Williamsburg’s “Best Barbecue”? Let’s Talk About That…

Apr 2 '26

If you saw the recent headlines naming Williamsburg home to “Virginia’s Best Barbecue,” you might have had the same reaction I did:

“That’s… one opinion.”

The honor (The South’s Best BBQ Southern Living) went to Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que — and to be fair, there’s a lot of history there. Since 1971, it’s been a staple, built on the same sauce and same approach that’s kept people coming back for decades. (Pierces)

But if you really want to get a conversation going around here, just ask:

👉 “What’s your favorite barbecue joint?”

That’s not a question.
That’s picking a football team.

The Local Lineup (And Why This Isn’t Settled)

Here’s the reality—Williamsburg has a deep bench:

Old City Barbeque — Visit Website
Two Drummers Smokehouse
Route 60 BBQ — Visit Website
Rocco’s Smokehouse Grill — Visit Website
And of course, Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que — Visit Website

Each one has its crowd. Each one has its strengths.

And depending on who you ask…
each one is “the best.”

Pierce’s: The Legacy Pick

There’s no denying what Pierce’s represents.

I remember going there as a kid when it was a much smaller place. Same sauce. Same system. Same feel.

And that’s the appeal.

But let’s be honest—
a lot of the love for Pierce’s is tied to nostalgia.

It’s consistent. It’s familiar. It’s part of Williamsburg history.

But is it the best today?

That’s where opinions start to split.

Let’s Talk Sides (Because This Is Where It Gets Real)

Here’s the part that most rankings completely miss:

👉 Barbecue isn’t just the meat. It’s the sides.

And this is where—if you read enough reviews and talk to enough locals—
Old City and Two Drummers consistently rise to the top.

Old City Barbeque

Old City Barbeque Web Address: 700 York St, Williamsburg, VA 23185 Phone: (757) 378-5125

This is where things start to feel a little more… elevated.

Old City leans into:

House-made everything
Creative sides
A slightly more refined BBQ experience

They’re smoking over hardwood coals and putting real effort into the process—not just the meat, but the entire plate. (oldcitybbq.com)

And from what you hear in reviews and from locals, it’s not just about brisket and pulled pork…

👉 It’s the sides that people remember.

Two Drummers Smokehouse

Two Drummers Smokehouse Address: 8864 Richmond Rd W, Toano, VA 23168 Phone: +17572503839

This one has built a serious following—and fast.

Every time you hear it mentioned, it’s usually followed by something like:

👉 “Best in the area.”

And again… it’s not just the meat.

Corn pudding
Mac & cheese
Rotating sides

This is where modern BBQ is heading—and they’re doing it well.

Route 60 BBQ

A little off the radar, but worth the drive.

They lean Texas-style:

Slow-smoked meats
Bold flavors
House-made sides and sauces (and they emphasize that themselves) (Route 60 BBQ)

Even their own messaging calls out the difference between average BBQ and the kind that’s done right—especially when it comes to sides.

And you’ll hear things like:

👉 “Banana pudding is worth the trip alone.” (Route 60 BBQ)

That tells you everything you need to know.

Rocco’s Smokehouse (Coming Back)

Rocco’s Smokehouse Grill

Rocco’s Smokehouse Grill Web Address: 207 Bypass Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185 Phone: +17572538550

Currently rebuilding after a fire, but still very much part of the conversation. (roccosmokehousegrill.com)

And if you dig into reviews, you’ll see something interesting:

Some people rave about the cornbread, smoked beans, and sides
Others… not so much

For example:

“Loved the sides… potato salad, smoked beans…” (Tripadvisor)

But then on the flip side:

“Mashed potatoes and coleslaw tasted… days prior” (Tripadvisor)

That inconsistency shows up a lot in BBQ spots—and it matters.

Where Pierce’s Falls Short (Fair Critique)

If we’re being honest…

Compared to the others:

The sides are more traditional
The menu hasn’t evolved much
The experience is more “classic roadside”

Again—not a bad thing.

But when you start comparing plates side-by-side?

👉 This is where Old City and Two Drummers tend to pull ahead.

The Truth About “Best BBQ”

Here’s the reality:

There is no universal answer.

Want nostalgia? → Pierce’s
Want elevated + creative sides? → Old City
Want bold + modern BBQ? → Two Drummers
Want hidden gem vibes? → Route 60
Want big portions + variety? → Rocco’s

And all of those are valid.

My Take (As a Local)

I don’t crown a winner.

I rotate.

Because the truth is…

👉 Williamsburg doesn’t have one “best” barbecue spot.
👉 It has several really good ones—and each scratches a different itch.

And honestly?

That’s a better problem to have.

Your Turn

So let me ask you:

👉 Where are you going?
👉 Who’s your #1?
👉 And what sides are you ordering?

Because if we’re being real…

That’s probably the tiebreaker.

About Me

If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I’m not just selling homes—I’m sharing what it’s actually like to live here.

I’ve been in Williamsburg for over 20 years—raising a family, investing, renovating, and yes… eating my way through just about every local spot worth talking about.

If you’re thinking about making a move—or just want the inside scoop on places like this—I’m always happy to help.

📞 Call/Text: 757-254-8136
📧 Email: John@MrWilliamsburg.com
🌐 Website: https://mrwilliamsburg.com

—
John Womeldorf
A.K.A. Mr. Williamsburg