist and flavorful meats possible. We have different homemade sauces from sweet to blazin, which also includes a vinegar based to emphasize the flavor of the meats. All of our sides are made fresh daily from our 5 bean baked bean to our Cole slaw. The recipes for our sides have been handed down from one generation to the next. We are a Mom & Pop outfit that focuses on making you feel like you’re family from the moment you walk through our door!

10. Blue Ridge Pig, Nellysford

2198 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Nellysford, VA 22958
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Whether it be the classic Pork Barbeque with slaw or the Turkey Croissant with the works (Lettuce, Tomato, Cheddar Cheese, Mayo, and our special Dill Sauce), this quaint establishment will always keep you coming back for your Blue Ridge Pig fix.

All of their meats are smoked on-site behind the restaurant by none other than Strawberry Goodwin himself. Every one of their recipes is unique, not only to the local area, but also to the entire east coast. The only way to experience this one-of-a-kind hog heaven is to stop by and check it out for yourself!

If you like this post, check out 5 CVille Restaurants You Have Not Tried!.

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CEO Jerry Miller

Jerry Miller is the CEO of The Miller Organization, The I Love CVille Network, VMV Brands, The Blue Ridge Venture Fund, I Love CVille Real Estate and Charlottesville Business Brokers which are all headquartered in Downtown Charlottesville, Virginia. Jerry is passionate about the #ShopLocal movement and supporting locally-owned businesses. Get to know Jerry at JerryMillerNow.com.