Ron’s Top 5 Best BBQ Bites in Williamsburg

July 21, 2023

Steeped in history, Williamsburg, Virginia offers more than just colonial charm. Dig into the unique barbeque scene, where tradition meets smoke and pitmasters create magic.

Ron says, “If I could only choose one sandwich, one side, one appetizer, one dessert, one drink and one place to eat for the rest of my life—this would be it.”

By Ron Kirkland

Old City Barbeque
If I could only choose one sandwich, one side, one appetizer, one dessert, one drink and one place to eat for the rest of my life—this would be it. The best brisket in town is on this brisket dip sandwich with some pretty tasty coleslaw, and the best BBQ appetizer in town is the pork belly bites. You wash all of that down with the best ultimate comfort food, banana pudding, and finish it off with a double shot of one of their fantastic bourbon selections in a heavy glass over one big ice cube. It all tastes a little better when Addie enthusiastically gives you a “Hi” when you walk in and fixes your favorite cocktail, Vernon is out back on the smoker and Grace tells you, “Bye—hope to see you soon” as you leave. Not to worry Grace. You’ll see me soon enough.
700 York Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185
757-378-5125 | OldCityBBQ.com

Rocco’s Smokehouse Grill
Rocco chuckled a little and remarked, “Most people use a fork and you don’t need a knife.” Well Rocco, that would have been good advice before I grabbed the Flintstonesque Brontosaurus Beef Rib and went at it. It’s so ridiculously BIG, and TENDER, and JUICY that you kinda sorta have to grab a chunk of meat with the bone or it will all just fall off in a heap of delicious beefy goodness. Everything else was very good and the staff, especially Rocco, couldn’t have been nicer. But that Beef Short Rib is a sight to behold and every barbeque lover needs to eat it.
207 Bypass Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185
757-253-8550 | RoccoSmokehouseGrill.com

Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que
The local legend started in 1971 and that tradition continues today. You’ve heard about it from anyone that knows anything about Virginia BBQ. You can smell it before you get to the place and you can see it when people are parked on the side of the road just to get some. These folks know BBQ and you can savor it with every bite. I needed to feed the family after work so I opted for Doc’s Family Special: 2 pounds of pulled chicken, 1 quart of baked beans, 1 quart of tater salad, 1 pint of slaw, 6 rolls, 6 brownies and a 1/2 gallon of sweet tea ought to get me some votes for Father of the Year.
447 East Rochambeau Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23188
757-565-2955 | Pierces.com

Two Drummers Smokehouse
I wouldn’t have ordered the family meal if I knew the lady in the booth next to me was going to exclaim “WOW” and everyone in the dining room would stare at me and laugh like starving hyenas when they brought out the satellite dish with a few pounds of smoked meat on it. Smoke is the operative verb here. If you like that heavy smoke taste and aroma as much as I do, you need to put Two Drummers on your list. To get that thick pink smoke ring and all that smokey goodness, you have to leave it on the smoker for a loooooong time. You can taste just how long with every bite.
8864 Richmond Road West, Toano, VA 23168
757-250-3839 | TwoDrummersSmokehouse.com

Two Drummers Butcher & BBQ Provisions
I mean, seriously. Look at that meat counter! The Two Drummers, who are also two brothers, have thought of everything. Many of you may be staying at a timeshare resort, campground or live in the area. You probably have access to a grille. This ain’t grocery store meat. You can only get these prime cuts if you know somebody. Thankfully, these guys know somebody. The only remaining question is what are you waiting for? If you LOVE cooking meat over an open flame as much as I do, the brothers have the main ingredient, and everything else you need to pull off your own perfect BBQ.
118 2nd Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185
757-253-5762