Carissa K.
Yelp
It's sad to say that I found the best BBQ joint in all of Hampton Roads right before I move away. I'm such a dummy! I knew about The BBQ Shack (TBS) for quite some time, but I thought it was further away than it actually was. Today I realized they are only 20 minutes from my house! Suffice it to say, I will visit as often as I can until I leave.
TBS is a tiny restaurant, offering a small menu and catering to mostly to-go clienteles, as they do not have many tables. The locally owned business, and who opened in 2010, consists of the owner, his daughter and her boyfriend. During my first visit, I got a chance to talk with the daughter and she was wonderful. I quickly realized why their 5-star average rating on Yelp continues to dominate in the BBQ world.
Now, let's talk about their food! Here are my favorites:
Top 3 Meats:
1) Brisket 5*
2) Ribs 4.5*
3) Pulled Pork 4*
Not recommended: Turkey
I've never been a big fan of brisket until I tried TBS's brisket. Man oh man--was that good! So moist, tender and flavorful! Highly recommend their brisket. The ribs were tender, smoky and tasty, especially when you add their delicious rib sauce. They're only available on Fridays so keep that in mind and go early! Their pulled pork is a bit unique compared to others; they use a vinegar sauce and a bit of heat.
I've read that their turkey is great so maybe I was there on a bad day, but my turkey was kind of dry.
Top 3 Sides:
1) Beans 5*
2) Coleslaw 4.5*
3) Green Beans 4*
Honorable Mention: Macaroni and Cheese
Not recommended: Potato Salad
My first visit I got the beans and coleslaw. I thought both were great! Their beans are sweet with lots of black pepper (note: they use a lot of black pepper in their sides). I enjoyed their coleslaw as I'm pretty picky when it comes to my 'slaw, but I forget now what it tasted like. Sorry! Today I tried their Green Beans, and they were good--a hint of sweetness and black pepper, and maybe some vinegar?
I was impressed with their mac and cheese because most places overcook their pasta. Their macaroni was perfect and the cheese sauce was nice and creamy. It was easy to tell that they use Velveeta (V). I know many people like their mac with V, but I'm not one of those. So, if you like the V, you will love their mac and cheese. If you're not a fan of the V, skip it.
Their Potato Salad was probably my least favorite item on their menu. I just didn't like the flavors. Maybe a lot of dill? Whatever it is, I don't dig it.
Lastly, let's talk about value. TBS has some amazing prices. I was shocked today when I ordered the Rib Platter for $6.99. It comes with 3 ribs (it doesn't sound like much, but they had a lot of meat on them and I was full), 2 sides and either a roll or cornbread. And the Sampler Platter comes with 3 different meats, 2 sides and either a roll or corn bread for $7.99. Seriously--I pay that at fast food restaurants!
When it comes to outstanding food, great service and super value--TBS is a cut above the rest. If you haven't been to TBS, then get your derrière there now. I will be a fan for life even when I move away. Now my question is: do they ship? :-P
P.S. Make sure you get the cornbread. Trust me!!!