ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque

Amazing, melt in your mouth BBQ that you order by the pound. Love the freshness of the beets as a side (seriously, what spice is that?! --it really elevates and brings out the flavor of the beets) and the collard greens to offset the heaviness of the meat. The front staff is very friendly. Long lines but it's so worth it!! I also love the back patio with an outdoor seating area. The passion for BBQ, authenticity, and care that the owner shows is evident by how often she is on site and interacting with her guests. This place is a must-visit when in Richmond!

Outstanding food! Expect to wait in line, but the wait is worth it. The brisket is super tender and juicy. The pork sausage was excellent as well. So was the prime rib. Even the pickled onions and salad were delicious. I’ve been to quite a few BBQ spots in Virginia - despite the strong competition out there, I would argue ZZQ is the best out of the ones I’ve had. I always take people from out of town here when possible.

ZZQ is the best. We have never had a bad meal here and we have never left hungry. Everything is perfectly cooked and tender. This visit we ordered the brisket, turkey, and pulled lamb and they were all delicious. The brisket and turkey are some of our favorites. The French Onion Pie was amazing. The sausage flavors change regularly. Don’t be intimidated if there is a line out the door, it’s worth it. The staff is awesome and everyone from the owner to the woman clearing off tables was friendly.

Finally, my friend and I got to this place! I moved to Richmond 2 years ago and marked this as a restaurant that I wanted to try. As soon as you walk in, you get in line, and you feel happy. Everyone in line was happy! We were all excited about our upcoming meal. My friend and I chose to share a pound of brisket, 4 pieces of sausage, jalapeño Mac n Cheese, potato salad, frijoles a la charra, and the coleslaw. The brisket was so tender, the sides were all very tasty. I particularly liked the Mac N Cheese. We splurged and also got dessert. We got the banana pudding and peach cobbler to share. The peach cobbler was really good. The banana pudding was good but not great, a bit under on the depth of banana flavor. I told one of the staff that if their banana pudding had tasted like the Paula Dean version, I would have been so happy. I was also disappointed that the pickles were sweet and not dill/sour. But maybe that part is an east coast thing! I can't praise the staff enough! Everyone was super, genuinely, nice. So A++ on the service and same for the outdoor dining space.

High quality BBQ and people around here know it. There was a line outside (covered) to get it but I didn’t feel like I was waiting very long. Set up to order and get food was very efficient. Lots of drinks options. Would recommend.

Everything we had was great! The line can get long, especially during busy hours, so be prepared to wait. I wasn’t a big fan of the BBQ sauces, but the meats were cooked to perfection

Stopped by at 2:30pm and it was fairly busy, but not crazy. The guy in front of me says the line is often out into the parking lot. You order meat by the pound. I wasn't very hungry, so I got 1/2 lb brisket. (They ran out of ribs and something else while I was in line.) It had a good amount of fat on it. I also got a small cup of mac n cheese. They put jalapeños in it and used what I think was cavatappi. So, not good for kids. I sat outside by the smokers since it was quiet. There were 3 sauces, none of which I was crazy about. The food was good, but not amazing. The only criticism I have is that they put thin paper on the tray, so it ripped and got in the sauce.

First, I just moved here from Austin, TX where I lived the last 20 years, and I've lived in AL, GA, TN, NC, and KY too. This place is at the level of the best around central TX for brisket and the sausage. The sausage reminds me of Black's in Lockhart, but moister...it's not some ridged piece of meat from a grocery store but somethimg that crumbles a little bit as you cut through the casing. Perfect. The jalapeno cheese sausage (offered by Harper as a choice who was very friendly and proud of what they do here) could use a hair more heat, but the flavor and texture is spot-on...I'd never consider w/o jalapeno anyway. The Brisket was moist! That alone destroys any competition in this state. Fatty on the sides, good bark on the outside fat, just enough fat marbled thru the lean portions. It reminds me of Franklin's. I didn't try anything else, but I certainly will now. They brought a water bowl for my dogs which are allowed outside, and servers kept them company while I ordered by the link and pound--as it should be. Full bar here (Jane and Jacob), and the best part is it's on the other side of things from getting food--it's an actual bar! That trumps most places in TX! I'm estatic about this place. Music piped outside, picnic tables, shade, smokers...they get it right on atmosphere, ambiance, and vibe. Just perfect! 5 stars! Just found out there are different 1-day specials Th, Fri, Sa, Su...everything from beef cheek to shredded lamb to prime rib and more. Worth checking those out in advance to see what is when!

