Quarantine Chronicles: Grillin' with My Homies
I don’t know why, I have that song in my head..thanks, Coolio, RIP Brittany Murphy, hence the title of this.
Yes I'm rollin' rollin' rollin'
Yes I'm rollin' with my homies
Yes I'm rollin' rollin' rollin',
Rollin' with my homies ooh
Photo by: Jo Ann Breaux
Look if you ask anyone in RVA what their favorite BBQ is, it could lead to fighting words. Nevermind style of BBQ, just the mere question of “What’s your favorite BBQ here in Richmond?” will lead you to all sorts of different places. I personally am a fan of ZZQ and Pierce’s. Yes, I know Pierce’s is not located in RVA, but it’s close enough! I grew up in Louisiana so if it’s not Texas style BBQ it doesn’t exist. I remember the hot August reunions in the church yard. My uncles started at 5am. All they needed was cold Budweiser and the two rigged smokers that came from Texas proper, who incidentally also brought the live hogs. The women would prepare the rice dressing, potato salad, coleslaw, taco salads, cakes and pies and we would feast all day and night in a legit Fais do-do.
Cookouts for us Southerners are an important conduit for family gatherings and I feel during this time home and family have become more of a priority. In addition to thinking about the hickory smoked air, I’m wondering how many pits and smokers were bought during this Coronafest. According to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (yes, I was shocked to know that this existed), there has been a significant increase, a 50% more increase in the sales of grills and pits as of June 2020.
As we are getting to know our backyards really well, grilling out is one joy we can count on while soaking in our baby pools. It’s also a time to experiment with new recipes and ingredients. I’d love for you to share any of your favorites in the comment section and I may share what a real Cajun BBQ looks like.
Whether you’re grilling out in the backyard or ordering curbside from some of our favorites, here are a few savory edibles to keep your mouth happy!
Photo by: Jordan Hanna for CraftRVA
ZZQ Craft BBQ
The BBQ
THE ORIGINAL RONNIE’S BBQ
I came across Ronnie when he was stationed in the parking lot in Church Hill. My mom makes the best ribs, but Ronnie’s is a contender for sure!
ALAMO
It’s my old time favorite. I love that I can get my BBQ in taco form and now you can eat inside at Frontier next door.
PIERCE’S BBQ
Yeah you have to travel a little bit for this one, but this Williamsburg outskirt is soooo worth it!
ZZQ
By far my favorite and authentic Texas BBQ. If you want flavor, this is the place of worship. You can’t go wrong here, it’s ear to ear fantastic, but man that brisket is something to write home about and they have vegan options!
BUZ N’ NEDS
I’ve always been a fan of this establishment. It’s always consistently good and their hushpuppies aren’t dry which is nice!
DEEP RUN ROADHOUSE
I had Deep Run at a wedding and was unexpectedly impressed with the flavor. Love their mac n’cheese and mushrooms too!
The Sauce and Rubs
What’s BBQ without the dousing of these local Virginia favorites. Most of the restaurants above make their own sauce that you can purchases, but here are a few other options you might want to try while you’re doing your own pitmastering.
The Wild Hares can be found at the Farmer’s Market, they make some decent rubs.
Uncle June’s (you can order on Amazon as well!)
Despite the cool name and origination, The Bone Doctors have a variety of health conscious sauces!
King’s BBQ Sauce is a popular destination and choice for their cuisine and sauce.
Hogshead Cafe has three delicious sauces to fit your BBQ style.
Penzey’s always has great spices, rubs and local sauces to try out.