Bites Nearby: Virginia Barbeque

Everyone knows pigs can't fly, but have you seen the pig that waves to the passing cars along Liberia Avenue near Prince William Parkway?

Upon closer inspection, you will notice a banner that advertises 89 cent loaded chili dogs!

A hot dog with chili, cheese and onions for under a dollar is hard to find nowadays, and that's just a small bite of what Virginia Barbeque has to offer at it's David Ford Crossing Center location, which prides itself on "using only authentic freshly made side items and true wood-smoked meats.”

That simple belief created 11 homemade sides, fresh baked cornbread and enough smoky BBQ varieties to eat a different style every day of the week.

True BBQ aficionados will enjoy the "Classic", a Carolina-style pulled pork sandwich with "none of that red sauce," just smoked pork tossed with champagne and cider vinegar and whole grain spices, creating classic tangy BBQ topped with a homemade slaw.

Retired Marine  and Manassas resident Jerry Holloman was just about to sink his teeth into a "Classic" before we caught up with him.

"I'm a real big BBQ fan; my whole family is from North Carolina, this is how you eat BBQ down there and don't forget the slaw!"

This was Jerry's second visit to the shop, his first was only three days prior.

"I've driven by here 50 times and never saw this place, I received a flyer in the mail and came in three days ago for the first time and now I'm back today!" he said with a big grin.

On his first visit, Jerry said he bought two pork sandwiches for himself and was talked into getting a beef brisket because it was that good.

They also serve fall-off-the-bone St.Louis cut smoked ribs, roastisique chicken and the shop's best seller and "Ode to Que", the Original VA BBQ— a pork sandwich served with sweet, drip off your chin BBQ sauce.

The menu allows for versatility; you can order just a sandwich or a whole combo. There's even a family special, sampler platters, or take home options of whole pints of pulled chicken, pork, or beef—all at decent prices.

There is a separate catering menu and you can check them out at their foodstand if you attend a Potomac National's game.

A franchise chain created by Rick Ivey, the first VirginiaBarbeque store opened in a 10- year-old home in Ashland, Virginia in 2000. There are now 14 locations throughout Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio and even Texas!

The Manassas store has been open for four years and undertook new ownership just over a year ago. A.C., the new owner, has a hand-on approach that brought back quality service and has attracted a lot of new customers. The pig helps too.

 Read Virginia BBQ's entire menu and join its club to receive specials and coupons. 

Visit the Manassas location at 9952 Liberia Avenue to find out how you can get a free sandwich!