OMG. We were there for three days and visited two times. That tells you all you need to know. The first visit was in the late afternoon on a Saturday. When we got to the counter, I heard the dreaded phrase they yell when a particular meat has just sold out. "86 [insert meat name here]"! I had one thing on my mind coming here and I was floored when I heard "86 beef rib". Nooooooo! After shaking off the disappointment, we decided on brisket and pulled pork, watermelon salad, jalapeño mac n cheese, potato salad and Texas sheet cake. Brisket was juicy and tender. Pulled pork was a little too much vinegar for me. Both meats were tasty enough on its own. Sauces weren't necessary. I did try the thick but it was meh. I compare all BBQ sauces to my favorite, Blues Hog Raspberry Chipotle. All the sides were great but the star for me was the watermelon salad with arugula and quinoa. Refreshing balance to the richness of the meats. The Texas sheet cake was topped with pecans and was basically a brownie. Soooo good! Not overly sweet. Staff were very attentive and helpful and prompt cleaning tables. One thing that I really loved to see was that they also cleaned the bottles of bbq sauces. Didn't get my beef rib so the right thing to do was come back the next morning on the way out town. Got my beef rib to share with family when we got home. It was worth the wait! So moist and tender. Since it was Sunday they also had the bacon rib. Think smoked pork belly. Tasty, but beef rib better than bacon rib. Don't sleep on the tomato pie. It was uber good. I consider it less of a side dish and more of an entree. We had it for breakfast, similarly to a quiche. Will be back next time we're in RVA.

Okay, this place is legit. I've never had barbecue like this in Virginia! Be prepared to queue up, this place is extremely popular! That being said, the line moved pretty fast (around 15 minutes of total waiting) and there was ample seating available. The service is cafeteria-style and everyone is very friendly. The meat was fantastic - you can tell (and taste) that everything had been smoked for HOURS. Loved the cornbread (sweet and moist), but the green beans were too toothy for my taste. I also thought the mac and cheese was a bit one-note - it's advertised as "jalapeno mac" but there was no kick. Definitely loved how tender the brisket was and how flavorful the sausages were. Overall, I think this is the best spot in Richmond for barbecue and would be a wonderful place to bring out-of-town guests I also appreciated the sinks to wash hands after getting greasy, such a nice little touch!

Overall Experience, 4.1/5: The location is a bit unusual, but it was quite busy. Parking is mostly on the street, as they have limited spaces. Overall, we'll definitely return if we're ever in Richmond again! Food/Drink, 4/5: All of the beef dishes were seasoned and cooked excellently. We tried the beef brisket and beef ribs, both of which had a nice smoke ring on the outside. The BBQ sauces complemented the meats perfectly, especially the Thick Sauce, which I highly recommend. The sides were a bit hit or miss. We had the coleslaw, sweet potatoes, and mac & cheese. The coleslaw was our favorite, pairing perfectly with the meats, while the other sides were just okay--we likely wouldn't order them again. Pricing, 3.75/5: The price was a bit on the high side, but that's expected for BBQ. However, the portion sizes were decent for what you pay. Service, 5/5: It's similar to most BBQ spots like Mission BBQ, where you order at the counter and then find your own seating. The staff serving the food were very friendly and helpful with any questions we had. Additionally, there were people walking around cleaning up, so the upkeep was excellent. Aesthetic/Atmosphere, 4.75/5: It's a standard BBQ spot with a good amount of outdoor seating, making it a solid choice for lunch.

Finally visited after living in RVA for 5 years and it lived up to the hype! Got brisket, pulled pork, fontina habanero sausage, mac n cheese, corn bread, and slaw. Husband and I agree the sausage was the best but everything was delicious. I loved the Texas vibe and overall decor. Staff were friendly and helpful. Personally, I think it's comparable with Smoky Mug but both are great and have their own spin on things!

This place was something else! Talk about grab some grub and dig in. Communal outdoor dinnng. Food is delicious and service is good. Be ready to order so you don't hold everyone up. I went with the Chopped Brisket Sandwich then went back for a side of Mac n'Cheese. The Sandwich was ginormous and so good! Absolutely recommend this place for the food and the environment.

Arguably the best barbecue in RVA. It's really good, but not exceptional in my opinion. Their brisket is top notch; however, I wish they would honor requests for particular texture (like Redwood or Mission BBQ) as I prefer my brisket to be on the fattier side. I ask and they just cut it as they were planning to in the first place. The brisket doesn't always have that "fall apart when you touch it" tenderness that I like. Their pastrami is pretty good, so be sure to visit them early on a Friday to try it out. They tend to get pretty busy and sell out, and I'm not too keen on the chaos when the place is packed so I tend to order my food for takeout. Having said that, I miss the online ordering they offered during Covid, and their takeout packaging isn't well suited for long travel. The grease will seep through the paper and bowls, especially since they've transitioned to compostable packaging.

