This Restaurant In Virginia Is Known For Some Of The Best Barbecue In The State

Richmond, Virginia has a secret weapon in the barbecue game, and it’s turning heads from Texas to the Carolinas. ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque isn’t just another smokehouse slinging ribs and brisket.

This place has cracked the code on authentic Texas-style barbecue right in the heart of Virginia, earning rave reviews from locals and out-of-towners alike.

Walking into ZZQ feels like stepping into a barbecue lover’s paradise, complete with the smoky aroma that hits you before you even open the door. The industrial vibe, garage doors, and outdoor patio set the stage for what’s about to unfold on your plate.

Located at 3201 W Moore St, this spot has built a cult following that keeps lines wrapped around the building, especially on weekends.

What makes ZZQ stand out isn’t just the melt-in-your-mouth brisket or the perfectly smoked ribs. It’s the passion behind every plate, the attention to detail in every side dish, and the genuine hospitality that makes you feel like family.

Ready to discover why folks are calling this the best barbecue in Virginia? Buckle up, because we’re about to take you on a smoky, savory journey through everything that makes ZZQ a must-visit destination.

Authentic Texas Barbecue in the Heart of Virginia

Bringing genuine Texas barbecue to Richmond wasn’t just a dream for the folks at ZZQ, it became their mission. The restaurant has earned endorsements from Texas Monthly, which is basically the barbecue bible for anyone who takes smoked meat seriously.

That’s no small feat considering how protective Texans are about their barbecue traditions.

What sets ZZQ apart is their commitment to doing things the old-school way. They use traditional offset smokers, the kind you see behind the building pumping out fragrant clouds of hickory and oak smoke.

Low and slow is the mantra here, with meats spending hours in the smoker until they reach that perfect tenderness.

The casual, industrial setting matches the no-nonsense approach to barbecue. Garage doors roll up to let in fresh air, connecting the indoor dining space with the outdoor patio.

It’s the kind of place where you can kick back, relax, and focus on what really matters: incredibly delicious smoked meat.

Guests from Houston and Austin have left glowing reviews, saying ZZQ rivals the best spots back home in Texas. That’s the ultimate compliment in the barbecue world.

Whether you’re a Virginia native or just passing through, experiencing authentic Texas craft barbecue without leaving the state is something special.

The Legendary Brisket Everyone Raves About

Ask any regular at ZZQ what to order, and brisket will be the first word out of their mouth. This isn’t your average brisket that dries out or lacks flavor.

Each slice showcases a beautiful smoke ring, a sign of hours spent in the smoker absorbing that perfect balance of smoke and seasoning.

The brisket comes with equal portions of flat and point cuts, giving you both lean and juicy options on your plate. That gorgeous bark on the outside provides a flavorful crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender, moist interior.

One bite and you’ll understand why people drive from miles away just for this.

Customers consistently mention how the brisket melts in your mouth without falling apart completely. It holds together just enough to maintain texture while being fork-tender.

The smoke flavor is present but not overwhelming, letting the quality of the beef shine through.

Even barbecue snobs from Texas have admitted defeat when tasting ZZQ’s brisket. One reviewer from Houston called it better than many places back home, which is basically the highest honor possible.

The secret lies in the careful selection of meat, the precise temperature control, and the patience to let time and smoke work their magic.

Bacon Ribs That Steal the Show

Forget everything you think you know about ribs because bacon ribs at ZZQ are a whole different ballgame. These aren’t your typical pork spare ribs.

We’re talking about massive, meaty ribs that come from the belly section, loaded with flavor and marbled to perfection.

The size alone will surprise you. One rib can easily feed two hungry people, so don’t go ordering a full rack unless you’re ready for serious leftovers.

The meat pulls away from the bone with just the right amount of resistance, not falling off but tender enough to make each bite pure bliss.

Multiple reviewers have called the bacon ribs the star of their entire meal, even overshadowing the famous brisket. That’s saying something at a place known primarily for brisket.

The rich, smoky flavor combined with the natural fattiness creates an unforgettable taste experience.

These ribs showcase why patience matters in barbecue. Hours in the smoker break down the tough connective tissue while rendering the fat, creating that perfect texture everyone craves.

The seasoning is simple, letting the quality of the meat and the smoke do the talking. First-timers often become instant converts after one bite of these magnificent ribs.

Jalapeno Mac and Cheese Worth the Hype

Side dishes at barbecue joints often play second fiddle to the meat, but not at ZZQ. Their jalapeno mac and cheese has developed its own loyal following, with over a hundred mentions in customer reviews.

This isn’t your grandma’s mac and cheese, unless your grandma was a culinary genius who loved a little kick.

Creamy, cheesy goodness forms the base, with perfectly cooked pasta that holds its shape without getting mushy. The jalapenos add just enough heat to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming the dish.

Some folks find it milder than expected, but that balance allows it to complement the rich, smoky meats perfectly.

The cheese blend creates a smooth, velvety sauce that coats every piece of pasta. It’s comfort food elevated to an art form.

One reviewer couldn’t find mac and cheese like this anywhere else, and honestly, that tracks because ZZQ puts the same care into their sides as they do their main proteins.

Pairing this mac and cheese with brisket or pulled pork creates the ultimate comfort combination. The creamy texture provides a nice contrast to the smoky meat, while the slight heat from the jalapenos cuts through the richness.

Whether you’re a mac and cheese fanatic or just looking for a solid side, this version delivers every single time.

