We’ve all had barbeque before, and if you haven’t, punch a hole on that ticket for the flavor train! All around Virginia, roadside smokers are fired up, pumping out the succulent scent of slow-cooked meat. Although we aren’t currently in what the Virginia General Assembly considers “Virginia Barbeque Season,” (May through October of each year) there’s no offseason grace period for the BBQ artisans and their wood-smoked hogs of the Blue Ridge.
The Barbeque Exchange
Yeah, we know, its not in Charlottesville, but look at this way: the charismatic pit smoker slow smokes a pork shoulder for countless hours over split hickory wood until it reaches a beautiful bark, crimson smoke ring, and succulent shredded heaven, and you can’t drive 25 minutes to get a plate? The prices are good, the “Q” is even better–just stick to pork and ribs, this old Virginia point doesn’t hold a candle to real brisket quite yet.
Ace’s Biscuit and Barbeque
Ace’s is a Charlottesville staple, great for brunch or late lunch with friendly staff and delicious food. Their barbeque in itself isn’t anything to write home about, but the meal all together, with a biscuit and gravy, or a delicious chicken and waffle sandwich can make your day great with ease. It’s buried a little ways into the neighborhood of Rose Hill near Burley on Henry Ave.
Moe’s Barbeque
Moe’s is a unique little joint right next to Foods of All Nations. It is an “Alabama” barbeque joint, which means they have Alabama white sauce–a condiment unfamiliar to practically anywhere outside of Alabama state lines. Personally, the sauce is not my favorite. I’m a proponent of either the tangy vinegar Carolina sauce or the savory smoky Appalachian style sauce. Either way, the meat is more than decent, actually surprisingly good. One thing they do well is the bark (the outside of the meat). The meat itself is a tad bit dry for my taste, but the bark that seems to soak up the smoke behind the restaurant paired with sauce elevates the pork above average.
Red Hub
Red Hub is a humble, hometown joint right in between The Corner and the Downtown Mall. It’s an inconspicuous little storefront that looks just like a hole in the wall, but what’s hiding inside is a delicious BBQ and fried chicken experience. Red Hub is a fantastic option for tailgates or events, because they sell bulk purchase platters, both chicken and barbeque. Look for the red storefront next time you’re driving down 10th street, and “skrt” that car over and get a taste of this magic.
The Silver Pig
The simplest of them all. A dive-type-of gas station that does 3 things and 3 things only. Asks you “slaw or no slaw?” puts barbeque on a bun, and gives you piping hot hush puppies. What else more do you truly need? A great place and one you should definitely visit, especially if you want to escape the city for a few minutes, roll the windows down, listen to Sturgill Simpson, and work up the anticipation. Stock up while you’re out there. The food is cheap and the barbeque keeps well, but the hush puppies are really only good when they are hot out of the fryer.