This casual joint is great all around. Friendly servers, delicious food, and chill vibes. There is even an outdoor patio for your fur babies! Upon arriving, there is a simple menu of several cuts of meat, as well as sandwiches, sides and desserts. Fear not, for the helpful staff will allow you to taste before you buy. Once the meat is sold out, it's off the menu for the day due to the smoked preparation. I ordered brisket, while my date bought the tea hombres sandwich. The juiciness and flavor burst out with every bite. Meat doesn't get much better than this. Enjoy the bar, amazing meat, and the bbq experience. Quality is the game.

Friendly, quick, and attentive service. Lots of seating with a nice back patio in case you feel like sitting outside. Brisket and ribs were extremely juicy and tender, and the rib meat pulled right off the bone. All the sauces were great as well. We were offered free pickles and onions which was really refreshing and balanced out the heaviness and fattiness of the meat. The biggest downfall here was their sides. We got the cornbread, mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes, which all fell flat. Mac and cheese wasn't very creamy nor cheesy, and the mashed potatoes were more like pureed potato granules. My cornbread was fine, just cold. For this whole platter plus one drink we paid $103. Sides and price brought my rating down to a four stars but the meats were great!

ZZQ is a first come first serve restaurant. There was a line outside and it took about 15 minutes of waiting to order. I got the pastrami sandwich($16). While making the sandwich, they gave out small sample of the burnt ends which was absolutely amazing! The pastrami was salty, flavorful , and Smokey! The sauce and slaw absolutely tasted so good together. By far one of the best sandwich's I ever had. Overall ZZQ is a phenomenal bbq spot, it can be be busy but is well worth the wait! Food(50%): 9.3 Staff/service(25%): 8.0 Value(25%): 7.0 Overall: 8.4/10

A delicious treat when you're visiting Richmond! I've heard sooooo many good things about this spot and have always been referred to this spot to try the best Texas BBQ in the state of Virginia! I stopped by 5 minutes before it opened on Sunday and the line was wrapped around the building! But no worries, once the doors opened, we were all able to funnel inside and be helped very quickly. While you're waiting in line, you can also order drinks and can open up a tab. I ordered the Tamarino agua fresca just because of that. Very refreshing and tasty! You can see that they take a lot of pride in their food and clearly label everything. While it's a bit pricier than most spots, the food is definitely a lot more flavorful and well-seasoned. I got things such as the brisket, pulled pork shoulder, the bacon ribs (Sunday special), pulled pork sandwich, sausage links (two different flavors- Texas Hot Guts & Poblano Gruyère) potato salad, and the jalapeño mac & cheese. Not all for me and my boyfriend, but for others too lol! We sat down just to try the brisket and the pork shoulder, and everything was delicious with the bbq sauces on the tables. There were the thick, thin, and sassy sauces. We enjoyed every single one, but specifically the thin one with the brisket and the thick sauce with the pork shoulder. While the meats don't actually need sauce, it's just nice to have with some bites. The potato salad is refreshing, and the bacon ribs were phenomenal! Inside of the location is spacious and also has ample seating. There is also a lot of seating outside, where you can get a peek at their smokers and grills. Their staff are super nice and well-informed of all menu items. They have a lovely bar inside too! There's also fun and interesting decor. Stop by if you're in the area, but definitely come early since things sell out quickly!

TikTok Made us come here !! 10/10! Waited about 1 1/2 hours in line . We arrived 15 minutes prior to opening. The food was WELL worth the wait. The staff was AMAZING!! A young lady came out multiple times giving updates on seating and explaining we could order drinks while waiting . Pricy but perfect!

My husband has been frequenting ZZQ for a long time, but I'd been resisting because BBQ is not always my jam. For ZZQ, I'm willing to make the exception, as it is . When we first arrived it was early, and they hadn't quite opened yet, but there was already a line formed that wrapped almost around the corner. It was at this point I started to realize we were in for something ṡṗëċïäḷ .  I was very impressed to see that one of the owners, Alex Graff, who has earned the moniker of "Pitmistress" , was there herself to welcome patrons into the restaurant at opening. The inside of the restaurant has the feel of a . As you slide through the Chipotle-style assembly line every new station being manned ‍‍offers up more deliciousness than the last to add to your metal - tray. It's bustling with happy activity, it smells amazing, and there's lots of people sitting in a communal state of .  We both opted for the chopped brisket sandwiches. These sandwiches are enormous, and come piled high with the savoriest, most melt-in-your-mouth brisket you'll ever eat. Each sandwich is further garnished with (with just the right vinegary bite) and . We also grabbed some jalapeno mac & cheese, blackstrap collard greens , and frijoles de charro (cowboy beans). My favorite side was the collard greens, which were garnished with some chopped red onion . I loved the flavor, and the fact that they did not have all the 'chew' cooked out of them. We definitely had eyes bigger than our stomachs here, but everything we ate was amazing. For dessert , we split a peanut butter-something they had on special (I was too far gone in a meat coma by that point to remember exactly what I was eating), which was equally impressive in flavor as the rest of the menu.