Collard Greens That Convert Skeptics

Collard greens might not sound exciting, but ZZQ’s version has people writing poetry in their reviews. These aren’t the bitter, overcooked greens you might have suffered through at a bad buffet.

The kitchen transforms this humble vegetable into something genuinely crave-worthy.

Tender without being mushy, the greens maintain just enough texture to remind you they’re vegetables while melting in your mouth. The flavor profile leans slightly sweet, which some traditional Southern cooks might debate, but the balance works beautifully with the savory, smoky meats.

One customer from Houston, a city that knows good Southern cooking, declared these the best collard greens they’d ever tasted. Another reviewer couldn’t stop eating them, even after getting full on barbecue.

That’s the mark of a truly exceptional side dish.

The greens provide a fresh, lighter element to balance out the heavy richness of brisket and ribs. They’re packed with flavor but won’t weigh you down.

Even people who typically skip vegetables find themselves going back for more of these collards. The cooking method and seasoning remain closely guarded secrets, but whatever magic happens in that kitchen, it’s working.

These greens have earned their spot as one of the most-mentioned items on the entire menu.

Prime Rib Sundays Make the Weekend Special

Sundays at ZZQ aren’t just another day of the week. They’re prime rib day, and locals plan their weekends around this special offering.

While the regular menu already impresses, the Sunday prime rib takes things to another level entirely.

Smoked low and slow like everything else at ZZQ, the prime rib develops a smoky crust while staying incredibly juicy inside. The chimichurri sauce served alongside adds a bright, herbaceous kick that cuts through the richness of the beef.

It’s an unexpected pairing that works beautifully.

Regulars arrive early on Sundays because this special tends to sell out quickly. The restaurant only prepares a limited quantity, ensuring each prime rib gets the attention it deserves.

Missing out means waiting another full week for your next chance.

The prime rib showcases the kitchen’s versatility beyond traditional barbecue cuts. While brisket and ribs remain the everyday stars, this Sunday special proves the team can handle premium cuts with equal skill.

The smoky treatment adds a unique twist to this classic steakhouse favorite. Pair it with those famous collard greens and some mac and cheese, and you’ve got yourself a Sunday feast worth remembering.

No wonder people mark their calendars for prime rib Sundays at ZZQ.

House-Made Sausages With Rotating Flavors

Variety is the spice of life, and ZZQ takes that literally with their rotating selection of house-made sausages. From Texas hot guts to habanero fontina links, each variety brings something different to the table.

The sausages change regularly, giving repeat customers something new to discover.

One reviewer from Texas got emotional about the hot guts sausage, saying it reminded them of their uncle’s homemade links from childhood. That’s the power of really good sausage done right.

The casings snap perfectly when you bite into them, releasing juicy, flavorful meat seasoned just right.

The sausage-making process happens in-house, ensuring quality control from start to finish. Each batch gets the same attention to detail as the brisket or ribs.

The smoking process adds another layer of flavor, creating links that stand proudly alongside the other proteins.

Trying different sausage varieties gives you a reason to keep coming back. One visit might feature a spicy option that brings the heat, while your next visit could offer something milder with cheese.

The creativity in flavor combinations keeps things interesting without straying too far from Texas barbecue traditions. Whether you’re a sausage enthusiast or just looking to round out your plate, these house-made links deserve a spot in your order.

The Line That Proves It’s Worth the Wait

Seeing a line wrapped around the building might scare off some folks, but at ZZQ, that line is actually a badge of honor. It means you’re about to experience something genuinely special.

The wait typically ranges from fifteen minutes to over an hour during peak times, but regulars will tell you it’s absolutely worth every minute.

What makes the wait bearable is the atmosphere. Everyone in line shares the same excitement and anticipation.

People chat about their favorite menu items, first-timers ask for recommendations, and the smell of smoke drifting from the outdoor smokers builds the anticipation to almost unbearable levels.

The staff keeps things moving efficiently despite the crowd. They communicate clearly when certain items start running low, helping you plan your order before reaching the counter.

The ordering process moves smoothly once you get inside, with proteins weighed right in front of you to ensure portion accuracy.

Multiple reviewers mention arriving to find a long line but sticking it out and being thrilled they did. The quality of the barbecue justifies the wait every single time.

Great barbecue requires patience, both in the smoking process and sometimes in getting your hands on it. Consider the line part of the experience, proof that you’ve discovered something truly special in the Virginia barbecue scene.

Thoughtful Options for Every Dietary Preference

Barbecue restaurants aren’t typically known for accommodating vegetarians or vegans, but ZZQ breaks that mold. Their barbecue seitan has earned genuine praise from plant-based eaters who often get stuck with sad salads at traditional smokehouses.

Thinly sliced and treated with the same care as the meat options, the seitan develops a smoky flavor that satisfies even skeptical carnivores. Served with tangy barbecue sauce and topped with coleslaw, it can be ordered vegetarian or vegan depending on your preferences.

One reviewer called it the best seitan they’d ever tasted, which speaks volumes about the kitchen’s commitment to quality across all menu items. The texture mimics pulled meat surprisingly well, giving vegetarians a genuine barbecue experience rather than just an afterthought option.

This inclusive approach means groups with mixed dietary needs can all enjoy a meal together without anyone feeling left out. The beet salad offers another fresh, vegetable-forward option that surprises people with its flavor.

The kitchen seasons it with cardamom, an unexpected spice that elevates simple roasted beets into something memorable. ZZQ proves that a Texas barbecue joint can honor tradition while embracing modern dietary diversity, making everyone feel welcome at the table regardless of what they eat.