VA's Best BBQ Joint Named In Southern Living's New Survey

WILLIAMSBURG, VA — Virginia's best barbecue joint is smoking hot with signature flavors, according to a new ranking.

The readers of Southern Living once again voted Pierce's Pitt Barb-B-Que in Williamsburg as Virginia's 2026 Best Barbecue Joint, the magazine announced in March.

Southern Living hosted a survey that included at least 17,000 readers making their selections from July 9-Sept. 9 last year.

Third-party agency Proof Insights conducted the online ranking, according to the magazine.

"Barbecue inspires a special kind of loyalty in the South. When we asked 'Southern Living' readers to name the best barbecue joint in their state, they showed up with strong opinions and even stronger favorites. Readers chose plenty of old standbys, but a few impressive upstarts are also on the hot list," the magazine wrote.

Dishing out award-winning cuisine, Pierce's Pitt was named among 16 of the South's best barbecue eateries.

The East Rochambeau Drive restaurant boasts a menu that features jumbo pulled pork sandwiches, pulled chicken, brisket sandwiches, cheeseburgers, St. Louis-style ribs, onion rings, hot dogs and cornbread.

See what Southern Living says about Pierce's Pitt Barb-B-Que:

"The namesake pits at Pierce’s Pitt are out behind the orange-and-yellow restaurant in a metal-walled cookhouse with tall chimneys. They’ve been turning out choice ribs and chicken ever since Julius C. 'Doc' Pierce started selling sandwiches from a roadside stand in 1971. Even though it’s now a modern quick-service eatery with online ordering, their signature pulled pork sandwiches are still generously dressed in Doc’s original sauce. There are also thick-glazed ribs, brisket and smoked chicken, as well as cornbread, crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw and hush puppies to complete your feast."

Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que: 447 E. Rochambeau Drive, Williamsburg