Our friend was visiting from Italy and wanted to try "American" food. We thought, what better than bbq? Unfortunately, because of work, we got there around 5:35 pm, and they no longer had brisket, which I've had in the past and it was delicious. So we opted for the pull pork and they server throw in a sausage for her to try--very nice of them! We also got the potatoes, coleslaw and pickled onions and pickles. Everything was delicious and we had a great time catching up! This will forever be my go to place for bbq!

Amazing BBQ in an awesome space! We ordered several meats and sides that were all flavorful and complemented each other. We were lucky to get some of the end piece of the brisket and the bark on it was a highlight. The cole slaw was also super crunchy and bright, and really well seasoned! When you walk in, you take a look at the menu and then order from a counter where your meat, sandwiches, and sides were all unwrapped, sliced, and prepped fresh. My eyes were almost too big for my stomach because everything looked so good!!

Had to try out this BBQ while I was visiting Richmond and I'm glad I stopped by. I loved the outdoor seating area. It was great weather and it's always a good time when you can eat delicious BBQ outside. I got the beef brisket, the ribs, and the pulled pork shoulder. The meat was so tender! I loved the pulled pork the best. I love their signature sauces as well. Everything about this place was amazing. The collard greens had a good spice to it. The only thing I would say is that it was a bit pricey. Close to $60 for that amount of food in my picture. But I guess if you want good BBQ, you gotta pay for quality! I would highly recommend this spot to anyone visiting Richmond!!

New year, same ZZQ greatness! Worth the trip and as I mentioned before come early on weekends or try weekdays! The beef ribs are still king but can't forget about the brisket too! I got the chopped brisket sandwich and it was a good ole messy delicious sandwich. If you are trying to be dainty, this isn't the sandwich for you but who cares about that when enjoying a delicious ZZQ sandwich. Get it and thank me later ;)

Yum! ZZQ is a Zany, Zealously Quirky eatery that will have you drooling! This food is incredible! Best bbq around! Hands down! The brisket is amazing as is the bbq chicken! The portions are huge!! The sides are amazing! I could literally fish about this place for days! The Mac & cheese, the cycle salad, the tomato pie, green beans, the perfectly created cole slaw! All wonderful! I loved this spot so much I even used them to cater my hubby's retirement party! The service is always on time... how I love going through the line and watching the servers pile on the grub on those trays! As I'm writing this my mouth is watering! The casual atmosphere is a low key Tex mex vibe! So grab you cowboy boots and scoot over for the best dang bbq you've ever had!!

I do not get the hype. The first time I came here it was to get food for someone else. There's a tiny parking lot and lines out the door during lunch time. People were standing outside in the rain so I figured it has to be good. Finally tried it for myself after the lunch rush, thank God, and left so disappointed. We got the ribs, cornbread, Mac and cheese and lemonade. The ribs were maybe room temperature and didn't have much flavor. I wasn't a fan of the sauce. The cornbread was cold-has actual corn in it. The Mac was fine- warmest thing we had. The lemonade is not worth your time. Food is a smidge pricey. Won't be back here.

Great BBQ . Sides dishes are so good Multiple sauces on the tables. Only open Wednesday Thu Sunday

Updated review now that I've had more on the menu. I've been trying to hit ZZQ again for MONTHS, literally months!!!, but every time I have time to stop by it's either a) outside their regular hours, or b) they've already sold out for the day - which just speaks to how good their food is, honestly. That jalapeño mac was still the bomb. I'd dare say it was even better than last time I had it; the consistency was a lot better and I didn't catch any raw or overcooked noodles this time. I also tried the turkey breast sandwich. This was so delicious. The mayo and slaw they use complement the smoked turkey perfectly. I also added the "Sassy" sauce at the rec of one of the employees. Is it somewhat pricey at $14 for less than a 6 inch sub roll? Yes. But it is also delicious and packed FULL of that delicious turkey! Last time I had the peach cobbler which was fantastic. This time they had cherry cobbler which I didn't feel like would be my cup of tea so I got what looked like a brownie, but I guess was a "Texas sheet cake." This was not quite my favorite. It was really extra super sweet and I didn't love the consistency of the cake. However, it was not bad either. The staff here are just super friendly and personable. I came in on my lunch break and it was also super speedy to get all my food, I was in and out in maybe 5 minutes.

