Pierce’s Makes Southern Living’s Best BBQ List — But Locals Might Tell You Otherwise
According to Southern Living and their devoted readers, Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que in Williamsburg has earned a spot on their 2024 list of The South’s Best BBQ Joints. And honestly? I get it. Pierce’s is an icon. It’s been around since the 1970s, has sauce you can spot in grocery stores, and it’s basically a rite of passage for anyone traveling down I-64.
But if you ask folks who actually live here — especially the younger crowd, self-proclaimed foodies, or anyone who’s smoked a brisket on a Big Green Egg — you might get a slightly different answer.
Don’t Get Me Wrong — I’m Not Dissing Pierce’s
There’s a lot of nostalgia baked into a tray of chopped pork from Pierce’s. People have been going there for 40 or 50 years. But let’s be honest — barbecue isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s personal. What sauce you like, how smoky you want the meat, whether or not you believe coleslaw belongs on a sandwich — it’s all up for debate.
So while Pierce’s holds its rightful place in the BBQ hall of fame, I thought I’d share a few of my personal local favorites — places where the barbecue is solid and the sides are anything but an afterthought.
My Favorite Local BBQ Spots
Two Drummers Smokehouse – Toano, VA
Casual, lively, and loaded with flavor. Their brisket melts, their ribs fall off the bone, and the corn pudding should probably be illegal. Bonus: live music and a fun vibe.
Old City Barbeque – Williamsburg, VA
Sleek and smoky, Old City does upscale BBQ without being pretentious. Killer pulled pork, rich brisket, and some of the best house-made sides in town. Save room for dessert — trust me.
Rocco’s Smokehouse Grill – Williamsburg, VA
A longtime favorite with locals. Big portions, plenty of sauces to choose from, and an always-reliable stop for a hearty BBQ platter.
Route 60 BBQ Market – Williamsburg, VA
Tucked away but worth the find. Friendly staff, generous servings, and folks who take their slow-smoking seriously. Their mac and cheese is a must.
About Me (Besides Being BBQ-Obsessed)
I’m John Womeldorf, better known around town as Mr. Williamsburg. I’ve been helping people find their place in Williamsburg and throughout the region for over 20 years. As a Realtor and lifelong Virginian, I love sharing the hidden gems of the area — whether it’s a neighborhood, a restaurant, or a quiet walking trail.
I write these articles because I live here, eat here, and believe there’s no better way to connect with a place than through its food and stories. Whether you’re relocating, downsizing, investing, or just daydreaming about life in a town where barbecue is practically a civic duty — I’d love to be a resource.
John Womeldorf – Mr. Williamsburg
Realtor, Liz Moore & Associates
Let me know if you want to turn this into a blog post, a shareable PDF, or even a foodie-themed neighborhood guide — happy to help!