Went here to meet up with my new mentor. It was a Friday and lunch time, so the inside was packed and pretty loud. We opted to sit outside on the porch for lunch so we could hear each other talk. The pork ribs were tender and perfectly seasoned. They have a few different sauces on the table to dress your meat if you want, but I liked it plain. I liked the collard greens, but they were different than any I've ever had in my life. They were dark and smoky, almost sweet and syrupy, but also with a touch of spice? Idk not like the ones i've grown up eating as an African-American. They put a little sprinkle of red onion on top which was a nice lil pop of flavor. I'd get them again. The mac n cheese was interesting. Again, not like any mac I've ever had in my life, but still good. I'd honesty call it "pasta" as it was made with cavatappi. The sauce was more on the richie side. It said hatch peppers but the spice level was 0 to me. The thing that really impressed me about this restaurant is how clean it was. I was here for around 2 hours and after every party, the servers came over, saturated the table with cleaner and very thoroughly wiped it down. They also sprayed and cleaned *every* single condiment bottle, every time. In a world where most restaurants have 10 year old crust in their ketchup bottles - this blew me away. The floors were clean, as we ordered, I saw the guys who were serving the meat wiping the drips up almost immediately. I didn't use the bathroom, but I did wash my hands at the sink located outside and it was immaculate as well. No soap scum or crud around the handles like so many public bathrooms. I'd definitely come back here.

ZZQ's rave reviews and unique offerings (e.g. smoked lamb, beef cheek) led my wife and I to visit on a recent Saturday morning. Despite arriving 15 minutes after opening, a line stretching across the front of the building greeted us. The line does move quickly, but expect a 30ish minute wait during peak times. Once you actually enter the premises, the staff assist you with beverage orders if you want to enjoy a beer or cocktail in line. Once we got to the front to order, the staff couldn't have acted more helpfully or sweetly. As we have never ordered barbecue by the pound before, our meat server patiently showed us what different quantities of meat looked like and even threw in an extra piece or two on the house. Despite the crowds, the ordering and checkout process felt efficient and the restaurant itself offers plenty of indoor and outdoor seats. Ambiance here feels bright while still retaining a smokehouse charm. We settled on a 1/2 pound each of lamb barbecue and pork ribs, an order of the special beef cheek over kimchi, cornbread, and charro beans. This yielded the perfect amount of food for my wife and me. While the lamb had a tender texture, it lacked in smoke flavor and needed some help from the excellent table barbecue sauces (try mixing the vinegar and molasses for a perfect tangy-sweet flavor). The meaty ribs won us over with ideal seasoning and a soft but not mushy texture that pulled easily from the bone. I happily enjoyed the juicy, smoky beef cheek which possessed a richly flavored bark. Sides complemented the meal well. The beans lacked the cloying, syrupy sweetness I often experience at barbecue places and instead carried a smoky, spicy flavor more akin to chili than baked beans. Similarly, the cornbread had a moist crumb, ample kernels of fresh corn, and a slightly sweet flavor that acted as an ideal palate cleanser between meaty bites. The damage before tip hovered around $50, which we felt very fair given the quality and quantity of food. Overall, we felt that ZZQ served four and a half star food, and I round their score to five for sweet service and an overall fun experience. It's worth the wait in line for a bite of quality smoked meats, and the fare here ranks among the better barbecue I've had in the state.

Super popular venue that's set up so you order food and get it served directly to you. I'm not sure if you can order to temp and it looks like they cook to medium rare. I'm sure they'd accommodate and cut ends if you're particular. I loved all the meats, particularly the pork ribs, the beef rib had a layer of fat I wasn't fond of. For sides I got cornbread and Mac and cheese. Didn't like the cornbread at all but that's a personal preference. The cornbread had bits of corn and was slightly drier than I prefer. The max and cheese was alright. From tasting I think it's one cheese and noodles. Didn't have the stomach space to try any desserts.

On my short trip to RVA I made two trips to ZZQ and would've stopped by more if I had stayed longer. I've had Texas style bbq in Austin and Dallas and I would say ZZQ is legit! Brisket is a staple and theirs was smoked perfectly and tender full of flavor. Pulled pork was also amazing as well as their collard greens, mac n cheese, and beet salad for veggie lovers. Can't recommend ZZQ in RVA area enough!

Per local friend recommendation, we Visited during spring break trip. Great BBQ, tried pull lamb, beef brisket, beef and pork ribs, moist beef brisket is the best with juicy and flavorful taste, we cant stop eating that. I also like pork ribs, smoked and flavored very well. Waited line was very long for a Sunday Brunch, expect waiting 30-60 mins to get in. Friendly staff and service.

If you're a fan of BBQ, ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque is a must try. At the restaurant they lends the culture, techniques, and flavors of Central Texas with the regional influences of Central Virginia. There's usually a line out of the door on the weekends, there's a reason why! It's because it sooo delicious. Not only do they provide a bunch a meat options such as pulled pork, brisket, ribs, chicken, turkey breast, pastrami, sausage, and beef tips but you also have vegetarian options like smoke Seitan. Get these options on a platter or a sandwich and pair it with some of their house made BBQ sauces and a delicious side like Cole slaw, Mac n cheese, potato salad, beans, beets, or Texas caviar. Lastly, finish up you meal with any of their dishes desserts such as peach cobbler, banana pudding, sheet cake, or a Whoopie pie. You won't regret it. Enjoy your food in their outdoor or indoor section. Both are very spacious. They also offer to-go and catering options.

Looking for real Texas brisket? They know what they're doing here. Probably the best brisket I've had from a restaurant outside of Texas. I prefer a little more smoke, but still excellent. Pulled pork was cooked perfectly, but the server drowned out the flavor drenching it with a vinegar sauce :-( . The jalapeño mac n cheese is a must have side. Dined outside. Nice open, laid back atmosphere. Looking forward to going back.

I can see why this place is so popular. Stopped by for lunch and the line was out the door! A lot of great menu options and a very spacious interior with additional outdoor seating. After finally getting to the front of the line I ordered the tres hombres sandwich with a couple of ribs, jalapeño mac n cheese, and apple cobbler. Additionally, the guy cutting the meat gave us a small taste of the brisket prior to ordering which I appreciated. Firstly, I'm not a bbq snob, but I can't tell when a place has generally great bbq and this was one of them. Actually one of my favorite places I've had in the past year. The sandwich was huge! It was filling, juicy, and tender. The ribs melted in my mouth I should've ordered a pound! I barely used any sauce because everything was just so good. The jalapeño mac n cheese was creamy and flavorful but I actually don't recall it being spicy. Finally, although I typically prefer peach cobbler, the apple cobbler was so sweet and delicious. Overall, one of my favorite and must fulfilling places I visited in Richmond. They also sell good quality t-shirts which I ended up buying (next level apparel brand). If you're in Richmond this is a must for any bbq lover or someone who just wants to have an opinion, check this place out.

I am still *completely* blown away by last night's experience at ZZQ! I joined an amazing new local group called Social Club RVA for a special event here, and it was my first time eating in. I had previously tried the brisket sandwich and the pulled pork sandwich as takeout meals probably three or four years ago now, both of which were stellar from my memories. Last night, we were able to satiate all our barbecue cravings with a fulllllll family-style spread of their meats and sides. Among the meats, we tried turkey, brisket, burnt ends, sausage, and pulled pork. We also had the slaw, mac and cheese, potato salad, and beans. For dessert, we had banana pudding. I also had a Lone Star lager and a cola to go along with my meal. From what I tried, the brisket was the star (obviously), and the potato salad. I could eat a full tub of that potato salad. It was SO good! Everybody working really seemed to be enjoying themselves, they were all so friendly and welcoming. We even received a tour of the smokehouse....but I lasted maybe 2 minutes tops in there before bolting for cooler air. So many props to them for putting in the super hard work of preparing this delicious barbecue. Richmond is lucky to have them here. I had leftovers for lunch today, and they were just as amazing as last night! I will be back. For certain.

The food was absolutely amazing. Everything you could ever want in barbecue. The price is up there, but the food is on point. This was basically take out and I was not going to add a tip, but they automatically added 20% to my order and I didn't catch it until after. With the unexpected tip it was 44.24 total.

Wow. Unbelievable barbecue! Brought some family from Texas to try this place out and even they were impressed! Absolutely delicious prime rib. The jalapeño Mac was also a winner. My family enjoyed it so much they bought a t-shirt! Definitely on the pricier side, but well worth it. The service was fantastic and we loved the real Texas ambiance going on inside!

I mean there's a reason why this spot is heralded as the best BBQ spot in Richmond. My friend got the brisket, and I got the pulled pork, each with jalapeño mac and cheese. The meats were seasoned and smoked to perfection, no need for the table sauces. Come hungry because the portions are great given the prices. We came on Sunday around 12PM, and there was an incredible line. Definitely expect to wait at least 30 minutes and to be politely asked to leave when you've finished your meal if you're coming during peak times.

Went on a Saturday around 2pm and there was a line outside of the building, but it wasn't bad and moved quickly. We got 1lb of brisket and two types of sausage along with small potato salad, cowboy beans and collard greens to go. Everything cost around $60-$70 which I think was good. Service was efficient, like I said, the line moved quickly. Anyway, the brisket was phenomenal! The sausages, especially the habanero fontina was delicious. We were disappointed in the sides however. The beans were especially disappointing. Greens were just ok but the buttermilk potato salad was decent. I wouldn't bother with the sides here with the exception of the potato salad. Overall, very good Texas-style BBQ!

Great BBQ. My friend broke his limited calorie diet for this. Great stuff. Sides were phenomenal. Texas caviar, pickles and pickled onions all were just right. Sausage had nice heat on them.

This is the second time that I've stopped into ZZQ. When you see a line at the door you know it's got to be good. The food was absolutely fantastic. I got the brisket and pork ribs. If you're in the area and looking for "The Best BBQ" in the DMV, this is it. Don't miss out on the outdoor seating while the weather is nice.

I have a problem with this place.... In that it is not in DC! I have come down to Richmond twice for my fix and have to take like a pound of the brisket home just so I'm not going through with drawls :) this place is fast paced and busy but worth it. Also the staff is always the same when I've been months apart which tells me they treat their employees well.

One of the best Texas style bbq house we've been to so far on the east coast. Went on a Sunday around 1300, line was not bad at all. We had the beef ribs, brisket, chicken, sausage, bunch of sides and the sheet cake. The tenderness of the beef was perfect so it s the chicken. And when they say there is jalapeño in the sausage, be prepared, they are spicy , but so good. Full bar, friendly service, inside and outside seatings. We will make the 1+ hr drive to eat there again

Read the reviews Understand your mission Get in line Chit-chat with excited BBQ aficionados Once you enter the building, send someone to the bar for a drink, so many good drinks. Enjoy the drink while you wait in line Order Order all the things, do not under any circumstances NOT order the pork belly ribs. If you like the fill up on sides, go ahead, but it's not recommended. Enjoy Delight Relax, grab another drink, there is meat to be eaten

5/5! I will say it now, the best BBQ in VA! Since Richmond is quite a drive for me, I can only dream about this BBQ spot when I'm in the mood for some good BBQ. The Food: Since this being my second time here, I had to get the brisket AGAIN and some of their jalapeno smoked sausage. The first time I came here, I went overboard with the portions, so I stuck with a small amount. As for my sides, I went with the Mac n Cheese and a meat pie of sorts with Fritos on it. The brisket was incredibly tender and juicy. The sausage had a nice snap to the bite as well. All the flavors of the meats were incredible, leaving every bite wanting more! The sides were delicious as well, but the main entrees was the best part! The Service: Service was great! Highly recommend getting here early so the lines aren't as long. They do get you through the lines fast though. Everyone here is very nice. The Atmosphere: Plenty of seating, plus some outdoor seating in the back. Overall, a 5/5! Highly recommend this spot! Everything on the menu is worth trying!

Just off 95 this is an order at the counter type place, the meats are sold by weight and the sides by the size. I ordered the beef brisket, pulled pork, 1/2 chicken and a side of potato salad. This was by far some of the all around best bbq I've had in Richmond in quite a while unfortunately the potato salad was a disappointment the potatoes were chopped so fine it was like they were run through a processor a few too many rounds... very smooth. I will definitely be stopping back next time I'm traveling though Richmond.

Wow and just wow! It is a bit pricey, however it's a great treat once in a while. My first time here. My favorite was the bacon ribs aka pork belly with the rib attached. Amazing!!! The brisket is the best I have ever had and I'm 57 years old. Moist and tender. The habanero sausage with cheese was definitely spicy. Sometimes when habanero is mentioned in menus it does not have the kick to it as it should. Here, they are truly truthful lol. Loved it! The coleslaw and collards are uniquely different recipes from what I've had before and my tastebuds did many happy dances The prime rib was cooked to perfection!!! Jalapeño Mac and cheese, goosebumps! The banana pudding was delightful! Will return!!!

I don't want to rehash what everyone else has already said, so I'll add something that I have not seen yet: how to get the most bang for your buck. Prices can add up really fast -- my husband and I spent over $100 on just what is pictured here. If you are two people, one beef rib and a side is plenty. If you like fattier meat, the beef rib is perfect. If you like your meat on the leaner side, I would get the brisket. I'd recommend getting one of the heartier sides, like the Mac and cheese or potato salad. The coleslaw was ok but nothing to write home about.

A big group of us came here after a few ran the half-marathon. We got there 10 minutes before they opened so we were able to find seating pretty quick. We got a heck ton of food, and everything was really good. I would say the biggest disappointment would be the collard greens. They were way too sweet. Some of the sausages also had a really funky smell and taste but might just not be a fan of them. I would highly recommend coming as early as you can because by the time we sat and got our food, there was a huge line out the door. For not having good bbq spots in the DMV, this one is definitely top tier in the area's

Ok, we went here based on the reviews and my desire to finally have some really good BBQ in Virginia. Man were we disappointed. It all looks really good, but it just did not have a good flavor and the sides were all pretty bland. We had tried it during the first year of COVID and were not impressed but decided to give it another shot, because...COVID, but this will be our last visit. If I want average bbq, I can get that in Ruckersville. One thing these reviews have taught me, is not to trust BBQ reviews from people living in Virginia.

Man this place was packed with a very long line at noon on a Thursday but it was worth the wait which in reality was not that long considering the amount of people in line! The restaurant itself had nice decor with indoor and out door seating. The food was great, I would say up at the top of the list I've had here in Richmond. We ordered a half pound of brisket the turkey sandwich along with the cowboy beans, potato salad, and the Mac n cheese and all of it was good. We definitely would go back again!

Best BBQ in Virginia. Get the beets. And the jalapeños. And all the meats. Oh, and get there EARLY!!!

It had a nice Texas style ambience. I ordered half pound of brisket, half pound of pastrami, a beef rib, collard greens, potato salad and banana pudding to go. Being my first time there the line went very fast and before I knew it I was looking at a bill of over $100 and when I put my card in, it automatically default to 20% so my bill was $133!!! I was thinking well this food better be good. The brisket was our favorite it was moist and meaty with a robust bbq flavor!! The pastrami has bits of extreme saltiness that was overwhelming. The potato salad and collard greens were balanced and tasty! Now the beef rib, it was over $50, I have had beef ribs of similar size in DC and it was half the price. However if it was a phenomenal piece of bbq rib it was well worth it, the flavor was great but it was mostly a hunk of bone and at least 50% all fat!!!!!! We thought it would make a good meal but it was sooooo greasy and hardly enough meat. The rib was DC was all meat so I was very disappointed by this, I could get two ribs for what I had paid for in Richmond. What a "rib" off, you just can't help feeling that way. Look at the photo. It's too bad. The other aspect that was not great was they didnt ask me about the sauce when I was leaving I noticed the bbq sauce bottles at the bar, I thought about it and asked the nice bartender if take-out came with sauces because I was not asked if I wanted accompanying bbq sauces. She was kind enough to get me a few.

If you're a barbecue aficionado, then ZZQ in Richmond, VA is your mecca. I've had my fair share of smoky, mouthwatering delights, and ZZQ stands as a beacon of barbecue brilliance that's not to be missed. From the moment you enter ZZQ, the aroma of slow-smoked meats tantalizes your senses. It's a no-frills spot with a genuine, down-to-earth vibe that sets the stage for a carnivorous adventure. The friendly staff knows their craft and is always ready to guide you through the menu. Now, let's talk about the food. ZZQ doesn't just serve barbecue; it elevates it to an art form. The brisket is tender, juicy, and packed with smoky goodness that'll have you craving seconds. The ribs are perfectly seasoned and fall-off-the-bone tender, while the sausages boast flavors that will transport you to barbecue heaven. The sides at ZZQ are no afterthought either. The mac 'n' cheese is creamy perfection, and the collard greens are a flavorful, soul-soothing companion to the meats. And don't forget to dabble in their house-made pickles and tangy barbecue sauces to enhance your barbecue experience. The dedication to quality and authenticity at ZZQ is evident in every bite. The meats are locally sourced and smoked with precision, and you can taste the love and expertise that goes into each dish. Service here is friendly, efficient, and filled with genuine Southern hospitality. The staff's passion for barbecue shines through, making your dining experience all the more enjoyable. In conclusion, ZZQ is a barbecue destination that stands in a league of its own. It's a place where smoke, flavor, and tradition come together in perfect harmony. Whether you're a barbecue aficionado or a newcomer to the world of smoked meats, ZZQ will leave a lasting impression. Five stars for this barbecue paradise in Richmond, VA!

Some of the best BBQ we have ever had and amazing service! I always bring out-of-town visitors here and they are always impressed!